Peli Peli - Flame Pepper Fusion

Peli Peli's food is spectacular in both taste and in presentation. It is simply art on a plate. The ambiance is soothing, yet illuminating. I assure you once you dine under the Acacia Tree your heart, mind, and stomach will desire that experience time and time again.

Pros: The Food & Atmosphere

Cons: None

Posted 10/08/09

The South African spices and flare were really tasty and interesting. I had the Prawns and my wife had the Sea Bass, both were great and had a nice zing to them without being overbearing. We really liked everything we ate and would probably go back for the food. The decor and centerpiece of the restaurant and the lighting rotation was really cool. Something to see!

On the down side we ate off of plastic plates for the appetizer, and the Blue Cheese dip can in one of those plastic condiment cups with the lid and a big "B" written on the lid ...very tacky! The entree's were pretty expensive for the level of the restaurant, and the Wine list is weak.

If you like your food with a little zest, and an interesting decor, you'll like this place. But don't expect something fancy, more like South African Chilli's.

Feel free to follow our dining escapades on Twitter! thediningduo!

Pros: Decor, Food, Great Suburbs locale.

Cons: Plastic Plates? Not upscale as advertised...

Posted 09/11/09

I have been to Peli Peli for brunch and dinner to try both their menus and I've got to say that it is amazing!!! I went to brunch first for a workers meeting and had a soup and chicken sandwich and it was the best sandwich I have had in a restaurant! The bread was amazing and the chicken with the sauce tasted great. And it was well priced too! After having this sandwich I had to come back to dinner and I will have to say I was equally impressed. The appetizers and sides were good enough that I would come back and just order a huge portion of them (steak appetizer! and the rice/cole slaw is really really good!) The entree was equally delicious (order the Sea Bass its to die for!) After a great meal a perfect dessert topped everything off (loved the passionfruit). The best thing about this restaurant is that even though I loved everything I ordered, the menu was so intriguing that I wanted to try everything. Hoping that I can go back and try new things, but what I had was SO AMAZING that I might have to stick to it. The service/ambiance of the restaurant matched the food perfectly. Everyone should try Peli Peli and explore their menu like I will be doing for the next few months! I guarantee you will not be disappointed

Pros: Delicious Food!

Cons: None so far!

Posted 08/04/09

During a recent visit to Houston, a friend brought me to this new Restaurant. Turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip! Situated in a new plaza, this South African Fusion restaurant offered fantastic food and service in a uniquely decorated and comfortable space. From the huge "Acacia" tree in the middle, to the cool color-changing lighting on the walls, the decor becomes part of the dining experience. The advertising screens were also interesting, showing short videos of the chef, and the specials throughout the week. There was a live two-person band playing which created a nice background ambiance, but wasn't overpowering as we were still able to carry on a normal conversation.

The serving staff was knowledgeable and took good care of us. We were even lucky enough to meet Chef Paul, who came out a couple times and greeted customers, asking us how we were enjoying our meals. He obviously takes great pride in his restaurant and his food and it shows.

So what about the food? One word - Amazing! From the bacon-wrapped chicken appetizer to the surf and turf (head-on Peli Peli prawns were excellent!) and finished with the Sticky Toffee Pudding, it was a fantastic dining experience. The sides (I tried the couscous and seasonal vegetables) were delicious and the coleslaw was fantastic. They also have a good wine list, and the South African offerings in particular were a nice addition to the meal.

It's a shame I was only visiting Houston, because if I lived there I would definitely be eating at Peli Peli frequently! If you are lucky enough to be in Houston, Peli Peli should be on your list of restaurants that you must experience!

Pros: Food, decor, staff

Cons: None

Posted 08/03/09

My family and I went to Peli Peli for brunch and I must say the whole experience was one of a kind. As we opened the door, the alluring sound of the Jazz band waived us in. My eyes were amazed at the vibrant colors that were canvased within the dark boldness of the wooded architecture. I sat down and ordered the drink of the hour "The Mimosa", garnished with a simple slice of strawberry. Once my Omelet with Mango Salsa was placed in front of me, my eyes lit up like a kid because it was simple art at first glance. Once the fork is to my mouth it was an explosion of flavors. The food was so good we had to try desert and we could not decide which one to get so we decided to try two: African Mud Hut and Crepes Calypso..Both To Die For!!!
The staff was clean, courteous, and very attentive to our needs, we wanted for nothing as we dined.

Chef Paul is truly a visionary, after listening to his history, experience, and finally tasting his food, it made sense that you would find peace under the Acacia Tree as you dine. I highly recommend Peli Peli for brunch, lunch, dinner, or just cocktails with your friends. Oh..and Ladies, the bathroom will make you feel like you are in a swanky top of the line Spa on Rodeo Drive. From start to finish my experience at Peli Peli was one of the best ones I have had in a long time.

Latreca Q. Whitfield

Pros: The Food

Cons: None

Posted 07/25/09

We came here with the family on a Friday night and were all very surprised at how delicious everything was! There is a South African twist to the menu and everything we had was extremely tasty and unique. For appetizers, I would recommend the bacon & chicken appetizers and the liver (its really good!) For entrees, we had the sea bass, prawns and filet mignon - all of which were amazing, esp the sea bass! For dessert, we had some passion fruit thing, I dont remember what it was called but it was delicious!

Highly recommend this restaurant - it seems to work well for bigger groups as well as couples.

Pros: Great food with a twist and good value for price

Cons: n/a

Posted 07/25/09

Good management, professional staff, music nights provide good vibes, good place to bring birthday parties and celebrations...

Pros: anything off the grill - appetizers

Cons: open more locations, kinda far cuz I live in Clear Lake

Posted 07/25/09

went there a couple of times with my friends. you have to see THE tree. you'll know once you get there. the food is delicious! the filet mignon is AWESOME. it's not a typical steak, but the cut it into 2 smaller pieces and place it on a fried biscuit and smother it in cream mushroom sauce. to DIE for!

i had a mojito there one time and it was nasty. not even worth the happy hour price. but besides that, the place is really nice and the food was delicious!!

Pros: delicious south african fusion

Cons: drinks

Posted 05/03/09

I love this place! Finally something different and not your usual bland and boring cuisine/food. The seasoning on thier food is very unique and not like any that I've tasted before and I've tried many! We had the salmon tartare/bacon wrapped chicken for apps and I had the prawns which looks like mini lobsters! My friends had the sea bass and peli chicken and they loved it.

Definitly going back to try other items on thier menu!

I like to eat and i love to try new places and thier aren't many places i will go on and write a review but after reading that one bad review i think this restaruant needs some justice! Calling someone hitler seems kind of personal and innapropiate for a FOOD/Restaurant rivew.

Pros: well marinated food, specialty drinks, really nice ambiance

Cons: none

Posted 05/03/09

There are so many new restaurants, but no many of them bring anything new. But Peli Peli really stands out. First, the interior of the restaurant is really striking. The clean lines and textured walls create a truly upscale dining experience.

Plus, the food is really spectacular! I had the peli peli chicken appetizers. It is wrapped in apple smoke bacon and grilled. For entree, I had the prawns. They were fresh and huge (Houston really has access to great seafood!). The seasoning really brought out the freshness of the shrimp. I found myself licking the shells! My companion had the sweet and spicy chicken and was blown away. even the unassuming sides like the South African cole slaw was spectacular. It reminded me of the great Houston restaurants that first came out in 1997-2000 (Daily Review Cafe, Quilted Toque, Churrascos) that churned out innovative comfort food.

Also, the staff was so friendly. They were unassuming but always attentive.

Peli Peli is just a special kind of restaurant. It is definitely a place to take people that you want to impress, whether clients, friends or that special someone.

As I write this, I am really craving that Peli Peli chicken appetizer!!!

Pros: Innovative comfort food, great decor

Posted 05/02/09

We almost didnt try it because we werent sure what South African food was, but Im glad we did! Most people will think its just South African food, but its really just American cuisine using different spices and seasonings from South Africa.

We had the bacon wrapped chicken as an appetizer and the prawns and lambchops for our entrees. Wow. The prawns were HUGE and the lambchops had this seasoning all around it that was just incredible.

There really weren't any "cons', but if I had to list one, I would say that our server was still learning the menu and wasnt as informative as I would have liked, but judging by how good the food was, I dont think it matters here.

Would definitely recommend and we will definitely be there for Mother's Day.

Pros: Food, Ambience

Cons: Staff was still new when we went

Posted 05/02/09