The Palomar is a vibrant and popular restaurant located in Soho, London. It is renowned for its 'modern Jerusalem' cuisine, which skillfully blends culinary traditions from Southern Spain, North Africa, and the Levant. The restaurant opened in June 2014 and quickly gained a reputation for its lively atmosphere and high-quality, good-value cooking, including dishes prepared using wood-fired techniques.
Customer Perception
Customers consistently praise The Palomar, describing it as a restaurant with a significant 'buzz' and 'worth the trip'. It is perceived as offering good quality and good value cooking, contributing to its sustained popularity and positive reputation.
Additional Details
The Palomar has maintained its Michelin Bib Gourmand status since 2014, indicating its consistent quality and value. It is known for its dynamic atmosphere, making it a lively dining destination in London's Soho district.
The restaurant opens for dinner, with the Michelin Guide noting Monday opening at 5 PM. It is generally a popular spot, so booking in advance, especially for evening visits, is advisable.
Awards & Recognition
Michelin Bib Gourmand • 2014
GQ Food & Drink Awards - Best Restaurant • 2015
Tatler (recognition mentioned, specific award not detailed) • 2015
Been there in the end of May. Good experience and nice spot for seafood dishes and savoury flavoured meals. Nice bar area and good selection of wines. Octopus and Butterbean hummus was 10/10 full of flavour and melts in your mouth. It felt a little bit chaotic but overall experience was great
A new all time favourite restaurant in London, I’m so glad I found this place.
Great for a date night or cute meal with friends / family - just be warned it’s mostly bar style seating (very cool because you can watch the chefs) with some table space at the back.
Between 2 we shared the falafel and heirloom tomatoes starters, the hamachi crudo (amazing), stream trout, and chicken mains with some layered potatoes, and then the chocolate tart for desert. Couldn’t recommend any of the dishes more honestly.
Lovely staff, really cool inside set up being right in front of the chefs, and just generally a great atmosphere.
5
Coming from Japan where the food standard is super high, it’s rare for me to be deeply impressed by restaurants overseas. But wow, this place completely blew me away!
The food was incredible, but it was more than that. The staff looked like they were having so much fun working, and the kitchen was absolutely spotless! The chefs and team were constantly wiping the cooking area. It’s a basic thing, but so many busy places fail to do it.
It made me realize that the best restaurants in the world all master the basics. Thank you for an amazing experience!
5
I have waited almost nine years to visit The Palomar and it absolutely lived up to expectations! I had the best seat in the house and could see every plate before it went out. Beautiful presentation, bold and subtle flavours, good drinks list,attentive staff. All in all a truly great experience, thank you. Bravo to the team!
5
Wow, wow, WOW! I was blown away by this place.
To start, our waiter was the lovely Irish guy (sorry mate, didn't get your name) and he was so knowledgeable: both about the food menu and the drinks. He pointed out some highlights and elegantly presented the menu. After having shared many small dishes, I can honestly say that I don't think you can actually go wrong at this place, which is crazy!
We had the bread to start with carrot tahini and Baba ganoush. I was so pleased that the Baba ganoush wasn't unbelievably smoky (if anyone reading has been to Oma in London Bridge, you know) and had an excellent aubergine texture. The carrot tahini was amazing. The sweetness from the carrot was perfect.
Then, we had the Hamachi crudo and the cucumber dish. The fish was so soft, and the cucumber dish surprised me by actually being amazing. The candied almonds, chilli oil etc all worked and made it a real treat. Never thought I'd order cucumber at a restaurant!
Finally, we had the octopus and the cabbage, with a side of the potatoes. The octopus was phenomenal - melt-in-the-mouth soft. Perfectly cooked. The cabbage was really tasty and delicously charred, and the potatoes were just amazing. Just look at them in the picture... Of course they are! Crispy goodness with stunning texture on the inside.
(This ended up being a touch too much food for 2 people, but I was very happy with my little leftover box, and it didn't last past midnight the same day 😂).
Drinks: I got a White Manhattan (£16) and was very impressed. I've never had a fat-washed cocktail before, and it was delightful. Followed it up with a simple Buffalo Trace on the rocks for a not unreasonable price of £12 for a double.
10/10, definitely worth the price. And, to be cheeky, I can't help but compare it to Oma in London Bridge - a Michelin starred Greek restaurant which has some of the same dishes (Baba ganoush, white fish crudo, octopus). I must say, Palomar is better!
