nicola allen
Coffee tasted foul. Not sure if burnt or what. Then asked to exchange for a chat. Was burning hot but drinkable. Upon trying to leave, employee was so rude. Trying to blame the fact the coffee was on soy milk for being undrinkable. I then told her I drink soy coffee everyday and thus far I've never had one this awful. She also explained that she had TASTED our coffee and it wasn't burnt. Would not recommend to anyone. If the coffee wasn't bad enough the customer service was. Get some new staff that make customers feel valued and welcome. Do better
Graham Rodda
Great local cafe with quality food and coffee. Eat inside or out. Staff friendly and helpful. Dogs welcome in the courtyard - check at the counter to Mack sure the back gate is open.
Julia Bahner
Lovely little cafe with friendly staff and a nice garden. A couple of paleo options on the menu. The Tokyo salad only needs to be modified to exclude the soy based dressing. Great value for money!
James Toniazzo
The cappuccino's were great as always. I ordered the shakshuka and chorizo which came out with one egg cooked and the other still raw. I notified the wait staff whom were extremely friendly and appoligised for the mistake. The meal was redone which unfortunately came out with one side of the meal overcooked and the otherside still uncooked. The photo is what it should look like. I notified the staff as we went to pay, they spoke to the manager and didn't charge us for our coffee... The manger didn't even come over to speak with us. I've had this meal multiple times here before and this is the first time this has happened.
Bridget Forbes
Coffee was lukewarm and bitter. Food took a while to arrive and some items were burnt. Wouldn’t recommend unfortunately.
Stu Earney
Fantastic food and extremely friendly. I unexpectedly had to leave just before my food was ready and the staff said they would keep my meal warm in the oven until I could return. When I got back they completely recooked my meal fresh and were so pleasant and understanding of the situation. Blown away by the level of care and professionalism shown.
Michelle Jarni
Bit disappointing, we just moved to the area so I had high hopes. Coffee was good but service was really slow. It took about an hour for our breakfast to come out. My partner really enjoyed his burrito but my lean Green eggs were underwhelming. Probably won't come back for food but will be ok for a takeaway coffee.
Kim Sing
The chicken was not properly defrosted and cooked. Bread was burned. And there was quite stale smell. Food has never been Visually edible.
Foh was always nice. I have been here lots of time and the only food okay to eat are Egg on toast and rest are never consistent.
Hope they get better soon.
Sylvana Zakhour
This place is awesome.... food was amazing could not fault anything. Owners and all the staff at pearl oyster were spectacular. Thanks guys ��
Lisa Stokes
Fantastic cafe friendly and efficient staff and super delicious food. As soon as the food was up for a table the beautiful staff served it to you while still hot and with a smile , this is something that a lot of other cafe fail at. Will definitely return
Cassie DeFillipo
I am jealous of all the people who had a good experience here because I certainly didn't. I ordered a drink to have at the restaurant, set up my homework, and then was given my drink in a takeaway cup---which is hugely problematic because I have a rule about drinking in restaurants as to not waste cups. The chai was also poorly made, so I didn't even bother to finish it. I left feeling as if I had wasted money.
Sathaphat Manmark
One of my fav place for a crisp brunch :)
Food is always fantastic as well as its coffee
Sitting in the garden at the back of cafe is a big plus to make your day :)
Grace Jane
Sooo lovely....incredibly friendly and helpful staff, so intuitive in their recommendations! Tasty food and good vibes, leafy courtyard a sweet retreat....thanks guys!
Mark Bell
Best brunch cafe in our area, the French toast in fantastic, staff always great. Great character
And specials board always changes.
Marlene Mansour
Delicious food ,coffee and great staff... ���...
Rosanna Choueiri
Fantastic little cafe! Beautiful staff and real choc on coffee a+
Kristoffer Aleksander Ocampo
This group of people do an outstanding job everyday, my family and I go there not only for the top notch food and coffee, but the genuine friendship that each individual staff member shows all their clientele. An institution in Thornbury that everybody should experience.
Nawal Tannous
Great service and delicious food ��
Highly recommended!!
Darren Burgess
Struggle to go past the mushrooms, but the bada-eggs are worth the diversion. Service is great and coffee is fantastic.
Sophie Bonnin
Great coffee and awesome options for breakfast, easily customised menu to suit any personal food choices ☺️
De Visser
The best scrambles eggs I ever had in my life, service is fantastic people who work in there are beautiful caring and always with a smile. Place is enchanting.
Nicholas Alexander Alivizatos
I look forward to my coffee made just the way I like it, every morning before work. Great food, awesome staff, check it out for yourself.
Rowan White
Good people, good food, good atmosphere.
Paul Doughnut
The atmosphere and coffee is great, and the staff are really friendly and lovely but the breakfast we had today was easily the worst breakfast food I've had in Melbourne. We ordered omelettes with sambal and we couldn't actually finish eating them, they were that bad. They were greasy, overcooked tough eggs with no onion, garlic or seasoning, served with baby spinach and chilli sauce. They left a bad taste in my mouth too. It seriously tasted like a Grade 6 kid had cooked them. I've eaten there before and had a much better experience but seriously this dish was definitely worth commenting on.
Vlado
Worst food ever. Might as well eat cardboard. <br/>Scrambled eggs were bland and texture of rubber. If I chewed on a tennis ball would’ve been better. Bacon was bland and dry. It’s not hard to cook bacon and eggs. Bread was like a brick. Had to soak the bread in butter to get some flavour. <br/>One star for the coffee, coffee wasn’t too bad. <br/>Never go there again. It’s a shame because I live around the corner.
Quince And Cheese
Any restaurant with housemade vegan cake is a winner in my book (and a great cake it was). This adorable, unpretentious cafe is a wonderful addition to the Miller Street dining precinct. It's definitely a (kistchy) vibe but doesn't seem like it's trying too hard. They offer heaps of savoury vegan and vegetarian dishes as well, plus nice coffee and other drinks. Would be my local if I lived in the area.
Allie Harris
Been here many times, love the food, staff and ambience, and they make the best coffee in the north :) could not recommend them highly enough! Worth a visit!
Majingi
My go to coffee place on Miller St! If you like a rich yet strong latte then this is the place for you! The staff there are super friendly too, the only suggestion I have is to keep the consistency in the quality of the coffee among the baristas. Sometimes it's so smooth and rich, but other times I know it's going to be average the moment they give me the cup cause a cup of latte is boiling hot...
Mia Tua
Lovely place serving really nice food. We usually get eggs or the ham sandwich which are both lovely. Service is good and staff is pretty chilled. I love the backyard on a sunny day.
Kbounas
Very nice and unique food! I'm very happy that Pearl Oyster offers meat and vegetarian options. The sweets and cakes are absolutely stunning, full of flavour and delicious. Great space and service, overall wonderful little cafe in Preston.
Margot Kilgour
It should be a good cafe. It has all the right ingredients-good coffee and food. The problem is the staff. Rude and occasionally incompetent. My partner and I live around the corner. We keep trying to like it and give it another chance. The coffee is the best but they never remember your order. My partner had to walk out this week after they forgot to ring in his breakfast order and he waited for over 30 mins. I hope the new owner manages to turn things around. Competition is heating up on miller st. Nathaniel Ramm
Localcraftclub
Pearl Oyster makes my favourite coffee and my friends and I can always find something amazing on the menu (breakfast burrito is usually in there somewhere). The staff are usually very welcoming and make our brunching one of the best parts of the week.
IloveMelbourne
Great cafe in Preston. I have only been here for coffee. It is very good. Always perfect and hot enough. The staff are always really friendly. The vibe of the place is very relaxed and its always busy.
Jessamieyule
Awesome spot in Thornbury ~ Relaxed, covered outdoor area that is so so beautiful to sit in the summer. I bring my laptop and work here before work as they're open from 7am, which is awesome. The Tokyo salad baguette is the queen of the menu :)
Local Foodie
Sensational Coffee, awesome choice of breakfast's and a great place for the kids. Such a fun loving team who always have a smile, the secret garden tucked away at the back is a hidden gem on a sunny day.
La Plum
Really good coffee. Yum cake selection. Delicious healthy food and eclectic atmosphere. Slightly aloof staff at times, otherwise would give them a higher rating.
K T
The food here was absolutely fantastic - fabulous place for brunch. The kitchen staff do an incredible job of pumping out the food given the very small space. Very family friendly. Highly recommend for Sunday brunch.
Liz_p24
Garden with a great relaxed feel. <br/><br/>I went in the summer time and enjoyed sitting in the back corner with a beautiful tree providing the shade. I got the French toast which had all the rhubarb maple syrupy goodness you could imagine. My friend had some perfectly poached eggs. This great brunch definitely set a great mood for the day. Reminiscing of summer makes me want to go back there soon.
Mj
Cool funky little cafe with best coffee! Did I mention how funky this place is!!!!!!!!<br/>Great brunch and staff are lovely, sit inside or out its up to you.
Darryl Ephraums
Great coffee and even better food. This cafe somehow manages to pull off a trendiness which is totally homey at the same time. Satisfying portions of food and some very interesting fusion of flavours. The people here are lovely with down to earth personalities and warm smiles. I recommend this place to everyone!!!!
Food Eater
Super slow service. Barrister served half a million takeaway orders before getting to my coffee. Lots of wait staff standing around doing nothing. Ages before I even got a menu. Would not come again
Sir Lunchalot 3rd
Following lunch I decided to grab a couple<br/>of blueberry bagels take away. <br/><br/>No toppings, no condiments, just 2 X standard blueberry bagels.<br/><br/>Realised when I got home that they charged me $16 for both.<br/><br/>That's a 400% multiplier on standard bagel prices.<br/><br/>Shame on me for not checking my tab but Shame on you for being a rip.<br/><br/>Strange service too - check yo bill!<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>
Cameron Smart
Came here on Saturday just the two of usPlace was pretty busy with a mix of people, mums, couples and hipsters -place had a pretty cool décor. must say service is spot on friendly felt like being with old friendsAnyway this is about the jerk chicken burger. I am still thinking of it, the coffee was amazing and my partners bada boom eggs are the some of the best we have tried..and the coffee, oh the coffee - get the coffee Not the cheapest place in town but worth every cent did I mention the coffee?
Tamo
I only went there once and I'll never be back. My friend ordered a bagel and as they didn't have it got a horrible plain roll with cream cheese on the side. The coffee was burnt and when we told them we weren't happy with our food, they were rude to us, at the point that the waitress that served us pushed me without apologizing on my way. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Jit
The coffee here is amongst the best that can be found in the area. The food is pretty uninventive given the high prices and the wait staff and kitchen staff seem a little undermanned. The outside courtyard is nice but could use a bit of a tidy up. Could take or leave the food - Will definitely be back for a coffee.
Gemma
service is hit and miss here. sometimes you get someone who doesn't give you the specials but gives the person next to you them. I would love if they changed there menu soon and had more breadless options.
Margiek75
I have only been for coffee. It is amazing. Always perfect and hot enough. The staff are always really friendly. The vibe of the place is very relaxed and its always busy. Looking forward to my first meal here.I have only been for coffee. It is amazing. Always perfect and hot enough. The staff are always really friendly. The vibe of the place is very relaxed and its always busy. Looking forward to my first meal here.
Missy
Pearl Oyster - we love you. Coffee is up there with the very best, and the scrambled eggs with your brioche toast is magnificent. Thank you for serving beautiful food and being friendly and welcoming whilst doing it.
Steak Me Out
Came here for breakfast one day with a bunch of family, the staff and owner were great and accommodating. Ordered the Rainbow Salad with Salmon, The Sambal Omelette and the Pearl Oyster Poached Eggs.<br/>Everything was well done, the highlight being their House cured salmon, fantastic with everything.
Yasmin Forster
Taking something as simple as toast and turning it into a such a great meal; the toast party. The dressing that is used on the avocado and tomato is wonderful and the hummus is worth going along for alone!
Quincesandkale
Last Tuesday in Melbourne the weather was foul. Really foul. Howling winds, driving rain and COLD. I lingered in bed until I could no longer justify it, and finally got up to make coffee and breakfast. One minute later the power went out halfway through grinding the coffee. Damn. A quick check on my phone told me that it was unlikely to be back for 3 hours so I headed off to Pearl Oyster.
Gluttonous Gabi
So grateful to have this cafe as my local! Always super friendly staff and great service. Do yourself a favour and try the pork roll: juicy succulent pieces of pork, lashings of mayo... Without a doubt the BEST Vietnamese pork roll I've had, ever!
Lendl Supreme
Thornbury to The Letter T. I have the good fortune of having this place as my local cafe and it sums up why I love the pocket of thornbury that I live in...<br/><br/>The New Ownership have keep the great original healthy menu with a good range of vegetarian options whilst also adding better more friendly service to place. I have been there too many times to count and tried most of the menu and never left disappointed.
Presto
Smile. I like the new owners of this place <br/>Much better than the previous that's why we came <br/>Back
Melbourne Brunch Scene
...I ate the Bada Bing Poached Eggs, which has the potential to be quite messy (like most dishes I eat!) so it’s just as well the sauce component arrives in a separate dish. The pearl in the oyster of this dish (excuse pun!) is the Napoli sauce, which is mouth-wateringly rich but not too over the top. You could say it was well balanced. The eggs were poached beautifully and the toast (sourdough) was fine: hot and with plenty of butter. The cream cheese on top was spot-on!
Miss Muesli
There were two other ingredients of note in the Pearl Oyster muesli, the first being figs. Figs! What a nice surprise. The other represents the only failing of the cafe theme – Granny Smith apples did not appear to be used, rather the red tinge to some of the grated apple suggested the employ of a Pink Lady. I much prefer pink lady apples, but they probably contributed (with the help of delicious coconut, apricot and honey) to this muesli being pretty sweet. As my father says, however: “there are plenty more teeth in the sea”, so the sweetness of this breakfast did not weigh too heavily on my mind.
Goodhearted
Pearl Oyster Cafe in Preston has always catered well to vegans since opening in 2008, and after undergoing a change of ownership in 2014 we were happy to discover that the menu remains largely the same.
Thegrazingpanda
When it comes to food, Pearl Oyster only sources fresh produce products and I think has a menu that is fantastic as it caters for one and all. There are options for the vegetarians, vegan and gluten-free people. The food is simple but everything is made from scratch and tastes delicious. You can tell that a lot of love went into making the food. There are also salad rolls and baguettes for lunch. Coffee is sourced from Supreme’s Origin Blend and is yet another reason to love this place!
The World Loves Melbourne
This would have to be one of the hippest most exciting cafes in Melbourne! Possibly Hipster HQ! Pearl Oyster has an incredible ambience fashioned by quirky features, interesting plants, awesome staff and mismatched furniture. There’s four stunning areas to enjoy including two indoor areas, outside on the pavement and then out the back in the garden area.
Kitty
When selecting breakfast venues probably the most important question you need to ask yourself is 'how big will their mushrooms be?'. Unless you have it on good authority that the mushrooms are massive, you should give the place a wide berth.
Trish Gallagher
Pearl Oyster are on the meatless Monday wagon too (google it), so that makes me smile and I bet it makes you veggies and vegans smile too. 10 outta ten.
Chompandslurp
Bonus points for the atmosphere and Elvis and Fly Lady in the bathroom. Sitting at the counter ogling the cakes and pastries under those clear glass domes is nice too. You just want to shake them like the snow domes but I don’t t
Mouth To Mouth
A meeting place for uber hipsters, Pearl Oyster serves an eclectic and playful menu of asian and middle-eastern influence in Thornbury. With a dozen mixed reviews on Urbanspoon, I chose to see it for myself after a "tip-off" from a friend. I can't believe I have ignored this place for so long. With an onslaught of kitschy cafes popping up around the northern suburbs, I was pleased to see a different approach to serving break-fast and lunch. The food has a alternative twist to simple classics, such as a sambal omelette, or the poached eggs served with Japanese Kupi mayonnaise and pickled ginger. It was quite bustling when we arrived, seating ourselves, Mr M and I sat at the front stools overlooking the passing traffic. The menus are hidden amongst the pages of an old Australian story book. The book conceptualized what their design philosophy is: old Australian, miss matched seventies plating and cutlery, kitschy pictures and retro furniture. It works to build an environment which perfe
Natarsha
The Asian, Middle-Eastern and Italian infused menu is a clear winner. Pearl Oyster showcases a refreshingly honest and affordable dining experience for those who love great coffee and modern favourites. Exotic,
Florence Broadhurst
What a shame.... Most people that have spoken highly of this place since it changed hands. My experience hasn't been that great and preferred the old school owners. Service is very slow and I was definitively forgotten twice. Bring back the cassette player in the garden! Food so-so. Didn't try the coffee, too scared to as I loved the previous blend. I'd be back but it's not my local anymore... Disappointed.
Enzspag
Awesome breakfast and place. I live in the area and I come to pearl oyster every day for a coffee or breakfast. Awesome, fresh and tasty food. The staff are always smiling and ready to make you feel welcome. The new owners have really lifted this cafe to be a happy, enjoyable and tasty place.
Ekpsutton
Love this place and the new owner. Tried this place for the first time since it changed hands recently, it was amazing! So much better than before. The new owner is awesome- so friendly and helpful, coffee was beautiful and it was a nice, laid back atmosphere. Highly recommend the Japanese omlette and the fruit toast with maple butter- so good! Will be back regularly.
Breakiebandit
Yummo!. Awesome service with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere - its so nice to have this in the neighbourhood!<br/>The Jerk Chicken is amazing - I loved every mouthful and was scraping my plate for more.<br/>I think I just found my new favourite.
Dsimons
Great Coffee, better service!. Just when you thought service was dead, its alive again at pearl oyster!<br/><br/>forget chalk & cheese seriously this place has changed in six months thanks to new owners<br/><br/>i live local and all i can say is its nice to have my local back<br/><br/><br/>-----17 Nov, 2014-----<br/><br/>Great coffee. better service!. Just when you thought service was dead, its alive again at pearl oyster!<br/><br/>forget chalk & cheese seriously this place has changed in six months thanks to new owners<br/><br/>i live local and all i can say is its nice to have my local back
Mishka28
Good luck to the new owners!. I agree with Chris. Good luck! New owners will see streams of old customers come back and give Pearl Oyster another chance. From what I've heard, the service with the new owner is friendly and what it should be!<br/>Like many other reviewers, I gave up on this place after countless "last chances" - waiting for a take away coffee for 10mins is not good enough. In house it was not much better. <br/>The old owners weren't always unfriendly and slow.... it went downhill over the years for some reason resulting in so many people turning away. The slowness and unfriendliness from one owner and staff was mind boggling. It was such a shame cos early on it had been such a refreshing addition to Miller St. <br/>Hopefully the change of ownership will see this place back to what it could and should be - a cool, quirky cafe with good coffee and a unique menu - a local haunt worth going to.
Kazzakai
Messy pork roll. Grabbed a take away pork roll for the car trip - big mistake - the roll started leaking and liquid seeped through the paper bag and all over our clothes! But it was delicious!
Jim Dimitropoulos
New owners are lovely. Great service all round. Generous servings and great coffee! Best of luck!
_Matilda_
Not impressed.... I ordered the French Toast and a salted caramel milkshake. <br/>The milkshake was waaaay too milky, you couldn't taste the salted caramel at all and it was basically like drinking milk. <br/>The French toast had in total about 6 small raspberries and no sauce at all which made it basically cream and pistachios. This was very bland and dry, not filling me up at all. <br/>The service seemed unorganised also. <br/>Probably won't be coming here again.
Nick Yoloffson
Since new owners the coffee has gone downhill. What once was smooth, sweet and with subtle tones is now flat and bitter :( I'll try it again hopefully it improves
Kris
So disappointed with the changes of late... The coffee guy makes terrible coffee - it's never a good temperature (55 degrees! Not 33!) and it's often slopping around the saucer in a dirty cup. I've been going there for 3 years and the place is losing it's chilled out vibe. There is nothing ok about being asked every 3 minutes if you need anything - that is not good customer service it's harassment! Even when sitting alone with a book sipping tea or nibbling on toast 'can I get you anything?' 'No thank you' over and over again. Are you trying to speed up turnover of patrons? It's not a nice feeling. <br/><br/>Pearl Oyster is losing its mojo and it's becoming more like a cafe that would be better suited to Northland than Thornbury.
Hooter66
Where the rashers are rationed.... 90% of people who don't enjoy a dining experience simply just don't return to the restaurant or cafe. So here's hoping the owners of pearl oyster read the feedback left here on urbanspoon and do something about it. Firstly the coffee is really really bad, warm milk ! We had to ask for another shot of coffee in our latte just to have what I would consider a normal coffee. Secondly my partner asked for a side of bacon which was the waitress informed us they were unable to provide. When I pointed out that the special came with bacon and they had bacon on rolls,, I was informed the bacon was 'rationed '?????service was crap, food was mediocre, and the coffee was terrible. When you are surrounded by a million superior cafés in northcote, Brunswick and reservoir, is it any wonder we could get a table 9am on a Sunday morning straight away. .....the crowds are obviously staying away for a reason....management take note.
Norma James
New owners are amazing and so friendly. The cafe looks fresher and the coffee is good again.
Kylie Augustus
Love it!. Love this place! Great food and coffee kid friendly with a wonderful kids menu!
Rae
Pearl Oyster is good. Kid friendly, good coffee, good food
Southern Belle
I'll be back. Popped in just for a quick drink - they don't do smoothies but many other drinks including a wide variety of teas to choose from. Lots of goodies baked on the premises on offer, all looked really tempting. Staff were capable and friendly, cafe attracted a wide variety of customers. A nice courtyard out the back, only issue was the seating, fixed stools were too close to the bench at the front windows, and furniture had definitely seen better days, chairs were hard and uncomfortable. I'll go back to sample the goodies, everything priced very reasonably, but I wont be lingering over a long morning tea
Mxdbidness
One of my favourites. Come here every month or so. Every now and then there'll be a bit of a wait on food if it's busy (understandable- their kitchen is literally a tiny corner) but it's worth the wait. I've only ever gotten great service from these guys.
Dan Da Man
Really nice atmosphere. But that's it.
Paolabozzacchi
Ticks all my boxes!. Your coffee- to die for! If you want it hot just ask!<br/>Cinnamon, apple and zucchini muffin- Yum!!<br/>Cakes- Double Yum!!<br/>Your food especially the sambal omelette with spinach and chilli- to die for!<br/>Owners- the cutest couple and always polite and friendly! <br/>Staff- friendly, beautiful, attentive! <br/>Why the comments on staff being rude who knows.....<br/>Music- relaxed, pleasant, great taste!<br/>Customers- a great combination of generations and very kid friendly!<br/>Prices- more than reasonable!<br/>I am so happy I came to live in this area and have an amazing cafe a walk away.<br/><br/>Keep up the great work!
GS Foodie
Coffee is great, the food is also good. The prices are ok. Service is on the improve.
Ely
If you like your coffee cold, aloof and rude staff who make you feel like they're doing you a favour by even looking in your direction (doesn't apply to all staff) & a painfully hipster atmosphere... This is the place for you! <br/>The food is fine but don't bother asking for simple bacon and eggs. <br/><br/>Not in a rush to come back again.
Review
Love the food but after experiencing bad service too many times will not return. This quircky anc cute little cafe carries one of my favourite breakfast dishes, namely Pearl Oyster Poached Eggs. Unfortunately everytime I have visited, the staff have been extremely rude, very aloof and treated us and others in the cafe like they were doing us a favour for serving us in the first place. For a while I went back and hoped for the service to improve but alas it has not. Too many other cafes around with as beautiful food but without the side order of snark.
Sharon Palmieri
Yesterday was the final straw with the staff here I'm afraid. Order 2 skinny's one weak one double shot. Waited 20mins I'm ok with that. My partner asked are they definitely skinny to her reply "if that's what you asked for then yes they are skinny" only reason my partner questioned is she thought she saw full milk going into the jug. Ok so which one is the strong (they looked exactly the same) waitress eyes both clearly unable to distinguish herself "we can make it again" as she slammed mine down on the table off she huffs to the barista he grabs undetermined skinny/full/strong/weak coffee throws in sink... Up I pop take my one step towards counter, I assure you my last, "don't worry about it, I've had enough of your crap service, I'm done.." <br/>Such a shame I have given this place so many chances since the day they opened but alas the service is to hit and miss for my liking, with so many choices in the area please tell me why I would have a simple coffee made with bitterness and lackluster. Oh one more thing if you dislike your job so much or you can't handle being busy then maybe this job just isn't for you.
Bobby
New owners ruined it, avoid. This place used to be amazing. The new owners have ruined it. The high quality food and coffee is gone. Gave it three chances and it no longer compares.
A-vegan
Delicious & excellent!. Wow so much to choose from here, I live nearby and go to this place quite often. The Tokyo salad, black bean sloppy joe, mushrooms or smoked tofu roll are all excellent options. They use crumbs sourdough which is pretty damn good, so even the old standby of avocado toast is excellent. Or you could try the hummus toast, sprinkled with zataar it's full of flavour. Great place, good coffee, sit out the back, enjoy the sunshine.
KMac
Food was quite tasty but pretty expensive. The staff seemed like they couldn't be bothered. one waitress walked off on me when I was talking to her. I thought she needed to serve someone so was waiting for her to come back and finish...but no, she just had walked off. Pretty weird thing to do if you're in hospitality!
Jrnolan
I really wanted to like this place but the service is so average I don't want to go back on principle. I arrived at 3:30pm waited 5 min for service ordered a coffee tried to order food but was told the kitchen closed at 3:30pm. Will not be going back will try next door.
Hula Jarmusch
Different to the rest. A great space, lovely staff, and different breakfast offerings - which really sets it apart, because I think people are tired of paying lots for standard 'egg, toast, with extras' breakfasts these days. The Pearl Oyster menu is always exciting and unique, and worth going out and paying for. I highly recommended it.
Sweet Chilli
Like it's uniqueness, food is good but too out there. sometimes you just want a poached egg on toast with BACON!
Abigail Lester
Rude staff. These guys think they are too cool for school, didn't have fun here at all. Im not sure if it was because they were busy, but they acted like they were doing me a massive favour. Tofu roll was actually okay, but not sure I'll be back because the staff were just horrible to us.
Mahmoud E
Cant complain much about the food because i didnt even get a chance to taste it! we walked in and were and was ignored for about fifteen minutes while waiting for some kind of greeting! people coming in after us were being seated whike we continued to wait with our baby in the pram so they obviously saw us.
Caffvelo
Bang on!. Took my parents to Pearl Oyster for brunch the other day. Service was friendly and prompt. We sat outside under the clear tent, which whilst not aesthetically pleasing it made sitting outside on a breezy winter day very comfortable.<br/>My strong flat white was exactly to my tastes. <br/>Dad and I both had the special - crumbed sardine fillets on olive sourdough, with two poached eggs, sliced tomato, a pile of rocket, served with 2 generous lemon wedges and tarragon butter.<br/>It was outstanding! Couldn't fault anything on the plate.<br/>Mum opted for the BBQ pork bahn mi with delicious 'cashew pate' which she enjoyed. <br/>Bill came to exactly $20 each for coffee and a meal which is convenient for a cash only cafe, and what I would expect to pay for a breakfast out.<br/>We three left with full bellies and smiles on our faces.
The Tastebud
Superb find!. We ventured over to the Pearl Oyster for Saturday brunch.<br/>Excellent service, coffee and food.<br/>The best of all was the retro interior, right down to the Social Studies menus.<br/>We most definitely will be back!!!!
Funkytown
Tasty eggs. I love Pearl Oyster. My girlfriend and i go here all the time and its one of our Thornbury favourites :P
Jane Park Drive
The food and coffee is ok but I agree with plenty of previous reviewers about the snooty staff. I live locally and feel quite unwelcome whenever I meet a friend here or drop in for a coffee. I don't think I'll bother anymore.
Foodorkable E
Mmm.... brunch. This is a great cafe. I have always found the service to be friendly and prompt. The ambiance is nice and laidback, and the food is thoughtfully conceived, beautifully presented and delicious. What more could you ask for?
Jena Lisa
A cute little retro cafe, not in your typical hipster area. Used a Living Social voucher for lunch. I always get a bit apprehensive when dining with a voucher, but these guys were really welcoming! Great food, very tasty, well presented and good portions. A little sparse on the avocado scene but overall good. Will definitely come back!
Discerning Diner
Attentive service, fresh, tasty food. Bright venue with minimalist retro styling and slight quirky twist. Only criticism is the serviettes!!! So cheap and nasty they stuck to my mouth and disintegrated!!
George
Poor. Four of us attempted to visit for lunch.<br/>Venue very cramped and pokey. Tables bolted to floor so no scope to move. <br/>Unhelpful staff. <br/>Menu looked limited so left before we sampled.<br/>Far better at Fu Manchu just around the corner
Andy Smith
Worth the tirp. Heard about Pearl Oyster from a friend, so decided to head down today to see what they were talking about. I did rock up at 4pm so the whole area was a little quite, reflected in the cafe... but the staff were still awesome, even as their were packing up for the day. The retro, Pov meets slick styling and décor works well and creates a place where it feel somewhat acceptable to slouch in your chair and just relax. <br/>The Coffee Supreme was fantastic as a short black and my latte, although it didnt look enticing (with a few bubbles and almost no micro foam) was creamy and full of robust flavour.<br/><br/>Overall the staff, atmosphere and most importantly the coffee was great... If I find myself in the area again, it will be worth the detour.
Dave
We visited the Pearl Oyster for lunch today. The place has a nice courtyard, several small indoor tables and a nice big communal table. The cafe has a quaint, retro fit out with pictures and decorations you'll have seen at your Nan's. Staff were polite and attentive. Our meals were generously sized, interesting and packed with flavour. We left quite impressed and would happily return for another lazy brekky / late lunch.
Rooster
This is one of my favourite places for coffee and a pick me up. Not to mention the ranging menu they pump out of such a small kitchen!
Jeronimo
Food great / hospitality average. Lovely place and the quality of the food and coffee is consistent - unfortunately, so is the snobbishness of the staff. Please get over yourselves!
Foodfreak
Good coffee and food, friendly staff and a chilled out vibe. Exactly my kind of place. I can never go past a slice of that chocolate pistachio cake either..
Ms Giff
Great, consistent local. We've been coming here since it opened and the food has been consistently good and the service friendly and prompt. The staff may look 'cool' but that doesn't mean they're being 'too cool for school'. They're busy! If coffee is cold, service slow or a mistake made, the Pearl is always quick to rectify the situation. The ambience is lovely, the specials are interesting, the 'meat-free Mondays' a great idea and the 'Pearl Oyster' with salmon a breakfast worth coming back for again and again.
Ange Ella
Top Ranking ***. Come in and see why the professional critics have granted us the highest rating of Three Stars in this year's Good Food Guide!<br/>Try the signature Pearl Oyster Poached eggs with house cured salmon and our very own Japanese Mayonnaise, a well-made Supreme direct source coffee or one of our inventive specials. We use only the best and freshest ingredients in our products.<br/>We do have personality, it runs through all the unique things we do such as our amazing Toast Party and our day glow garden and yes, we are friends, many of us working together for the past four years. Our focus is polite efficiency but we do love a chat with our customers and or each other when there's time!<br/>Take it from me or the good people from The Age or even the myriad of actual blog reviews on here, The Pearl Oyster is happy to serve and proud of what we do.<br/>Hope to see you soon!
Natalia Bonner
Hospitality circa 1990. Lovely cafe. The coffee is modest and consistent, one of the better Supreme coffee vendors imo. But go for the food, seriously. Affordable, varied menu, great vegetarian options, even better pork roll (better than n-lee, for real) Asian fusion brunch done well. mmm Kupi.<br/><br/>But something has been bothering me...<br/><br/>The pearl is a semi local for me. And i'm not exactly on first base with the any of the staff, but I have never, ever, ever been treated coldly or disregarded. The vibe is friendly and often *understated*, which some people seem to have a problem understanding. I've witnessed some very vindictive children (retired or with children of their own, no less) throwing tantrums over the no menu changes policy/ their coffee taking seventeen and a half minutes on a busy sunday/ their toast [not] being buttered etc. The resulting (measured) reactions from rational and straightforward staff leads to urbanspoon fandango.<br/><br/>Rant over. My point? The service could be more obsequious, but the people here are actually fun humans with names and opinions and stuff. Grain of salt.
Jen Dorjee
Love it. everything i have had has been great. love the salads, brekkies and the bircher museli is yum! friendly and nice to kids. a winner.
Pinkscarf
Cool funky place & thought I'd give it a go after reading the reviews & it being in my local area! However besides the coffee .. I really can't say I liked anything else. I ordered an overpriced omlette & it was so bland & just blah. I make better omelette .. $15 .. Maybe I should have ordered something else. Either way I won't be back in a hurry! Better cafes along high st ..
Yoko Loco
Beware Pork Roll. The coffee's a bit hit and miss, food is tasty but over priced. I shared a pork roll and we both got sick 6 hrs later, might have been a coincidence or bad luck.
Finn
Cute decor and the staff were initially friendly (until we asked for a hotter coffee), but the breakfast left us both feeling a little out of sorts, the coffee was average, and we won't be hurrying back.
Lorien Stark
Took a girlfriend here for birthday breakfast, the decor and design of the place is just beautiful, we sat out the back with all the beautiful sunflowers! Service was great, very quick! The mushrooms where divine and the Bircher muesli was one of the best I've had, also the coffee was so yummy and I love the real chocolate on top of my cap! Will be back soon!
Love The North
Service Please!!!. Come on, is customer service not a part of employee payments at Pearl Oyster?? Some manners or a smile wouldn't go astray!!!
Terry Huddy
I'm a regular and always find the food fresh and delicious. Try any of the spwcials, true gems! The staff are friendly and I've never had poor service here.<br/>There's been a change of management and while the usual menu items are still there, they've added new burgers and rolls. I love the beef burger and pulled pork sandwich. Delicious!
Francesca Pecoraro
Busy but worth it. Love the mushrooms and the coffee - so nice to have good egg-free breaky options!
Lissa McQueen
Beautiful food, fantastic combinations and I love supreme coffee. Service was attentive but not intrusive, a fav local for me.
Mrs West
Sensational!. I loved everything about our breakfast here! The staff were great and a lovely atmosphere was present from when you walked in. The coffee was beautiful and, by george, the pancakes were fantastic!!! Most definitely recommend.
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