Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, Washington, DC

Award-winning

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

4.8

1364 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Top Tags:

With an ambience steeped in rustic charm and a menu filled with treasures from the sea, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace focuses on fresh produce and quality ingredients in its welcoming eatery. Specializing in a wide variety of oysters, from such places as Virginia, Japan, Rhode Island, British Columbia and Washington state, Peal Dive Oyster Palace takes oyster preparation seriously, complementing the delicate taste of the oyster. Appetizer options include crispy crawfish fritters, barbecue shrimp and wood-grilled oysters. Besides oysters, house specialties have a decidedly Cajun flair, with items such as seafood gumbo, crawfish etouffee and Gulf Coast Redfish, all of which have an amazing balance of spices.

The rich entrées at Pearl Dive Oyster Bar are further replicated in its dessert menu, with winning options like Beignets and Brazos River Bottom Pecan Pie.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 2, 2023

9:30 PM

Booked 34 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Seafood, Creole / Cajun / Southern, Oyster Bar
Hours of operation
Brunch Fri–Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 319-1612
Website
http://www.pearldivedc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Chef Chris Kispert
Private party contact
Catherine Ker: (202) 319-1612

Location
1612 14th St Nw, Washington, DC 20009
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
Neighborhood
Logan Circle
Cross street
On 14th Street between Q and Corcoran Streets
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Pearl Dive Oyster Palace is accessible via metro. We are a short walk from both the Dupont Circle and U-Street/Cardozo Metro Stations.
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Offers

OYSTERMANIA
Multiple dates available
Mon - 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Available in Pearl Dive Oyster Palace starting at 4 PM. Raw bar oysters on the half shell are 1/2 price !
Wine Down Wednesday
Multiple dates available
Wed - Thu - 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday! We know its hump day but Pearl Dive Oyster Palace wants to help you relax. Enjoy half off bottles of wine with purchase of dinner. Promotion is every Wednesday and save big on our bottle selections. All curated to pair perfectly with your meal.

Popular dishes

Spicy Shrimp Cocktail
Cocktail Sauce, Lemon. Minimum of 3, please.
- ea$3.00
Chopped Salad$16.00
Buttermilk-Jalapeno Dressing, Market Vegetables, Avocado, Popcorn Crawfish
Classic Caesar Salad$11.00
Romaine, House Croutons, Parmesan, Garlicky-Anchovy Dressing
Burrata & Roasted Acorn Squash$16.00
Black Pepper Honey, Pomegranate, EVOO, Balsamic Redux, Grilled Flatbread
Local Beet and Blood Orange Salad$16.00
Arugula, Red Onion, Charred Citrus Vinaigrette, Herbed Goat Cheese, Toasted Pine Nuts
Mariscos de Campechana$20.00
Local Oysters, Blue Crab, Spicy Shrimp, Charred Octopus, Tomato-Serrano Salsa, Avocado, Corn Tortillas

Hot Oyster Plates

Rockefeller (3)$11.00
Broiled Oysters, Spinach, Bacon, Parmesan, Aioli
Tchoupitoulas (3)$12.00
Oyster Confit, Blue Crab, Tasso Ham, Roasted Corn, Cayenne Hollandaise
Wood Grilled East Coast Oysters (4)$10.00
Garlic and Red Chile Butter, Gremolata
Angels on Horseback (4)$11.00
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Oysters, Vin Blanc, Balsamic Reduction

Hot

PD Clam Chowder
Creamy New England Style, Double Smoked Bacon, Corn, Poblano's, Croutons
- Cup$8.00
- Bowl$12.00
6pc Blackened Shrimp$12.00
Wood Grilled, Garlic Red Chile Butter, Lemon
6pc Southern Fried Oysters$12.00
Cornmeal Crust, Cayenne Aioli, Lemon
Lobster Rangoon$15.00
Cream Cheese, Spices, Crispy Wonton, Sweet-n-Spicy Chili Sauce
Wood Grilled Octopus$16.00
Chimichurri, Stone Grits, Crispy Onions
Addie's Mussels
Garlic, Shallot, Tomato Concassé, Chicken Stock, Butter, Lemon, Chili Flake, Grilled Baguette
- Half Pound$11.00
- Pound$17.00

Hand Food

Dive Burger$17.00
Roasted Green Chiles, Pepper Jack Cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Cayenne Aioli
Po'Boys Oyster, Shrimp, or Catfish$17.00
House Pickles, Diced Onion, Shaved Lettuce, Cayenne Aioli, Dive Fries

Dinner Platters

Served with Bacon Braised Greens, Salt Roasted Potatoes & Southern Slaw

Pennsylvania Amish Chicken$21.00
Creole Spicy Fried
Cornmeal Crusted Oyster$22.00
Cayenne Aioli & Lemon
Blackened Shrimp$22.00
Wood Grilled, Garlic Red-Chile Butter, Lemon

Spoon Worthy

Lo Que Los Gatos Sueñan-"What Cats Dream Of"$28.00
Shrimp, Fish, Mussels, Spinach, Saffron Milk, Grilled Bread
Jambalya Aka Creole 'Paella'$28.00
Andouille Sausage, Shrimp, Mussels, Chicken, Corn & Tomatoes, with Creole Rice & White Wine-Butter Broth

Creole Gumbos

Holy Trinity, Bacon, Tasso Ham, File, Okra, House Spices, Served with Buttered Rice and Garlic Bread

Seafood$26.00
Oyster, Shrimp & Blue Crab
Shrimp$23.00
Texas Gulf Shrimp
Chicken & Smoked Andouille Sausage$25.00

Knife & Fork

Wood Grilled Daily Fish$27.00
Sage & Native Pecan Brown Butter, Cayenne Stone Grits, Haricots Verts
Blackened Catfish$26.00
Oyster & Sausage Dirty Rice, Chili Glazed Sweet Potatoes, Spinach
Steak Frites$30.00
Wood Grilled Teres Major, Dive Fries, Charred Scallion Butter, Demi
Cajun Shrimp N Grits$26.00
Barbeque Rubbed Shrimp, Cayenne Grits, Bacon Braised Greens, Sherry Butter, Grilled Baguette
Broiled Monkfish Tacos$26.00
White Corn Tortillas, Jalapeno Jam, Purple Slaw, Pineapple Salsa & Pablano Crema with Black Beans & Rice

Dessert Menu

Ricotta Beignets$10.00
Almond Caramel Dip
Florida Key Lime Pie$8.00
Graham Cracker Crust - Toasted Meringue - Raspberry Coulis
Tres Leches Cake$8.00
Cream Cheese Frosting - Chocolate
Brazos River Bottom Pecan Pie$8.00
Bourbon Infused Custard - Native Pecans
- A La Mode$10.00
Rustic Apple Black Iron Pie
Apple & Cognac Filling - Cinnamon Ice Cream; Allow 15-20 minutes for baking time.
- For 2$14.00
Dark Chocolate Pot Du Crème$10.00
Espresso Bean - Almond - Cocoa - Crème Fraiche
Bananas Foster$8.00
Banana Ice Cream - Banana Bread Pudding - Rum-Butterscotch - Salted Pecans
Ice Creams
Vanilla, Cinnamon, Caramelized Banana
- per scoop$3.00
Sorbets
Apple Cider, Strawberry
- per scoop$3.00
Gelatos
Double Dark Chocolate
- per scoop$3.00

Rise Up Coffee

Regular & Decaf Drip$4.00

Espresso

Espresso
- Single Shot$4.00
- Double Shot$6.00
Latte$6.00
Cappuccino$6.00

Teas from Harney and Sons

$4.50

Earl Grey
Decaf Ceylon
Sencha Green

Dessert Wine

Roumieu-Lacoste Sauternes, France 2019$15.00
Ramos Pinto 10yr Tawny Port$12.00

Hot and Boozy

$12

Irish Coffee
Jameson, Baileys, Coffee
Hot Toddy
Whiskey, Honey, Lemon

What 1,364 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Washington, D.C. Area
Seafood
District of Columbia
Seafood

1,364 Reviews

JS
JaneS
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall2food2service4ambience4
We've been to Pearl Dive before and really liked it. Last night the food was okay at best, and the portions were small. We ordered the grilled peach and burrata salad and there were almost no peaches. The fried oyster platter had very few, small oysters. The drinks were watery. We will think twice before returning.
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RT
ReginaT
Richmond
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Dinner was delicious. Our group included a 3yr old and a 1yr old. Jolly but messy dining! Our server was absolutely wonderful with the chaos at our table. Thank you for a great meal.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went to Pearl for my birthday and the experience was amazing. Food was awesome. Ambiance was intimate. Can’t wait to return for weekend brunch. Thanks for such an amazing birthday dinner 🥳🩷
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LG
LavawnG
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious and came out quickly. Cocktails were delicious as well.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
So good. Service was great. Oysters, bubbly, and dessert were sooooo good. Wasn’t particularly impressed with the crab/avocado dip stuff, seemed kinda bland but other than that, loved everything!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Cleveland
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is amazing ambience is perfect! We plan on being regulars!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time coming here and it was such a great experience. Right when we walked in the door, it felt like home and host, Elliott made that possible. Very personable, funny and helpful! Our server, Roxy was awesome! We will be asking for her when we come from now on. She was informative, have ideas, always had a big smile and made our anniversary very special. If you plan on stopping in, you won’t regret it. The food, the drinks and ambiance is a great time! Can’t wait to go back!
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F
Freeda
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Really great spot for good food in a comfortable setting,
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EP
EricP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The host Elliot was very welcoming and patient as we and our guests arrived late. He got on the phone and helped our guests find the restaurant (they were lost) and made sure we were taken care of. Thanks!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot for brunch. Our server was the best of any we had all weekend in DC.
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S
Stephen
Washington DC
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
The food was fantastic. The best Oysters Rockefeller ever! The loud noise level was the only problem. Super-duper service.
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D
Diner
Washington DC
28 reviews
vip
3.0
28 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall3food5service1ambience4
Went there for second time. Made reservation and request for sitting in a booth which has plenty of empty booth seating. A lot of couples got a booth seating but not us. Somehow we are not allowed to sit in a booth but others are allowed. I begged once again after ordering as the food we ordered do not fit the tiny table we have. End up not allowed and had to sit and watched at least 3 empty booth for our entire dinner but somehow we are not allowed to sit there. Delicious food. Very questionable seating practice. Will not return to this restaurant.
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R
Rnpemp
Richmond
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are from out of town and picked this restaurant based on reviews and it did not disappoint! Everything was fantastic from start to finish! Our waitress was exceptional and even gave a cocktail suggestion & it was delicious! All the food was amazing! Loved the ambiance! It has a great outdoor bar also. We will definitely return.
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CM
CoryM
Alabama
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall1food1service3ambience2
Combing for South Louisiana, the gumbo is the worst I ever had. Definitely would not recommend.
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BC
BrantC
Naples
51 reviews
vip
5.0
51 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful first time visiting Pearl Dive Oyster place and it was amazing! Food is very fresh , tasty and well prepared,service is excelled our expectations and ambiance is very vibrant. Definitely recommend for oysters and shrimp and grits !
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G
Gaskins
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is my favorite spot. Love it. Best place to eat. Great service. Love the staff.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great experience recently doing cocktails and small plates — enjoyed it so much that we went back for a birthday dinner. The food was fantastic and the menu was interesting so much more than just oysters. The cocktails were also delicious. Can’t say enough about the service. The staff was friendly, attentive but not overbearing, the pacing was great. Also, I had mentioned the birthday when making a reservation — they brought champagne after dinner (and sprite in a flute for the young woman at the table). Can’t wait to go back to try more on the menu.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 21, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great oyster deals on Mondays. Lobster Rangoon was a show stealer, so delicious.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent, and the service was fantastic!
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L
Louise
Washington DC
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Overall, Pear Dive was great. My one exception would be the basic margarita- it tasted like lemonade.
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A
Anna
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Really delicious oysters, raw and cooked, and blackened shrimp. Lovely service. Also just a fun place.
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C
Cristina
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, delicious oysters, and the mussels and bread were amazing.
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SS
SuzanneS
Washington DC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience3
Pearl Dive has a great happy hour, and offers outdoor seating which is great when the weather is beautiful. However, we were unpleasantly surprised by upcharges on our bill when it came that we were not notified of when we ordered. My grandmother and sister each ordered the chopped salad, and asked to substitute shrimp for the crawfish that are generally included. Because this was a substitution (not an addition), we were expecting a small surcharge for the switch, but nothing was mentioned to us when we were ordering. We ended up being charged an extra $10 for the addition of shrimp for each salad. Had we been notified of this when we were ordering, we may have made a different choice. Overall, I would recommend Pearl Dive for oysters and happy hour, but perhaps not for dinner.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Go-to local spot with great happy hour. Usually the oysters and mussels with bread on the side
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M
Malcolm
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience2
Tasty, affordable oysters and good drinks. Music was too loud (weekday at 6pm). Between songs we would realize we were shouting.
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CO
CassieO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service were both excellent, you could tell the wait staff really cared about your experience
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NY
NYCNick
New York Area
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Found this place on google maps, looked great by the photos, more than impressed in real life. Everything was superb.
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CT
ChristopherT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for my wife's and mine 11-year anniversary. Food was delicious. Oysters were a bit small for my taste but overall, my wife and I enjoyed everything
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Our waiter was very friendly and checked on us frequently!!!! Great food and great service!!! The portions could’ve been a little larger!!!
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KE
KurtE
Los Angeles
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
For our first time, we really enjoyed pearl dive. The service was excellent. The food was outstanding. Lots of great options to choose from. Will definitely be going back soon.
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KB
KyleB
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Incredible dining! Olivia, our server, was friendly & attentive. The food & drinks were simply fantastic. Highly recommend!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waitress really went above and beyond to make mine and my friend’s birthdays special. Her recommendations were fantastic and everything we ate was absolutely perfect.
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B
Becky
Las Vegas
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Los Gatos!! I loved it the second time even more than the first. The oysters were super fresh. Service from Grant was perfect and the cocktails were delicious! I will recommend this place to all my friends and family who visit. Absolutely satisfied and when I return to the DC area, I will be returning!
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m
meegan23
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was great - food was delicious!
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LR
LindsayR
Richmond
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
The chicken and the blackened catfish was soooo good ! The oysters and the po’boy we got as appetizers were also really good!! The gumbo was watery and lacked flavor, both ppl at our table who ordered it sent it back. Overall a good spot, just not for gumbo
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I go to Pearl dive at least once a month and it is always outstanding!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing and the service was amazing, and Monday is half of oyster
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c
crabmeat
Washington DC
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience5
Oysters on the half-shell were great. But my guest's smoked salmon and latkes was less than mediocre. My chopped salad was ok-good. The restaurant wasn't crowded for Sunday brunch.
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DB
DanyB
Montreal
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding oysters choice (raw and cooked). Nice service and great choice of wines
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The bar tender was absolutely the best!!! My birthday dinner was great. It was very crowded and a few rude people sitting and standing by the bar, but that’s not Pearl Dive’s fault. Great food and drinks! My pic for my birthday dinner.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 319-1612.

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace is rated 4.8 stars by 1364 OpenTable diners.

Pearl Dive Oyster Palace does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.