Perle

Aurora Vintilescu

Lovely French restaurant in the heart of Old Town Pasadena. Loved everything, from the warm bread with butter, to the great drinks and the stand out dish - the Dover Sole (would skip the croutons, though). Also, the octopus would taste better with a different paste underneath (the cauliflower was overpowering). Overall, still 100% recommend this place.

Yamuna Meleth

Brought myself here for my birthday during Dine LA week. It’s gorgeous inside with comfortable seats at the bar. Paúla behind the bar was excellent and I’m still dreaming of the leeks with Dijon and lardons.

Shawn Sheng

First time having French food, and this place set the bar sky high. Absolutely incredible food, service and ambiance. Everything tasted exquisite and looked stunning. Had the Dine LA menu plus escargot and got to try so many different dishes. Each one was unique and incredible. Amazing experience.

Reshma Patel

Wow! Wow! Wow! What an incredible experience. Michelin-trained chef, Dean Yasharian and his team, including Austin really outdid themselves. From the attentive service, the amazing food, to the perfect wine pairings, I am so impressed by our experience. I couldn't believe they were able to accommodate my dietary restorations: gluten free and dairy free! All without skimping on flavor. I had an incredible dairy-free lobster bisque for the first time in years! “A Taste of Perle” menu was amazing!!!!

Alain Maalouf

Truly an authentic French dining experience. The escargot was rich, perfectly seasoned, and melt-in-your-mouth tender easily the best I’ve had. Elegant ambiance and attentive service made the night unforgettable. Highly recommended.

Joe Camarillo

Food and service was top-notch. We showed up 3 hours early. Host placed us at the bar and took care of us. Good eas delicious and atmosphere was out of this world. The wine paring was spot on.

Jamie Liu

I ordered the black truffle pasta and it was probably the best pasta dish I've ever had. It was so flavorful and the portion size was good, but I wish I had more. We also ordered coq au vin which was also delicious. For dessert we ordered the apple tarte, which really rounded out the whole experience here. It has a cozy environment and our waiter was very attentive and helpful. Food came out very fast too which I was not expecting for a fancy restaurant. Definitely recommend this place if you are visiting and want to experience some fine dining.

Elliot Ps

High quality food. Elegant and super sweet servers that genuinely care about you as a guest. I got the Coq au vin, which paired well with the Salade Verte. I will certainly return to try more of their selections, as their food truly shines!

Danyang Li (Samantha)

Wouldn't you be surprised how they make a vegetarian Escargot? 😜 It was really delicious! The garlic and butter brought out the special flavor of the "vegetarian snails". We both really liked their french baguette! High quality bread with creammy whipped butter ...so fresh and chewy 💖💖 Creme brulee was our favorite part- so beautifully done! The only thing I definitely don't recommend is their coffee. Unfortunately, it was a big let down. Just hope maybe Perle could improve their coffee bean quality and brewing style a bit. $4 for a cup of decaf, which tastes like diner's quality was kind of a disappointing ending. There are two parts about this restaurant are quite significantly competitive: 1, Their affordable price. Not pretentious at all. Very down to earth pricing for a reasonable size and quality. 2, Interior design. The devil is in the details. Perle's cute decors brought us to a home-feeling french house. From fresh tulip flowers to soft and high quality bathroom tissues, Perle shows humbleness, quality, and elegance.

Zan Lee

A really delicious French bistro in the heart of old town Pasadena. Last night, Sunday, was my first time having dinner here and if I’m back in the area it would be a place I would return to. Service was a bit slow however. We arrived at 5:55 for a 6PM reservation. We weren’t sat until 6:08 but ordered immediately because we were looking at the menu while waiting. The appetizers did not arrive until just after 6:40 and we were a table of two starting with a soup and a salad. That being said our server Harrison did a great job and was not a part of the slow down at all. The interior is really well done and I especially like how partitions are dividing each of the tables for sound dampering. I started off with the Frisée Lyonnaise which was light and tasty and a great start to the meal. For my entrée I chose the Alaskan Sole, which was buttery sweet and cooked perfectly. I especially liked the beurre blanc with it. We also ordered French Onion Soup for the table and that too was a winner. Overall a really nice French bistro. It is a bit expensive in comparison to others around Los Angeles and we did have a kitchen slowdown in the beginning, but I would still recommend and plan to dine here again sometime in the future.

We ordered the baguette and onion soup as a starter, the sole meunière and beef Wellington as our mains,and hericot verde almandine as our side. Everything was cooked to perfection, our only complaint was that it took one hour for our mains to arrive and it was not that busy at the time. Would definitely come back for another romantic date night and highly recommend their sole!

Nicely prepared and delicious food in a comfortable setting. We ate there during the Dine LA week and had the set menu which was a great cross section of their regular menu. Definitely recommend their French onion soup, the branzino on ratatouille and the duck parfait. Every dish was well seasoned and interesting as well as tasty, and the place was doing a great business too.

High quality food. Elegant and super sweet servers that genuinely care about you as a guest. I got the Coq au vin, which paired well with the Salade Verte. I will certainly return to try more of their selections, as their food truly shines!

Kilmer Media

My recent experience at Perle was a fantastic one. It was during the extended week of DineLA, and my party of two made an early dinner reservation so we could start with a happy hour cocktail. Somehow, we got through rush hour traffic about 15 minutes sooner than my navigation app originally estimated, and that put us at the restaurant almost right after opening (5 PM). The host, in a friendly way, said basically “Oh, wow, we’re still getting some things ready, but we’ll go ahead and seat you and see if we can get you started with any drinks or appetizers.” Right after being seated, our friendly waiter, Jason, checked in and took our happy hour drink order. My S.O. and I have ordered plenty of martinis over the years (both in Europe and standard L.A. places like Musso & Frank and Smoke House), and it’s no exaggeration to say this is the best version we’ve ever had. After this experience, we tried to replicate it at home. We picked up some Grey Goose, used the vermouth and lemon bitters we had on hand.... and it wasn’t quite the same. It was good, but the Perle version seemed to also have a bit of an orange / citrusy essence. They probably use a better vermouth than what we have, as well. Anyhow, unexpectedly, we were both presented with an amuse-bouche oyster. That was fun but heavy on the onion flavor. Starting with prix fixe course #1, the two options we split were: - French onion soup (caramelized onions, beef broth, white wine, sourdough bread, Gruyere gratinee) - Poireaux Vinaigrette salad (leeks, bacon, hazelnuts, croutons, chopped egg, herbs, Dijon vinaigrette) The soup was nice, but we both actually prefer the version from the Mimi’s French restaurant chain more. This one reminded me more of a vegan version we had a few months ago at the Time Out Market in Porto, Portugal, which wasn’t bad but not quite what it could be. The second split course was: - Loup de Mer (baked European sea bass, fennel, nugget potatoes, onions, tomato concasse, green beans, sauce bourride) - Coq au Vin (red wine braised chicken legs, onions, bacon lardons, mushrooms, pomme puree) The chicken was excellent, while the fish was about as enticing as most white fish.... That's not exactly my favorite thing to eat. Course # 3 / dessert was: - Creme Brûlée (baked custard, vanilla bean, caramelized sugar) - Gateau aux Myrtilles (blueberry cake, extra virgin olive oil, lemon verbena, Beaumes-de-Venise, creme fraiche) The creme brulee was so good! The caramelized sugar layer on top was like breaking through the ice on a frozen pond. And the custard…. Mmmm! The blueberry cake was nice also but simply not on that same, elevated level. I'm seeing some mixed reviews among the more recent ratings... For our experience, with an early reservation, the waitstaff was very attentive, the food presentation was really nice, and, for the most part, it was really tasty. The "Atmosphere" rating loses a star because, in the otherwise empty restaurant at that early hour, we were seated close to a family with two screaming kids. Be sure to look us up for plenty more reviews and travel info!

Came here for NYE. We were not aware there would be a prix fixe menu as it was not posted online as their Christmas Eve prix fixe was. Of the seven courses, the stand out was definitely the butternut squash soup. I would definitely order it again if it was featured on their main menu. Unfortunately each course was inconsistent to our expectations for the quality of the restaurant. The gougère cream puff was dry and unimpressive. For drinks we ordered the N/A French 75 and the Dirty Dill Martini. I highly recommend the martini. Ultimately, at the end we were full, but not fully satisfied with the meal.

We recently dined at Perle and had a mixed experience this time around. The appetizers were the standout highlights of our meal. The pâté and roasted shrimp were exceptional, with the shrimp's accompanying sauce being particularly noteworthy. The pommes' frites were also delicious. However, not all dishes met our expectations this time. The escargot lacked the flavor we experienced previously. The branzino did meet our expectations. The truffle pasta was balanced but overly salty. Dessert was a highlight, with both the chocolate soufflé and lemon tart being enjoyable. The lemon tart was the more impressive of the two. Our server was attentive when possible, although the restaurant was busier than expected on a Wednesday night. The restaurant's atmosphere is charming and intimate, making it suitable for a first date or special occasion. Parking is available on the street or in nearby public and private structures. Overall, while the experience was inconsistent, the standout was the appetizers and drinks. The pleasant atmosphere makes Perle worth considering for a night out.

Perle was long on my list, and finally an opportunity presented itself without any effort. The interior is nice, the staff was attentive. The Coq-au-Vin was good, but I would not say stellar. The apple tart for dessert was overall oversized and lacked sophistication. (Originally posted by me on yelp)

Great atmosphere, definitely a nice date place. The service was great and friendly. I didn’t have a reservation but they were able to give me a seat at the bar. I ordered the onion soup and beef tartare. Supposedly onion soup is their signature dish, but it was really salty, I was a bit disappointed…. Because it was a $20 bowl of soup. The beef tartare was excellent, it would be nice if they offer one extra slice of bread and some more salad leaves. I was happy that they have half bottle of wine that I can order. Wine list is quite nice.

Elizabeth Modesto

Came here for NYE. We were not aware there would be a prix fixe menu as it was not posted online as their Christmas Eve prix fixe was. Of the seven courses, the stand out was definitely the butternut squash soup. I would definitely order it again if it was featured on their main menu. Unfortunately each course was inconsistent to our expectations for the quality of the restaurant. The gougère cream puff was dry and unimpressive. For drinks we ordered the N/A French 75 and the Dirty Dill Martini. I highly recommend the martini. Ultimately, at the end we were full, but not fully satisfied with the meal.

B L

We recently dined at Perle and had a mixed experience this time around. The appetizers were the standout highlights of our meal. The pâté and roasted shrimp were exceptional, with the shrimp's accompanying sauce being particularly noteworthy. The pommes' frites were also delicious. However, not all dishes met our expectations this time. The escargot lacked the flavor we experienced previously. The branzino did meet our expectations. The truffle pasta was balanced but overly salty. Dessert was a highlight, with both the chocolate soufflé and lemon tart being enjoyable. The lemon tart was the more impressive of the two. Our server was attentive when possible, although the restaurant was busier than expected on a Wednesday night. The restaurant's atmosphere is charming and intimate, making it suitable for a first date or special occasion. Parking is available on the street or in nearby public and private structures. Overall, while the experience was inconsistent, the standout was the appetizers and drinks. The pleasant atmosphere makes Perle worth considering for a night out.

Andreas Kaiser

Perle was long on my list, and finally an opportunity presented itself without any effort. The interior is nice, the staff was attentive. The Coq-au-Vin was good, but I would not say stellar. The apple tart for dessert was overall oversized and lacked sophistication. (Originally posted by me on yelp)

妮

Great atmosphere, definitely a nice date place. The service was great and friendly. I didn’t have a reservation but they were able to give me a seat at the bar. I ordered the onion soup and beef tartare. Supposedly onion soup is their signature dish, but it was really salty, I was a bit disappointed…. Because it was a $20 bowl of soup. The beef tartare was excellent, it would be nice if they offer one extra slice of bread and some more salad leaves. I was happy that they have half bottle of wine that I can order. Wine list is quite nice.

Let’s start with the food, I felt like the appetizer were the highlights of our meal. The pate and roasted shrimp (the sauce was to die for) were phenomenal. The pomme frites (fries) was really good. The escargot did not have the shell and was bland. The branzino was not what we expected and it was too acidic. The truffle pasta was ok but too salty. The chocolate soufflé and lemon tart were good. But the lemon tart was the better choice. Our server Austin, was attentive when he could be but they were busy for a Thursday night. The atmosphere: It was a smaller but cute restaurant. Perfect for a first date kinda place. The parking: street parking or public/private parking structures near by.

We walked in on a Friday early evening with no reservation. The host accommodated us with two seats at the bar in the back, which we were very happy about given how busy they were and the fact that it was fully booked online. I was very excited and hyped after reading all the great reviews. We ordered: • Escargot: 4/5. Great flavor, and they had already removed the shells. Wish it came with bread, though. • French onion soup: 4/5. Again, pretty good, but I’ve definitely had better. • Coq au Vin: 3/5. Maybe I’m biased, but it’s not as decadent as some other places I’ve been to, and it’s nothing to write home about. The mushrooms in there were my favorite because they soaked up all the flavors. • Dover Sole Meunière: 2/5. This was disappointing for $80. The fish was slightly dry and bland. It barely had any flavors other than bits of lemon on top, which made for a very sour bite. Drinks: They only offer beer and wine, so their cocktails are mostly soju/sake-based. • PASSION FRUIT DAIQUIRI: 5/5. So refreshing and tasty. Highly recommended! • ALSACE SPRITZ: 4/5. Pretty decent as well. Service: I have to say that although the food was subpar and not what I had expected, the service was excellent! From the host and waitstaff to the bartender who took care of us throughout the night, everyone was so welcoming, warm, and made us feel very special. I could be tempted to come back and try the tasting menu because I do like the atmosphere and appreciate the service.

Jimmy Su

Let’s start with the food, I felt like the appetizer were the highlights of our meal. The pate and roasted shrimp (the sauce was to die for) were phenomenal. The pomme frites (fries) was really good. The escargot did not have the shell and was bland. The branzino was not what we expected and it was too acidic. The truffle pasta was ok but too salty. The chocolate soufflé and lemon tart were good. But the lemon tart was the better choice. Our server Austin, was attentive when he could be but they were busy for a Thursday night. The atmosphere: It was a smaller but cute restaurant. Perfect for a first date kinda place. The parking: street parking or public/private parking structures near by.

Vivi L.

We walked in on a Friday early evening with no reservation. The host accommodated us with two seats at the bar in the back, which we were very happy about given how busy they were and the fact that it was fully booked online. I was very excited and hyped after reading all the great reviews. We ordered: • Escargot: 4/5. Great flavor, and they had already removed the shells. Wish it came with bread, though. • French onion soup: 4/5. Again, pretty good, but I’ve definitely had better. • Coq au Vin: 3/5. Maybe I’m biased, but it’s not as decadent as some other places I’ve been to, and it’s nothing to write home about. The mushrooms in there were my favorite because they soaked up all the flavors. • Dover Sole Meunière: 2/5. This was disappointing for $80. The fish was slightly dry and bland. It barely had any flavors other than bits of lemon on top, which made for a very sour bite. Drinks: They only offer beer and wine, so their cocktails are mostly soju/sake-based. • PASSION FRUIT DAIQUIRI: 5/5. So refreshing and tasty. Highly recommended! • ALSACE SPRITZ: 4/5. Pretty decent as well. Service: I have to say that although the food was subpar and not what I had expected, the service was excellent! From the host and waitstaff to the bartender who took care of us throughout the night, everyone was so welcoming, warm, and made us feel very special. I could be tempted to come back and try the tasting menu because I do like the atmosphere and appreciate the service.

Good food and staff. Atmosphere was nice. Would give them 5 stars however they charge a 4% “living wage” fee. I’m tipping 22% on a 300 dollar meal, I don’t need you to charge me even more to pay your staff. Adjust your prices if you can’t pay them enough.

Donna Hanson

We ordered a glass of 18.00 French Cabernet and a beer..The server brought the wine and poured a small stingy pour..the glass was not even half full! For 18.00?? I could have had a bottle for that! We did not eat.The prices are ridiculous.Left because it took 15 minutes to get a beer. I won't go back to try the food...

willy kane

Good food and staff. Atmosphere was nice. Would give them 5 stars however they charge a 4% “living wage” fee. I’m tipping 22% on a 300 dollar meal, I don’t need you to charge me even more to pay your staff. Adjust your prices if you can’t pay them enough.

jim connor

Loup de Mer disappointment Branzino should be delicate, flaky, and mild — with crisp skin and simple seasoning. What I got was thin, mushy, dry, and fishy fish, drowned in a heavy creamy sauce that tried to hide its flaws. Either they ran out of branzino and substituted a cheap fish without telling customers, or the chef completely mishandled it. Either way, it’s disrespectful to diners. Only redeeming part was the crème brûlée — truly excellent.