El Palomar De Los Gonzalez — Restaurant in Jalisco

I thought this place would be a hidden gem, but… well, where do I even start? My partner and I have been coming to PV for a few years now, and we have our favorite restaurants. But today was Monday, and as many places were closed, I thought maybe it was the perfect time to try something new, and shake up our usual routine.

I looked at the map, came across this restaurant, and the reviews seemed really promising. The location is fantastic, the entrance up the stairs was charming, and while the prices seemed a bit high at first glance, we decided to give it a shot.

We ordered the tuna tartare, shrimp ajillo, the beet tower and a tuna main dish. We also shared a bottle of water and had three glasses of wine. The food? It was okay. The shrimp and the special tuna were delicious, to be fair. The tuna tartare was fine, and the beet tower was perfectly acceptable, but nothing stood out as spectacular. The view was lovely, the service polite, and the overall atmosphere was nice and relaxed.

The problem started when it was time to pay. We asked to pay by card, and that’s when things got strange. First, a lady came over and mentioned the card machine was out of paper. Then a man stepped in, saying there was a problem with the terminal. Before we could even say anything that we would like to add tip, he told us that tips must be paid in cash.

We explained we didn’t have cash and wanted to add the tip to the card payment. But he pushed back, saying that tips on cards take two months to process. I understand tipping culture, but the way he handled it was completely off. He pointed out a sign at the entrance that says tips are only accepted in cash, but the delivery of his message was the real issue. His attitude turned aggressive, bordering on rude, which was shocking and uncomfortable.

By the end of it, the whole experience felt ruined. Instead of a pleasant evening and maybe discovering a new favorite spot, we were left with a bad taste in our mouths. It wasn’t just about the tip; it was the way the situation was handled—like the tip wasn’t an option but a demand. The entire payment turned into a brief discussion, and we were practically forced to pay the tip in cash.

We’re not new to dining out, and we understand tipping etiquette, but this felt more like a confrontation. It’s a shame because we had hoped for a nice evening, and this just left us certain we wouldn’t be back. It’s rare to encounter such an uncomfortable experience over something so small, and it really tainted what could have been an...

We made a reservation on line on their user-friendly website. we arrive 15 minutes earlierand they proceeded to welcome us to a large comfortable sitting area by the fireplace they had a beautiful natural Christmas tree, they serve us an aperitif drink, while they prepare and finish our table that was right by the balcony overover and looking beautiful Puerto Vallarta and an expectacular ocean sunset.

The service was impeccable they brought us hors d’oeuvres for us to try different local delicacies they followed them with a wonderfully made tortilla soup that was delicious, you could smell and taste the variety of mild roasted peppers bountiful. The Cesar Salad that we learned is originally from Mexico was prepared table side ( yeah anchovies too) I followed with some of zucchini flower crusted chicken that was cooked to perfection. The margaritas we’re perfect just the right amount of sweet and still tangy and very, very lime flavorful. We definitely recommend this place, the ambience the atmosphere like nothing you have experienced, they have live music first they had a string cuarteto and then they have a guitar player that was very romantic. Defenetly coming back in the Winter ....

Every time my group of buds visit PV we plan a dinner at Palomar - and it’s ALWAYS the highlight of our trip. It’s great fun to bring new friends and see their reaction to the stunning views of PV from this charming hillside restaurant in the Zona Romantica.

And the food? Delightful! So fresh and perfectly prepared. The front of the house is welcoming and personal, but the whole staff is fantastic. From amazing fresh specials to tastes and recommendations of tequilas for sipping - or just the right Margarita! And, on our recent visit, Victor taught us how to make that fantastic lime garnish Don’t miss scheduling a dinner at Palomar. Bring old friends - or the new ones you met on the beach. Enjoy an experience you won’t soon forget.

AND I’m even writing this ALL AGAIN - as I had my review ready to post, went to find pics…and came back to find that what I had typed but not yet posted { POOF } disappeared. LOL! But do plan a night at Palomar! You won’t be disappointed AND make a reservation!

AND I’m the dorky dude in the group pic w/ the open mouth smile that LOOKS like I’m there the first time…because I’m so excited to be back....