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Pearl Street Raw Bar & Restaurant
Master Critic Review
Pearl Street Raw Bar & Restaurant
9.0
Pearl Street Raw Bar & Restaurant is an intimate raw bar and chef's counter in DUMBO, built around pristine oysters, crudos and composed seafood plates. A reservations-only format, focused tasting-style menus and a strong wine list make it a destination for serious shellfish just off the cobblestones.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal East Coast oyster selection, Caviar Frito Pie, Chef's seafood tasting menu
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Ten-seat raw bar where the chef builds seafood menus around daily market finds.
Who should go: Shellfish lovers seeking an intimate, reservation-only raw bar.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings when the counter feels most focused.
What to order: Oysters flight, caviar Frito pie, seasonal crudo selection.
Insider tip: Book bar seats; interaction with the chef transforms the experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited, especially near Pearl Street; nearby garages on Front St. and Jay St. usually have space but can run premium evening rates.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning elevated; polished denim is acceptable but most diners opt for dress shirts, blouses, or upscale casual attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate; the ten-seat counter remains intimate enough for focused conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Essentially no walk-in availability; the reservation-only model means you will not be seated without a booking.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is not typically offered; all service revolves around evening seatings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—occasional vegetable small plates or sides, but the menu is seafood-driven with few non-seafood mains.
Vegan options: Not recommended for vegans; options are minimal to none.
Gluten-free options: Strong gluten-free support—most raw and crudo dishes are naturally gluten-free, and staff can guide substitutions where applicable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for a date that values intimacy and culinary focus. The chef’s counter format creates a shared experience that feels elevated without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely; with only about ten seats, walk-ins are almost never accommodated. Book in advance and monitor late-day cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the intimate counter, tasting-style format, and long courses are better suited to adults and older teens with adventurous palates.
Best For
Better for: Exceptional for pristine oysters, seasonal crudos, and a chef-driven raw bar experience you won’t find at larger seafood restaurants in the area.
Skip if: You want a broad seafood menu with cooked entrées, group-friendly seating, or options for diners who don’t eat shellfish.