Restaurant Review: La Perla (formerly Beach Club El Faro)

Elisabeth
2 days ago
6 min read

There are some places in Puerto de Mogán where the setting alone makes you want to stay longer, and La Perla is definitely one of them. Located right at the lighthouse at the very end of the pier, this restaurant has changed quite a lot since the new owners took over, and the atmosphere now feels much warmer, more inviting and much more alive than before.

This was a relaxed family dinner during our holiday, with a table of 13 including children, separate bills, cocktails, wine, desserts and lots of different dishes across the table. One of those evenings where the focus is really about being together rather than analysing every plate in detail.

View of the iconic lighthouse building at the entrance to Puerto de Mogán marina, now home to La Perla restaurant, seen from the water with volcanic rocks and palm trees surrounding the building under a blue sky

The first thing I noticed was actually the atmosphere. The colours, the table settings, the decorative plates, the lighting and the whole presentation create a lovely feeling, especially later in the evening when the lights come on around the terrace overlooking the sea. Personally, I am still slightly unsure exactly what style they are trying to create with the interior, as there is a mix of influences and decorative elements, it now feels much more comfortable and welcoming than during the previous owner.

The staff were genuinely friendly throughout the evening, especially the young waitress looking after our table. Handling a table of 13 with children and separate bills is not easy, but she stayed calm, warm and attentive all evening.

We arrived around 19:30, and the main courses were served after approximately one and a half hours. What was very positive, however, was that the children received their meals much faster, which made a big difference for the families at the table.

With a large group of 13 people, including children and separate bills, it is understandable that service takes a little more time. Even so, by the end of the evening it did start to feel quite late for the younger ones.

That said, the atmosphere remained pleasant throughout. The staff stayed calm, friendly and attentive despite the busy service, and the young waiter looking after our table handled everything with warmth and professionalism. We never felt rushed at any point during the evening.

The Food

Several at the table ordered the mixed meat grill (€26.50). Opinions varied slightly. Two really enjoyed it. All four complimented the pepper sauce. One dish unfortunately arrived with undercooked chicken which had to be sent back, while other meat was slightly overcooked.

The vegetables were beautifully cooked and presented, though several people mentioned that the portion of fries felt rather small for a dish intended for two people.

The Beef Tenderloin Stroganoff (€25.90) was another dish ordered at the table. The strongest compliment here was definitely the tenderness of the meat, which was excellent. The sauce had a rich flavour and the vegetables again looked colourful and fresh. There was however some discussion around whether the portion fully matched the price point.

The breaded beef escalope (€19.95) was generous in size, nicely crispy and served with vegetables, fries and sauce. A comforting and straightforward dish that looked appealing when it arrived at the table.

One grilled chicken breast dish (€14.95) also received positive comments, particularly for the vegetables which were described as fresh, colourful and well prepared.

My daughter chose the grilled tuna fillet (€23.90). She had ordered it with French fries but initially received Canarian potatoes instead, although a separate portion of fries arrived shortly afterwards. The tuna itself was lovely and nicely cooked.

I ordered the gnocchi with four cheeses (€16.50), and honestly I really enjoyed it. Rich, creamy and comforting without feeling too heavy. It was one of those dishes where you just keep eating because it is genuinely satisfying. I also shared warm fresh bread with my daughter, served with butter (€2.80) and aioli (€3.50), which was simple but very enjoyable.

The presentation throughout the evening deserves mentioning. Many of the dishes arrived beautifully plated, colourful and clearly prepared with care. Even simple dishes felt visually inviting.

Cocktails & Wine

Before dinner I ordered a Pornstar Martini, and this became one of the highlights of the evening for me. I happened to be sitting directly opposite the bartender and it was obvious he genuinely enjoyed making cocktails. You could actually see the enthusiasm when the order came through.

And honestly, this is probably the best Pornstar Martini I have had so far in Puerto de Mogán.

Beautifully balanced, nicely presented and fresh tasting. Normally the cocktail comes with half a passion fruit, which was missing here, although passion fruit can sometimes be surprisingly difficult to find consistently on Gran Canaria. Instead, they had created a decorative garnish using passion fruit flavours and sugar which worked really nicely visually.

The cava served alongside was also fresh, crisp and cold. Sometimes in restaurants you can immediately taste that sparkling wine has been open too long, but not here.

Later I ordered a Ramón Bilbao Tempranillo, one of my personal favourites. Tempranillo wines work especially well with pasta dishes because they are soft, smooth and fruit-forward without becoming too heavy. Ramón Bilbao has lovely berry notes, gentle spice and enough freshness to pair beautifully with creamy dishes like the four cheese gnocchi. And yes, I slightly break the “rules” by preferring this wine lightly chilled in warm climates, but with pasta and Mediterranean evenings, it works perfectly.

Desserts

Two desserts were ordered at the table - a chocolate ice cream dessert and a Tutti Frutti sundae. Neither were particularly memorable in flavour, but visually they were beautifully presented. Colourful glass dishes, decorative details, whipped cream, chocolate and playful presentation gave them a fun and festive feeling which suited the relaxed holiday atmosphere perfectly.

Final Thoughts

La Perla today feels far more atmospheric and welcoming than it did previously. The location is still one of the strongest in Puerto de Mogán, sitting right by the lighthouse with sea views, boats, sunset skies and the sound of the ocean surrounding you.

The food itself varied slightly across dishes, but overall the evening felt enjoyable, relaxed and social. Some dishes stood out more than others, portions were occasionally inconsistent, and service was perhaps a little slow, but the friendliness of the staff, the cocktails, the setting and the atmosphere made it a lovely evening overall.

One important, practical note for the owners: the lift for guests with mobility issues area has apparently been out of service for years now. Considering the location and the number of visitors who may struggle with stairs, it would really make a difference if this could finally be addressed.

We travelled there partly by taxi from Cordial Mogán Valle because some in our group had mobility difficulties, and the taxi fare to the lighthouse area was only around €5.30.

I would also strongly recommend booking a table in advance, especially if you would like one of the tables overlooking the sea around sunset time. The gentleman handling our reservation over the phone was excellent - very clear, professional and spoke very good English, which immediately gave a good first impression.

What I particularly appreciated was that he actually asked whether we were hoping to come for the sunset and then suggested that 20:00 would probably be a better time than 19:00 for the full experience. It was a very thoughtful and personal touch that showed they genuinely cared about the guest experience rather than simply taking a booking.

Would I return?

Yes - especially for the setting, cocktails and atmosphere. And next time, probably another Pornstar Martini too.

Practical Information – La Perla / Beach Club El Faro

Name:

La Perla

(formerly Beach Club El Faro)

Address:

C. Explanada del Castillete 15

35138 Puerto de Mogán

Gran Canaria

Telephone:

+34 632 99 13 00