Palmilla Cocina y Tequila

Palmilla Cocina y Tequila Restaurant Review:

On the typically rowdy Hermosa Beach pier, Palmilla Cocina y Tequila offers an alternative, upscale dining experience. After years of operating Baja Sharkeez Restaurant Group, owners Greg and Ron Newman decided to make their next venue a more formal establishment. Guests walk through a small outdoor patio before entering the dining room, which is decorated in a motif of white stone, candles and marble --- Gulla Jonsdottir (Red O) is responsible for the design. Request seating in one of the booths that rim the interior, as the centered tables are snuggly spaced. Queso fundido is a suitable starter: a small pot of melted cheese topped with mushrooms and chorizo, served with homemade tortillas. Chipotle pollo y hongos features a moist chicken breast coated in a chipotle cream sauce that’s balanced with mushrooms rich with umami, sweet onions, and slightly acidic tomato flavored rice. Fajitas and a ten-ounce New York steak marinated in citrus are also available. Dessert is limited to crunchy churros and a traditional flan. The wine list is brief, so opt for one of the several signature margaritas.