Palmilla Cocina y Tequila — Restaurant in Newport Beach

FINALLY!!! 5 star food, service, atmosphere, and location with the most creative and sophisticated menu in OC. This is going to be everyone's favorite new restaurant.

Atmosphere: 10/10, literally nothing compares. It is sleek- classy- baja- bright- fresh- beachy- a little eclectic with all the class you would expect from the best restaurant in Newport. Literally, a stunner. The attention to detail down to the toilets in the restroom were so far above average. The whole place reminded me of a brand new 5 star San Jose del Cabo resort. So well done, but also beachy enough that I didn't feel like complete trash coming in there in my lulu's + trucker hat.

Food: You know when you get your food and it makes you dance? Like its literally singing to you and you can't sit still in your chair bc your so excited and everything is insane and you just need to let it out in a little chair dance??? That's what every bite was like. OMG, Flavor + Perfection + and again that attention to detail!!! You can taste the quality. Everything was so light and fresh and didn't feel heavy or processed at all.

First of all they start you off (complementary) with the freshest homemade tortillas and this amazing trio of sauces but the honey butter they serve with it is so good its just stupid. SO GOOD! **side note we are fresh tortilla connoisseurs + foodies + travel baja often and these are the best I've ever had. Trio Ceviche- Amazing, nothing fishy, super light and fresh (traditional seabass was my fave). Filet Fajitas- Perfection, especially the onions + filet. I usually don't eat refried beans bc they gross me out but tried a bite of my husbands and these ones were white and were excelente. Shrimp+Lobster Chimmie- Died and went to heaven. Shared it with our neighbors at the bar who also dropped dead right in front of me over them. So good I don't know how I am going to come back and order anything different. **Our server and the food runner also said they were their favorites. Flan- (neighbors at the bar insisted we try theirs) almost like a creme brulee. Best I've ever had! Churros- Gold topped with more gold and served with three dipping sauces made out of liquid gold. They were literally gold.

Drinks: Another 10/10, attention to detail was insane. We had a fun little variety and each one was so light, but so complex and fresh and just dangerously good. My husband happened to notice that they used different ice for different drinks! OK, fancy+fine dining+ don't see that anywhere around here! Favorites were the farm margarita, la rosa, and the watermelon mojito.

Service: Top notch. We had probably 10 different staff members check in on us, ask us how everything was etc. When I asked where the restroom was, the host walked me to it. Thank you, host :) Kyle was our server/bartender and he was fantastic. He gave us fine dining service, remembered our names, made killer drinks, beautiful presentations, great recommendations, and had a fun sense of humor.

Oh, forgot to mention.. it's only their 4th day open!!!! Everything was so perfect you would think it was a fine oiled machine. You can tell that some serious love went into this place and their were no corners cut from top to...

Great Experience at Palmilla Cocina y Tequila!

Palmilla is definitely a solid spot for a great meal.

Service & Atmosphere: Our server, Janelle, was really nice and attentive. Reservations can be tough to get, so plan ahead! Expect fresh ocean air—not just because of the beachside location, but also because the front and side doors stay open.

Food & Drinks Highlights: The tortillas & salsas are so good—especially the green sauce, which is a must-try! The Rose Margarita and Mojitos are top-tier—highly recommend. Guacamole was amazing, and it pairs perfectly with their plantain chips! The Short Rib Taquitos were flavorful, though the beef can be a bit overpowering in each bite—something to keep in mind if you’re not into heavy meat flavors. The Ribeye and Filet & Mariscos are definite go-tos—such great steak options that it’s hard to branch out and try something new! Churros? 10/10. No notes.

Overall, a fantastic experience with delicious food and drinks! Would definitely come back. 2nd Review: I’ve been to Palmilla a handful of times now, and it always delivers. This last visit was for my anniversary, and they made us feel truly celebrated. Our server, Janelle, was so kind and attentive. She really helped make the evening feel extra special.

We went all out and enjoyed every bite and sip. Their tequila selection is top tier, and the flavors in each dish were rich and memorable. I especially recommend the guacamole and grilled shrimp — always a win.

The only small thing: I wish we could’ve been seated elsewhere. While I usually love a cozy booth, ours was close to the kitchen and restrooms, so there was a bit more foot traffic than ideal. That said, it still felt intimate and special. Just something to keep in mind depending on your occasion.

Overall, Palmilla continues to be a favorite for good reason. Great vibes, amazing food, and a perfect spot to celebrate...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Palmilla Mexican Restaurant in Newport Beach, and overall, it was a pleasant experience. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the exceptional drinks they offered. The bar staff were skillful in crafting delicious cocktails and the selection of tequilas was impressive. Each sip was a delightful journey of flavors, and I highly recommend trying their signature margaritas.

When it comes to the food, Palmilla Mexican Restaurant did not disappoint. The dishes were flavorful and expertly prepared, showcasing the vibrant and authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine. From the sizzling fajitas to the mouthwatering enchiladas, every bite was a delight to the taste buds. The ingredients were fresh, and the presentation was visually appealing as well.

However, I must mention that the service was a bit slow during my visit, which was a minor disappointment. Despite the friendly and accommodating staff, the wait times for both ordering and receiving the food were longer than expected. It would have been more enjoyable if the service had been quicker and more efficient.

On the bright side, the atmosphere at Palmilla Mexican Restaurant was undeniably cool. The restaurant had a vibrant and lively ambiance that enhanced the dining experience. The decor was visually stunning, with vibrant colors, traditional Mexican artwork, and tasteful touches throughout. It was a feast for the eyes and created a fantastic backdrop for an enjoyable meal.

In conclusion, Palmilla Mexican Restaurant in Newport Beach offers a delightful experience with amazing drinks and delicious food. While the service could use some improvement in terms of speed, the overall atmosphere and decor compensated for it. If you're looking for a Mexican restaurant with a cool vibe and tasty cuisine, Palmilla is...