The clue is in the name: Pearl Brasserie is just that – a pearl of a place, almost hidden from view and beloved by savvy diners for 16 years. Next door to The Merrion Hotel Sebastien Masi and Kirsten Batt’s chic Dublin restaurants a worthy neighbour to such salubrious accommodation. Luxurious, innovative and sophisticated it’s been serving consistently excellent food since opening in 2000.
A warren of interconnecting rooms, this subterranean space is both stylish and intimate, with a little bar and several cosy booths and nooks. Always busy, you’re as likely to find well-informed tourists here as you are food-loving friends, business folk or chefs on their nights off.
From the warmest of welcomes to the charming table service, dining in Pearl is always a pleasure. Staff are mostly French, impeccably trained and perfectly knowledgeable, but the real star is Frenchman Sebastien, whose sophisticated cooking has remained as fresh, exciting and beautiful as it was when Pearl first opened.
Dazzling flavours, classic pairings and beautiful presentation are the MO here, with a focus on the seasonal and local. Starters like goat’s cheese with smoked eel, truffled honey and hazelnut or maybe fresh crabmeat with horseradish, Gubbeen croquettes and smoked mayonnaise demonstrate that this is no ordinary brasserie.
Sublime shellfish, prime cuts, a gorgeous cheese trolley and a full vegetarian menu ensure everyone is spoilt for choice.
Pearl has always had a superb wine offering, and its list has been compiled with due care and attention. 18 wines are offered by the glass with France especially well represented. There’s a good cocktail offering too.
In a town where new restaurants are stealing the limelight every month it’s reassuring to know that the gems like Pearl are as delightful, and as relevant, as the day they first opened.
