Pearl Restaurant + Bar

631-633 Church St,
Richmond, VIC 3121
(03) 9421 4599
Food: Modern Australian, with Asian influences
Website: www.pearlrestaurant.com.au
Date visited: 9th May 2009

Excited and hungry, we arrived at Pearl about 10 minutes before our reservation time - luckily, because it took us a while to find a free spot amongst the permit-zone dominated parking spaces. The decor inside is sleek and glamorous, with white leather chairs and bar stools, and smooth linen-draped tables.

Unfortunately, we waited just over ONE HOUR for a table that we had booked, the service was hostile and the waiters seemed a tad on the gruff side. Thankfully, the food was sensational, and immediately lifted our spirits! (when does it not?) While waiting at the bar, we ordered half a dozen fresh oysters with a delicious spicy dressing, but I was so irritated by that stage that I refused to take any photos. I can't believe they charged us for it as well! I shall let these photos speak for themselves:

Watermark Banana Prawns stuffed with Noosa Spanner Crab, Coriander and Coconut Cream, Hot and Sour Sauce with Cucumber

Macleay Valley White Rabbit stuffed with Red Grapes, wrapped in Prosciutto, Verjus Sauce with Chestnut Risotto, Caramelised Shallots and Braised Beetroot Stems

This dish should also include grilled rabbit liver, but the kitchen was said to have run out of it for the night. We chose to order it anyway; the description was just too tempting! We also shared a side of juicy pine mushrooms with our mains.

Roast Red Duck Curry, a Crispy Fried Egg, Shallots, Mint, Sweet Fish Sauce and Coconut Rice - Pearl's Signature Dish

Tapioca Crusted Red Snapper, Fried Japanese Eggplant, Spicy Longan and Pomelo Vinaigrette with Forbidden Rice

Back: Persian Fairy Floss (saffron, vanilla, chocolate) and Pistachio Nougat
Front: Selvatica ‘Lush Tropical Rain Forest’ Chocolate Mousse with Nocello Jelly, Chocolate Foam, Nut Crumble and Chocolate Pearls