The restaurant
Pearl is a small Italian restaurant at 8 Pearl Street, in Torquay's town centre, about five minutes' drive from north Torquay. It's a pasta bar: a handful of starters, five housemade pastas, a dessert or two, and a short list of Italian wines, beer and cocktails.
The menu changes often, sometimes daily, with whatever's fresh and local, and it's posted to Pearl's Instagram stories each afternoon. Restaurant Guru named it one of the 100 best Italian restaurants in Australia in 2023, and it rates 4.7 on Google from more than 210 reviews, one of the best scores in town.
The food
Because the menu changes, we can't tell you exactly what you'll get. The shape stays the same: starters to share, five pastas, and vegetarian and vegan options, with gluten-free pasta on request. Check the day's menu on Pearl's Instagram from about 4pm.
Reviewers keep coming back to the pappardelle and the fresh pasta generally, the garlic bread and the crème brûlée.
Drinks
The drinks list is short and considered: beer, cocktails and Italian wines from less familiar grape varieties. It's a good chance to try something you won't find in a bottle shop, so ask the staff what goes with the pasta that night.
Hours and bookings
The Pearl website lists it as open Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm. It's closed on Sundays and Mondays.
It's small and popular, so book, especially for a Friday or Saturday or anywhere in summer. Bookings are online through the website, or ring (03) 5261 7017. Pearl also sells gift vouchers.
What people say
The reviews are warm: great service, great drinks, perfect pasta, and good vegetarian and vegan choices. Several people came on a recommendation and say to book early so you don't miss out. One reviewer called it their favourite restaurant.
The main caution is the noise. It's a small, lively room, and a few people mention it gets loud, so it's better for a fun dinner than a quiet one.
Who it suits
Pearl is best for a couple or a small group who want a good bowl of pasta and a glass of wine. With a short menu and a small room, it's less suited to a big family group or fussy little kids. For those, Luigi's on The Esplanade or Il Matto on Bell Street have longer menus, pizza and more room.
Pearl Street is in the middle of town, so it's easy to walk to a bar first. The Torquay Wine Store on Gilbert Street is close by for a glass before dinner, and HugSiam Thai is on the same street if you can't get a table.
Planning your night
Book a few days ahead in summer, and earlier for a Friday or Saturday. On the day, check Pearl's Instagram stories in the afternoon to see what the pastas are. If there's a dish you've heard about, it may not be on, as the menu moves with the produce.
Pearl is closed on Sundays and Mondays. On those nights, Luigi's on The Esplanade is open on Sundays for Italian, and our restaurants guide has the rest. If you're vegetarian or vegan, Pearl is one of the better choices in town, as there are always vegetarian and vegan options among the pastas and starters.
A Pearl gift voucher makes a good present for someone who lives locally, or for friends who are coming down to stay.
Pearl Torquay FAQ
Where is Pearl?
8 Pearl Street, Torquay, in the town centre.
When is Pearl open?
Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm. It's closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Do I need to book?
Yes, it's small and popular. Book online or on (03) 5261 7017.
Is there gluten-free and vegan food?
Yes. There are vegetarian and vegan options, and gluten-free pasta on request.
Where can I see the menu?
On Pearl's Instagram stories, posted each afternoon.
For more places to eat, see our restaurants guide. Staying in north Torquay? Check dates at Holyday House.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 22 October 2026. Opening hours, patrols, rules and closures change — check with the source before you go.
- Pearl Torquay — Pearl (official)
- Contact us — Pearl (official)
- Pearl Torquay — Google Maps
- Pearl, Torquay — Tripadvisor