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After serving up oysters and seafood for 13 years, Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill closed up shop last year for a revamp. With a fresh makeover, the space re-opened as Pearl Diver (@PearlDiverTO) in late 2014.

I had never been to Starfish so I personally can’t compare the two but from what I’ve heard, this new space is going for a more casual neighbourhood vibe. Located on Adeleide, between Church and Jarvis, the space features spacious booths, dim lighting and a bar down one side of the restaurant. While it’s not a small space, it has a very cozy feel to it.

Fans of Starfish can rest assured that despite the revamp, Patrick McMurray (aka @ShuckerPaddy), who also owns Ceili Cottage in Leslieville, is still in charge. He’s a World Champion oyster shucker and holds a Guinness World Record for the most oysters shucked in a minute (an impressive 38!). So… he’s got a lot of street cred!

The interior

The interior

At Pearl Diver, the snacks and apps ($7-$13) include some pretty tempting items including the Pearly Chowdah, grilled sardines ($3 each) and hot shells (grilled and baked oysters at $3 each). As far as the mains go (which range from $15 to around $25), there are a number of expected seafood items including fish & chips and rainbow trout as well as non-seafood options including chicken kiev, a local bone-in pork chop and the Pearl Diver burger.

They also have a number of daily specials including “Zinc and Drink” Monday to Friday from 3-6pm with PEI oysters priced $15 for 12 and $5 house drinks. This same deal is offered Thursday to Saturday as a late night special from 10pm till midnight. The special that we came here for was their Thursday night 100 oysters for $100 (#100for100).

But before I get to that, let’s talk about the drinks. They offer a nice selection of wine including a Tawse chardonnay (a great pairing for oysters, by the way) and Tawse Gamay, both on tap. They also offer a few cocktails, a handful of bubbly’s and a dozen or so draft beers including McMurray’s own ShuckerPaddy’s Scrimshaw Oyster Stout.

So, back to the oysters. As the selection varies from day to day, the current offerings are written on a chalkboard. But on this visit, we just had whatever they were offering for their #100for100 special. Bring some friends (we came with another couple, Vanessa and Josh, for a double date night), choose a team name (we were #TeamShuckNorris – thanks Vanessa!) and start slurping them down. Such a fun (double) date night.

Batch 1 of 3 (#100for100)

Batch 1 of 3 (#100for100)

The oysters arrived in three separate batches and initially I wasn’t sure if 25 oysters per person would be a little much. It wasn’t. I kinda regret not ordering another 100!

To supplement the oysters, we ordered a few things to share. First up was the Chicken Liver & Oyster Pate – with house pickles & toast ($7). While I couldn’t really taste the oyster in the pate, it was still very enjoyable. The top was torched, reminiscent of crème brûlée, and the creamy pate had a distinct liver flavour.

Chicken Liver & Oyster Pate

Chicken Liver & Oyster Pate

Another app we shared was the Crispy Calamari – panko & sesame crust, sweet chili, ginger & lime dip ($8). It was certainly crispy and overall tasty but I didn’t find it anything to write home about. If you’re feeling a little peckish, this will get the job done.

Crispy Calamari

Crispy Calamari

We also ordered a side of thin and crispy House Frites ($5). We inhaled them in record time so needless to say, we liked ‘em.

House Frites

House Frites

From the mains, we shared an order of the PD Fish n’ Chips – fresh Atlantic haddock, cabbage & root slaw, house tartar sauce ($18). These guys really know how to make fish & chips! Coated in a beer batter, the haddock filets were fried to perfection – a light crisp exterior without being too greasy and a moist, flaky interior. Oh, and it was served with a heaping pile of their addictive fries (which may have been the reason we decided on the fish & chips…).

PD Fish n’ Chips

PD Fish n’ Chips

The second main we shared was the Diver’s Daily Wholefish Grill – grilled whole with lemon, simple & clean. The grilled fish (today’s was seabream) was impeccably cooked and I believe it came in around $20 which I found to be great value. I loved the simplicity of it which allowed the flavours of the fish to shine on its own. Aside from the oysters, this was my favourite dish of the night.

Grilled Seabream

Grilled Seabream

We ended off the meal with their famous Starfish Sticky Toffee Pudding ($7). While the space and menu have changed, this customer favourite hasn’t gone anywhere.

Starfish Sticky Toffee Pudding

Starfish Sticky Toffee Pudding

Overall, we had such a fun time at Pearl Diver. The space and service was warm and inviting, the oysters didn’t disappoint and their hot food was just as delicious. I highly recommend rounding up a couple friends to tackle the #100for100 Thursday evening special. We’ll definitely be back for round two!

At a glance:

  • Home of Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill for 13 years before closing and revamping into Pearl Diver which opened at the end of 2014
  • Still owned by World Champion oyster shucker Patrick McMurray (aka Shucker Paddy) who also owns Ceili Cottage
  • Located on Adeleide between Church and Jarvis
  • Specializing in oysters and seafood; lots of non-seafood options available too
  • Thursday nights: 100 oysters for $100
  • “Zinc and Drink” special Mon to Fri (3pm-6pm) with PEI oysters (12 for $15) and $5 house drinks
  • Great experience – warm and inviting space/service, delicious food

Ratings (out of 5):

  • Food: 4 stars
  • Service: 4 stars
  • Atmosphere: 4 stars

Pearl Diver on Urbanspoon



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