La Perla Bar - Covent Garden

La Perla is a small chain of friendly bars, which have been treating Londoners to the flavours of Mexico for over thirty years. Their outlets in Covent Garden and Charlotte Street are great for a fun night out, and you might while away a good hour or two at the well stocked bar, before taking up a table in the restaurant.

They serve world class Margheritas, tropical cocktails along with unusual tequilas and rum that are house specialities. The kitchen puts together classic fare and chargrilled dishes that taste home cooked. On the menu, favourites such as tacos and enchiladas appear alongside modern dishes made using less typical ingredients yet keeping to the Mexican theme.

Their starters range from simple nachos to smoked chicken quesadillas or carnitas de puerco, oven baked pork shoulder with chilli and onions and served with grilled tortillas and salsa verde. The fresh salad with king prawns, mixed baby leaves, red onions, tomatoes, Thai asparagus, and artichoke hearts in an orange, citrus and avocado dressing is suitable for those wanting tasty but healthy food.

Fajitas are served with a variety of fillings and other options include steaks, pork chops and grilled fish, not exactly what you think of as standard fare. Vegetarian mains could include spicy enchiladas and molcajete made from red and green peppers, onions, crushed corn tortilla chips, jalapenos and melted cheese served on a hot skillet with guacamole and sour cream. The chimichanga, a sun-dried tortilla, deep-fried, filled with beef and cheese and served with rice is an innovative offering.

Among desserts, they have the framboisier - raspberry sorbet with vanilla mousse and a meringue core - topped with strawberry coulis. And to add that special finishing touch, try the vinsanto con almendritos, a dessert wine served with almond biscuits.