You almost expect to be hit by a cool, salty breeze when you walk into La Perla Del Pacifico.
Paintings of fish cover the walls, matching perfectly with the navy-blue chairs and lush, green plants.
Plates holding giant, fried fish and molcajetes full of shrimp tails, octopus tentacles and juicy slices of carne asada cover the tables, met with looks of astonishment and desire.
From the extravagant plating down to the infectious beat from the Bad Bunny song that plays overhead, you’ll feel like you're grabbing dinner after spending the day jumping off boats and lying out on the sandy beaches of San Carlos.
Then, you’ll walk out and be hit with reality. Instead of staring at blue waters, you’re looking straight at the traffic on 22nd Street.
The authentic flavors and freshness of the seafood at La Perla Del Pacifico, 5601 E. 22nd St., will give you all those fun, tropical island feelings from the comfort of good ol’ Tucson.
For a decade, Paul Mendoza had spent his time as a business consultant, helping out various local stores and restaurants, but he had dreams of one day owning his very own eatery. He envisioned a place that served food like he had back in Nogales, Sonora, featuring all the flavors, spices and textures he had fallen in love with.
“I love to go eat. I'd rather spend money eating than anything else,” Mendoza said. “It's so cool to go and have that experience, but I think it's even better if you can actually provide that experience for others.”
With Mariscos Mi Mazatlán up for sale, Mendoza decided to make his culinary dream a reality.
An afternoon patron stops by La Perla del Pacifico for lunch, 5601 East 22nd Street, Tucson, Ariz., April 1, 2026.
Paying homage to the restaurant that once occupied the space, Mendoza wanted the eatery to remain a mariscos hot spot, renaming the business to La Perla Del Pacifico.
Now this isn’t your average seafood; there’s no off-putting fishy taste or bland pieces of shrimp thrown on a plate. It’s a flavorful journey like no other.
If you’ve been to any Latin American seafood spot, then you're familiar with all the spices and seasonings used that light up each dish.
Tangy lime, spicy serrano salsa that makes your mouth tingle, gooey cheese, creamy cilantro sauce and crispy bacon are just a few of the ingredients seen in all kinds of meals on these restaurants’ menus.
La Perla Del Pacifico is no different, serving up those same kinds of meals complete with all the authentic, lively flavors.
“When you think of Mexico, you think of enchiladas and tacos,” Mendoza said. “While we do have that, I feel like there's much more than just that with Mexican cuisine. I love that we have the seafood part. I feel it's something that is unique, is fresh and we can play a lot with.”
You can expect to see meals like aguachiles, all kinds of shrimp cocktails, molcajetes filled with octopus, ceviche tostadas, seafood mixed in with lush Spanish rice and bacon-wrapped shrimps on their menu. A house favorite tends to be their giant, fried fish.
“Our most popular dish is the red snapper, the whole fish,” Mendoza said. “The freshness of the fish and the taste is really, really good.”
Miguel Herrera, a line cook at La Perla del Pacifico preps shrimp for lunchtime customers, 5601 East 22nd Street, Tucson, Ariz., April 1, 2026.
Freshness is something that Mendoza takes incredibly seriously. He makes sure the seafood served is the best possible, ensuring you’re getting maximum flavor.
Fresh is exactly what came to mind when I took a bite of their shrimp. It was firm yet succulent with a nice, buttery aftertaste. As I dipped it in their creamy cilantro sauce, I wished I knew how to recreate this perfect shrimp at home.
(No matter how much seasoning I put on my shrimp at home, it always comes out bland?!?!)
If you’re weary of seafood, La Perla Del Pacifico is the perfect place to get over your fear. The flavors and quality will help you get past those fishy fears. Mendoza suggests trying the fried shrimp, saying it’s a hit every time and a great beginner-friendly dish.
It also expanded the menu to include breakfast dishes, including items like shrimp chilaquiles and torta de chilaquil, a meal that’s a hit in Mexico City.
As I finished my shrimp tacos and bopped my head along to “DTMF” by Bad Bunny, I yearned to be eating my meal on the beach. I truly felt like I had been transported to San Carlos, eating grade A mariscos in a fun environment after spending the day splashing around in the ocean.
When you need a good escape from reality, Mendoza and the rest of the staff at La Perla Del Pacifico are always ready to take you on a flavorful journey.
