Pearl Brasserie

Fine dining restaurant · Ballsbridge

Pearl Brasserie

Fine dining restaurant · Ballsbridge

1

20 Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, D02 XH98, Ireland

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Pearl Brasserie by null
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Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null
Pearl Brasserie by null

Highlights

Innovative French-Asian fusion with intimate rooms and fireplaces  

Featured in Eater
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20 Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, D02 XH98, Ireland Get directions

pearl-brasserie.com
@pearlbrasserie

€100+ · Menu

Reserve

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20 Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, D02 XH98, Ireland Get directions

+353 1 661 3572
pearl-brasserie.com
@pearlbrasserie

€100+ · Menu

Reserve

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Aug 8, 2025

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Bellemore is Another Boka Group Standout and More Reviews - Eater Chicago

"There’s a 'silky' lobster bisque or 'beautiful' composition of beets and goat cheese to start. The execution is 'flawless' on main courses, such as a pork chop with 'beautiful taste and texture' and Scottish salmon with 'nearly melt-away flesh.' Cocktails like the bourbon-based Law & Order and Milk & Roses are also 'worth seeking.'" - Jeffy Mai

https://chicago.eater.com/2018/1/19/16910436/reviews-bellemore-damao-more
View Postcard for Pearl Brasserie

Tracy Purcell

Google
I had waited far too long to revisit Pearl Brasserie, a mistake I won't repeat. From beginning to end, it was an exceptional experience; both the service and the food were remarkable. The cuisine blends French techniques with Asian influences. The Bluefin tuna exemplifies this; every bite, bursting with flavours, was exquisite. I was delighted to have the pigeon again, and it truly met my expectations. This dish will remain in my thoughts for a long time. I look forward to my return.

NishDub Dub

Google
A Memorable Birthday Dinner – Highly Recommended! I recently took my girlfriend here for her birthday dinner, and from the moment we arrived, everything was perfect. We were warmly welcomed by Sabrina, whose friendly greeting made us feel right at home. Every staff member on the floor acknowledged us, adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere. The ambiance was wonderful—elegant yet cozy, making it the perfect setting for a special occasion. Our waiters, Titouan and Kunal, were incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that every detail was just right. The food was simply outstanding—each dish was packed with flavor and beautifully presented. The dessert was just as impressive, the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable meal. A special thank you to all the staff who sang Happy Birthday to us—it was such a thoughtful touch and made the night even more special! It was truly a memorable dinner, and I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great food, a warm atmosphere, and exceptional service. We’ll definitely be back!

jessica garcia

Google
We celebrated a memorable birthday dinner at Pearl Brasserie, and every dish was an absolute delight. The experience was truly exceptional, with friendly and professional staff who made us feel so welcome. Without a doubt, we’ll be returning—this restaurant is a solid 10/10!

John Keenan

Google
Intimate nooks in the restaurant with interesting interior (and fish tank). The menu had plenty of seafood options. Staff were all attentive & friendly, with a bunch of them training. We enjoyed all of our courses. Obviously the price is quite expensive, which explains the high finish to each dish. Would probably return but only on some special occasion.

Daniel J

Google
We requested a Vegan tasting menu ahead of time, and they did not disappoint. While some dishes were also available on the regular menu, others were created specifically for our night. The hostess, our waitress, and even the gentleman working the bar were all great conversationalists and helped enhance the experience. The attention to detail was 2nd to none, and we hope they continue exploring the possibilities of Vegan cuisine in the future.

Sinead Ni Riain

Google
Highly recommend Had THE nicest lunch in Pearl Brasserie today. The staff were very warm friendly and highly professional. The decor is exquisite very relaxing but beautiful. Loved the artwork. Attention to detail in all areas. The food was beautifully presented and every morsel divine. The beef main course was the nicest Ive eaten. The crème brûlée- 🍮 let’s say there was none left :) yum! It was a roundy birthday for one of our party and we all had a memorable lunch together. Look forward to returning very soon.

Tony Reeder

Google
We were recommended this restaurant by a friend of ours who knows his food and boy was he right !! A truly fantastic venue ! We had the surprise 6 course tasting menu and every course was an absolute treat ! Along with each dish I had the 60€ wine flight which is a total bargain! The wines were chosen extremely well giving a lovely harmony of food & wine combinations ! The staff were amazing, explaining all the dishes and wines beautifully! Every one of them is a credit to the operation and a delight to talk to ! I cannot tell you how much we enjoyed our visit ! Don’t miss out if you are in Dublin, book a table and you won’t be disappointed !!

Andre Ong

Google
Stumbled upon this restaurant for a walk-in dinner. Service was amazing - from the front door to the last served dish. Steak was incredibly tasty and seared to perfection. The complimentary mango sorbet with mint as a palette cleanser was a great touch. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a nice dinner in Dublin.
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Krystel J.

Yelp
First of all the service was impeccable! I'm on holiday alone and decided to try this restaurant in hopes for dinner. The gentleman who greeted me was pleasant and took my coat and offered to take my bag as well. I was escorted to the second room where multiple individuals were there to greet me. They recommended a berry vodka martini to start. It was sweet but not overpowering. I was given an appetizer of the tartare which was beautiful and delicious. For dinner I ordered the halibut with broccoli as a side. I would have sworn the halibut was cooked sous vide (don't know if that's how it was but it was amazingly soft and delicate). I could have ate the broccoli as a full meal it was amazing. The team here would come and check on me and have casual conversations with me. They were engaged and I enjoyed the conversations. For dessert I chose the crème brûlée. This was probably the best brûlée I can remember ever having. As most places in Europe there was no rush and I enjoyed my experience peacefully. Everyone thanked me for coming and the gentleman at front recalled the rest of my time here and conversed a bit before leaving. I loved this place and absolutely will recommend making a reservation here.
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Courtney F.

Yelp
Don't make the same mistake as us and not make a reservation, we got VERY lucky we were staying at a nice hotel next door that could get us in because HOLY COW. This might be one of my favorite meals of all my travels. We were immediately seated and taken care of in a small cove. It was very secluded and quiet for a nice date night. The service was on top of it, someone at the table every few minutes. It's definitely an experience. They have some phenomenal wine options by the glass or bottle. We started with the avocado ponzu which omg really set the stage, it had perfect flavors. My fiancé got the duck, which was so tender and flavorful and the pepper sauce (mousse?) was to die for. I got the potato dumplings on the vegetarian menu and they had chunks of perfectly cooked morels! The sauce and the flavors were so delicately paired and showed the no brainer of why this spot is recognized my Michelin. We also got the side of carrots and the aroncini, both super tasty. It was a wonderful meal, definitely an experience. I was impressed with the prices, I expected much more expensive for a place of this type, but it's very fair and makes it attainable for almost anyone to splurge on a delicious meal. 1000000/10 probably one of the best restaurants I've eaten at, highly recommend.
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Rebecca H.

Yelp
This restaurant was recommended by my brother who was in Dublin last year. I loved the adorable alcoves and private seating areas. The service was impeccable and the food was delicious. I'm going back again. Twice in 3 days!
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Simon L.

Yelp
We came here for a pre-Christmas meal and was not disappointed. I usually shy away from set holiday menus, but every course was well prepared, with the scallops being a particular highlight. Service was fantastic considering it was the holidays and we loved the unique layout of the space, which was huge in footprint but felt intimate with the connecting rooms.
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Eric H.

Yelp
Go for the early bird. This place is very popular, gets crowded and noisy. The food is spectacular. The gazpacho shooter was just the right spiciness to titillate my palace. I was less fond of the amuse bouche, would have preferred a little more crunch. The bed of sprouts for the prawn appetizer was a dash too spicy for my taste but the dish is a great combination of umami, sweet (mango sauce), salty and spicy. The turbot entrée is superior, the fish cooked to perfection, both tender and moist, the sauce has just the right amount of piquant. The watermelon sorbet palate cleanser was sprinkled with speckles of freeze-dried raspberries that were just delightful. The Chablis was light and mild, a great pairing. I appreciated the range of desert wines to pair my crème brûlée served in a whimsical miniature gratin dish. And espresso is served in a dramatic presentation. Wait staff was caring and personable with me and with other - repeat customers. They are able to sustain a conversation. Nora is from Boston, Christophe is from Clermont Ferrand, keen observer. He has a long career ahead of him. Méline is very attentive to client needs. French, English, German, you can mix them to your heart's content. Cheers!
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Erin R.

Yelp
Pearl was one of the best meals I have ever eaten. Top 3, easily! As soon as I walked in, the host anticipated my name, which was a nice touch, as I had booked a reservation for 1. I opted for the surprise tasting menu and wine pairing. The duck soup was my absolute favorite thing I tried, but everything was phenomenal, with surprising delightful flavors. The courses were well timed - even though I had a late reservation and was the last patron in the restaurant, I never felt rushed by the staff. My server and the manager explained in detail the components of the dishes and how they were prepared. I want to return to Dublin just to come here again!
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Preeti H.

Yelp
Dublin has many things to offer but we had no idea that we would hit this outstanding spot for a 3 course meal, after traveling for 10 hours. The location is charming because the restaurant is in the basement of the hotel historical Merrion. It reminds me of a cave with quaint, separate rooms for dining. The Staff are so sweet. We had 3 different servers and they ensured that our meal was exceeding our expectations, on multiple occasions. We ordered a goat cheese mousse as our appetizer. We had halibut and carrots as our meal. The chocolate eclair to top of our meal wasn't too sweet, which was to my liking. The gin, elderberry grapefruit cocktail was perfect too! The carrots and fish were so fresh! We didn't even make reservations and were able to be seated promptly, even though the restaurant was busy! Highly recommend this 5 star gem!
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Amy H.

Yelp
What a wonderful restaurant in a beautiful part of the city. I went with some work colleagues and we all loved our time. The service was lovely and food was delicious!
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Lloyd M.

Yelp
Very nice experience. Excellent service, attentive, quick professional but not overbearing. Had the Christmas menu, started with tuna tartare. Excellent as the accompaniments gave it a layered taste. Had the venison as a main, perfect, not at all gamey. Finished with a good cheese plate, three very different cheeses and a sublime truffle honey to have with the goat cheese. Very nice meal.

Matt W.

Yelp
Went back in May, excellent experience. Extremely accommodating when we adjusted our party size, food/drinks were great, the whole staff was informed, friendly, and professional.

Steve C.

Yelp
All of the check boxes were checked!! Food -- amazing! Service was very what you hope for - attentive, timely and at your pace. Ambiance - perfect! Don't miss this place! Let Sabrina close your wine. She is the ultimate hostess!!

J S.

Yelp
One of the best restaurants in Dublin in my opinion. French food, modern style, I had the pidgeon and melon margaritas and they were fantastic. Service was good when we were there.

kevin c.

Yelp
The foie gras was nice and the squab was delicious. Service was good.
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Mindaugas S.

Yelp
This restaurant is great and experience may vary each time. Since there's so much good written to already, I'm going to focus more on the things that we didn't like. Sorry for this, Pearl. It's Late August bit nippy outside. We walk in to our reserved cave type romantic private room for two. My wife has this sexy short dress on with bare shoulders and arms. She is shivering straight away. I'm in a suit and also feel the cold. So we asked to be sat in the main are which was warmer (normal room temperature). They were kind to let us resit at the separated table by the aquarium (very cool table, recommend over the cave). Food was hit or miss. Squab pigeon was debatable. I loved it, but my wife had to spit it out. But she would be fussy on food in general. Then there was a fish dish that was bland and actually had bad taste for both of us. Fish also came in a bowl, which was bit weird to eat from for a main course dish. Cocktail margarita was very watery. I had a sip from a straw and it felt 60% water. Everything else was great. Amazing service, super pleasant staff. Very attentive. If you're not sure about some choices wether it's food or drink, they'll advice you on the spot and give you recommendations. Pan fried duck foie gras was incredibly delicious. 12/10. Got to try it for the starters. While making a booking over the phone I had mentioned that it's a wedding anniversary, so after main course we had full bellies and didn't have place for the deserts we asked for a bill, they also brought us a tonk bean créme brulée with the writing on the plate. Was lovely. Gigas oysters were a first time for me and I was shocked with their taste. It was served with the vinegar and lemon. And get this, those uncooked oysters taste exactly like herring (also uncooked) prepared with the vinegar. If ever want to know how expensive oysters taste, get yourself a herring and put it into the vinegar for some time. I will try out other fine dining restaurants (like One Pico) in Dublin before coming back here. It's hard to imagine that a restaurant of this class can offer food or beverage that is not tasteful (which can be argued from person to person, TBH).
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Laura G.

Yelp
This place really amazed me. I had never heard of it before being told we had a table booked for a family celebration. I know I have walked past it many times but never knew it was there. It's so unique, they've been really creative with the space they have and they've made it work so well. To say the staff were tentative doesn't do them justice. You could want for nothing, they were always around without being too much. Any questions you had were never too much, even just recommendations etc (I have never seen a wine menu like theirs..) The food was out of this world, at an initial glance of the menu I wasn't too sure but after reading it properly I was pleasantly surprised. Especially to see all the different tastes and foods they were combining together. All in all it was a really lovely experience and I look forward to returning.
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Bruce K.

Yelp
Once again, Yelp delivers. We needed another fancy night for our team dinner and Pearl Brasserie fit the bill. They were able to take a reservation for a party of 8 with barely three hours notice! and better, they found an alcove room where we could be our usual loud selves. A couple of us arrived early and sat at the bar. Only Heineken on tap but the red/white wine drinkers were still happy with their own decisions. While we looked over the menu, they brought out samples of their Mushroom Soup in small "espresso-sized" cups. Very hot, but yummy with a creme fraiche drizzle on top. Starters were across the menu, with the Crab Ravioli and a few of us bumped up the bill by going with the Pata Negra Ham (we'd seen it on display in the bar area). OMG, it was amazingly delicious, served with a great cheese and the restaurant's cherry jam. I could have eaten two of them. Delish beyond words. For the mains, the "Aged Irish Beef" Fillet was ordered by four of us. Mine was a perfect rare that was melt-in-the-mouth tender. The Roast Venison Loin was presented beautifully and went down a treat. We had a few plates of veggies for the table - the green beans and the spring peas were nicely al dente, but the carrots were a bit on the mushy side. No desserts, though they looked really good. The coffee was excellent, though they only had brown and white sugar cubes - the one of us on a low carb diet was disappointed to have to use the little red doo-dad. Note - I am pretty sure the place is not wheelchair accessible. :-(
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David F.

Yelp
Been quite a while since I'd been here and I didn't recall it's fine dining credentials from previous visits. That said it was an excellent repast. Business dinner for two. My companion is a regular here so he knew the drill and booked one of the very cosy booths which are set into the basement wall and are right below the Merrion St pavement. Perfect for a confidential discussion or romantic tête-à-tête I hasten to add this was neither, as another feature of the booth is that the soundproofing aids hearing in close quarters which was a boon to my host as he is slightly hard of hearing. Never thought deafness would feature in a restaurant review! But I digress. As it was only 6 pm we opted for the early bird menu which, in my case, consisted of Dublin Bay Prawns followed by cod for main which was sublime. Not untypically, portions were very small but the conversation and wine flowed freely so we felt no pain. It most definitely was not cheap but a really excellent meal, in great surroundings, superb service and great company so what's not to like?
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Steve K.

Yelp
Pearl Brasserie is a Dublin fine dining experience--French cuisine prepared with Irish ingredients and artfully presented. Emphasis on fish and poultry. Choice of several private coves contribute to the intimate ambiance. Also ideal for business. Our private dining area accommodated 8 people including a vegetarian. From the à la carte menu, enjoyed an appetizer of MARINATED TUNA with apple wasabi sorbet, and an entrée of perfectly cooked COD over a bed of fennel and corn. Several other diners also enjoyed the duck, perfectly cooked. See pics. Price per person with appetizer, entrée, wine and dessert (or after dinner drink) was about 100€ including Value Added Tax and Service Charge. We were not rushed. Service was attentive. An early bird value menu also available before 6:45 pm Tiny Gripe: As a recent fan of Irish whiskey, disappointed that Pearl Brasserie did not have Green or Yellow Spot Irish Whiskey. Chose Black Bush instead. Only a 5 mins walk from St Stephen's Green. Closest alternative, comparable in food quality and service, is One Pico...also nearby.
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Ramón G.

Yelp
In my opinion the best restaurant for modern french cuisine for any stay in Dublin. Stuning food with very fine cuts of meat lovely local sides. Their wine card is perfectly selected and matched the momentary a la carté menu in a satisfying way. The bar section has a a selection that should allow a match for any taste and the making of cocktails is done in a its prices worths way, professional and charmingly tastefull. Aswell only good about the staff and location per se, good and fast service just as I aspected in a well crafted enviroment. I only can recommend this place for buisness and private/romantic dinners in Dublin. Appart from that the best Whisky Sour I had this far on the British Isles.
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Gamebebe C.

Yelp
The food is excellent. Really good food. The service is good. We have ordered the crab meat and the starter, the pigeon and the salmon as main course. Both main courses are fantastic!!!!!
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Alex B.

Yelp
This place was amazing! We went on our last night in Ireland and well worth it. The atmosphere was great, the drinks and food we're really good and the service was awesome! We actually ran about 20-25 minutes late for our reservation and they still accommodated us. You felt like you were really being taken care of throughout the whole meal and the attention to details was incredible. My boyfriend and I both got the tasting menu (he also got the wine pairing). We both enjoyed each part of the meal and it was perfectly timed out. We never felt rushed or like a bother. I enjoyed all courses and they accommodated to my dietary needs and changed out some dishes for me. Overall 10/10.
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Maire B.

Yelp
A lot of French restaurants in Dublin fall prey to the idea that the price and snootiness of the menu mean that the quality of the food takes a backseat. Pearl Brasserie manages to avoid this. The food in this restaurant has a solid foundation of quality ingredients and cooking. The menu is mostly French inspired with a generous portion of fish, but there are staples like Beef and chicken for the less adventurous. One of the most impressive things about the Pearl is the way they cater for vegetarians, rather than being left with just one option they are handed a special vegetarian menu, which allows for a more inclusive and special dining experience. The restaurant itself is downstairs with entrances on Baggot St and on Merrion Street upper. Despite its basement location the space has a cosy, comfortable atmosphere.
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Sam S.

Yelp
I really like this place. Not sure it deserves a Michelin star but for food and prices this places gets 5 stars from me. Oysters were so fresh and my quail special (in a pastry with foie gras), champ and jus was just divine. The melting chocolate ball with caramel was also excellent. And last but not least the coffee was excellent (a rarity in good restaurants for some reason). Best part of the night was the bill (very reasonable) for an awarded restaurant. I would come back here anytime for a meal.
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Emma D.

Yelp
Wow. This was my first ever fine dining experience and I have to say I was really impressed. I had the Castletownbere Crab to start which was served with compressed apple and lotus. I had never tried crab before, so this was a real treat. The presentation was fantastic. My other half had the fois gras, also for the first time. While it wasn't really his thing, I loved it! Again, fantastic presentation. We both wanted to try foods we had never tried before, so I had the pigeon and husband had the pheasant. Again, fantastic presentation but I don't think pigeon is for me! It was served pink and literally fell apart on my fork. My husband tried it and really loved it. His pheasant was fantastic. We shared a col cannon which was really lovely. The highlight of my meal was the tea! I loved how it was served in cute cast iron teapots and with mini macaroons. But what really makes this place shine is the service. We were served by a really wonderful young French lady who made us feel very very welcome. As new comers to fine dining, we were understandably nervous, however our server was incredibly friendly and didn't laugh when I asked her to advise me what certain things on the menu were. All in all I will definitely be back! A tip: If you can - book one of their cave rooms. Most romantic table in all of Dublin!
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Aurelle G.

Yelp
We spend our 1st anniversary in that place . During the booking we asked for a nice table but unfortunately we did not have one specific. Anyway the restaurant is very cosy and the staff so kindly . Food is a innovative mix with asian and french food . Not commun ! The menu seems to change during season and the chef use fresh products. I highly recommand the king scallop as the main course ! So delicious .
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Natalie M.

Yelp
I went to the Pearl Brasserie on a date. With the nerves of the occassion, I ordered the plainest thing I could see on the menu (the soup... as a main course). Big mistake. Throughout the date I sat watching what he was eating and all the lovely plates of food around me. Absolutely fabulous looking food. Pearl Brasserie could often be forgotten because it's location is so understated (just a small door on the corner of Baggot Street) but it's a lovely place. It used to be a stuffy fish restaurant but the new owners have done an amazing job turning it into a cosy restaurant. Great food too although definitely one for the credit card - it's pricey.
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Jenny F.

Yelp
Oh I love this place. They offer a great fine dining experience. I went there twice for the early bird menu and it was great! Small portions but if you have 3 courses you definitely won't feel hungry afterwards. Food is amazing too. Staff pays attention to detail. They are really great with timing of everything. The moment you sit down you have your menus, followed by some yummy bread and butter and pesto. They keep an eye on you to make sure everything is alright but not in an obtrusive way. Restaurant very quiet. Seems to be a place were business dinner would happen but it can also easily be romantic. Definitely would recommend pearl brasserie and will come back myself too!
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Amit D.

Yelp
I give it a 4.7 of 5. We got reservations day of and had to move things around - from being 5-10 mins late, moving the reservation, service when we arrived (got a table in the back and they moved us with no issue in 2 mins), the sommelier, the table service - the service was just fantastic (small nits aside, which they rectified). The food (as a family of 3 we had 3 apps and 3 main courses) was excellent - crab meat was an excellent appetizer while the salmon dish and homemade pasta was excellent. The wines by the glass are excellent and range in prices with enough choices! On dessert, the creme brûlée was awesome - not v sweet and well done. Overall, amazing!
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Emilie A.

Yelp
What an amazing night. The food was outstanding, even the side orders were scrumptious (truffle mash... Oh dear the truffle mash). Amazing wine selection and genuine advice from the waiter. It's an expensive night out but well worth it. The portions are small, but that enables you to have a three course meal, plus a little box of goodies with your tea or coffee.
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Brooke Y.

Yelp
The Pearl is the finest restaurant in Dublin, boasting sensational seafood complimented by a sophisticated wine list, strong in whites that pair well with cuisine. Service is top notch and atmosphere is chic / cool. Dress is classy - slacks and a dress shirt or suit / no tie will work. Both the salmon and squab pigeon are strong. Deserts are fine -- nothing overly imaginative. The wine list is strong and focused on selections from France. Give serious consideration to the Marc Bredif Vouvray 2014, marked up too much at 42 euros but a tasty wine that won't blow the budget.
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Zofia R.

Yelp
Great place if you have some important life event to celebrate, in my case it was my boyfriend birthday. We enjoyed the evening. My boyfriend starts with Carlingford Lough Oysters. I am not a big fan of the mussels or oysters so I cannot say that I was enjoying it, but Pan Fried Duck Foie Gras was excellent! I had Organic Salmon for my main Corse. Fish was nicely cooked. I've caught one of the staff members, and I've asked could they stick the candle in the dessert, they were so nice and they brought us a selection of the small desserts with a small candle.
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Liuting D.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I had his birthday dinner here. It's a very quiet and romantic place. We tried the early bird menu, the fish and steak are both perfectly cooked, service was excellent too. The selection of ice cream was creative :)
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Alison M.

Yelp
One star for each of the following: 1) Giving me a reservation on Valentine's Day with only 3 hours' notice 2) Seating hubs & I as soon as we arrived--because that is the definition of the word 'reservation'. 3) The Meal. Highlights from the early bird menu are the red pepper risotto, the beef cheek, and the mousseline with truffle oil. Excellent, savory, and beyond worth it. The Malbec was great as well. 4) Fishtanks in the walls. I ate their cousin, Salmon, right in front of them bwa ha ha. 5) When the host seated us in the far corner and then accidentally forgot to bring us menus right away, the menus arrived with an aperitif of prosecco for the both of us to apologize for the wait. Which promptly made us forget that we had been ignored. Which took away the bitterness about the mishap. Which immediately returned us to a good mood. Exactly what is supposed to happen at a good restaurant. It is obvious that the staff at Pearl know how a restaurant should run. Although the orzo and crispy prawn appetizer were bland, I am impressed with their excellent service and will be back again to try some other dishes!
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Ciara C.

Yelp
This subterranean restaurant off one of Dublin's finest Georgian squares feels intimate because of its winding layout, and is a culinary treat. Its uncomplicated but detailed menu has a fair variety of meat and fish though it's not so hot on the vegetarian - nothing new in the finer side of dining universe there as veggies know well. Service is lovely - personal and friendly yet not overbearing - and there's an excellent wine menu. This place is frequented by well-heeled business types and no doubt politicians, but it would make a fine spot for an intimate meal for two - ask about the 'booths' along the corridor, it sounds odd, but you'll get what I mean. They feel like a little hideaway. All in all I had an enjoyable experience here - fabulous wine, delicious food and a genial atmosphere - what not to like?
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Joshua R.

Yelp
The missus and I take turns organizing our Anniversary outings, so this year I was her guest at this very nice litte gem of a restaurant (is a Pearl, technically, a gem? Hmmm...must ponder...but I digress...) We arrived early for our reservation but the staff sat us immediately in an intimate little alcove with its own fishtank, which was pretty cool. The service was extremely attentive without being intrusive, and we had plenty of time to peruse the wine list while sipping the little amuse-bouche of duck confit served in espresso cups. The wine list was big enough to be interesting but not so vast as to be intimidating, and I was happy to see plenty of options of glass/carafe/half-bottle in addition to the full bottles on offer. The food was beautifully and artfully presented, and mostly very good. Her fish was a little dry, and my Irish beef was a bit tough (sorry, bord bia), but flavours were good and portions were just right. They went an extra step at dessert and wrote "Happy Anniversary" in chocolate on her desert plate, and my pairing of chocolate fondant with a lovely port was a perfect end to a very nice meal. Bottom Line: Well, not the PERFECT end, that was later...
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Mike P.

Yelp
In a nutshell: Food: 4 stars Service: 5 stars P/C: 5 stars My last night in Dublin for work, rainy, windy and cold, I don't feel like going out. what do I do? 1) Sit at my hotel, pack and order room service from the pub, or 2) Pack real quickly and go out and celebrate my last night in Dublin... Option 2) it is... After about a 1/2 mile rainy walk from my hotel near Merrion Park, I come to this sign for the restaurant. It's unassuming becxause it's located underground. When you walk in though, you instantly feel welcomed and cozed up. The maitre d' welcomed me and took my coat (one thing I love.about Dublin restaurants, they take your coats! I wanted to actually take a spot at the bar seating so I did! The bar seating was plenty - that's also where some of the wines were stored and also sofas with a fireplace....perfect place to get a cocktail before your dinner. One of the managers I guess, Jaime - who took my booking, introduced himself and we had a brief conversation about where I was from, what I like etc etc. While I was waiting and reading some news paper, I got a thing of the Hendtrick's martini and some snacks. On to the food highlights: 1. I got a little thing of the pana ham with fermented sweet cherries and aged french mozzarella cheese - awesome. 2. The scallop with the pigs head meat pancake with julienned apples and the celeriac sauce - the scallop was a bit tough 3. The monkfish with crab/carrot salad - the salad was SO refreshing, I wanted to ask for more. The monkfish could have been a little warmer, but it was well executed and panfried just nicely. 4. The wine selection was pretty good - a variety of old world wines, a few from the new worls (mostly Australia, NZ, and South Africa) The service was impeccable and the food was top notch (for Dublin standards). The interior was so much more refreshing and inviting compared to others (definitely comparable to Chapter One and L'Ecrivain). There are these cave-looking rooms that'd be perfect for small groups and romantic dinners. Price wise - it's competitvely priced, but more affordable than L'Ecrivain or of course...the crappy restaurant called Thornton's (read a separate review of mine about what a horrendous experience I had) Will definitely make a note to come back to this restaurant!
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William L.

Yelp
One of my favourite restaurants in Dublin. I love this place - the decor, the service, the food and the wine. All lovely. If you're looking for a fancy romantic dinner for two, I would recommend booking early and asking for the special "table in the cave", I don't know how else to describe it, but it really is a cave, decorated beautifully and stylishly, plus the privacy adds to the exclusiveness. It's French cuisine so expect the food to be prepared and displayed wonderfully. You can also guess then the portions isnt large, and its a bit on the expensive side, but I guess you are there to enjoy the whole experience, and I have whenever I go there. The staff are friendly and explain the dishes to you in detail whenever you ask, there's also a pre-dinner lounge should you decide to have a drink while you wait. Do try the pigeon mains if they still do it, it's absolutely gorgeous!
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Donna M.

Yelp
The Pearl Brasserie was recommended by the friendly bartender at the Dylan hotel. It met...and even surpassed my expectations. The food was great...the service was excellent. As mentioned in other reviews, my ratings for restaurants are largely based on accommodations a restaurant can provide based on my gluten and dairy restrictions. The Pearl was extremely patient and helpful with my food limitations, which can be a task for a french restaurant. The entire wait staff and the bartender were very friendly. Not 'over the top' or 'in your face' service, but very well balanced. The restaurant is quaint, so reservations are highly recommended. I was dining alone, so I was able to get a seat at the bar. It looks like an amazing spot for a romantic evening. Boys..listen up and request seating in the private alcoves. Cute.
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Julien W.

Yelp
The Pearl Brasserie is all you can expect from a "posh" and high class restaurant : excellent service, very nice atmosphere, and astonishing food coming in tiny portions. It's the place to go if you wish to impress someone with a classy and delicate meal over a glass of well-chosen wine. If you're looking for something intimate, book way in advance and ask for a booth, those are great...
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William M.

Yelp
I have used Pearl as a venue for business lunches and dinners for over two years now, and I have never been let down. Always helpful, courteous, and discreet. The food is excellent, and the wine list will satisfy all tastes and wallets. Excellent value lunch and wonderful dinners, very good fish and shellfish, flavorful meat. Pearl have even accommodated a party of 13 at very late notice, a very well run venue.
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Niall F.

Yelp
Will start off by saying the service was exceptional, the staff at Pearl were nothing short of excellent. Really lovely setting and great being able to chill out before our table was ready. The meal was very good but not amazing, I had the steak and probably should have ordered it MW as it was a little too soft - the prawn starter was excellent. I thought the menu was limited somewhat when compared to the wine list which seemed to go on forever. I will be back but will not be ordering the same main course.
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Denis C.

Yelp
Where to start?... Service - 5 stars Location - 5 stars Food - beyond any expectations Wine list - 5 stars The Pearl Brasserie is a to the palate what a body massage is to the one's back! A pleasure from start to end, with an outstanding service. Some may say it's expensive... well, great service and food deserve the correct pricing in my views! From the starter to the desert, from the fish to the meat, the food being served is absolutely divine! PS: A special thumb up for their foie gras!!
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Adam C.

Yelp
I returned to Pearl Brasserie a couple of years after my first visit - this time for our anniversary since it was such a success as the venue for the previous birthday celebration. I rated Pearl at 5 stars the first time around because, quite simply, they got everything right. This time that was not the case, and so they drop a star. So, what did they get wrong this time? The service, excellent and prompt the last time was not up to scratch this time - we waited a long time for our reserved table and there were some gaps in service where we were left waiting - most notably for the bill. This is just not something I can excuse when paying a premium at a restaurant. Also, the restaurant was too hot - it was borderline uncomfortable at times - not something I recall from my previous visit and hopefully just a temporary issue. Normally these problems would have resulted in 3 star review, but Pearl Brasserie still has an ace up its sleeve - the food. It was absolutely fantastic, the recent awards are deserved. I had the veal for my main course, which was possibly the best cooked and most tender cut of that particular meat I have ever tasted. The accompanying sauce fit perfectly too. Amazingly, the pasta actually superseded the veal in terms of quality - I have only once had better, and that was in Les Etoiles in Rome, which this came very close to. Perfectly al dente and delicious with an extremely tasty truffle based sauce - my compliments to the chef I have a passion for creme brulee, and will usually order it everywhere I go if it is offered. The version at Pearl was excellent - not overdone, smooth, subtle flavors and not too large. The taste of lemon which my fiancee ordered was very good too - the lemon gel in particular was very interesting. Given the prior excellent service, I am hoping that our issues this time were an aberration and that there would be no repeat on another visit. If that is the case, and the food stays at this very high standard, then Pearl will go back to a 5 star rating in a hear beat.
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Massimiliano P.

Yelp
Great restaurant,very expensive but perfect for a special event. It is one of the best place in Dublin,romantic place.
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Jay K.

Yelp
Excellent food. Good service. I had dinner at Pearl Brasserie and the food was excellent. I had tempura shrimp as a started and my colleagues had soup and oysters on the half shell. All was very good. For my main dish I had the squab prepared two ways. The squab was prepared extraordinarily well - not only were the flavors intense, but the preparation was boneless - removing the chore of eating squab. The meal with a bottle of Bordeaux ended up costing about 60 euro per person, not cheap but not outrageously expensive for a very expertly prepared meal. The table service was good, but the server was a little timid. All in all and excellent meal that was a welcome change from the traditional Irish fare generally available in Dublin.
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Andrew H.

Yelp
The whole experience at Pearl was excellent from the moment my fiancee and I walked in. The service provided is excellent and very attentive at all stages, from coat check, to being offered a drink while your table is prepared, to the drink/wine recommendations, to the service at the table. There are some small touches I noticed that you don't see very often any more, especially in the US or the UK. The food is very good. We ordered off the early bird menu (we were afraid it would be quite expensive after early bird) and the dishes did not disappoint. The food looks good, tastes good, and isn't a tiny portion as you might expect from an early bird special at a place like this. We didn't have room for dessert, in fact. The early bird menu doesn't have a lot of options, although it's not much different from many other places, and the quality of the items is excellent. The atmosphere was rather romantic; there were some tables that seemed to be off in their own little secluded room that would probably be even more romantic if you asked for one. Overall, we were quite pleased.
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E L.

Yelp
Yummy food, delicious wine! I went to Pearl on a work event recently, and it was a real treat. I had the King Scallop (w/Duck Hearts, Plum Puree, Smoked Duck) to start. Such an unusual combo but the duck hearts were melt in the mouth. I had a variation on the squab for mains (they were sold out) so instead of squab I had halibut with Black Truffle Mousseline, Pan Fried Duck Foie Gras. YUM YUM YUM! The desert was the real piece de resistance however (and let me say I'm not a huge desert person so for me to clear the plate it's got to be worth it). I had the lemon desert which was lemon five (i think) ways. The most delish tart! lemon tart on a buttery buttery base, surrounded by other yummy lemony treats, jelly, foam, tacky meringue which disintegrated in the mouth. Just when I thought I couldn't eat anymore, the coffee's arrived with melt in the mouth chocolates from coco atelier. Downside, making us wait until all our party arrived (we were 12 people, I don't see why you can't seat the first group when they arrive on time). First seated out in the bar area but thankfully moved to a more cozy area at the back. Also, service was a little slow for a Wednesday night. That aside, I look forward to having a special occasion to go back again!

Corinne C.

Yelp
This cozy restaurant serves up amazing dishes, tasty cocktails and friendly service. They also have a broad selection of wines. It's great for a business dinner, as they take groups of 10+, or an intimate date night in one of their cozy nook tables. The menu has so many tempting options, so I'll definitely be back to try some of the other offerings. I had the pigeon as my main and it was superb! Not so keen on the coconut curry ice cream, but my colleagues enjoyed the creme brûlée very much. I highly recommend Pearl Brasserie!

Oisin O.

Yelp
Brilliant restaurant! I love it and book it every time I come home to Dublin. Wonderful atmosphere and service are a bonus but the food is always sublime! A must go!