We live in San Pedro, but had not yet visited Victoria House.
Yesterday was my birthday, and my husband said to choose any restaurant I wanted. I originally had my eye on one about a mile away, but I came to find out that they are closed on Mondays - so off to Google I went!
The reviews for Palmilla were encouraging, and the menu suited us, so I made dinner reservations, despite it being about 25 minutes away.
Even in the dark, as soon as we pulled onto the grounds of Victoria House, we could tell we were somewhere special! Pristine landscaping, raked-sand paths, everything was perfectly manicured and luxurious!
The dining room had rich wood floors and crisp white paint; linen tablecloths and napkins - fancy for the island. Our server, Estevan, was on the ball for the entire meal, we never wanted for anything...other than Prosecco. I had my heart set on some bubbles, and their bottle price was fair, $100BZ, but they were out, so we shifted to Porto de Piedra red blend - smooth, silky, if you see it on a menu, it's well worth ordering!
We split an obscenely large Caesar salad, and each had their surf-and-turf - I subbed the Parmesan truffle oil mashed for the included bacon mash, and I could've had only those potatoes and been thrilled with dinner. Steaks were cooked to medium-rare perfection, and while Belize is not known for quality steak, these were exquisite! The split lobster tails were tender, top-notch all the way! And we felt the pricing was very fair, especially for the setting!
Estevan and the other staff were incredibly warm, welcoming, and sincere.
We can't afford to dine like this every day, but for special occasions, we'll certainly return...
Read moreI recently dined at a charming restaurant tucked away from the main road, and it felt like stepping into a hidden oasis. The ambiance was exceptional, creating a cozy atmosphere that enhanced our dining experience. The waitstaff was attentive and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, guiding us through our options with ease. Our group indulged in a variety of dishes, and while the Duck Risotto truly stole the show with its smooth and delectable flavor, the Lobster Tail was also a highlight. It was a delight to savor the culinary creativity, though I must admit that the steak fell short of expectations, and the Coconut Shrimp had a bit of a chewy texture that detracted from the overall experience.
Despite a few hiccups, our meal was enjoyable, and the standout dish was undoubtedly the Goat Cheese Cake, which was absolutely fabulous—though I could have done without the jam on top. The Caesar Salad had a peculiar fishy taste that didn’t quite hit the mark for my palate, but it didn’t overshadow the overall positive vibe of the evening. If you're looking for a restaurant that offers a delightful escape with attentive service and a menu full of potential, this quaint spot is worth a visit. Just be sure to explore the Duck Risotto and save room...
Read moreIn researching our trip to Ambergris Caye we had somehow overlooked this restaurant. However at the recommendation of someone from where we were staying, we decided to give Palmilla's a try. We were VERY glad we did! This restaurant was as close to perfection as you can get. Compliments to the chef - everything we tried was delcious and the staff was very attentive.
We started with the Fisherman's Soup - fresh seafood including local fish, shrimp, octopus, and calamari, all cooked perfectly and presented tableside. Shrimp Dumplings were also fantastic. For entrees we chose the Snapper Salsa Verde, which was a creative presentation, and quite tasty. However it was the Pappardelle Carbonara - housemade pasta and we added shrimp - that stole the show! In fact the best carbonara we have ever had. There is a smoke flavor throughout the dish like nothing we have ever had before, giving the perfect combination to the carbonara sauce. You will be dreaming about this dish when you go home!
They also offer complimentary shuttle service to/from if you're not staying at Victoria's House Resort. Would highly...
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