Pearl by Jun Tanaka

Finally had dinner at Pearl after months of postponing, and the long awaited dinner was a little bit of a disappointment.

The setting of the restaurant is nice, quite modern, but with soft lights; the space is vast but not noisy, with a slightly 90's American feel to it (piano bar, marble walls, rows of beads every which way you look).

The food was OK, but not to the standard I expected. The tortellinis served with my starter were undercooked, which I guess set the tone and didn't make a very good first impression. I had a lemon sole as a main - the fish was cooked to perfection and the razor clams gratin was delicious, unfortunately, the pool of lemon juice that accompanied the sauce took over and made the flavours feel rather disjointed.

My dessert on the other hand (caramelised apples with thyme ice cream and salted caramel mousse) was everything I expected and more - absolutely delicious. And the cheese board is the best I had seen in a very long time.

The pre-starter and pre-dessert were quite surprising and very, very good.

I would give Pearl another try, but would not recommend it for a special occasion - there are too many other options for a fantastic dinner in that price range and under. We did not drink wine, which kept the bill fairly reasonable all things considered, but I expect I would take a different stance had we ordered a bottle.

My overall feeling is that Pearl is a good restaurant, but which fails to deliver what it advertises.
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Emma M
8 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Thursday, February 11, 2010

I was disappointed by Pearl, mainly because the whole experience was so inconsistent.

Service was either attentive and thorough, or slapdash and lacking attention to detail.

The main course of wild duck for 2 stood out as a highlight. However, it was followed by a chocolate fondant served in a jar - pretty, but totally impractical.

My husband has a lot of food intolerances and we provided the complete list on booking. However, it was almost like the restaurant had only received half the list - on the amuse bouches tray, he could eat half of them but not the other half.

The atmosphere is a bit odd - the restaurant is next to the hotel's piano bar and the live singing accompanying my meal was personally not to my taste.

For another £20 a head, you could get an infinitely better experience elsewhere.
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JCA
4 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 4
Tuesday, December 22, 2009

We went as a group of ten for our Christmas lunch. After 5 hours of opulent but not obsequious pampering and truly delicious food we emerged into winter gloom. The bubble was burst. The Pearl offers a simple but perfectly formed menu and outstanding service. The only downside; wine really is expensive, though the list is superb. It is just possible to find an acceptable bottle under £35.
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8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Saturday, December 12, 2009

I went here to celebrate my 30th birthday and it was exactly what I wanted for the occasion. The service was excellent - my wine glass got filled as if by magic and staff were accommodating of a few extra people that joined my group later in the evening.

The menu was limited to three choices per course as we were a party of more than five people. I had partridge to start. I had never tasted partridge before and enjoyed it. For main course I had beef ravioli, which was fine but I found the combination of flavours a bit bizarre. Everyone with me agreed that the desserts were amazing, but some of us certainly were not so keen on the unusual flavours and textures that were served up.

I enjoyed a cocktail in the bar after dinner and would like to go back to sample more of them. Food in the restaurant and cocktails in the bar were both beautifully presented.
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8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Excellent food , great service for price.

Lovely , polite and helpful people

Dessert was extra-ordinary
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C Z , U.K - View all reviews by this user
9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Saturday, October 10, 2009

I'm gutted - brought my wife here for her birthday this week and was hoping for a great food experience. Unfortunately it was a disappointment.

On the layout, it looks like an old bank with pillars and high ceiling etc. It looked cavernous to be honest and needed to be full to create a good atmosphere. It was only a third full when we dined there.

The service is good and the staff are knowledgeable and very friendly. No complaints there.

To the food, I ordered rabbit to start which had to be taken back as I could not physically eat it. It had not been cooked properly. This lead the kitchen to remove the whole rabbit starter from the menu for the evening. Then to the main, which was lamb. It was served on a slate, with kous kous and some sort of foam scattered randomly. There was a nut or two and a pastry. It all looked like they were trying so hard to be cool but it didn't do it for me sadly. My wife agreed that the lamb dish wasn't quite up to the standards that the restaurant advertises.

The wine was fantastic but Pearl didn't have to prepare that !

We were then give an extra dessert course to compensate for the rabbit but that's not what we really wanted overall.

The bill was very steep and felt I didn't get value for money since my starter and main provided a well below par gastronomic experience.

So am overall not too impressed with this place and would not recommend it to a friend.

One0One in Knightsbridge or Artisan in Westbury Hotel are much better options for a special occasion. Sorry Pearl :(
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6 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5
Friday, September 25, 2009

Dined here a few weeks ago and had to review this restaurant - it is fantastic!!!!

The food was presented like something I have never seen before and tasted to die for. The restaurant is formal but not stuffy or arrogant and the staff are helpful and friendly but professional - we will definately be going back and I cannot wait!!!!
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- View all reviews by this user
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Saturday, August 08, 2009

had lunch there yesterday with a client. i can't remember the last time i had such a great meal. it was beautifully presented and tasted even better. the staff were very helpful and knowledgeable. the somellier took time to explain things without the stuffy attitude you sometimes get. i will certainly be going back.
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9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, June 10, 2009

I eat here quite often (once every month or so) and I think it's one of the most perfect restaurants for a variety of occasions - birthdays, business lunches, impressing someone, romantic dinners...

The flavours are well balanced, the ingredients are of top quality, the menu is always varied to suit all tastes and the service is polite, friendly and personal without being overwhelming as it is in some restaurants. The petit fours served with the coffee are always a lovely treat as well.

Overall, this is a lovely restaurant that hits all the right spots for me and I will be returning again and again.
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10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, October 02, 2008

I went to Pearl with a friend for dinner and had the most fantastic experience.

The welcome was friendly and the service was friendly and attentive. Never had to ask for anything as top ups and more bread was offered before I realised I needed it.

The food is well presented with amazing flavours. Most difficult part of the evening was deciding what to have. Some unusual flavour combinations that work surprisingly well! The pre starters and pre desserts are a nice touch.

Wine selection is vast, but after speaking to the sommelier he was able to recommend the perfect wine for my budget.

A great experience and I will be returning soon.
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RC
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Friday, September 19, 2008