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The Palm - San Diego

New York’s prized seafood and steakhouse is now in San Diego’s posh East Village. Still family owned and 30 locations strong, The Palm continues to follow tradition as instilled by its founders. Exceptional service and quality American cuisine with signature Italian dishes make The Palm a familiar destination that diners around the country have enjoyed for over 80 years. Centrally located downtown near the ballpark and the convention center, guests can enjoy dinner among friends and family in a warm nostalgic setting. No matter what the occasion – The Palm is a prime choice for great food and hospitality.

Made in New York. Built on Tradition.

Much of San Diego’s landscape is made up of restaurants – particularly steak and seafood houses. For many, this poses a dilemma when trying to decide where to eat. Diners certainly have their pick of elegant, trendy, and family steak houses, but The Palm Restaurant in East Village is a rare breed; it lends itself to tradition – carrying on a family legacy that spans over 80 years.

Two chief ingredients attribute to The Palm Restaurant chain’s longevity – their products and the dining experience. They stand behind their prime-aged USDA beef from their own wholesale meat company and their gargantuan 3-to-10 lb. lobsters from Nova Scotia, Canada. Just like the food, prime hospitality is also an order.

The origin of this reputation dates back to the restaurant’s beginning in 1926 New York. Founders, John Ganzi and Pio Bozzi from Parma, opened their first Italian restaurant on Second Avenue in Manhattan. Not part of their initial plan was naming the restaurant The Palm. Due to the language barrier, the intended name, Parma, was mispronounced when the owners acquired their business license. Despite their initial disappointment, they kept the name.

Another part of the owners’ original plan was to serve traditional Italian cuisine. But after one request for a steak led to multiple requests, the owners decided it was time to stop running down the street to the local butcher; it made more sense to just add steak to the menu. Today, Italian cuisine remains an essential part of the restaurant legacy, but steak is The Palm Restaurant’s claim to fame.

The visual style of The Palm started to take shape in the late 20s when cartoonists and caricature artists from the local press started creating wall art in exchange for meals – a pretty fair quid pro quo even by today’s standards. Before long, cartoons such as “Popeye,” comic book characters such as “Batman,” and caricatures of regulars, businessmen, politicians, and celebrities were plastered all over The Palm Restaurant walls.

Since The Palm San Diego opened – a year after the nearby Petco Ballpark opened in 2004 – foot traffic in the neighborhood has gradually gained momentum. Considered a stylish, vibrant part of downtown San Diego, The Palm has been an integral part of what has made the East Village become such a desirable destination. The restaurant’s close proximity to the Convention Center is also ideal. Previously a large warehouse, the restaurants upstairs is devoted entirely to banquet seating. Multiple rooms with multi-media capabilities are able to accommodate groups from 10 to 300 – making it easy for convention related events to carry over to the restaurant. Another major advantage – The Palm has no room rental fees.

The Palm serves dinner nightly starting at 4 p.m. The busiest times are from 7 - 9 p.m. and reservations are recommended. Valet parking is also available.

We dined on a Thursday evening just before 6 p.m. To our immediate left when we entered was the staircase leading to the upstairs banquet space. As we proceeded forward, the long diagonally shaped walk way led us directly to the host desk. Along the wall on the right were plush brown leather seats with caricatures and cartoon sketches directly above them. Behind the host desk was the main dining room facing J Street. The room had a warm masculine charm with its dark wood chairs, booths, and wall panels, and the white table cloths added a classy panache.

The managers were well-dressed in suits and the servers wore long white bistro-style aprons with white shirts beneath. The general manager, Bryan Lytle, graciously received us at the host desk. He gave us a choice of dining in the quieter main dining room or in the lively dining area near the bar; lively sounded good, so Bryan led the way to our booth overlooking 6th Avenue. Past the extensive oblong bar with tall leather bar stools was a well stocked full-bar manned by Anthony the bartender.

As we were seated, a restaurant regular on his way out stopped Bryan to thank him for a great meal. Bryan then presented us with the dinner menu and described each pre-selected dish that Executive Chef John Reynolds was preparing for us. Our objective was to taste the signature Surf ‘n Turf and the most popular dishes from each course.

Our attentive server Brooks then came-by to introduce himself and leave the wine and cocktail menu for perusing. Saturated with playfully named alcoholic beverages, it was hard to decide.

Since baseball season was in the air – quite literally with the Padres vs. Dodgers game on the multiple flat screen TVs overhead – I ordered the “Spring Fever” cocktail. It was more than the name that won me over, it was the ingredients. Muddled fresh basil and cucumber with lemon juice and agave nectar, plus a shot of Prairie Organic Vodka served up was just what the doctor ordered. The thick slice of English cucumber wedged on top of the martini glass was a nice visual touch; it also served as a refreshing amuse-bouche.

Since the Padres were in town that night, a large enthusiastic group of Padres fans, with kids too, were there to enjoy a meal from the special Game Day Menu (offered on Wednesday and Thursday game days starting at 2 p.m. in the bar).

The Palm also has its own Happy Hour called “Prime Time” on weekdays in the bar from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. “Prime Bites,” consisting of Kobe Beef Sliders, Mini Broiled Crab Cakes, and several other dishes are available for only $3.50 per plate. Best of all – the offer is ongoing.

Before getting started, we ordered a large bottle of sparkling Pellegrino to help cleans our palette after each course. Our first dish of the night was the Sesame Encrusted Seared Ahi. Beautifully presented, the thin, lightly seared Ahi slices were fanned out over a lightly dressed seaweed salad with a finely sliced swirl of pickled ginger and a wafer size dollop of wasabi beside it. The soy vinaigrette beneath the fresh delicate Ahi also added just the right amount of salty contrast. A dish this size could easily fill one person. Sharing between two or three people, to save room for more courses, is recommended.

The popular Shrimp Bruno appetizer is a dish you might want to keep all to yourself, as most shrimp lovers would have no trouble finishing three jumbo prawns. When the dish arrived, a pungent mustard aroma swept in from the lightly sautéed prawns (a la Française) in a rich Dijon mustard sauce. The pale yellow sauce was somewhat deceiving. We imagined a mild creamy sauce. Instead, there was an explosion of bold mustardy, lemon zesty flavors that lingered in the mouth long after each luscious bite. Ingredients such as the white wine and chicken stock were excellent smoothing components to help tame the robust flavors. Extra lemon wedges were also served on the side.

By the glass, there are nearly a dozen white wines and over a dozen reds to choose from. To complement our steak on the way, we each decided to sample different wines. Per our server Brooks’ recommendation, I tried the ‘08 Fourteen Hands Merlot from Washington. My guest ordered the ‘08 Tierra Secreta Mendoza Malbec. The medium bodied Merlot I tried was nice and earthy, packed with fruit. The Malbec from Argentina, also very good, was spicy and full-bodied with hints of oak.

Our 16 ounce New York Strip arrived solo on a plate lightly speckled with parsley. Starved in anticipation for our first taste of the house specialty, we prepared our minds, and our mouths, for something wonderful. Once placed before us, we could now see for ourselves what the rest of country has been raving about for decades. The end result of this highly anticipated dish was a mouth-watering vision of glistening char-broiled deliciousness prepared to a perfect medium-rare – the preferred temperature when tasting any cut of prime beef. The tender buttery flavor from the marbling and aging of the USDA prime beef sent our taste buds adrift. While we shared this generous portion of quality beef, we nearly forgot about the “Surf” counterpart of this dish.

Moments later, the Jumbo Nova Scotia Lobster was served. At first sight, we were floored by the size of this whole 4 lb. lobster served with melted clarified butter and lemon; it was quite the spectacle, as were the lobster bibs we had to wear. Adding to our enjoyment during this highlight of the evening, the enormous lobster claw meat was expertly removed from the shell, table-side, fully intact. The sweet, tender semi-firm meat was everything Nova Scotian lobster aficionados claim it to be in the Maritime Province; the land of the lobster. Thoroughly impressed by the presentation and delightfully rich flavor, we devoured every last bite of this succulent taste of Nova Scotia.

Since side dishes are served family style, one dish between two people is plenty. For most, two sides are more than enough. The Three Cheese Potatoes served with our Surf ‘n Turf was an excellent satisfying choice. Rich bubbling formaggio covered the baking dish like a creamy cannelloni. After one taste of this seriously cheesy dish, we were in cheese heaven.

Afterward, we sipped a lovely 2003 Taylor’s Port – an elegant full-bodied vintage with medium sweetness – an excellent accompaniment with our sinful dessert.

Dieters beware – There’s a chocolate cake flown in special from Sweet Street Desserts in Pennsylvania that’s to die for. With the large steak knife pierced through the center, the message implied “eat me, or else.” So we did. Served chilled, the scrumptious mountain high slice of dreamy dark chocolate with creamy frosting, not overly sweet, was delectably smooth and indisputably irresistible. Though we paid the price in calories, we chose wisely.

With The Palm Restaurant’s east coast flair, incredible signature dishes, and impeccable service, it’s not hard to find a reason or two or three to go back. The welcome you feel from the moment you enter

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Restaurant Info

  • Address: 615 J Street, San Diego CA 92101
  • Cross Street: 6th Avenue
  • Location: Downtown | East Village
  • Cuisine:
  • Cost: $$$ | Moderate | $50 - $75
  • Category: Fine Dining
  • Star Rating:
  • Reservations: Not Available
  • Dress Code: Business Casual
  • Meals Served: Lunch | Dinner |
  • Parking: Street | Public Lot | Valet Parking |
  • Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover |
  • Corkage Fee: 25.00 | Per Bottle
  • Phone: (619) 702-6500

Business Hours

Monday
Main Dining Room | Dinner 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Tuesday
Main Dining Room | Dinner 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Wednesday
Main Dining Room | Dinner 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Thursday
Main Dining Room | Dinner 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday
Main Dining Room | Dinner 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Main Dining Room | Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday
Main Dining Room | Dinner 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday
Main Dining Room | Dinner 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Features

  • Full Bar
  • Catering Services
  • Famous Chef
  • Private Room
  • Takeout Available
  • Winning Wine List
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Valet Parking
  • Happy Hours
  • Lounge / Bar
  • Healthy Options

Occasion

  • Child Friendly
  • Dining Alone
  • Business Dining
  • Meet for a Drink
  • People Watching
  • Special Occasion
  • Quick Bite
  • Celebrity Spotting

 


F.A.Q. - Frequently Asked Questions

The restaurant is .6 miles away from the Convention Center, which is about a 3 minute drive, or an 8 minute walk.
Valet Parking available $ 12 weeknights $ 15 weekends *$ 25 baseball game days *with validation Limited self parking available on streets and near by parking garages.
The Palm runs its own meat wholesale company to ensure the quality of its steaks.
Yes, The Palm has 26 restaurants in cities across the Untied States, as well restaurants in London, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.
No, The Palm - San Diego is only open for dinner 7 nights a week, beginning at 4pm.
The Palm's dress code is business casual.

Menus

Dinner Menu

Appetizers

Salads

Palm Fish

Italian Specialties

Steaks and Chops

Vegetables and Potaotes

Prime Bites

Menu Items

Finally Friday Lunch Menu

  Available Friday Only 11:30 am–3:00 pm


Palm SteakBurgers

Palm Salads and Sandwiches

Luncheon Specialties

Bozzi Dinner Menu (Private Party Menu) ($68.00)

  $68 per person. Prices do not include sales tax and 20% service charge. Prices subject to change without notice. 0-30 GUESTS Choose from: (2) First Course, (4) Entrées, (2) Vegetables/Potatoes, (2) Desserts 30-40 GUESTS Choose from: (2) First Course, (3) Entrées, (2) Vegetables/Potatoes, (2) Desserts 40+ GUESTS Choose from: (1) First Course, (3) Entrées, (2) Vegetables/Potatoes, (1) Dessert


First Course

Entrée Selections

Vegetables and Potatoes

Dessert and Coffee Service


Map

Restaurant Address: 615 J Street, San Diego CA 92101

User Reviews

Great Food with a Great Staff Member!  

Sarah Finley of The Palms Restaurant treated us with absolute A+ customer service with astonishing positive (welcome to our restaurante) attitude. Our dinner was great and the rest of the staff members were amazing. I highly suggest this fine dine restaurant and I'm sure they will be seeing our business again. Sincerely, Carlo Desierto Founder, Credit Report Atlas Services LLC

Great - For Kids too!!!!!!  

Besides the excellent crab cakes and stellar lobster (sweet like candy), they blew my mind by accomodating my 8 year old daughter who pretty much considers chicken nuggets, cheese pizza, and grilled cheese sandwiches to be gourmet faire. While they dont have a printed kids menu, the waiter (the service was excellent in all regards) quized her on what she liked and set her up with an outsdanding plate of chicken fingers and fries that were so good (I had to try it) that I wanted to order a plate to go. My daughter has asked several times to go back - I am ready . . . ..

Excellent service, Excellent atmosphere  

First time to San Diego and read a review of the Palm here on Sandiegorestaurants.com. It exceeded my expectations. When they heard it was our first time to their restaurant, they brought out a complimentary appetizer. The drinks, steaks, sides, and desserts were delicious and definitely a cut above. our server was courteous and down to earth. i couldnt have asked for a better dinner

The Palm  

This may be our new favorite restaurant for speacial occasions. Food was great and so was the service

Loved the GIANT LOBSTER!  

Loved the GIANT LOBSTER! We got the 4 lb and was perfect! Loved the way they take the meat out of the claw for you...absolute finnesse!

The Palm steakhouse  

Great food great service!

Great Atmosphere and Wine List Outstanding  

On my last visit out to San Diego my best friend and I ate dinner. We first started out with Cocktails and then I let my best friend pick out the wine and I Paid for the food. I had Filet which was so tender that it melted in your mouth but I am getting ahead of myself we started of the food courses with Clams Casino and then i had the wedge which was wonderful and then I had the filet as mentioned above. I dont remember what my friend add but i do remeber that it was excellent. I have been to several of you restaurants and each experience has been Excellent> If your are looking for a nice romantic place to take a date too then I would Highly recommend you go to The Palm. John

Best of the Best  

On my last visit out to San Diego my best friend and I ate dinner. We first started out with Cocktails and then I let my best friend pick out the wine and I Paid for the food. I had Filet which was so tender that it melted in your mouth but I am getting ahead of myself we started off the food courses with Clams Casino and then I had the wedge which was wonderful and then I had the filet as mentioned above. I don't remember what my friend add but I do remeber that it was excellent. I have been to several of you restaurants and each experience has been Excellent. If your are looking for a nice romantic place to take a date to then I would Highly recommend you go to The Palm. John

Very good Time  

We went for dinner after our small wedding ceremony in downtown and the staff made us feel very special. The lobster and filet (my new husband and I ordered the surf & turf) were amazing - we both wished we had ordered the larger filet just to have more! All in all it was a great experience and we left with smiles on our faces.

The Palms San Diego  

Tomato basil and crab soup was outstanding thanks to the waiters recommendation! Service was great. Pricey but nice for a special occasion.

yumm-O!  

I liked the service. Our waiter wasn't overbearing but she always there anytime we needed her! The ambiance was fabulous, as well! I like that it was dimly lit. The location was wonderful, we were able to walk around the Gaslamp for a little bit!

Review!!  

Good!!!

Nice but pricey  

great service, good food & big bill!

SD Palm  

typical Palm good service, food, setting

Friends  

My wife and I met very good friends down from NorCal. Met for drinks at the Palm and had a fabulous meal in the dining room. Perfect spot, service, food, ambiance, excellent.

Food good. Service bad.  

I took my girlfriend to the Palm on Valentine's Day. We had already been there before and both of us had loved our entire experience, so I thought it was a pretty safe bet. However, this second visit made me question whether our first visit had been a fluke. We did have a reservation and, luckily, we were seated very promptly. Our waiter greeted us, took our drink order, and we were then left to look over the menu. Our drinks arrived (diet Cokes) and we then placed our food order. We opened our drinks (which were in glass bottles) and poured them into the glasses of ice. However, both of the drinks were flat. Our waiter returned with our appetizer and I asked him if we could get new drinks because they were both flat. He informed us that they all tasted like that because they were not from a soda fountain. Apparently, this affects the carbonation. I am not a carbonation expert, but I still expect soda from a bottle to taste fresh. I then told him that the expiration date printed on the side of the bottle had passed (they were dated 1/08/09). He then told me that all of the bottles were the same and gave me a "does that answer your question" look. I said that we will just have water and left it at that. I did not feel like getting into an argument about carbonation processes or expiration dates, but, more importantly, I do not feel that I should have even had to ask twice for a new beverage or list reasons why I should have one. Rather than argue, I let it go. It was Valentine's day after all and I wanted to focus on the evening and my date rather than a flat soda. We finished our meal, which was good, and then asked to have our leftovers boxed up. Our waiter returned with the bill, I signed it, and we sat there waiting for around 15 minutes for our leftovers to return to us. However, we never caught another glimpse of him or our food. Normally I would not care, but our leftovers included half of a $40 steak and about one third of $40 crab legs, so it was quite a disappointment to not have gotten them back. It was then, on our way out, that we noticed that every other table had complimentary bread and butter. We had never received ours. I do understand that Valentine's Day must be a hectic day for the staff, but for a restaurant with their exceptional reputation and prices, I expected much more. This was only our second trip there, but most likely our last. Overall, the food was amazing, but the service was very poor.

Not what its hyped up to be  

Making reservations was a waste of time. 8:00 reservations did not get us seated till after 8:30. Normally not a problem but the food was not worth the wait. Of 3 different breads, only one seemed to be anything more than a novelty. Our waiter seemed to be uninterested in us once he walked away from the table. Our drinks sat empty for more than a short amount of time. My wife got an appetizer and I ordered a salad, but did not get the salad until she was almost completely done with her appetizer. I had to remind him about it. As I said earlier around 8:30 was the time we sat down and it was after 9:30 that we received our food. I got tired (ready to fall asleep) waiting for the food to come out. Once we finally received our food, both of us were very disappointed. Next time we think of a good steakhouse to go to, we will surely go to one with boomerangs on the wall before coming back here. Also, though it was entertaining to hear the story of the table Zamboni and whomever Tan is, it would have been nicer to be able to hear what my wife was saying rather than the rants and raves of the rest of the guests. Thanks you for the free side dish. It was the only thing we enjoyed.

Pretentious Palm  

Not a restaurant deserving of the name 'Palm'. Poor service and mediocre food. Not going to any Palm restaurants again.

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