Ristorante La Perla - Washington, D.C.

They told me they don't accept reservations from an open table! We weren't on their list.

My friend and I sang here for Valentine's Day. We've never been here, so we were thrilled to try, as we both love Italian food, but little we knew, it's going to be a very underwhelming experience. After we had set ourselves, it took 25 minutes to come to us, and as soon as he approached, he did not imagine and told us we had to order immediately and there, as the kitchen was secured and the food took 35-45 minutes to get out. I was very withdrawn because we did not even set up our beverage orders and now we are forced to overthrow our food orders. My friend and I quickly ordered and of course, the appetizer we ordered came out wrong, but I didn't say anything because I wasn't waiting for another 30 minutes to get the server attention. After another longer waiting our food finally came out and it was actually quite decent. I ordered the chicken pikatta that came in a delicious lemon sauce, but the chicken pieces were the same size as Fila's chicken nuggets. My friend ordered the Carbonara and he enjoyed his enormous. Overall, I would rate the food a solid B, even if the prices were for how small the portions and the service a solid D, as we stuck with a fussy older gentleman you could say, don't want to be there. I will give them the advantage of doubt as they may have been short-occupied, but I will not come back soon.

Recently arrived in DC, walking from the apartment, dinner for two for Valentine's Day. Classic continental Italian east coast tariff and ambience. Services not high end or sufficiently coordinated probably by pandemic labor challenges, complicated by the Vecchio owner filled with open mind and enthusiasm directed to the staff on the ground, which could be better invested in training and observation on the ground. Unexpectedly overcrowded by well appointed amount of all ages. No children seen. Food quality very well from the point of view of this genre. Once we have 80 years old guests.

I would have given it 5 stars if it hadn't been so pricey. But once in a while, it's worth paying more for the overall experience.

Absolutely exquisite. Each dish was so delicious, flavorful, and rich but not heavy. Will definitely return.