When I first walked into Perla Oyster Bar in Maplewood, I could tell this wasn’t your typical suburban restaurant. The small space was buzzing, the oysters were piled high on ice at the raw bar, and the energy in the room was magnetic. Within minutes, I knew I wanted to bring Perla’s story to Greetings from the Garden State — and after sitting down with chef-owner Matthew Chappina, I’m even more convinced that Perla is something special for New Jersey.
Perla didn’t begin with a glossy business plan or big investors behind it. It started as an experiment — a mobile oyster truck, born from backyard parties Matthew hosted with friends. What he thought might be a small, niche side gig exploded into a sensation, and before long, Perla had outgrown its wheels and moved into a permanent home on Boyden Ave.
What makes Perla stand out isn’t just the oysters — though they are exceptional, served raw or broiled alongside clams, crudo, and other seafood favorites. It’s the spirit of the place. Inspired by tapas bars in Spain and Parisian wine bars, Matthew designed Perla as a communal, casual space where guests could share plates, try new flavors, and maybe even walk out with a few new friends.
The menu is a reflection of that same creative energy. Small plates like chicken liver mousse, escargot, anchovy toasts, and skewers are meant for sharing, while the raw bar offers pristine seafood with bold, fresh flavors. And even though Matthew didn’t grow up in the oyster world or spend his early career in seafood kitchens, his background in restaurants — and even in theater and creative writing — informs every aspect of Perla, from the menu to the hand-painted branding on his famous K-truck.
During our conversation, Matthew talked openly about the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of humility in the kitchen, and why hospitality matters even more than the food. “If you’re not paying attention to the guest experience, you’re missing the point,” he told me. That philosophy has clearly resonated with the community. Perla is less than a year old, but already it has become a hub for locals — a place where people come not just to eat, but to connect.
What’s next for Perla? Matthew is expanding outdoor seating this summer, planning private events, and keeping the beloved truck in rotation for special appearances. But most of all, he’s focused on making sure every night at Perla delivers on the promise that has made it such a hit: great food, great atmosphere, and the kind of hospitality that makes you want to come back.
If you haven’t been yet, do yourself a favor — grab a seat at the bar, order a dozen oysters, and soak in one of the most exciting new additions to the New Jersey dining scene.
For more, visit eatperla.com or follow them on Instagram at @eatperla.
Perla Oyster Bar is located at:
415 Boyden Ave
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Mike Ham is the voice behind the popular podcast, "Greetings From the Garden State". Traveling up and down New Jersey, Mike brings his listeners the stories of the people and places shaping the Garden State. Not only is he a Jersey diehard, he is also a respected member of the podcast community and has spoken at several podcasting conferences. As he continues to amplify the voices of New Jersey, Mike Ham remains a passionate advocate for the diverse narratives woven into the fabric of the Garden State.