Pearl Oyster Bar & Restaurant
Oakland, CA 94618
Phone: (510) 654-5426
- Price:
- $$$
- Hours:
- Sun-Mon 5:30pm-10pm, Tue-Wed 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-10pm, Thu-Sat 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-12am
Editorial Review for Pearl Oyster Bar & Restaurant – by Scott Hocker
The Scene
Out front, a crowd mills up and down College Avenue, lobster-shaped pager in hand. Once the crustacean begins to pulse and blink, in comes the next round of diners. A wall of colored light panels behind the slick bar morphs from soothing blue to sharp green, entrancing a mixed crowd of khaki-clad yuppies, Birkenstock-shod hippies and families.
The Food
Small plates take up most of the menu, like impeccably fresh half-shell oysters, silky sesame oil- and soy-dressed tuna poke in a martini glass, and cylindrical crab cakes garnished with cucumber ribbons. Delicate halibut fillet is complemented by corn, cherry tomatoes, gypsy pepper ragout and a whisper of lobster butter. Moist salmon is served over spinach in sake-yuzu vinaigrette and accompanied by tempura-battered portobellos. Simple desserts include the pluot crisp with Tahitian vanilla bean gelato or a rotating trio of fruit sorbets.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe wine list boasts a sizable selection of sakes to pair with the fish-heavy menu.
ParkingThe BART parking lot is free after 3pm.
User Reviews for Pearl Oyster Bar & Restaurant
09/14/2007 Posted by sophiasmama
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
02/23/2007 Posted by ckyelland
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
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