PALMA* — Restaurant in Montreal

Bad experience and food, would not even recommend as a last resort.

Made a reservation at a table but got sat at a bar. Asked why we couldn’t be sat at a table and was told that the tables were all reserved (the math ain’t mathing). They had space at the front bar but moved us to the sketchy back one where the staff/servers(?) were eating their meal and having full blown convos just a meter across from us (the bar curves in a way that you’d be making full eye contact if you weren’t actively trying to avoid it). Hard to enjoy the atmosphere when all you’re hearing is their munching and gossip. It was on an empty weekday evening but we were the only clients sat at that bar when there were plenty of tables everywhere and directly behind us (empty when we got there, empty when we left). Maybe it’s my bad for an wearing oversized fit but last time I checked, they don’t even have a dress code so I’m extra puzzled. The servers were blantanly ignoring us when we were nothing but polite when calling out (because they were busy talking among themselves, even thought they were sometimes just 30cm away and could clearly hear us).

Thought that the food would save the experience but I cannot imagine this food being enjoyable to anyone but a person who’s never had good Asian food (they’re going for Japanese fusion from the looks of it). Ordered the two udons they had, which were basically just the same (bad) yakisoba but with different toppings. The mushroom one was not the worst but the other one gave me horrible flashbacks to the carbonara episode—it was so salty. But not salty enough for me to risk getting gaslit for sending it back so I continued eating it but couldn’t finish. The truffle fries tasted bland because they drowse every dish (including the udon) in truffle oil and the sushi roll we got had this ‘unique’ wrapper that would get stuck to the roof of your mouth. I was barely able to get the food down because the whole thing being stuck was triggering my gag reflex. We couldn’t finish anything even though we got there hungry. And we usually always finish our food, unless if we ordered too much we’d take the rest home. But yeah, this is the type of place where u don’t even want to take your leftovers to go. Crazy concept, I know.

One star for the nice bartender with short blond hair and the friendly kitchen staff who brought out the food. Idk how they’re maintaining their target clientele while serving this poor quality of food. Guess some ppl just have...

Today, I went to Palma to celebrate my friend’s birthday with a group of 13 people. The reservation had been made two weeks in advance. However, just 24 hours prior—at precisely 9 PM—my friend received a call from the restaurant informing us that each guest was required to meet a minimum spend of $100 (before tax and excluding drinks), totaling $1,300 for the group. This policy had never been mentioned during the booking process.

Upon our arrival, the restaurant’s management handled the situation with a concerning lack of professionalism and accountability. One of our tables was explicitly told by the staff to order additional items because their bill had not reached the $100 minimum per person. It was made clear that if this spending threshold was not met, the restaurant would arbitrarily charge the remaining amount to our final bill. This aggressive upselling created an uncomfortable dining experience and placed unnecessary pressure on our group.

When we raised these concerns with the management, they failed to take responsibility for the miscommunication. Instead of acknowledging their oversight, they deflected blame and offered no meaningful solution. The managers and staff cycled through our table without resolving the issue, leaving us frustrated. Additionally, one server in particular—Rachel—was notably rude during our interactions, further contributing to the overall dissatisfaction.

To make matters worse, when we requested to settle the bill, it took the staff over 40 minutes to return and begin processing our payments. This excessive delay was both inconvenient and unprofessional.

The service throughout the evening was subpar. Our food was served significantly late despite our 9 PM reservation, and the quality was disappointingly mediocre. Considering the steep prices, there are far better dining options in the city that offer superior food and service at a more reasonable cost.

However, if you’re simply looking for a place to enjoy drinks in a lively, crowded atmosphere and don’t mind the chaotic service, Palma might be suitable. For a proper dining experience, though, I would strongly recommend exploring other...

I had the pleasure of attending the "Lighter" event at Palma, and it was an experience I won't soon forget. Not only was I treated to an exquisite culinary journey, but I also had the opportunity to contribute to a cause close to my heart.

Palma hosted the event with grace and style, aligning perfectly with the theme of supporting mental health awareness.

Now, let's talk about the food and drink. Every dish was a masterpiece and bursting with flavor.

The Spicy Virgin Margarita was a fiery mixture that was a perfect blend of zesty lime, and just the right amount of heat.

The Grilled Shishito Peppers transported me back to Bali with their delightful sauce, while the Burrata Salad showcased the finest Italian cheese I've ever tasted outside of Italy itself.

The Jardins de Fleurs was a delightful twist on spring rolls, with the addition of sweet Japanese tofu adding a perfect balance to the ensemble of flavors.

The Double Truffle dish was an opulent masterpiece, showcasing the finest, freshly made tagliatelle enveloped in a luxurious truffle cream sauce.

And dessert? Oh, where do I begin? The Smash Me dessert was a true party for the taste buds, and the Banana Mille Feuille was a delightful departure from tradition, combining banana, caramelized pecans, and velvety gelato.

The service was exceptional, with attentive staff ensuring that every detail was perfect.

The ambience was electric, filled with a mix of incredible people coming together for a great cause. And the music by local DJ YO-C set the perfect mood for the evening.

Overall, my experience at Palma was nothing short of extraordinary. From the delicious food to the meaningful cause behind the event, it was a five-star experience through and through. I can't recommend Palma highly enough, and I'll certainly be back for more unforgettable evenings in the future. Bravo to the entire team for an...