The Black Pearl — Restaurant in Newport

The food does not live up to the way it is advertised or the way that it looks. Yes, I know the pictures in my review make it look like the best food ever especially if you're hungry, and it's certainly edible but it needs work. For starters, I ordered my filet mignon medium, but it was medium rare and pretty raw towards the middle, but I stomached it anyways because I'm not the type of person to send a steak back to be thrown away because I have always been more afraid of possible staff retribution than eating an undercooked/overcooked steak. Other than that, the steak was okay, but needed a bit more flavor. It was being way too overpowered by the Béarnaise sauce. The fries were good, but to be fair, it's pretty hard to screw those up. Not sure what the name of the greens it was served with is, maybe broccoli slaw? Either way it was extremely bitter and I tried to eat as much of it as I could to get some healthy nutrients for the meal, but I just couldn't stomach it.

As for the clam chowder (wasn't pictured), it tasted like something out of a can. It was super salty and definitely edible, but being that The Black Pearl advertised themselves as having one of the best clam chowders, it was actually one of the worst clam chowders I ever had.

The salad was decent but lacked a substantial number of croutons. There were about 8 small pieces just topped on one side of the salad. Definitely not enough.

As for the citrus scallop bowl, the scallops were way too salty. Scallops need to be treated delicately with lemon and butter and a touch of salt. These tasted like they were fresh from the sea with all the salt I was tasting and it overpowered the sweet flavor I usually enjoy from scallop meat. I don't really think this dish has well put-together flavors in general. It was a mix of pineapple, peach, and possibly mango in a savory dish with rice and salty scallops. It did not work well together and the two flavors that existed on the plate (salty and sweet) were constantly trying to overpower each other.

Also, ordered a couple of lemonades which were served in small plastic cups with nearly half ice and half lemonade. Not a good idea to serve drinks this way during outdoor dining and 90 degree weather.

Thankfully the server, Breana was attentive and pretty nice, but it doesn't change the poor quality of food, especially not with The Black Pearl's high prices. Ended up spending $95 + a tip for 3 people on less than mediocre food. But to be fair, we didn't have many options to eat anyways.

My recommendation is to skip The Black...

Our experience at the black pearl just didn't match that of other establishments in the area. Despite the lackluster service, the food gets decent marks and sitting outside on the water was fantastic!

Service- Let's start with the fact that we were an odd group for the black pearl. 2 families with 5 children under 10.

Our waitress gave us the impression she did not want to serve our table despite us being cordial and kind. I get it, having kids at a table can be extra work but I was disappointed with the service and it was very detracting from the experience.

I could detail it out more but you get the point.

Food- I ordered the crusted salmon and it was TOP NOTCH! The salmon was flavorful and felt fresh. It was a great dish. The clam chowder was good but not what you expect from all the hype around it. I find that I've had MUCH better chowder elsewhere. If you find the time, get some in new bedford!

My wife ordered the steak. I have to say that for a 50+ dish. I expected more. I have eaten at multiple steak houses and although I understand the black pearl is best suited for seafood they shouldn't charge similar rates as bowens 22 that will deliver a far better steak. It was not bad. Just not worth the price they charged.

My kids both got noodles and Parmesan. We requested a side of marinara or red sauce for one of our girls. (getting the side was a pain) and they both reported high marks for the noodles!

The sister and brother in law reported back ok meals with the salad, chowder, and crab cakes.

Atmosphere- this is the saving grace for the pearl during our dining experience. Being in the heart of bowens wharf you get spectacular ambiance and some great views.

Would i recommend the black pearl to others? Simply no. You're better off going elsewhere especially...

Review Title: Disappointing and Unwelcoming Experience

I was truly shocked by my experience at the Black Pearl on Bannister’s Wharf. I came with my family intending to enjoy coffee and drinks, but the treatment we received was far from what one would expect at an establishment of this reputation.

Upon entering, we were overlooked while others were seated ahead of us, even though we had arrived first. When I mentioned that we were only there for coffee and drinks, I was told outright that they “don’t seat people like us” and was asked to leave. This response was not only unprofessional but also incredibly unwelcoming.

To clarify, I understand this is a small space with a focus on high-end dining. However, to be dismissed and asked to leave simply because we were not ordering full meals is beyond comprehension. When I requested to speak with a manager, I was met with the same dismissive attitude, as the manager reiterated that we were not welcome.

I left feeling embarrassed and deeply disappointed. Hospitality should be at the core of any dining establishment, especially one with the history and reputation of the Black Pearl. Unfortunately, this experience left a sour impression that I will not soon forget.

I would caution others to think twice before visiting, as my family and I were made to feel unwelcome and disrespected for no justifiable reason other than giving us the feeling they cared more about making money then caring for our needs on this very cold day. (By the way - we were told we could stand outside and have coffee- it was mid December and freezing..they do have a bar but...