The Black Pearl

Romantic and Unforgettable Birthday Dinner My husband surprised me with a romantic 50th birthday dinner at The Black Pearl, and it was absolutely magical. From the moment we walked in, we felt special—the ambiance was intimate and welcoming. Our server, Jay, was fantastic—funny, knowledgeable, and super helpful with the menu. Every dish, from hors d'oeuvres to the main course, was phenomenal. We also had the pleasure of meeting their incredibly talented sommelier, Adam. He took the time to understand what we were eating and paired our wines perfectly. We usually stick to cabernet, but Adam introduced us to pairings that complemented our meal beautifully—light, balanced, and educational! He even poured a dessert wine with a rich backstory that made the experience even more memorable. We’ve never had a dining experience like this before. I came from Las Vegas and had never been to The Black Pearl, but I’ll be recommending it to everyone I know. They didn’t just serve us—they celebrated with us. Truly unforgettable!

Exquisite Dining at The Black Pearl – A Dunedin Treasure Our dinner at The Black Pearl was a truly memorable experience. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the restaurant operates with just one talented chef, preparing each dish to order—a rare detail that speaks to their commitment to quality and care. We began with the pork belly appetizer, a masterpiece of tender meat and crisp perfection, followed by a steak that was nothing short of sublime. Every bite showcased rich, layered flavors and impeccably fresh ingredients. While the portions may seem modest at first glance, the courses build beautifully, leaving you perfectly satisfied by the end. The white chocolate cake was the ideal finale—decadent, delicate, and utterly delicious. It’s worth noting that The Black Pearl sits at a higher price point, but you’re absolutely getting what you pay for: exceptional craftsmanship, premium ingredients, and an unforgettable dining experience. Dunedin itself adds to the charm, with its scenic coastal drive and walkable downtown filled with boutique shops, and waterfront views, all just steps away from this amazing restaurant. Whether you're a local or exploring the area, The Black Pearl is a destination-worthy culinary gem.

We arrived early for our 5:45 reservations because a storm was coming in and they were happy to go ahead and seat us. Cozy romantic atmosphere, perfect for a special occasion. Wait staff was perfect, very attentive. Our waiter was Jay, he explained the menu in detail and made our choices easier. Each of our meal courses were brought out promptly and prepared to perfection! The Belgian chocolate cheesecake was fabulous!

Absolutely delicious! Everything we had was amazing. I highly recommend the filet, the pork belly, and the apple tartin. My husband had the duck which was also good but he was jealous of my steak lol They bring out the food in courses with a salad and palette cleanser and so it is a whole dining experience.

This was a very nice, small, elegant restaurant with a high level of service and food presentation. I enjoyed the attention to detail, and when the host offered me a shawl due to the temp being chilly, it was very considerate. I enjoyed the mushroom dish but wasn't blown away by the fish I had. The dessert and samples were probably my favorite parts. I'd highly recommend it if you're looking to impress or for a romantic meal.

The tastes match the incredible detail the wait staff prepare for you. The front house knows their stuff and are quick to boast all about the Black Pearls awards in both food and wine selection. Losing of course to Berns, everyone loses to Berns. The quantities are mostly small, do not expect big portions, and in the tradition of fine dining, you are expected to have your selection ready. You will be full once you leave. The ambiance is nice, quiet yet busy. I did not care for the lower table high booth seats. Once you're in you're in, more difficult to get out of. I did notice that the Black Pearls staff where quick to acknowledge anyone with disrespectful attire. This one schmuck comes in wearing a baseball cap and sits down, he removed it quickly. For my main I ordered the filet mignon, wonderfully prepared with mash potatoes and green beans (haricots verts). The reason for the 4 stars was the steak temperature, It's was cold, cooked well but clearly left out while the other items cooked. My father sent his back for a reheat. That was a shame. All in all great experience.

We celebrated our anniversary here. We had an amazing time the food was really good my husband loved the steak and pork belly.

My experience here was nothing short of amazing!! The restaurant is intimate and the menu is curated for a series of unimaginable different flavors! The pictures don’t do it justice, if you are lucky enough to get a reservation here take it.

Fantastic food. Very professional staff. The only issue is seating. This is a very small space and they are quite popular, so I recommend checking the space out to see if you will be comfortable or wish to request specific seating. The high backed shared seating was tight for us. We requested chair seating in future reservations and were fine.

My husband and I have been to the Black Pearl a few times. We invited my mom and a friend to join us. The doors opened promptly at 5 which was our reservation time. The service is consistently attentive. The restaurant has remained small with only 11 tables. It allows for quiet celebrations from small groups for the majority of the time they are opened in the evening. The menu is small yet favorable. We took the opportunity to try some things we have not had in the past. Food overall was very tasty and flavorful. We ordered just a few of the starters, appetizers and desserts so we could share and all try. We all ordered our own entrees. The presentation of the food and pacing of each course was perfect. The temperature of the food was the only issue we had. Ut was a very hot day and the AC was working overtime. We had a vent directly over us and I feel this is the reason the food cooled so quickly. We ate all but did ask for the steak to be heated up. They promptly did this and checked in later to make sure we were satisfied. Overall- we have always enjoyed The Black Pearl and will be back!

Wow, what an experience... We came in last week for dinner. My wife got a recommendation from a coworker. The restaurant itself is quite small. 12 tables at best in this restaurant. Dimly lit, makes for a great date night spot. Our service by Sean was just amazing. He walked us through the entire menu. Portions are a little small, until the entrees. But it works. :) There are like 6 different courses. -Hors D'oeuves. We shared 2. Chopped cheese & Blue Tartlette. -Starter. White truffle lobster risotto. This was recommended by our Server as it is to be shared. They also have it as an entree. But wanted to sample a smaller course. - Palate cleanser. Lychee Popsicle. This will definitely wake up your taste buds. -Entrees. For her, Maple Leaf Farms Duckling. I chose the Pappardelle Bolognese. Maybe the best I've ever had. -Dessert. Tarte Tatin. We shared this one also. Flaky puff pastry, spiced Granny Smith apples, brown sugar & vanilla whipped cream. This is a special occasion type of place. Highly recommended. Do make reservations at least a week in advance. We did on Opentable. Enjoy your fine dining experience.

Service was exceptional, the only thing better was the food! The menu is semi preset, you select from just a couple items for a 6 course meal. The lobster risotto was one of the best I've ever had. They offer a robust wine menu, and the Sommelier was exceptionally knowledgeable with wonderful recommendations. For tourist and locals alike this is a must do experience!

Awesome! Best service the food omg the food we had tried the lobster risotto and the duck and the steak and the licorice ice crown and white chocolate cake and champagne did I say how Amazing the service was!!!

You know how some restaurants feel like they're trying too hard? Like they're that friend who keeps telling you they CrossFit? The Black Pearl in Dunedin is the opposite of that. It's that friend who casually mentions they can solve a Rubik's cube while cooking a five-star meal - and then actually does it. It's intimate in that "we're-all-in-this-delicious-journey-together" kind of way. The waiter, Shane, is basically the food equivalent of Morgan Freeman - narrating every dish like he's telling you the secrets of the universe. The lobster risotto? It's like if comfort food went to grad school and came back with a PhD in making you happy. This is your new 3 AM food memory. Then there's the pork belly - or as the insiders say,"meat candy." It's what happens when a pig decides to fulfill its destiny of becoming the most luxurious thing you've ever put in your mouth. But the real plot twist? The apple tatin. Listen, this isn't just dessert - this is what every apple pie sees when it closes its eyes and dreams about its future in the Big Apple League. The Black Pearl isn't just a restaurant; It's proof that sometimes the best things do come in small packages - specifically, packages containing 11 tables and a waiter named Shane who deserves his own food documentary series. Already booked my next table because life's too short not to celebrate with great food and equally great company. *in my best Maui voice* - "You're welcome!"

Overall, a great dining experience at The Black Pearl in Dunedin! The Humboldt Fog Tartlette was a dream, perfectly balanced with blue cheese, and that puff pastry? Absolutely divine! The Japanese Milk Bread was delicious, especially when paired with a super garlicky olive oil infused with fresh parsley and mint--so good! For starters, we indulged in Pâté de Foie Gras and the White Truffle Lobster Risotto. The star of the night for me was definitely the lobster risotto. Insanely buttery and soft, it stole my heart. Let's not forget the Black Pearl Salad with its warm poppy seed vinaigrette--one of the best salads I've ever had! Before the entrees arrived, we enjoyed a delightful Caramel Apple Popsicle to cleanse our palates. We ordered three entrees: the Hereford Filet Mignon, Maple Leaf Farms Duckling, and Veal Paillards--all beautifully plated and perfectly cooked. To top it all off, we had the Tarte Tatin for dessert--it was a bit messy and not quite what I expected. Tasty, but I probably wouldn't order it again. An incredible wine selection for all the wine lovers out there.

This restaurant is absolutely perfect. The grouper and filet were amazing. We tried every dessert and everyone was good. Adam the som was hilarious and made the experience exceptional. We will be coming back here every time we are in Clearwater! The atmosphere was really cool and it's a fun experience!

Second time we went to Black Pearl but first time in about a year. First time we were blown away but its excellence. The staff, the music, the menu, the wine. But as the year went on, we would often pass the unassuming storefront and wonder - was it really that good? Were we just imagining this? Well, back for our 7th wedding anniversary, and wow - it is STILL EXCELLENT! Everything about this place is lovely. Tried almost everything on the menu and very excited to take down the pappardelle bolognese leftovers for lunch. Drank the Austin Hope cab; wife went with the filet mignon and a glass (or two?) of the champagne Jeeper. Best restaurant in Tampa Bay in my opinion. Think "The Bear" without the stress!

Quite possibly the best restaurant experience I've had. Went on a Monday night. Sean and Adam made the whole night smooth and delicious.

Dinner at Black Pearl was as close to perfection as we've ever found, and we have tried restaurants all over the country. Intimate but not uncomfortable, ambiance, lighting, and music were all very relaxing and comforting. The wait staff are attentive and very knowledgeable. The wine list is excellent and fairly priced, especially selections by the glass. And, of course, the FOOD. Presentation = spectacular. Pacing from the kitchen = perfect. The attention to detail and the combination of flavors added up to a meal we will be talking about for a very long time. A truly wonderful dining experience!

I reviewed this place before and somehow it disappeared. To summarize: the entrance door (at the time) was about to fall off the hinges), the music (at the time) was Rod Stewart singing classic "romance"' songs on a boombox, my better half's food was severely undercooked- nothing says happy anniversary like raw chicken, and the serving ware was damaged. The oddest part of the entire overpriced experience was the waiter telling us he had brought the serving ware from home. Can't make this up!

We went here right after we got engaged, and we enjoyed it very much. It is a beautiful, small restaurant with the most incredible service. I cannot remember what we ordered because it was several months ago. However, I remember everyone liked their dishes and we left in a very good mood. The sommelier's recommendations were spot on. We will definitely go back next time we are in Tampa area.

Is the Black Pearl the best Resturant East of the bay? Yes. By far. Bottle of wine, Caesar salad, foie something, best filet ever, more wine, lobster claw, French press coffee and bananas foster and chocolate cake. The best.

To start, parking was a bit challenging. Restaurant small (11 tables) very dark and a bit cold. Service was great. Jay was our server. Food at best was mediocre. Pricey. Bread, black pearl salad and palate cleanser good. Pork belly was delicious. My husband had Bolognese and paparedelle. Sauce was just ok. Pasta a little tough for home made. My sea bass was good. I ordered a side of poached lobster claws. Claws were very dry! We had bananas foster for dessert which was very good. We enjoyed our evening, but most likely will not go back. It was just ok.

Really enjoyed most of our meal. I ordered the filet mignon and it was fantastic. My husband ordered the duck and it was very dry. It had good flavor but the meat was def. on the dry side. Felt like it needed a sauce or something. Not worth sending back or complaining since it still had good flavor though. Wine was amazing. Service was amazing. Will try again!

Nestled in the heard of Downtown Dunedin, the Black Pearl is a one-of-a-kind restaurant with some of the highest quality cuisine I've experienced. From the moment I stepped into the black pearl, I was treated like royalty. If I didn't know better, I would have thought I was the only customer in the whole restaurant with the type of service I was receiving. Our waiter started us off with two tastes of different white wines, which paired perfectly with our starters and main dishes. He explained every aspect of every dish to us and left us with no questions about the menu. The menu included a light (one to two bite) starter, followed by appetizers, then a delicious salad followed by your main courses. I ordered the filet with mashed potatoes and asparagus, and it was perfectly charred and cut like butter. Although extremely pricey, everything we ate and drank was perfect, and the experience at the black pearl was like no other. I will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu!

This is a 5 star establishment!! I highly recommend this restaurant for a special occasion with your favorite person (people). Dress to impress and enjoy being treated to an upscale dining experience!!!

The best yet.... Everything made the evening perfect. The service was exceptional, both the waiter and sommelier, I wish I remembered their names but just so friendly and knowledgeable. We did the wine pairing, our first time. I would absolutely recommend, it really rounds out the entire experience. And of course the food is delicious. Thank you for a wonderful evening and for making memories and traditions.

All I can say is, if you have a special occassion, this is the place to celebrate! Make sure you make reservations well in advance in that they only have 12 tables. It is well worth it!

I got lucky and was able to get a reservation during Restaurant Week 2023 (the only place I chose this round). I enjoyed all the different, perfect portioned food samplings. I ate it all and left with a perfectly full stomach. Friendly service, especially as I was solo. Ambiance is upscale. Tiny restaurant as well. I really enjoyed the risotto!

While traveling to the Dunedin, Clearwater, and St. Pete area for work/real estate, we were on the hunt for a fine dining experience. Google led us to The Black Pearl, and despite it being 9 PM, they graciously accommodated us. What followed was one of the most memorable and delicious meals we've ever had! From start to finish, every course was a delight, and the atmosphere was both quaint and luxurious. The food was an 11 out of 10! We highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time, as this popular spot is known for its out-of-this-world cuisine.

Food was good. Super crammed in and crowded. Sea bass was good. Appetizer was tiny. The palette cleanser was stupid. Not impressed.

The Black Pearl is my absolute favorite restaurant in all of Tampa Bay! It's going to take a lot to top them. This is fine dining with a price tag to match so go in prepared. My bill for 2 people only 1 drink each was $240. Note: they automatically add gratuity to the check no matter the size of your party. Mostly a special occasions restaurant from what I could tell. So next Birthday, promotion, business launch or engagement, treat yourself here! This is a very small restaurant in downtown Dunedin and reservations are a MUST. Parking can be challenging so allow time. When you walk in it's a small quaint setting with romantic lighting and only a handful of tables. Each table is set with white linen tablecloths, wine glasses and a vase with roses. Dress code is semi formal to formal Service is attentive All dishes are made by the executive chef himself with care and precision. After all of the reviews we started with the Lobster Risotto and it did not disappoint. A must try For both entrees we chose the Hereford Filet. Another fine selection. For the Finale a decadent chocolate cake and the cardamom crème brulee. Both divine. A nice touch that stood out to me was the palate cleanser they bring between meals. I would recommend this restaurant to anybody that can afford it. Loved the Black Pearl The only criticism I have is that I do wish the restaurant was a bit larger because it felt a little awkward like everybody could hear your conversation and felt a bit stuffy being against the wall in a 2 top. There was also a large wealthy party that hired their own musician or something that we were forced to listen to at a loud volume for half of the meal and couldn't hear each other. I understand catering to customers but the restaurant is too small for all of that without imposing greatly on others.

My most recent visit to Black Pearl was mixed. I do enjoy the small, intimate atmosphere but the service was not up to upscale expectations. The booths are dated and hard to get in and out of and it feels as if they need a bit of a face lift in decor. The menu was a bit disappointing for late spring. The flavors were more of a fall profile. The food was good but not exceptional. The wine list is better than our previous visit. We did enjoy an excellent bottle.

I've been wanting to eat here for years and I'm so glad I did. It's a very romantic and intimate restaurant, it's great for special occasions or if you want to wine and dine. I did notice people not adhere to the dress code which was a little annoying since it isn't a cheap spot to eat. Reservations can be made online and it is all street parking. Service - Sean was my server and he was fantastic. Took a minute to break down that super fancy demeanor but he was awesome. Speaking of service, I believe they add on 20% gratutity but I had one too many glases of wine and didn't have my itemized receipt so I couldn't tell you LOL! I even tried calling and emailing the restaurant because I wanted to make sure I took care of Sean. No response yet! Food - everything was outstanding. I had the pork belly which I could cut with a fork. Black Pearl salad comes w every entree it was okay, I could go without it. They also bring out these frozen palate cleanser things. I didnt eat mine. For my entree, I got the filet with lobster claws. And it was delicious. For dessert I had the bananas foster and white chocolate cake. Wine - they only serve beer and wine but their wine list is great and Sean made great recommendations. I'm taking my husband here for his birthday.

Hands down the BEST restaurant in Dunedin. Very small, quaint, and up scale restaurant. The servers were on it. We were there for a post graduation celebrate and they were all so delighted. Additionally, it's always hard to find restaurants that will accommodate tree nut allergies and they did! Got the filet and lobster risotto. Yummy! The best filet I've ever had. Stands up against other high end steak restaurants. Thank you to the staff for making it memorable.

Outstanding! The food was amazing and the service was excellent. It's a great date night spot. The best restaurant in Tampa Bay!

Definitely a Top 5 Tampa Bay restaurant. Every item was scrumptious. And the sommelier was spot on with suggestions. Service was mostly impeccable, though we sat for 10min with empty entree plates and needed water. A blip, however this establishment is quite special and well deserves its top rating.

Perfectly low-key, elegant, and intimate. Wait staff are professionals. Best restaurant in all of Dunedin by far.

Everything about our dinner was perfect. The sommelier Adam, knew his craft and was spot on with all selections. Food was amazing and we will definitely be going back!

Found this gem on Yelp while looking for a place to dine on my 58th birthday. Located in the charming City of Dunedin, Florida. Restaurant is small, which made for a more intimate dining experience. Decor was simply elegant. We were presented with a nine course meal with wine pairing available. What a memorable way to celebrate my birthday!! The wait staff was very attentive, professional, and knowledge. The restaurant even had a sommelier. Wines by the glass and bottle were overpriced but they do pour generous portions. All food items immaculately plated with precision. So pleasing to the sight. The lobster risotto was cooked perfectly and palatable. Pork belly was crispy yet melted in your mouth. Delicious!! This is the first time I've ever raved about a salad but the Black Pearl Salad is worthy of praise. The warm vinegrette someone accentuated the taste of the salad. I wished I had more!! I had the Chilean Sea Bass. Cook on the fish was spot on!! Delicate. Flavorful. My husband opted for the Filet Mignon, medium rare. Perfectly seasoned cooked. So soft and moist. A must is the warm Figgy Pudding. Oh my!! What a great ending to a completely wonderful dining experience. Highly revommend!!

Reservations 6 pm on Saturday, Sept 10th. Three foodies arrive right on time on a rainy night. We enter and are greeted by the sommelier. We know the minute we walk in the door that this will be an experience and not just a meal. I can't quite put my finger on it but it just feels like home. Everyone is working together and both guest and employees all seem happy. We debate between a bottle of Cab or a Pinot. The sommelier helps us with our choice after a discussion of the menu and the winner is a medium bodied Cab that is just delicious. We ordered the lobster risotto as a starter to share. It is creamy, cheesy with pistachios that add such an interesting depth of flavor. The black pearl salad is delivered. It is perfect in its simplicity. The nutty brown bread was also delivered with complex flavors. It was soft like a muffin on this inside but crispy on the outside. The entremet is a blackberry sangria to cleanse the palate. The wait staff is bustling and it feels happy and energetic. We are eagerly anticipating the main courses of Sea bass, papperadelle and, lastly, the rack of lamb. I am fortunate to have friends that are happy to ask for sharing plates so we can appreciate everything. Appreciate is just what we did. All three are so different but oh so good. The only dig I would give is that broccoli was served with all entrees and I wish we had something else to try. The wine is still flowing and we concur that life is better with dessert. We order the bananas foster that has a twist of a banana bread base and cinnamon friend ice cream. It is just exquisite with every bite. We are happy, satiated and await the check. Wait....they bring a decadent finale of a homemade dark chocolate to finish off an amazing experience. I highly recommend this restaurant but more for an experience than just a meal.

Amazing restaurant for a romantic dinner or important date to celebrate. It's small and cozy. Same chef, same waiters, same menu. I love their risotto. It's a high end place in Dunedin and I would get a reservation because they cook for the number of the expected guests.

The experience here is top-notch. You have a personal waiter that is very attentive to everything (if you're napkin falls, they will pick it up and put it back. If your silverware is crooked, they will fix it.) This place is so small and you definitely have to make a reservation ahead of time. The experience and the food is unlike any other place we have been. Definitely worth booking in advance for a special occasion- you'll be treated like a queen!

Love love love this place! Food and service exceptional! Everything was special and whole staff was superb. We tried variety, it was 6 of us and everything was tasty with impeccable presentation!

While the wine selection at this upscale restaurant was impressive, boasting a variety of flavors and regions, the overall dining experience left much to be desired. Despite the hefty price tag, the hors d'oeuvres one bite but delicious. Appetizers of lobster risotto and escargot were dreamy, out entree, failed to meet expectations, lacking in both taste and presentation. Duck (overcooked) sea bass (bland) Additionally, the unnecessary upselling of the most expensive glass of wine on the menu felt like a tactic to inflate the bill rather than enhance the dining experience. Overall, while the wine was enjoyable, the lackluster food and overpriced offerings make it unlikely that I'll return. Very unfortunate as we were recommended this establishment by several confidants.

The appetizer and salad were great but the steak and veal were mediocre. For big prices I expect great food.

We've heard great things about The Black Pearl and walked past the restaurant hundreds of times. Thankfully we finally tried it and were blown away. Cute and cozy atmosphere, incredible service from all the waitstaff and sommelier, and the food was amazing. One of the best dinning experiences we've had. Every dish was full of taste with beautiful presentation. Excellent wine list. Prices are on the higher side, but appropriate. We will definitely return again soon.

Considered by many as one of the best fine dining experiences in Dunedin, The Black Pearl provides a small intimate environment with about 10 tables. Table service is well planned and executed, they set the pace allowing ample time for each course to be enjoyed with complimentary surprises between courses to achieve a seamless transition from beginning to end. The food is a parade of appetizing and gratifying dishes. The chef delivers to each ypatron a freshly made and tediously perfected array of food. A delectable harmony of flavors and scents vibrantly displayed. A few of my favorites include the Lobster Risotto, Sea Bass Lyonaisse and the Lamb Chops. On my last visit I had a Chocolate Cake that was ambrosial and a white wine that paired with my sea bass, a silky and luscious Pouilly-Fuisse (Albert Bichot) that had legs like Betty Grable. While each table has a server, they work as a team, in concert to provide a flawless performance. The Sommelier, Adam, glides effortlessly around the room bestowing pairing advice by the glass or bottle. Add this place to your bucket list, the cost can be daunting especially with wine and bubbly pairings, however, it's a very romantic and exceptional experience to be savored to the fullest.

Definitely a diamond in the rough. Very small and quaint but worth every penny. From the steak to the appetizers to the wine. It is a michelin restaurant for a reason.

Service was impeccable. Ambiance, very intimate. Sommelier introduced us to amazing wine options that we both loved and then some. Apps: Pork belly app always a solid choice. Squash soup, delicious. Salads: Cesar great; House, a tad to sweet and overdressed for my liking. Entrees, filet mignon beautiful/perfect. Veal, extremely under-impressed with both flavor/presentation. Bummer for the baby cow unfortunately.. I think it died in vain. Dessert, amazing. Overall, enjoyed. I'd like to see what the chef creates in the future.

For a fancy night of great food and wine, this is the place! We go about once a year to have a wonderful meal and experience. The place has maybe 15 tables or so. They definitely can do many items gluten free, as all dishes are made to order and they'll modify if needed. Try it out!!

Wow! The Black Pearl is a very special place. Intimate, about 11-12 tables. You'll need reservations, time to enjoy and be prepared, it's on the pricey side. We went last night for an early anniversary celebration and it was truly exceptional. The maitre-de is also a sommelier to help with wine selections. The staff was excellent. They knew the menu inside and out, timed everything perfectly, made suggestions and our meal perfect. We ordered the Raclette Fondu which is basically a bite just to start. The lobster risotto is magnificent. You really must order this if you go. It's rich, creamy and just so full of flavor. The entrees come with the Black Pearl Salad which was bright, fresh and just enough before our entrees. Wife got the Hereford filet mignon and said it was the best she's had in Tampa Bay (that's saying a lot). I had the Colorado Lamb Shank that was glorious. Rich flavor, fall off the bone meat, yummy! Dessert is always a tough call due to so many options. We went with the tried and true Apple Tarte Tatin. It was perfection. We each had a glass of chardonnay from Burgundy, France and it was just the right wine to accompany our meal. In sum, if you have a special occasion you want to celebrate and have the time, funds and palette, you will love The Black Pearl!

We had a lovely dinner last night at the Black Pearl for my husband's birthday. The food was excellent and the ambiance was so romantic. It's a small intimate restaurant with exceptional service. We will definitely return!

This needs to be your go to special occasion spot Every course was exquisite We started with 2 Amuses. Grilled cheese and the pork belly tacos. Bite sized perfection. I also recommend paying extra for the homemade butter for the bread. Raspberry basil flavored. I ordered 2 appetizers - foie gras and pork belly. Foie was served with fig jam and caramelized almond bar. Served also with crackers. So good you could eat the foie gras with a spoon. 9/10 Pork belly - 3 pieces of pork belly served on top of cheese grits. Each piece paired with a different flavor and color oil. So the presentation was also immaculate. 10/10 My friend ordered the filet. It includes mashed potatoes and broccoli. She really enjoyed it. For dessert I highly recommend the bananas foster. It comes with banana bread ala mode with caramel sauce. 10/10

The steak was burnt. The duck was dry the escargo was in an awful cream sauce. I don't want to ever go back.

Have you ever gone to a restaurant not knowing what to expect? Well this was appropriately named "The Black Pear". It is a rare gem in an ocean of cookie cutter food restaurants. You are greeted at the door, not by the topical " How many or How many in your group?" Rather by a well-dressed, very well spoken young man. (Mental note at 63 everyone is younger than me.) Who asks you name as well as do you have a reservation. Which is suggested/needed on special occasions. You are led to your table, sat, he places your napkin on your lap then introduces your waiter. By now you are thinking, this is great. You haven't yet had the full experience. The chef is amazing with his preparation as well as presentation. The wines can be paired for you by their Somalia. They have selections from all over the world. This is an event that must be experienced.

Honestly, the overall experience was disappointing, although the service and food were fair. Our main server didn't seem overly friendly, in fact, almost too businesslike. It's as if they know the 20% tip is automatically included in the bill, perhaps, not sure? Food was good, but definitely not at par for the cost, in my opinion. $7 for whipped butter, bread was not warm; and didn't seem freshly made as it was a bit dry. My steak dinner was served lukewarm; not worth sending back, but for $50+, it was disappointing. The room itself was extremely dark, nothing to brag about, no candlelit tables & music sound track needs updating. I don't normally give poor reviews, but for the prices on the menu, I think the place could do better, especially at a $110+ per person's dinner & wine. I hope they do better.