You have to love a place whose philosophy is that a seafood tower solves all problems. We tend to agree that tiers of lobster, crab, and oysters are a good solution. If you add in some caviar and potato chips, all bets are off. Perle Wine & Raw Bar has arrived on the scene. This is the first look review at a neighborhood spot that is exactly what it presents itself to be. Plus, a little more, which is why we hope it sticks around for a long time.
Atmosphere
I couldn’t get a sense of what Perle Wine & Raw Bar would look and feel like from the photos I saw on Instagram. Where the Instagram vibes can make it seem like a scene-y impossible to get into place, what I found instead was an easy-going and elevated neighborhood wine bar. Perle reflects its location on Greenwich Avenue but also distinguishes and elevates itself from the other spots on the street. Case in point, they put more into the decor than any other place on the block, especially Fiddlesticks. The vibe at Perle is sleek with a touch of Victorian lavish, but still a neighborhood place at heart. At one point the 12+ bar seats were all completely full and the crowd was nice. This is the kind of place you can drop by for a drink with friends, or do up for a nice and easy date night.
Food + Wine
Perle Wine & Raw Bar says it all in the name. This is a real wine bar at its core. Where spots like Parcelle Greenwich Village are wine bars without wine flights, Perle knows the assignment. Right now, there’s a $26 flight option of 3 wines whether you want to go for sparkling, white, or red wine. All wines, even at this price point that’s practically free in NYC terms, are above average. Sparkling starts with a Crémant and then progresses to Champagne. Reds in the flight selection are perfect for the first drinks of the night, or the last. They serve Dom by the glass too from a magnum, so do the high-low thing effortlessly well.
Now Onto the Food
There is nothing I like more than a raw bar, and Perle has just enough frills, but not too many, to be an easy any-day spot. What I mean by this is that Penny, for example, has a raw bar that does change your life. The raw bar at Perle Wine, on the other hand, can make your problems momentarily a little better. Everything is high quality and there are dishes where they flex their mussels beyond a basic raw bar spot. You can see the pedigree of the owner, who has worked at Eleven Madison, Nomad, and Bouley in a dish like the fluke crudo. They integrate yuzu salt, Asian pear, and just a touch of wasabi. The crab toast is just a pretty little bite with a touch of caviar on top. The seafood for one is enough to split for two so you can cover more of the menu. Everything is priced from $18 and upwards. It’s another reason that you could make Perle Wine your any-day spot on the rotation.
Service
Perle Wine & Raw Bar is one of those places that has natural neighborhood hospitality. Where the photos make it look like a posh, potentially slick spot, the service reflects the atmosphere of ease and genuineness. They’re not sucking up to you but they get to know you if you’re game. They’ve only been open a few weeks and already cultivated a nice group of regulars. If Perle can bring in a consistent crowd once September kicks off, it has a shot at building a strong foundation of clients. The service is a big reason I return to a restaurant and Perle could easily make it to my regular rotation.
Overall: 8/10
Other NYC Reviews You’ll Like
Frog Club
Parcelle Greenwich Village
Eel Bar NYC
FAQs
Q: Where is Perle Wine & Raw Bar located?
A: Perle Wine & Raw Bar NYC is located at 22 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011.
Q: What are the hours of operation of Perle Wine & Raw Bar NYC?
A: Currently Perle Wine & Raw Bar NYC is open from Thursday to Saturday in the evening for its summer hours. They will have more solidified hours in the fall.
Q: Does Perle Wine & Raw Bar have a website?
A: Perle Wine & Raw Bar doesn’t have a website, just an Instagram at this point. They are the sister though to Marian’s next door, which does have a website. Perle Wine & Raw Bar stays true to its name. Where Marian’s has full meals Perle focuses only on raw bar and small raw bar plates.
