Pearl Oyster Bar & Restaurant

09/14/07

YumYum & Fun

by sophiasmama at Citysearch

The two us went about 8 on a Friday night and got a table right away. The staff were wonderful; very friendly, prompt and helpful with selections. The tuna poke was out-of-this-world and the raw oysters were sublime. I ordered the seared sea scallops and wasn't surprised when they melted in my mouth. They came with some kind of polenta sauce around the plate that balanced the dish. My guest had the iron steak which he thought was grilled to perfection. I wasn't unimpressed by the portions because I can enjoy and savor every bite more if I know there's just enough to satisfy my palate. Less in this case is definitely more.

The drinks were great, too. I explained to the drink waiter what my preferences were and he brought me something with raw sugar on the bottom and it was so good I had to order another.

We ordered a chocolate mousse-thing and it wasn't spectacular (it did take care of my chocolate craving, though!) and then the cannelloni we brought home was creamy and crunchy and too good for it's own good.

Yes, it was too loud to have any kind of serious conversation but we weren't looking for that and was delighted with the saucy ambiance. They were even playing Barbarella over the bar.

The decor is shiny and the lights behind the bar very liquid.

Again, the staff from the moment we walked in to saying our thank-yous and departing were gracious and quite entertaining.

Will be coming back as soon as the bank will let us!

• Pros: Food and drinks, service.
• Cons: pricey, loud

02/23/07

Great raw bar, sit at the bar for best service.

by ckyelland at Citysearch

Pearl is a jewel in Rockridge, but you have to know how to play it. It's tiny, and most of the tables are fixed to the wall/floor, so don't expect to be comfortably accommodated with a large party (I don't recommend showing up with more than 4 people). It's a great place to head to early in the evening (before the inevitable rush) to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine with some raw dishes. Definitely this is what Pearl does best. The tuna poke is always spot-on fresh and delicious, as are the various rotating sashimis, ceviches, and oysters. The sweet potato fries are a sure bet as well. I avoid the Thai Fish Springrolls - they tend to be greasy and lacking in flavor.

• Pros: Can park easily at BART; great raw dishes (Tuna Poke!); swanky bar atmosphere
• Cons: Can be noisy; not practical for parties of more than 4; long waits during peak hours

01/27/07

First and last time there

by verygoodcook at Citysearch

After reading some of the reviews here online, we went with some friends yesterday. The place is really small... it felt really crowded. My friends made a reservation a week in advance for 6, the table was not ready when they got there and after waiting for some minutes in the bar we got a table for 4, so you can imagine how tight we were in the table. After some time, they finally accomodate us in a table for 6, but the point is that the reservation was done and confirmed in advance 2 times. I really liked the Thai ceviche, the oysters and the Tuna Poke. I did not like the Flatbread. We did not like the chocolate mousse. In my opinion the food you get it's not worth the money you are paying. The portions are really small. I believe this was my first and last time my husband and I go there. I would have rather spent those $300 at a different place.

• Pros: Liked some of the dishes they serve
• Cons: Very expensive, small portions, very tight