Business Details
About
RestaurantSeafood RestaurantBar
A restaurant, tavern and oyster room, The Pearl will introduce an expansive menu of chef-inspired cuisine featuring made-from-scratch entrees, shareable plates and seasonal oysters complemented by handcrafted cocktails, a carefully curated wine list and a rotating selection of ales, lagers and stouts.
Details
- Dine-inAvailable
- Requires reservationsNot available
- Credit cardAvailable
- DebitAvailable
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.4
1,309 reviews
5 stars
949
4 stars
173
3 stars
73
2 stars
47
1 star
67
- CECourtney Ellsworth4 days ago5.0Gorgeous location, fantastic service. Food was good, but probably a little overpriced. Didn’t love the steak (really strong umami flavor and I was expecting something sweeter with the pineapple infusion - it could be great for someone else). Loved the cornbread, the salmon was lovely, the desserts were fantastic.
- JDJustin DitmoreOct 13, 20254.0The place is a great blend of modern and older style pirate theme that fits Tampa bay perfectly. Food was great and so was service, only issues were a piece of shell in my fired oysters and hard pits in the devils on horseback. Definitely will eat those with caution but will definitely come back after I get my filling fixed.
- NVNicholas VerdugoOct 13, 20253.0Food was solid overall. We ordered a cuban sandwich, two steaks, fish and chips, and scallops. Both steaks were ordered medium rare, and one was served the temp as ordered, but the other was served nearly raw and had to be sent back. Service was not a highlight, though. We asked our waitress if certain food was dairy-free, and were told that "if it's listed as gluten free, then yes.", which was a somewhat confusing response but we accepted it. One of the people in my group has a dairy allergy and ordered fish and chips, which we were told was dairy free. She ended up having stomach issues and cramps all night after eating here. Also, our waitress was very slow with coming to the table - drinks were ordered in batches because she would leave after taking two or three of our drink orders and we had to ask for someone to help us so we could order entrees. We were at the Pearl for 2.5 hours total and it took over an hour for us to be able to order our entrees.
- JMJaki MarinoOct 12, 20255.0⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Pearl – Tampa From the moment we walked in, everything just felt right. The vibe was inviting, the service was on point, and the food… well, let’s just say our taste buds were doing a happy dance. We started with the jalapeño cornbread, and if comfort food had a heartbeat, this would be it — warm, a little sweet, and that perfect kick of heat that wakes up your senses. The hanger steak was tender and packed with flavor, cooked exactly how I like it. My wife ordered the redfish, and I have to admit, I caught a little plate envy — flaky, perfectly seasoned, and fresh enough to make you feel like you’re dining by the coast. Big shoutout to Darren, the manager, who went above and beyond when we mentioned we don’t eat pork. He personally took the time to point out the non-pork options and made sure everything we ordered aligned. That kind of attention sticks with you. Our server Roxy was another highlight — warm, sharp, and full of great recommendations. She clearly knows the menu inside and out. If I had one small note, the garlic shrimp tasted a bit different than the skillet version we had about a month ago — not bad at all, just… different. But we chalked it up to the chef trying something new. We closed it all out with their fresh French pie, and let me tell you — if you’re reading this, do yourself a favor and get it with the brown sugar. It’s not just dessert; it’s a memory. All in all, The Pearl nailed it again. Great food, great people, and a sense of genuine care that you can taste in every bite. We’ll definitely be back.
- MSMargaret StreeterOct 4, 20251.0**RIPOFF ALERT** I’m a vegetarian, I don’t eat seafood, we were charged $60 for ONE plate of VEGETABLES last night. How is one plate of veggies more expensive than any of their seafood meals. I had mashed potato, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots and French fries on one plate. We also received our drinks after our main meal arrived. Really disappointing. The ambiance and decor is nice. I’ll never go back because of this ripoff and zero vegetarian options apart from salad.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Pearl Tampa
Does The Pearl at Water Street in Tampa offer specials?
Yes! The Pearl at Water Street in Tampa offers Oyster Hour every Monday through Thursday from 2 – 5 pm in the Tavern Bar. Enjoy freshly shucked $2 Oysters on the half shell. For current promotions, check The Pearl’s website!
Does The Pearl at Water Street in Tampa offer specialty cocktails?
Yes! The Pearl at Water Street in Tampa is home to the famous Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned and Manhattan cocktails along with expertly-composed classic cocktails and exclusive standouts like the Bourbon.Bacon.Beautiful and The Cure – a rotating punch selection made with seasonal ingredients. Cocktails are updated from time to time so be sure to check The Pearl’s website to see the current Cocktail List.
Does The Pearl at Water Street in Tampa serve craft beer?
Yes! The Pearl at Water Street in Tampa has a well-rounded selection of locally-produced premium quality draught craft beers and a few unique offerings from outside Tampa Bay. The Draught selection includes local favorites from Cigar City Brewing, Copper Tail Brewing, Woven Water Brewing Co. Green Bench Brewing and Tampa Bay Brewing Co. Selections change so check the Beer List at The Pearl website for the current line-up.
Can The Pearl at Water Street in Tampa accommodate large parties?
Yes! The Pearl at Water Street in Tampa offers a private dining room with seating for up to 32 guests available weekdays and evenings for special private events. Visit The Pearl website to view a Private Dining Brochure for our Tampa location. You can submit a private dining request form or call the restaurant. For parties of greater than 6 guests at any time, we recommend calling the restaurant to discuss your plans and complete your reservation.
Is The Pearl at Water Street in Tampa a fancy restaurant?
The Pearl’s Tampa, Florida location is a gathering place serving shareable fare, an oyster bar offering a generous selection of raw and cooked seafood delicacies, with a comfortable, lively covered patio for open-air dining. Drop in and grab a stool at the marble counter and watch oysters being shucked and seafood towers prepped while you enjoy dressed Blue Crab or a New England Clam Chowder. Bring friends for an after-work happy hour and share some Devils on Horseback or drop in for dinner to sample the famous Southern Fried Chicken dinner complete with warm cinnamon roll. The vibe is lively and warm with plentiful seating in booths, banquettes, high-top tables and the breezy patio.
Does The Pearl at Water Street in Tampa accept reservations?
Reservations are not required but they are recommended. If OpenTable is showing no availability for your preferred day and time, we recommend calling the restaurant.
What is The Pearl at Water Street in Tampa famous for?
The Pearl at Water Street in Tampa has earned raves for several signature features. The Snacks and Starters are filled with guest favorites including Devils on Horseback (dates wrapped in bacon with a chimichurri gremolata), the Old Fashioned Deviled Eggs, and Tater Tots like no other. The Jalapeño Corn Spoon Bread with whipped butter and honey arrives in a cast iron skillet (but won’t last long)! The Oyster Bar delivers a rotating selection of chillingly fresh shellfish that arrives daily, N’awlins Style Baked Oysters and Parmesan Baked Clams. Champagne Horseradish Mignonette served with The Pearl’s freshly-shucked oysters adds a bright zing. The Pub Burger is an award winner and famous entrées include the Southern Fried Chicken served with warm cinnamon roll, Great Lakes Fish & Chips, Braised Short Ribs and Pork Piri Piri.
Most famously, The Pearl makes its own pies daily. A selection of 3 – 4 offerings is accompanied by the always-available Brown Sugar Pie. Decadent and rich with sugar and butter filling with a dollop of heavy (heavy) whipping cream, the Brown Sugar Pie (and its cousins) are a destination dessert. Save room!
The Pearl is a newer entry on the restaurant scene in Tampa Bay. It’s quickly become a favorite destination for locals and out-of-town friends alike – there’s something for everyone!
Is there patio seating?
Yes – covered patio seating is available – check in at the host stand for your table.
Where’s the best place to park and is there valet service?
Reserved valet is available for The Pearl at Water Street in Tampa. Valet is located at the corner of Water Street and Raybon Court between the crosswalk and NW corner of the Thousand & One building. A number of Water Street parking options are linked from The Pearl website’s Tampa location page. Visit The Pearl website and choose ‘Tampa’ for links to reserve and additional options.
Is there a Wine List?
Yes! The Pearl at Water Street in Tampa offers a well-curated wine list with features from France to Argentina, Spain to New Zealand, France to California, Oregon and Washington state. Selections are available by the glass and bottle. Makers generally found on the list include Stag’s Leap, Terlato, Hanna, The Prisoner Wine Co., Veuve Clicquot, Grgrich Hills, Bodegas Alto Moncayo and Orin Swift. Visit The Pearl website for the current Wine List.
Are there menu options for Gluten-free and Vegetarian diners?
Yes! The Pearl’s menu features items noted with ‘gf’ or ‘v’ designation indicating the preparation is already gluten-free friendly or vegetarian, or, can be made so upon request. In addition, the chef team is well-versed in dietary adjustments and is pleased to accommodate requests. Please do not hesitate to inform your server of any food sensitivities or allergies.