In the news
oysters & tacos to williamsburg
For husband and wife Mikey and Chelsea Maksimowicz, Casa Pearl is more than just a restaurant - it is the fulfillment of a culinary dream and the summation of childhood memories. Set to open in Williamsburg in October 2018, Casa Pearl will dish out playful seafood bites, funky tacos and tasteful twists on American Southern classics.
Coastal VIRGINIA magazine
HOME OF THE OYSTER
This fall, Williamsburg’s Merrimac Trail will become home to a unique new restaurant, Casa Pearl. Although its name suggests a Mexican eatery, it will not be just chips-and-salsa kind of place. Rather, Casa Pearl - loosely translated as House of Oysters - will offer a playful, eclectic menu focused mainly on fresh local seafood joined by an assortment of Latin-inspired dishes, all served up in the fun and funky atmosphere of a former Texaco gas station.
MR. WILLIAMSBURG
TERRIFIC FRESH, THAI-SPICED CLAMS & KILLER OYSTERS
At the edge of Williamsburg, Casa Pearl is the rare restaurant that comes with a subtitle. "Oysters and tacos," says the sign. Hard to blame them: Very few things are better than oysters and tacos. Even the restaurant's name is a play on the two, an old-school moniker for Mexican eateries paired with the precious stone an oyster creates when sand makes it angry. Quaint oyster watercolors adorn Casa's bathrooms, while the front of the former Texaco station is guarded by a moat of shells.
THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Tacos and oysters collide in this new Merrimac Trail restaurant
He’s from the Northern Neck and she’s from Northern California, and they’re blending their culinary backgrounds in their new home of Williamsburg.
Chelsea and Michael Maksimowicz moved to Williamsburg from Charleston, South Carolina in December 2017. Twelve months later they are opening their first business together on Merrimac Trail, next to CVS.
WYDAILY
Casa Pearl is a big hit right out the kitchen
Who knew converting an old gas station into a restaurant specializing in oysters and tacos would be such a hit?
Michael and Chelsea Maksimowicz owners of Casa Pearl on Merrimac Trail, had such an inkling when they decided to open the casual, family-friendly restaurant and bar in December 2018.
DAILY PRESS
Latin-inspired with a Southern Flair: A Review of Casa Pearl
Occupying the remnants of an old Texaco gas station, Casa Pearl: Oysters & Tacos has lovingly transformed an old pit stop–with its shiplap walls and all–into what might be the most happening lunch spot in Williamsburg.
The local scoop magazine
Discover the charm of Williamsburg, VA
Serving elevated riffs on classic bar fare (like their delicious oak-smoked fried chicken wings), Amber Ox has a rustic vibe and a roster of regulars (so be sure to make a reservation). Another newbie to the food scene, Casa Pearl Oysters & Tacos—helmed by a young chef and veteran of Charleston, South Carolina’s The Ordinary—delivers the Chesapeake Bay’s finest bounty in a casual gas station turned oyster-and-taco bar.
southern living
a local taco and oyster restaurant on Coast live
Casa Pearl is a locally owned restaurant serving up oysters and tacos in Williamsburg. Owner and Chef Mikey Maksimowicz joins us with some delicious seafood samples from their menu. Watch the video below.
coast live
Top 10 Things To Do in Williamsburg, Virginia
One of the best ways to learn about a new destination is through food. Blue Talon Bistro has a wonderful outdoor seating area, The James Landing Grillehas views of the James River where you can hear seabirds squawk in the distance, Casa Pearl is where to go for tacos and oysters, LOKAL Café has wholesome grab-and-go eats and they make their own oat milk, and the Social Terrace at Williamsburg Innis a lovely place to don posher garb and enjoy a nightcap and small bites while listening to live piano music.
FORBES
Awards
2019
Best New Restaurant
2020
Gold, Best Overall Restaurant - Peninsula
Gold, Best Seafood
Gold, Best Tapas
Bronze, Best Mixologist, Sophie Magnotti - Peninsula
2021
Gold, Best Mixologist
Gold, Best Craft Cocktails
Gold, Best Seafood
Silver, Best Overall Restaurant
Silver, Best Local Chef, Mikey Maksimowicz