Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach

Mexican restaurant · Newport Beach

Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach

Mexican restaurant · Newport Beach

2

3110 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663

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Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach by null

Highlights

Palmillo is a vibrant Mexican hotspot with stunning decor and a lively atmosphere, serving elevated Sonoran and Baja dishes alongside exceptional tequilas and cocktails.  

Featured in Eater
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3110 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663 Get directions

palmillarestaurant.com
@palmillanb

$$$ · Menu

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3110 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663 Get directions

+1 949 220 1290
palmillarestaurant.com
@palmillanb

$$$ · Menu

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Jul 11, 2025

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@eater

"Set joins a slew of other busy projects that have come to the coastal waters of Orange County lately, from the glitzy new Palmilla Cocina y Tequila down on Balboa Peninsula." - Farley Elliott

Big Money Comes to Party at Orange County’s New Steak and Sushi Spot - Eater LA
View Postcard for Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach
@eater

"Palmilla Cocina y Tequila opened late last month in Newport Beach. The restaurant, which hails from the Esperanza/Baja Sharkeez crew out of Manhattan Beach, will focus on Sonoran and Baja-leaning food and cocktails — think a more updated and purposefully designed Javier’s. Famed architect Gulla Jónsdóttir oversaw the build, with a focus on Cabo, the Sea of Cortez, and the rocky, sandy coastlines of Baja at large. Find everything from ceviche starters and shrimp taquitos to steaks and lots of tequila on the menu, with hours from lunch through dinner (plus weekend brunch) daily." - Farley Elliott

New Orange County Restaurant Is a Mexican Stunner With Lots of Tequila - Eater LA
View Postcard for Palmilla Cocina y Tequila - Newport Beach

jerry Z

Google
Such a great spot on the peninsula in Newport Beach. This area really needed a restaurant like this. The food is really good. Seems very clean and has great flavor. The service is really good. The staff is on it and you can tell they enjoy their job. The location and build out is very nice. Parking is tight you can valet for $10 plus a tip or you can find parking out on the street but it’s definitely not the easiest. They have a great bar that you can sit at as well as a communal table in the bar area, which is really fun to hang out at and people watch. If you’re looking for great gourmet Mexican food that’s not overly expensive. This is definitely a great spot. My go to is always the grilled chicken burrito, oven style wet with both green and red sauce.

Chinyere Okoli- Azzalarab

Google
I recently dined at Palmilla Cocina y Tequila in Newport Beach, and it was a fantastic experience! The food was absolutely delicious, with a wonderful selection that really showcases the flavors of Mexican cuisine. Reservations are definitely recommended if you want a table, as the place can get quite busy. However, if you don't have a reservation, there's a nice middle area where you can find seating and still enjoy the full menu. The service was attentive, and the ambiance was vibrant, making for a great dining atmosphere. Plus, the valet parking made it easy to get in and out. I can't wait to go back and try more dishes! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great meal in Newport Beach!

Gabs Jaan (Exploring)

Google
I’m so happy that my girlfriend recommended this place. I have to say the food and the drinks were great . I had the cucumber jalapeño martini it was delicious. The service was absolutely amazing. Our bartender Alley was awesome and the atmosphere was annual occasion. Clean bathrooms with big mirrors to take some cute pics.

Quynh Dao

Google
I really wanted to love Palmilla. I made a trip to OC to celebrate with friends and it was an interesting experience to say the least. Service from the hosts and general manager were terrible! Our waitress was nice and sweet and she did a great job. But I can agree that it's slow. Food wasn't top tier but it was what's expected. It reminded me of Casa Madera in West Hollywood... the TEMU version. The space was cute but crowded and not diverse at all. Weird crowd and vibe. Valet was great- nice friendly guys and it was convenient. Our reservation was at 6P, and although I appreciate the effort to squeeze us in (supposedly they're booked and busy)... it wasn't up to par. It was pretty empty and we weren't seated until our reservation time and even that seemed like a struggle. As for the food... my favorite was the shrimp cocktail. We shared a variety of appetizers and played which also included steak fajitas, nachos , seafood enchiladas and short rib tacos. Prices were expensive but the plates were huge and had big portions.. I'd say we over ordered! They have a good drink menu, the drinks were aesthetic. I'd also suggest to skip dessert because the fried ice cream was a big disappointment (El torito's version is superior) and it took a long time to receive it with the manager cleaning the table before we even finished it. Overall impression? Snobby for no reason and the experience fell flat.

Alex Ryan

Google
Beautiful birthday brunch here. Easy and quick valet parking. Food was delicious. Presentation was beautiful. French toast and huevos rancheros were both fantastic. Margarita choices to your hearts delight with plenty of tequila options. Ambience and decor is beautiful. Will be back to visit this spot in the evening. Recommended for sure.

InkGraphix

Google
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila in Newport is a MUST-VISIT! We recently celebrated our first night out since getting engaged, and the experience was truly unforgettable. Huge shoutout to our incredible bartender, Leo, who went above and beyond to make our evening special. The Cucumber Jalapeño Martini was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING - a perfect blend of flavors that left us wanting more. Leo's attention to detail, warm hospitality, and expertly crafted cocktails elevated our night to 100 times better than we ever could have imagined. If you're looking for a top-notch spot with exceptional service, Palmilla Cocina y Tequila is the place to be - ask for Leo!" 5/5 stars

Jen Knight

Google
The atmosphere here is top notch. So relaxing and fun. Servers check on you, but give you plenty of time to enjoy hanging with your group. Food was hit and miss. Loved the fillet mignon tacos, but not the fajitas. Beans were good. Guac appetizer was just ok, but guac served with dinner was fire. If I had to compare this was like a hip Javier 's. Also the 10$ vallet was worth it.

Tommy Justice

Google
My wife and I came here for lunch today and it was absolutely fantastic. The service was excellent, and so was the food. If you’re craving really good Mexican food in Newport Beach, this is the place to go. Well done staff!!

Abbie S.

Yelp
Came here with a group of 10 for a birthday. The space is lively, food and drinks were great, and there's no extra charge or set menu for large parties, which is a big plus. Unfortunately, our server was stretched too thin--it took a long time just to order drinks, and after asking for a second round and menus, she didn't come back for nearly 30 minutes. We ended up leaving without ordering more, which was disappointing since we were excited to try their big margaritas. It really put a dead stop to our night. Also, there's no real birthday perk--just a waived cake fee or a small scoop of fried ice cream. Nothing that makes it feel like a celebration. I'd come back for drinks and apps, but wouldn't choose it for a dinner or special event.

Kenneth T.

Yelp
My wife and I LOVE Palmilla! The ambiance, the vibe, the food, and service is all outstanding. We chose this place as a random date day and have been coming ever since. If you're in the area, ask for Chadwick and he'll be sure to serve a great experience. You can't go wrong with the Coconut Pineapple Margarita and the Tacos de Filet Mignon with flour tortillas and you won't regret it. 5 stars all around.

Nana K.

Yelp
Vacation vibes all around at Palmilla Cocina! It truly feels like you are swept away to Tulum as soon as you step into the restaurant. We came here on a Tuesday night to celebrate my birthday, and the place was still so lively for a Tuesday night. What an amazing time my family and I had! The whole modern and vacationing feel is amazing, but what is even better is their food! Wow! It is rare that all three of us absolutely love our dishes, but Palmilla really came through with their food. I ordered their fillet mignon, which was heavenly. My daughter had me try their short rib tacos, and they were so good! My husband ordered their fajitas, and I did not get to try because he happily devoured it all. We shared their chocolate lava cake for dessert, and it was also SO good! Very rich, but I love my desserts sweet. I also enjoyed their margarita, which I asked for as a mocktail and it tasted very good. I am looking forward to coming back, especially to try out their brunch menu. Palmilla will definitely be a place I want to go back to, especially when I'm in need of a "getaway" for the evening

Steph A.

Yelp
Came here for breakfast and the place is stunning -- very aesthetic and beautifully designed. Perfect Sunday morning vibe! My husband and I tried the watermelon cilantro drink. It had a spicy kick -- probably better with alcohol, but I had the non-alcoholic version and didn't love it. The food was good. If you're looking for truly authentic Mexican food, this may not be the spot, but the flavors were still enjoyable. Service was great -- friendly and attentive staff. Overall, a nice place to relax and enjoy a stylish brunch setting.

Ceci D.

Yelp
Had a great birthday lunch at Palmilla! First time there! It reminded me of Cabo!! Love the decor and great vibe and food was excellent! Especially the ceviche assortment! My fav! And big shout out to Chadwick our server - he provided great all-around service, but most of all he had great energy and incredible smile! You're lucky to have him! We'll definitely be coming back soon to Palma.

Katya Z.

Yelp
I absolutely love the vibes of this place! It feels like you're transported to Tulum. They start you off with warm tortillas with salsa & honey butter. MY GOD THAT HONEY BUTTER ON IT IS ADDICTING. I could eat that every day. The drinks are all REALLY good. My favorite is the Passionfruit Margarita! We also tried the Coconut Pineapple Margarita which tasted great as well - it wasn't too sweet. I loved the coconut rim! We started with the short rib taquitos which I loved! They're super crispy on the outside and the meat is tender and savory on the inside. It has good flavor all around. We also got the 3 ceviches - I really enjoyed that it came with plantains. I will say 2 of the 3 ceviches were really great but the one in the middle with the dark red sauce that looks like michelada mix was not good. I got the Enselada de Cuerda and wasn't a big fan. It just tasted very bland overall so all I did was pick the meat out of it. I think it needs a crunch factor to it and more ingredients to punch up the flavor. I also ordered the Cabo Surf & Turf enchiladas. The green enchilada was soooo tasty with the sauce & the seafood inside. The red enchilada fell flat for me in comparison. I think next time I'd just do seafood enchiladas. Our server was always checking on us & made sure we were taken care of. The parking can be pretty annoying - they only have a small lot in front which is for valet. I believe it was $10 which isn't bad. There's street parking and a parking lot on the same street as the restaurant on the right but you do have to pay. I'd definitely come back here!

Chika M.

Yelp
The ambience of this restaurant was absolutely stunning. We went in the afternoon and it was really nice so I could imagine that at night it's even better. I got the enchilada and shredded beef crispy taco and both were super good. I felt like they were salted very well and it wasn't too greasy, which I could appreciate. the rice and beans also added to the meal making it very filling. I would highly recommend this restaurant, very good.

Krishi B.

Yelp
honestly, the food at palmilla was pretty mid mostly because it's just not authentic at all. if you're coming here for the food, you'll probably be disappointed. BUT the drinks? super solid. and the ambience is really cute -- totally gives cabo vibes with the decor and overall energy. definitely more of a spot to grab cocktails and hang out rather than come for a good meal. come for the vibe, not the food.

Laura T.

Yelp
Went there for my bday late April drinks were ok too sweet for me food was good what threw me off was that they picked up our plates without us being done they didn't even asked ask before you pick up called the following day. Spoke to. I believe the person in charge at the moment told him what had happened that they picked up our plates without even asking and we weren't done. He apologize he did state. He would talk to the manager about the situation and maybe they can get us back and have a better experience but unfortunately, the manager didn't call back. The young ladies that work there need to smile.

Omar E.

Yelp
A slice of Tulum in Newport with great food and service. The restaurant definitely gives a Tulum aesthetic with the decorations and seating. They have plenty of bar seating so it seemed like you could definitely walk in on a night out and valet means you don't need to worry about parking. We were a larger group (8 people) but the service was still great and staff were super friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. They didn't rush us to order and filled my water all night. Everyone was very satisfied with their dish and they all came hot but the plantain chips that came with the guac were a table favorite. Only thing I was left disappointed with was that the tortillas were extra ($1 each). We got less than one per person to start off and the fajitas came with 4 tortillas so we ended up ordering 16 extra. O's tip: We asked one of the servers what he recommended the Asada con Salsa and I'll definitely be back

Anush B.

Yelp
Restaurant was super cute gave Tulum vibes. Food was great as well. We went on Mother's Day and their service did not waiver. We received great service and food came out delicious and hot.

Quynh D.

Yelp
I really wanted to love Palmilla. I made a trip to OC to celebrate with friends and it was an interesting experience to say the least. Service from the hosts and general manager were terrible! Our waitress was nice and sweet and she did a great job. But I can agree that it's slow. Food wasn't top tier but it was what's expected. It reminded me of Casa Madera in West Hollywood... the TEMU version. The space was cute but crowded and not diverse at all. Weird crowd and vibe. Valet was great- nice friendly guys and it was convenient. Our reservation was at 6P, and although I appreciate the effort to squeeze us in (supposedly they're booked and busy)... it wasn't up to par. It was pretty empty and we weren't seated until our reservation time and even that seemed like a struggle. As for the food... my favorite was the shrimp cocktail. We shared a variety of appetizers and played which also included steak fajitas, nachos , seafood enchiladas and short rib tacos. Prices were expensive but the plates were huge and had big portions.. I'd say we over ordered! They have a good drink menu, the drinks were aesthetic. I'd also suggest to skip dessert because the fried ice cream was a big disappointment (El torito's version is superior) and it took a long time to receive it with the manager cleaning the table before we even finished it. Overall impression? Snobby for no reason and the experience fell flat.

Christy D.

Yelp
Fun night out with the girls celebrating a birthday. The restaurant and decor is so beautiful love the Tulum style vibes. The service was 10/10 from the hostess checking us in to the servers and bartenders everyone was super friendly. My entree was 10/10 delicious the flavors in the La Asada Con Salsa which was chimichurri filet mignon, chimichurri arroz de tomatillo and I chose the street corn. Flavors were delicious and presentation was beautiful. Some misses were the ranchera sauce on the enchiladas and the same sauce on the Chile Relleno bland flavor. Our drinks were a hit I had a couple Mocktails that were really good and my girls were happy with their drink choices. Overall I'd definitely come back to try some other menu items

Melody G.

Yelp
Such a cool/beautiful Restraunt. Love the whole set up, decor, & ambiance. Super friendly staff. Drinks were nice and strong how we like them! Some of our dishes were a miss/bland, but most a huge hit and delicious. I will definitely be going back to try more. I went back and forth from 4-5 star. It was super close to 5 stars, but I didn't give 5 only because of the red sauce bot making me want to eat the enchilada & the rice.

Derek G.

Yelp
Great Mexican restaurant! I had been looking forward to trying this place for a while, but the wait to get a reservation for a Saturday night made it a long time for me to finally get in! For drinks I ordered the skinny margarita, and this place makes a great margarita! The margarita tasted extremely fresh, and simple. I ordered guacamole, and chips for starters, and the guacamole was delicious! For dinner I ordered the asada, and the steak was cooked perfect, and the asada wasn't chewy at all. The chimichurri on top paired nicely with the steak. My gf ordered the enchilada and taco combination, and was very pleased with hers too. The service by the server, and bartenders were also very attentive, and they were both super personable too! Once 10:00 hits they play a house music mix, and crank the volume up, and we thought that was cool! I can't wait to come back soon!

Edward T.

Yelp
Chadwick introduced a fantastic drink , the Carajillo which picked me up and he made me feel at home my first day in Newport Beach. 5 stars*****

Angela J.

Yelp
Friendliest staff ever! super helpful and provided outstanding service. As someone who grew up eating Mexican food ,the flavors definitely aren't authentic but that doesn't mean the food was bad,I've had better Mexican food elsewhere but it was still yummy! The place is such a vibe, feels like you've been transported to Cabo .Drinks were a hit and I'd definitely come back to sit and have a few drinks with my girls at the bar .

Jessica G.

Yelp
First timer here and upon walking in I was in love with the interior decoration lots of detail was put in and it feels like your are at a restaurant in Cancun. We had reservations so we were seated right away and our server was friendly and helpful. You get served complimentary fresh tortillas with honey butter and salsa. In addition, we ordered an appetizer the guacamole trio that came with plantains, it was very good! For the drink I had a fruit margarita, raspberry flavored and it was refreshing and delicious! For our entrees, I ordered the enchiladas with one chicken and the other short rib (you can mix and match) with rice and beans and filet mignon tacos with rice and beans. The food was flavorful and I am looking forward on coming back and trying other items! P.S: valet parking available on restaurant property or there is street parking.

Cat R.

Yelp
Great spot! Trendy and cute with great vibes. Parking is valet unless you park around Newport and walk. Not bad. Service was good, messed up a few items but it was busy and of course we can have Grace for mistakes. They corrected with no issues Onto food and drinks. Passionfruit marg was delicious. Tart and Smokey which I was all about. Drank it like juice. They also start you out with fresh tortillas which are delicious and hot. However after first batch you have to pay per tortilla. Seems silly to me. ‍ Guac and chips were also great. Main dish, I got a combo plate. Enchiladas taco and chile rellano. IMO chile rellano was mid. The short rib taco and enchilada was wonderful though. Great flavor and tender meat. Dessert was also a hit at our table... the churros are crunchy warm and delicious! The fried ice cream was my favorite. Deep fried horchata ice cream! Overall great experience. I'll be back, just can you make two batches of tortillas free? Haha

Matthew K.

Yelp
Palmilla was an excellent venue for a small company staff dinner this week and a welcome departure from the corporate-y likes of Capital Grille and such. Upon entering, you'll realize that you've made a quick journey from Lido Isle to Cabo San Lucas. Though I was fortunate on a scouting mission down the street to acquire a vacated spot, you'll most likely be pulling in for valet at night here. Staff is present, jovial, and helpful. Our party of over a dozen was well cared for. Impressively, food arrived in rapid succession, without any hiccups or mishaps. FROZEN FRUIT MARGARITA ($14.25) - Ordered blended and with mango, this was one spectacle of a concoction, the talk of the table throughout the evening. A slush seemingly the size of cotton candy towered over the edge of its much too small cocktail glass much like the way one feels standing in an infinity pool. I was granted a spoon (a set of them, in fact) by the server but actually wound up not making much of a dent in this XXXL cocktail due to its sheer volume. ENSALADA DE CUERDA ($19.50) - Ordered with short rib, this was essentially braised short rib tossed with some red onion, cherry tomato, jalapeño, and traces of cabbage. I was actually hoping for a little more roughage given that this was in under the Ensaladas y Sopa section, though the meat portion and overall size was commendable. Still, this might be a rare instance where less meat might have actually been appreciated for balance sake. This is less of a 'greens' dish and perhaps more so an option for a protein-forward meal for a small appetite. The formidable mound of meat arrives with three tortillas fried up to a pleasing texture reminiscent of wonton crisps. PRAWNS DIABLO ($45.00) - Further proof that Palmilla does not shortchange with portions (something restaurants with a similar level of refinement around this area might get away with), this plate featured five large tail-on prawns flanked by a moderate portion of rice and refried beans. The three main ingredients themselves were agreeable. What was perhaps most impressive was the sheer heat level of the diablo sauce. This was no 'gringo' level spicy - in my estimation, it registered at about an 8.5-9 on the ' legit Mexican' heat scale.'' CHURROS (on the house as a gift to our company's anniversary) - Sizable churros nicely fried and sugared, with one per person good enough. This arrived with a trio of sauces. Overall, with ambience that evokes the finest of Baja Sur, staff that is diligent, friendly, and hospitable, and food that scores well both on portions and heat level, Palmilla feels like an authentic gem in an area where there's no shortage of watered down experiences.

Kaia H.

Yelp
Pamilla's is gorg--it's totally giving Tulum vibes. The ambiance is stunning, and while the food is definitely on the pricier side (as expected for Newport), I'd say it's pretty close to being worth it. I had the filet mignon tacos, and they were amazing! My friend got the halibut tacos, which were also really good, though they lost a bit of crispness toward the end. The drinks were GORGEOUS and yummy. Our waiter was super helpful and attentive, giving great recommendations and making sure we were happy with everything. The nachos were solid--tasty and a good portion for sharing. Overall, I'd definitely come back for the vibes, food, and service!

Ivy O.

Yelp
Great flavorful food, and wonderful drinks. Ambiance is so nice, I'd definitely recommend to come and have lunch or dinner here it's so pretty.

Lulu Z.

Yelp
The surf and turf enchiladas were so good, I just remembered to post my review. Amazing flavors and the decor, the moving ceiling, the ambiance, the friendly service. Everything else we ordered, Ceviche de Pescado Blanco, the plantain chips were good Quesadilla with chicken, pretty basic Prime Filet Mignon, overly charred on the outside Cabo Surf and Turf Enchiladas, the best enchiladas- flavors were soo good. Relleno de Langosta y Camaron, this was good too. Chile Relleno y Crispy Taco short rib, packed short rib meat, but no flavor and the taco got soggy fast Prawns Diablo, spicy prawns Valet parking only.

Linda N.

Yelp
I came here for dinner with family that was visiting from Palm desert and we had a great experience! The manager was super helpful and nice.

Radel A.

Yelp
Great spot for food! The staff were great and the food was amazing. I'm an enchilada guy through and through and they did not disappoint at all! Highly recommend! The aesthetic there gave me vibes as if I were in Tulum. I'll be going back!

Sara H.

Yelp
Went for a birthday party brunch of around 15 people and they were great! So I would say good for bigger groups. Giving Palmilla a 3.5 only bc of the vibes and atmosphere - the food was just ok. I got the "special" burrito, and it was good, but not amazing or anything. The complimentary tortillas they give you are fresh and yummy. Probably would only come back if I wanted a cute spot.

sophie d.

Yelp
I love this place! Their ceviche trio is a great starter and I love that it comes with plantain chips. Their margaritas are so refreshing and not overly sweet and their clarified pina colada is so unique and delicious! Personally, I wasn't a huge fan of the surf & turf enchiladas I thought they were a bit too salty but I enjoyed the chicken enchiladas & I absolutely loved the tortilla soup. The staff is attentive, and the restaurant is beautiful! I've also had the lava cake and it is the perfect way to end off.

Michelle H.

Yelp
Tacos De Filet Mignon 5/5 meat was tender and very juicy, after eating one i actually asked the server for another order of these! Taquitos Playa Shrimp 5/5 the shrimp was so soft and full of flavor. One of my favorites from dinner Overall everything exceeded my expectations, the restaurant is a great spot for a girls night out, date night, or even a place to grab drinks. Lots of photo worthy areas to take cute pictures at too

Kayla H.

Yelp
Went here on a date night and was in love with the atmosphere! Our server was great, very attentive and informative! I personally thought the food was okay but not bad at all. Definitely a great spot for a date. :)

Eric M.

Yelp
Popped into Palmilla Cocina after an afternoon on the water whale watching. There is a private parking lot and valet parking. We were seated outside as we didn't have a reservation and it was quite busy inside. There were many patio heaters so it was quite comfortable outside even though it was a bit chilly outdoors. We started out with a crispy shrimp appetizer which was absolutely delicious. Crunchy, gigantic prawns with tons of flavor. For entree, I ordered the chimichanga Mariano's. The chimi came hot and crispy and loaded with lobster and seafood. The chimi had a bit too much liquid in it for my liking, I'm assuming it was melty cheese, but it was way too runny for me once I cut into it. The flavor was good, but your plate literally looked like soup was poured on the plate. The staff was friendly, informative and prompt: drinks were refilled quickly and orders were taken and completed efficiently. My overall experience was good at Palmilla. Give it a try and see for yourself, I'm sure you'll be delighted.

Brigette G.

Yelp
Celebrated my daughter's birthday here. First of all the restaurant is beautiful! We got there early and seated us down right away, granted it was only 4:30 PM before it got busy. And I had a reservation as well. From the hostess to our server, service was all excellent. The only unfortunate thing was that we were seated by a group of six loudmouth drunk guys. I could hear their entire conversation. And it was really annoying. The cocktails were excellent. This is definitely a place for drinks. The food .... I had the surf and turf enchiladas 6/10. They did lack some flavor. The steak was cooked to perfection and very tender. But I wasn't a fan of the sauce, the crab and shrimp one didn't have much inside. They were OK. Shrimp fajitas. My husband enjoyed them. I liked the vegetables more than the shrimp. They needed some seasoning. 8/10 My daughter's chicken was exceptional. It was cooked perfectly and the broccolini with garlic and bacon was delicious definite 10 out of 10. The queso fundido was ok. Small portion, The tortillas were 10/10! We drove by after our Duffy boat ride and it was really packed so I'm glad I got there when I did. Overall, I'd give this restaurant 8/10. Aesthetics are a definite vibe and it is a crowded place. I would go back for appetizers and drinks. This is a must try!

Angie K.

Yelp
First Afternoon Visit To Palmilla Cocina!! Beautiful Restaurant, Nice Ambiance & Lovely Decor!! Welcoming From The Hostess!! Seated At A Nice Table!! Great Menu, Full Bar Service & Great Selection Of Margaritas!! Love The Beautiful Bar!! We Started With Soft Tortillas, Honey Butter & Salsa!! Then Shared The Seabass Ceviche With Plantain Chips & Chicken Enchilada Chile Relleno Combo!! Everything So Delish!! Lovely Afternoon Experience!! Friendly Staff!! Our Server Was Attentive & Courteous!! Next Time, Like To Try Their Other Menu Items, Tacos & Brunch!! Great Hospitality From The Valet!! Looking Forward To Another Visit To Palmilla Cocina!! ThankU

Nikki M.

Yelp
Lovely atmosphere but the glare from open ceiling was awful for me I had short rib enchilada and Chile rellano which was wonderful my spouse had lobster fajitas Wow I did not like the flour tortilla they serve when you sit down even though obviously handmade. The drinks were great as well Excellent service

Debbie T.

Yelp
The bartender, Chadwick- Carajillo, excellent drink. Really enjoyed it. Tasty with a pick me up!!

Ambar A.

Yelp
Love this place! Been here about three times now, never disappoints! Gorgeous interior, food is amazing, drinks are great, and service was great as well!! Parking can be a bit tough and it does get packed, would recommend securing a reservation but you can get lucky at the bar with a small group.

Rain Bow T.

Yelp
I was pleasantly surprised by the Latin food and cute coastal vibes. We made a recreation for brunch, because they do get busy. They are Kid friendly with crayons and nice kids menu. They are also Large group friendly and accommodated our group of 8. Delicious Drinks and unique cocktail options. Friendly and accommodating staff as well which always makes for a great meal.

Valerie I.

Yelp
the BEST watermelon margaritas you'll ever have. we come here every time we are in town. they use fresh muddled watermelon - the carne asada tacos are also a favorite of mine!

Greg F.

Yelp
Love, love, love Great location right off Newport blvd, Beautiful restaurant, big bar and in the day time the roof opens up so you can get the sun and ocean breeze Tough place to get a table, I highly recommend calling weeks in advice to book a table, Now to the import stuff the food and drinks I'm a huge critic when it comes to food. Especially Mexican food because I can cook really well (which is my problem, not the restaurants problem haha) With that being said There is little criticism I can provide and I truly hope they can address because it would make this the best Mexican restaurant I've been to (which doesn't exist) Palmilla provides complimentary homemade/restaurant made table flour tortillas (which is the greatest idea ever) which is served with 2 salsas ( mild red salsa and a green salsa and a super delicious cinnamon butter Unfortunately although they do look not store bought flour tortillas, they don't provide the same texture/smell or taste profile as a real tasty homemade flour tortilla, I HIGHLY recommend them using North Gate as a provider for their flour and corn tortillas, because they have a better taste profile Also wish they provided complimentary chips and salsa (which I haven't tried theirs yet) Not that's out of the way. That's the only harsh critic I can give because they get down to business with the food and drinks From the beans/green rice carne asada, braised beef taquitos, red and green sauce enchiladas I couldn't ask for more They have the best desserts as well Last but not least, they have the BEST sparkling water I've ever had Agua De Piedra

Mil d.

Yelp
The vibe here is fantastic, and the ambiance is absolutely on point! The service was warm and friendly, making the entire experience even better. Food was served really quick after ordering Hands down, the lobster and shrimp chimichanga was a standout--packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. And the plantain banana chips?Absolutely delicious! A must-try for sure. Can't wait to come back!

Sokha B.

Yelp
We went to Palmilla for a birthday; for a party of 7 and a one year old. The staff was very attentive and wonderful. The drinks were probably my favorite - the pomegrante maragrita delish! I got La Asada Con Salsa with corn as my side. It was delicious. I would definitely go back.

Lisa B.

Yelp
I met my friend here the other day for lunch. As much as I loved it for lunch, I would imagine this restaurant is far more beautiful at night. The interiors were beyond gorgeous and make for great photos! We did not have a wait since it was 12:30 PM, so we were seated immediately, and we were immediately brought water tortillas and salsa. Right after that, our waitress came over and greeted us, took our drink order and our appetizer order. We tried the pineapple shrimp ceviche, and then also had the seafood nachos. Even though both of us can eat a hefty amount this filled us up, so unfortunately, I don't know what the rest of the menu items would be like, but these two were good. To me the ceviche was extra delicious and the nachos were good, but in my opinion could have been a little cheesier. Next time I will skip the nachos so I can have dinner. I look forward to my return!

Rubi M.

Yelp
Amazing atmosphere Fast service and Preston was great at the Valet! Will be making future reservations here!

Mary Ann P.

Yelp
Such an awesome evening celebrating a birthday! Our server Janeen was terrific at anticipating our needs and making sure everything was perfect. The food was delicious. Everyone was very happy with their choice. I love the salmon over a corn cake. The atmosphere is lively but not too loud. Just a beautiful interior.

Michelle C.

Yelp
10/10 for ambiance, design, vibe. The delicious fresh warm tortillas with delicious trio of sauces was a super nice touch and tasty. Cocktails were on point, well balanced and delicious. I had the spicey passion fruit margarita-highly recommend My disappointment began with apps and dinner. I have eaten ceviche all over nice restaurants in San Diego/newport/Greece/spain, etc and in Mexico. When I order a $25 sea bass ceviche, I want FISH! Instead I got a handful size of diced onions/kind of a pico de gallo and a few chucks of sea bass-was a serving for 1 tiny person and was nothing amazing My husband and I love to share fajitas when at a Mexican restaurant and these were THE WORST! 1st mistake-they didn't come on a sizzling platter, just a cold plate. Steak and peppers were underwhelming in portion and flavor and temperature. Generally my husband and I are stuffed and can't finish a fajita platter, but both were hungry after finishing everything morsel of rice. I feel like el Toritto probably does a better fajita!

Cathy T.

Yelp
Food is absolutely amazing and so good, we got the surf and turf enchiladas and shrimp enchiladas, portions were massive! For starters they brought out tortilla with butter, salsa verde and regular salsa. We had a party of 14 and service was amazing especially for a busy Friday night, our server made sure we had more than enough time to think about our orders. After 9 pm, this place does get lively like a bar but more classy, they dim the lights and turn on music but if you already have a table no need to leave.

Isabella R.

Yelp
Ok so let me start by saying don't be fooled by the ambiance and crowded bar- the food is actually good. Like really delicious. We came on an anniversary date, loved it so much, came back the next night. We ordered the Cabo surf and turf enchiladas which is our newfound tried and true. you have to try this one. Our second favorite would have to be the ceviche sampler with the plantain chips. So fresh and a unique take to offer the plantains. The most addicting items here are the home made tortillas with the honey butter!!! I could eat a million if I could. The drinks are of high quality as can be expected. Service never disappoints. We have come here many times since and we have been granted with extremely nice and accommodating servers. In particular, they made our anniversary special by providing a pitcher to put my anniversary flowers and a complementary dessert in celebration. Love these sentimental touches and love palmilla

Annie L.

Yelp
Food overall was okay. Filet Mignon tasted better than Asada. The Shredded Beef taquitos appetizer is very good. Guacamole not impressed. Ceviche way over priced $25 for 3 very small portions. Tacos were okay, tortillas were way too greasy. Transferred to flour tortillas. The green salsa is very good and tasty! Ambiance for Sat night after 5pm was great. Super busy for small place and great music and choice of music. The bar was full and no empty space. Service was decent. Did not clear plates enough especially for very small tables. Reservation for sisters bday of 8 people and they awkwardly place one square and one round table together. Not convenient, or logical.

Brigitte I.

Yelp
Great spot for craft cocktails, upscale Mexican food and lively ambiance. Chadwick makes the best margaritas!

Mayra M.

Yelp
Let me tell you how amazing Palmilla is. Food is always amazing. Prices are affordable. I prefer this place over Javier's. been here a couple times service is always amazing. Drinks are amazing as well if you want good tasting Mexican food, I recommend this place over javier's