Pearl Cafe

6.8 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  6     

I read the reviews and agree and disagree with them. Breakfast was a bit average, but dinner was really enjoyable. The service was probably just a bit too slick for Brisbane diners.

Mar 07, 2012 

3.5 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  4      Service  3      Value  3     

Service must have improved at the door as I experienced none of this rudeness this past weekend, however, step inside the restaurant and it is another story.

I didn't experience rudeness, just very slow service to have the order taken and then another 30 minute wait to receive my food. This was after waiting 20 minutes at the door for a seat.

Breakfast food is below average, extremely over priced, and lacked any substance in its taste. I asked for a side of avocado, only to be told they couldn't do that, as its not offered on the menu as a side. Avocado is offered with the sardines if you chose that dish, but the kitchen couldn't possibly do a side of avocado not offered on the menu. Go figure!

I have to say the cakes looked amazing as you walk past, but I didn't venture here after the lackluster brunch snd was not going to part with any more of my hard earned dollars for poor quality food.

Pearl is an overrated, over priced cafe of substandard food, that I have no idea why the amount of people who go to this place do. I won't be back.

Feb 05, 2012 

4.3 Below Average

Food  6      Ambience  7      Service  1      Value  3     

Such a pity when a pleasant time with friends are spoilt by disappointing service. Reading the other bad reports on Pearl Cafe staff it is amazing that customer service counts for so little!

Feb 04, 2011 

2.8 Not Recommended

Food  4      Ambience  2      Service  1      Value  4     

We rang days before and were told they don't take bookings for Sat breakfast, but it would be a 10-15 minutes wait, tops, if they were busy. Well they were busy but they were lying. A small group of 3, dressed nicely, we waited over an hour in the cold for a table and the staff kept letting pairs further back in the queue ahead of us. The guy in charge was snippy to the point of confrontational rudeness, when we queried the unreasonable wait.

The food coming out to customers on the footpath looked ok, pity we didn't get any. After 1 hour 12 minutes they were still telling us it wouldn't be long. We walked away and within minutes had a perfectly lovely breakfast at the Chalk Hotel up the street. First and last time I'd bother with the Pearl. They lose on all counts, but esp. attitude.

May 08, 2010 

5 Average

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  2      Value  4     

I agree with the comments about the staff. They are terribly rude. Which is a shame because Dan the owner is so lovely and I have enjoyed all of the cafes and restaurants he has been involved with over the years. The food is superb, but the staff keep me from going back. Their manner at the door when things are busy is particularly offputting.

Mar 31, 2010 

6 Average

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  1      Value  7     

This establishment has great food and fitout, it's such a shame their staff seem to have an elitist attitude towards customers. Not only have I experienced this poor level of service three times but my family members have also experienced it on separate visits. How do they expect to get people coming back time and again when they treat people as though they are not welcome. I have eaten in places far cheaper and far dearer than this around the world and experienced way better service from places you wouldn't think had the ability to provide good service.

On the up side the food is great, but I won't return just for the food and/or ambience. To me it's about the execution of food, ambience and service together- sorry but 2 out of 3 isn't good enough when it's the service side of things letting you down.

If they were to improve their service and treat paying customers with respect I'd be likely to return, unfortunately, it will take a lot for me to come back which is a shame because I love the food.

Feb 04, 2010 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  9     

So nice! Made special vegie meals for us because I am vego, I love that its BYO - excellent, friendly services, one of the best I have been to for so long! The most delicious smoked tomato cannelloni.

Jan 28, 2010 

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

Beautiful flavours, friendly helpful service, great atmosphere.

Oct 12, 2009 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  6     

Some of the strongest and best coffee I have tasted in Brisbane. Food is excellent with a bit of a French influence I think. Parking is a nightmare at peak times and you have to meter park as there is no free street parking nearby. Prices are a touch high though matches the quality of the food.

Sep 28, 2009 

10 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

I had an amazing experience at Pearl on Wednesday morning, the staff were so friendly to our needs and always there to take an order or help with my kids. I have to give the biggest Props. to the pastry chef, her cakes and delicious muffins baked fresh every morning made my daughters day. Thanks to everyone there, I'll be back in no time at all!

Sep 14, 2009