PALMA synthesizes traditional Asian culinary techniques with contemporary fusion sensibilities to craft a distinctive gastronomic profile. The kitchen prioritizes precise preparation methods for an extensive selection of sushi, ensuring that texture and ingredient integrity remain paramount. Patrons encounter a methodical approach to seafood sourcing, emphasizing clarity of flavor and aesthetic presentation. The menu balances bold, innovative combinations with fundamental Japanese staples to maintain a cohesive narrative across every plate. Modern architectural elements define the physical environment, creating a streamlined backdrop that focuses attention strictly on the culinary output. This establishment functions as a deliberate intersection of classic craft and modern adaptation, consistently delivering high-quality interpretations of diverse Asian influences to those seeking a focused and intentional approach to their meal.
PALMA is widely celebrated as a premier destination in Griffintown, offering a sophisticated and vibrant atmosphere that perfectly blends high-quality dining with an energetic nightlife experience. Guests frequently praise the fresh, top-tier food, with particular highlights including the signature sushi rolls, tender filet mignon, and the impressive tomahawk steak. The restaurant is consistently described as a beautiful and stylish venue, making it an excellent choice for celebrations, dates, and group gatherings. Many visitors highlight the exceptional hospitality provided by the professional and attentive staff, noting that the attentive service and carefully crafted cocktail menu contribute significantly to a memorable night out. With its lively music and welcoming energy, it remains a favorite for those seeking a fun, upscale environment in the heart of Montreal.
The cocktails were really good - we had the Amaretto Sour & the Lychee Martini, & both were delicious. The appetizers were amazing, especially the lobster dumplings, which I highly recommend!
For the main course, we chose the beef. It was a bit too spicy for my taste & not served as hot as I would have liked. As a side, I had the organic grilled vegetables & absolutely loved them. My friend chose the potatoes, & they were very good as well.
For dessert, I had the cheesecake - it was good but a small portion.
If I come back, I would definitely go for the seafood without hesitation. In my opinion, that seems to be their specialty!
2 Stars instead of 1 because Angeline our waitress was very pleasant to us. & what occurred was not her fault.
Now
I've been to Palma before for drinks & music, & the vibe is always great. Unfortunately, our birthday dinner experience was extremely disappointing.
We (group of 3) had an 8:30 p.m. reservation & arrived on time, but our main course didn't arrive until 10:30 p.m. a full two-hour wait. We received one appetizer early on, but the delay was so long that we had to order another just to get through the wait. By the time our tomahawk platter arrived, I had lost my appetite entirely. Eating a full meal that late wasn't enjoyable & completely took away from what should have been a special evening. What should have been a joyful celebration turned into an exercise in patience, trying to stay in good spirits while waiting endlessly.
Our waitress was apologetic & explained that the system had overbooked tables, yet there were empty tables throughout the night, which made the explanation hard to believe. The food itself was okay but underwhelming for the price entrées were better than the mains.
The bill came to $800+, & we still left with half the food packed to go. As compensation, the only thing offered was removing a $15 cake-cutting fee, which felt almost insulting given the circumstances. For a restaurant at this price point, waiting two hours for food is unacceptable. Great vibe for drinks but book dinner at your own risk. Go drink & dance, for food eat somewhere else.
Une parfaite soirée d'anniversaire entre filles! Notre serveuse Loriane a rehausser notre expérience. Je vous recommande. À 23h ça change en club! Enjoy MTL
Our experience was underwhelming at best. I got the lobster but would not recommend it. It is a lobster tempura so it is deep fried, & it was basically a mouthful of grease with little to no taste, litterally feeling the oil drip in your mouth when you bite into it. Might as well drink oil at this point, I could not finish it.
While the presentation has a lot of panache, the taste & quantity were not there & I found the price ($69 plus tax) really steep for about 8 oily bites as nothing else is edible on the plate. You would need to order sides as the lobster does not come with anything else. I mentionned not liking the lobster to our waitress but that fell on deaf ears as she could not care less.
My friends got some of their signature rolls which were good enough, the portions at least are satisfying. The alcohol free cocktails are practically the price of a coktail dowtown Montreal ($18). Beware of the automatic 18% gratuity that our waitress told us to add to if we wanted.
This is our second time there & we won't be back.
Extremely unprofessional staff, coat check lost my jacket that had my car keys in it, i had to leave without a jacket in -30 degree weather. The manager, the coat check girl & the bouncers acted as if i had done something wrong, even though they were the ones that had given my jacket to the wrong person.