Seafood lovers find paradise at Center City's Pearl & Mary

I'm perpetually searching for the city’s best spots to share a plate of freshly shucked oysters. So I dragged the Axios Philly team to the new Center City oyster bar Pearl & Mary for our end-of-year dinner last month.

State of plate: At the corner of S 13th and Sansom Streets, the restaurant from Michael Schulson — of Double Knot, Sampan and Via Locusta — serves up a menu that seafood lovers dream of:

• A raw bar with selections from lobster and snow crab to oysters from both coasts;
• Decadent appetizers, such as deviled eggs and oysters topped with caviar;
• And hearty entrees, including lobster rolls, tuna burgers, and grilled branzino.

Plus: There's a large, dimly lit bar fit for a quick bite or an intimate date night.

The highlights: The hamachi crudo topped with potato crisps and ponzu ($12) packed a crunch, while the uni baked oysters with yuzu and aioli ($17) were loaded with flavor.

• The steamed red snapper ($23) and the branzino ($24), served alongside lettuce cups and pickled veggies, were our favorites of the large dishes.
• And I loved the refreshing twist on a mint julep, served with tequila ($12).

Hot take: Skip the shrimp toast ($17). A bit bland.

If you go: Open Monday-Tuesday 4-10pm, Wednesday-Thursday 4-11pm, Friday 4pm-12am, Saturday 11:30am-12am, and Sunday 11:30am-10pm.

• Daily happy hour deals at the bar from 4-7pm