Sea Pearl Restaurant

I’ve passed by Sea Pearl numerous times on the road, as well as having passed up numerous opportunities to eat there after a quick glance at the menu.  Most restaurants in Vienna don’t really capture my attention, and the offerings on the menu look like you standard fare of bistro type establishments.  The restaurant is part of a large complex of restaurants and shops in Merrifield that establish the base of a multi-unit apartment complex that was completed just as the housing bubble had burst.  Plans for renovating the area into a major, pedestrian friendly town center called the Mosaic have been put off year after year, but there still exists a number of businesses holding down the perimeter of the yet to be built town center such as Sea Pearl Restaurant.

Nothing quite prepared me for the wonderment that awaited inside.  The very contemporary setting was a welcome refuge from the cold and snow outside, which also served as a deterrent for what would likely have been a much busier afternoon here.  A great deal of attention had been paid to carefully selecting a color palette that was both vibrant, yet sleek.  Curtains of metallic oyster medallions adorned the walls, and rows of cove lighting transformed the space into something quite otherworldly.

My friends and I quickly opted for some appetizers to silence the howls emanating from our stomachs.  Luckily Sea Pearl drops a generous basket of delicious onion bread on each table, helping tide us over.

Having the restaurant almost entirely to ourselves, we were quickly served our appetizers.  Or maybe that’s just how they roll?

Crispy Cornmeal Crusted Calamari

The Crispy Cornmeal Crusted Calamari is nothing short of perfection.  Not too greasy nor too fried, the only thing that could really improve on this dish would be a swapping out of the sauce it comes with.  The Chipotle Tomato Salsa was a bit lacking, but that doesn’t mean the calamari couldn’t hold its own without it.

Gulf Shrimp and Crabmeat Spring Rolls

Luckily, the Gulf Shrimp and Crabmeat Spring Rolls came with two other sauces for dipping.  I couldn’t tell you which one was the one that was better suited for the calamari, but I suppose that just means you’ll have to order them both together and find out for yourself.  These crispy spring rolls come fried and intent on satisfaction.  Julienned carrots and radish help fill out the shrimp and crabmeat, making these a winner.

At this point, I’m already feeling bad for having neglecting Sea Pearl for so long, and passing judgement from the road.

I’m sorry Sea Pearl, Daddy didn’t mean the nasty things he thought about you.

My friends and I also each decided to go for a different burger, and it’s worth noting that Sea Pearl doesn’t do what you’d see many places do, simply slightly altering the sauce and cheese on a standard burger and slapping it between a brioche bun.  The burgers here are decidedly different.

All Natural Grass-Fed Angus Burger

The most basic burger here, the All Natural Grass-Fed Angus Burger takes no shortcuts on quality of ingredients.  Top rated grass-fed Angus, cooked to order, and served with the perfect amount of fries and your standard accouterments.  It’s very refreshing that the owners decided to take the high road on their basics, and gets two thumbs up from me.

Grilled Lamb Burger

The Grilled Lamb Burger comes on an entirely different platform.  Lamb is ground, seasoned with garam masala and curry, and served on a flatbread with a side of cucumber ratla for a very different take on how a burger should be done.  A great execution and presentation, although the addition of a sheep’s cheese would take this item to the next level.  Still, a very good lamb burger, which I rarely see offered.

Akaushi Beef Burger

The Akaushi (Kobe) Beef Burger was also a winner.  Delicious marbled Kobe beef topped with sharp cheddar, caramelized onions, and served with piping hot garlic herb fries.  Om. Nom. Mothereffin’ Nom.

What can I say?  I was wholly impressed with the entire meal, and can say that this place really offers something else that isn’t easily found in the area.  I feel slightly guilty for not giving Sea Pearl a chance before, but it’s also very easily accessible for me, and that makes me uberexcited to go back.  With separate menus for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour, and Dessert, I’m sure that’ll happen very, very soon.

See Sea Pearl on a map here.

Recommended For:

• American Bistro Buffs
• Those holding doctorates in Eateauxnomics
• Suburbanites
• Sub-suburbanites

Not Recommended For:

• Weight Watchers
• Carb Counters
• Blandness Boffos
• Carless Foot Soldiers