Orange County Other Cities

Welcome to Citysearch!

Find what you were looking for? (Hint: You can use the search box in the upper left-hand corner to track down anything you want. We're here to help, so click around.)
 | close

Best of Citysearch

Orange County Look Hot, Feel Good 2008

More

Vote Sponsored By

My Summary

Recently viewed

Recommended for you

More

Red Pearl Kitchen

412 Walnut Ave
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5158
Phone: (714) 969-0224
Citysearch
Price:
$$$
Cross Street:
Main Street
Hours:
Daily 5:30pm-10pm

Editorial Review for Red Pearl Kitchen – by Jennifer Schwartz

The Scene
A block from bikini shop- and pub-lined Main Street sits this stylish eatery. Elements of classic Chinese decor, like ornate dragon statues, fuse with post-industrial touches such as exposed pipes and modernized red lanterns. A high-definition TV dominates the back wall, flickering with muted Godzilla flicks and kung fu classics. The small space is usually packed with lively parties, so service can be harried and forgetful.

The Food
Executive chef Binh Truong takes inspiration from all over Asia, especially Japan, China, Thailand and Vietnam. Whatever their origin, most dishes pack a fiery punch, like the slow-burning coriander-spiced shrimp satay. Delicate Vietnamese spring rolls with cilantro-infused dipping sauce make a pleasant start. However, smoked albacore tataki is a bland companion to the sweet cucumber-and-radish salad. Best bet for meat eaters is the beef filet with thick rice noodles, blanketed with a hearty black-bean sauce.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

What to Drink

As the menu confirms, wine does go with Asian food, and Red Pearl offers an extensive selection, including cold sake.

When to Go

There are no reservations; to ensure quick seating, arrive by 5:30pm opening or be prepared for a long wait.

User Reviews for Red Pearl Kitchen

Citysearch (9), Fodor's (1 ), Trip Advisor (1 ), AOL CityGuide (1 ), All (12)

2 Star Rating: Below Average

11/19/2006 Posted by aquawarlock

After hearing rave reviews for their Hollywood branch (which often gets booked to the max) I decided to take a chance with the less-crowded Huntington Beach branch. Wow... (and not in a good way) -- the cocktails were weird-tasting, and while the dishes are OK, they're not that remarkable, small on portions, and really stuff I could've gotten for MUCH cheaper in real Asian restaurants. We got a Salmon in Red Curry (Daily Special) and Shaking Kobe beef, neither were really Pan-Asian/Fusion . . . just Asian-styled foods with a heftier price tag. Would not go again.

Pros: close to the beach

Cons: very overpriced, just OK food

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/26/2006 Posted by hbmom

My family and I can't get enough of this incredible food! A previous reviewer discourages bringing children - but all I know is my teenagers love this food and it's very friendly servers. The menu has changed since this original review here. We find the portions are perfect not "small plate". My son loves the calamari appetizer and the shrimp dumplings, I love the cashew chicken, my daughter loves all of the noodle dishes and my husband is in reverie with just about anything they serve. This is definitely a busy happening place, but we usually have no problem being seated - maybe because we eat before things really get hopping in HB. Great place to bring visitors to HB.

Users Like You Also Viewed

Bossa Nova
7181 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046-4417

Dal Rae
9023 Washington Blvd
Pico Rivera, CA 90660

Editor's Review

Urban-cool Cal-Asian eatery fires up Huntington Beach's burger-and-bar scene.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

What to Drink

As the menu confirms, wine does go with Asian food, and Red Pearl offers an extensive selection, including cold sake.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Parking

  • Street
  • Garage

Hours

  • Daily 5:30pm-10pm

Payment Types

  • Visa
  • Discover
  • American Express
  • MasterCard
  • Diners Club

Cuisines

  • Asian
  • Thai
  • Vietnamese
  • Indonesian
  • Chinese

Meal Price

  • $$$

Near This Location

412 Walnut Ave
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5158

Site Links:

Citysearch is a registered trademark of Bluefoot Ventures Inc., and is used under license.
© 2008 Citysearch.com All rights reserved.

Partner Sites: