Paloma Mexican Haute Cuisine Reviews

The four of us had totally different starters and three different mains and each of us remarked how well prepared and plated each serving was. The salmon and the flank steak were two exceptional entrees. The service was prompt and courteous and the flavors and seasonings of each dish were explained when ordering. There was no corkage fee on the bottles of wine we brought which was an added plus. It is probably easier to take a taxi or use Septa as parking is difficult. First time guests will be pleasantly surprised with the selection and very reasonable pricing. A definite find!!

We were surprised to have no trouble reserving a table for four on a Friday evening, and were surprised again to find the place only half full at 7:30. The room is very pleasant, nicely decorated, with well-controlled noise. The service was inconsistent; very welcoming and informative, but with surprising lapses: I had to hold our second bottle of wine in the air and wave it around for someone to come and open it; our friends were served their entrees about ten minutes before we were; and more vigorous waving was necessary to get someone to bring our check. The food was rich and tasty, but not exciting. The special soup (pureed green bean with scallops) was good but not excellent; the mushroom flan was very rich but had no unique flavors; and the entrees (branzino for me, venison for my wife) were well cooked and attractively presented but undistinguished. At $50 per person (including tax and tip) at a BYOB, I expect better.

We went there for dinner a few days back. Its located in some residential neighbourhood and not easy to find, but since I had read good reviews about it and I love mexican food and this place was 'haute mexican' we decided to try it. Added bonus is its a BYOB. All in all we had a great dinner. Everything tasted wonderful except wanted to order carpaccio and they were all out of it so they suggested tuna tartar which was tasteless and very little in quantity. I had duck breast for my entree and it was the best I have ever eaten. The selection of sorbets with wonderful combinations like mango-habanero are fantastic and not to be missed. The mexican chocolate brownie was delicious and I do not usually eat brownies. I would have given them 4.5 rating had one of the appetizers not been a total waste and this website does not let me pick 4.5. Its definitely a place I would go back to if I was in the area.

When your friends call you up and say "we're eating mexican tonight" it usually sends visions of tacos, enchiladas, refried beans and other gastronomic horrors through my brain. Chef Adan certainly changed that perception with his cooking. If you think of Taco Bell on the far left, Paloma is as far right as you can get. The food was fantastic - it was light on the stomach, challenging to the tastebuds and generally delightful all around. We didn't find a bad thing on the menu - but I'd recommend the duck breast, filet steak and any of the fish dishes. You also have to try the soups, as the corn chowder is one of the signature dishes, but the soup of the day was a spicy mix of cactus pad, cucumber, peppers and a few other ingredients. Amazing. We also received great service and one of the owners came out to check on us - always a plus. Two important notes - 1. It's a BYOB and 2. Parking can be a bit challenging on the streets.

Paloma has received lost of local acclaim, and for good reason. The food is excellent and beautifully served by a friendly staff. Our party of six was unanimous in this regard. The restaurant is spacious, comfortable and quiet, with beautiful art decorating the walls. Most of us chose the 3-course prix fixe dinner for $30, consisting of appetizer, entree and dessert. My choice was the Ensalada Margarita, sesame-crusted salmon and a delicious raspberry sorbet. Aside from the excellent quality of the food, the portion sizes were perfect. At the end of the meal all the food was gone and we were all comfortably satisfied. (I don't like having portions so large that there is too much left to not pack up and take home.) Not only was the price reasonable, but Paloma is BYOB restaurant! The combination of quality and value makes it hard to beat.

This is the first time I have written a bad review. If it was merely not to my taste I shrug it off but this dinner was downright dangerous to your health! The waitress recommended the fish so my husband ordered the Branzino expecting a large fish instead he was served what looked like a tiny enchilada and it had a weird taste like it was not fresh. We have had this dish in many restaurants around the world but never did we get sick from it like that night, My husband could barely drive home as he felt like pulling over and wretching.after eating the disgusting fish. He felt forced to eat it as we were dining with friends and he didn't want to embarrass them. I ordered the stuffed veal chop with chorizo and amazingly enough you couldn't taste the usually strong tasting chorizo sausage. It was the most flavorless meat I have ever eaten! . .At dessert time it was finally revealed that the freezer was broken for weeks so now we know why everything was so bad. The sorbet was recommended as" it hadn't totally melted". only partially. However the gelato was not. After hearing the unappealing pitch about the bad freezer and already feeling ill we skipped dessert. The board of health ought to throw the book at them.for making customers sick. Why does it take weeks to get a freezer fixed? We were obviously served spoiled food.

My wife and I joined friends in Philadelphia and dined at Poloma. The menu was inspired; frankly it was hard to choose an entrée . My wife had the venison and I had the lamb. Both were excellent, precisely cooked to order and well seasoned. The desserts were excellent as well and baked on the premises. The Kahlua Chocolate Cheesecake was a real treat; wish I had carried out a piece for breakfast on Saturday morning.

This was one of the best meals we have had in a city that is full of fantastic restaurants. The dishes were creative, the decor warm and inviting, and the service excellent. The Corn Chowder Paloma appetizer was amazing and the Crab Cake Purse Arcelia, baked in a phyllo dough, was both innovative and delicious. This BYOB will also makes delicious margaritas, all you have to do is supply the tequila! All in all, an absolutely outstanding restaurant.

I started with the corn chowder based on reviews below, appetizer came in a very large bowl that was warmed. I never understood a restaurant that serves a dish for $10 or $25 and the meal arrives lukewarm on a cold plate.... heating the plate/bowl is sooooo simple.. and shows that someone cooking cares. Wife and Daughter had a special appetizer Apple and Scallops, both loved it. Four of us had four different dinners, everyone raved about how good the meals were. Duck, Steak, Vegetarian, and the Crab Cake. Portions were adequate, and the presentation was very well done. (Again.. showing that the Chef cares is obvious) Finished up with two desserts (shared) Chocolate Cake, and Chocolate Cheese Cake. Both hand made by the female owner on location. Portions were large enough for sharing excellent quality and perfectly presented. Service was attentive, and fast, but the place wasn't very busy on the Friday night we stopped by. Perhaps when they get busy, it is worse... I had zero complaints or issues with the Service. Owner is walking from table to table, asking if everything is ok. (It was). I was in South Beach two weeks ago, and this food was superior to 90% of the places we tried there, and the food is South Beach is not inexpensive. Take the train, take a walk, enjoy the exercise.. and check this place out for great food. Recommended, we will be back.

I have had too many great meals world wide to include Paloma, but I will say that it is one of the very best Mexican restaurants I've eaten in. Don't look for taco or the like here. Still a BYOB, this lovely restaurant is somewhat off the beaten track. I started with a vertical tuna tartar, followed by crab in a phyllo purse. Flavors were wonderful. Husband hadd Caeser salad special with shrimp, followed by the duck breast. The bread and the spread the chef makes could ruin your dinner if you OD on them which could happen. Dessert was our usual White chocolate cheese cake which is to die for. Have tried many things onthe menu and never been disappointed. We also had a tiny taste of the strawberry sorbet which is very hot and cold. Highly recomended. Chef is from Mexico City.

On a recent weekend in Philly to see long time friends we had the pleasure to dine at Paloma. We were already prepared for the innovative cuisine but we were pleasantly surprised how different and delicious the food was. Each item of each course exceeded the description in presentation and taste. We especially enjoyed the sorbet assortment for dessert. It is hard to imagine how habanero/strawberry would match together for a dessert but it does. We definitely would dine again at this singularly wonderful restaurant.

We are locals and dine at Paloma 4-5 times a year since they opened back in 2009 or so. We love it. The unique combination of European preparation with native Mexican ingredients is not only delicious, but beautiful to look at as well. Do not expect Tex Mex or the usual cookie cutter food labelled as Mexican. You have to try it, a feast for the palate and the eye! All ingredients are fresh and top quality, carefully prepared and beautifully plated. All deserts are home made, in-house and there is an extensive selection.

I have been to Paloma twice within the last month. It is truly exceptional. The wait staff is very attentive and takes the time to explain the menu choices to help you make the best possible selection to match your food desire. The presentation of the food is lovely and the tastes are phenomenal. The mix of Frech and Mexican flavors is very pleasing to the palate. I highly recommend Paloma. It is one of the best Resturants in the city.

We visited Paloma on a Saturday night. Parking was an issue but we were able to find a spot about a block away, I thought it would be worse. The dining room is nicely appointed and while the tables are close, you don't feel as if you're on top of the other diners. It is a BYOB. Our server was very knowledgeable and friendly. Our dinners were simply delicious. As my husband said, I only left behind the parts I didn't like.... which was the plate! I had the crab cake dinner and it was divine and different and artistically created. My husband had the filet and if he could have licked the reduction sauce off the plate he would have, he thoroughly enjoyed it. The meat was cooked perfectly. To finish off, Barb, one of the owners, described in great detail all the dessert offerings. You can tell by talking to her that she has a passion for what she does and it shows in the desserts - I had a special which was an ancho dusted pumpkin brownie with freshly made gelato - it was worth every calorie. My husband had the bread pudding with gelato - he proclaimed it a hit. The gelatos are amazing and Barb will explain their flavors in detail - I wish I could have tried them all! This is not your typical Mexican food and it is worth your time to check it out for yourself.

The food is very good but could probably be improved: I would add a little more huitlacoche to both the Shrimp Vol-au-Vent and the Filete al Cafetál (which by the way is cooked to perfection), and a little spice to the Crab Ceviche. The pechuga the pato is very nice. The cajeta cheesecake is delicious. The place is nice, can be a little noisy when crowded on a Saturday night. The price is reasonable and it is BYOB!

We were looking for a good Italian dinner in Philadelphia and Mezza Luna exceeded all our expectations. The best meal we've had outside of Italy, in fact. Everything was cooked perfectly. Instead of dessert, we asked for some cheese and fruit and the chef sent out a beautifully composed plate with some excellent cheese selections. The owner even offered my husband a complimentary after-dinner drink! The restaurant was not crowded on a Friday night due to the fact that the downtown restaurants were having a reduced-price specials week, so I can't comment on the noise level. Prices were average for big city restaurants but we felt we got full value. Absolutely will try to return next time we're in Philly.

We visited with friends on a recent Saturday evening. Though parking was quite difficult to find, the food was well worth the effort. Each dish was creative and delicious----wonderful combinations of flavors. Dishes we loved: the branzini, the sea bass, the phyllo wrapped crab. Bring your own wine---and make it a nice bottle to go with the great food. Definitely save room for dessert. The chocolate orange cake was worth the calories!

Varied menu. We had a lovely guava-gazpacho soup, a great red snapper and a rich, slightly spicy, perfectly cooked shrimp dish. Understated, attentive service. BYOB. Only been once; plan to go back. One good option: $30 prix fixe.

haven't enjoyed 'haute mexican' since our honeymoon 48 years ago in Mexico City at the St. Anglian Inn. Service and décor only topped by the wonderful food preparations. Corn Chowder is a must - I had a veal chop and my wife the Canadian Halibut both of which were superb. Don't miss the desserts either. Parking is a challenge but well worth the experience. Neighborhood should not be a concern to anyone. BYOB which is a plus !

This South Philadelphia Italian restaurant has more than the typical "red gravy" pasta selections. Many of the pasta selections are homemade, including the excellent ricotta filled gnocchi in gorgonzola sauce. Other items we tasted included a special of lobster ravioli, and a regular menu item agnolotti (half moon shaped pasta) filled with pesto. We also enjoyed selections from the dessert tray including tiramisu and ricotta cheesecake. Excellent service was provided by the Italian waitstaff. The restaurant is a nicely decorated space, walls are painted bright blue and yellow. My only complaint about the ambiance is that is was rather noisy in the room. Also, parking in this neighborhood can be difficult, however, the restaurant will provide you on request a pass to park in a nearby lot. Most entrees are around $20, and portions are moderate. The appetizers and salads ranged from $10 and up. While the restaurant has a full bar and wine list, you can cut down your costs here by bringing your own bottle of wine for a $5 corkage fee.

I went here with a larger group and it was incredibly disappointing. Parking is a huge issue if you try to use the valet. It took us 20 minutes to park and we had to wait at a restaurant down the block. While the food was good, it was kind of just delivered as the chef prepared it. For the entree course, we were waiting for 10 minutes for everyone to get their food before we started eating and they totally forgot one of the dinners. They ended up still charging us for the forgotten dinner that was delivered 15 minutes later! Dessert also took an incredibly long time. One person ordered the sorbet, which was good, but it was half melted by the time the last dessert got to the table. We ordered coffee but had to ask several times for it to be delivered. Overall the food was very good, but the service was just horrendous. They did apologize for all the issues, but when nothing gets subtracted off the bill it leaves you to wonder. The worst part was that we were there at a very slow time, there were probably only 7 or 8 other tables occupied. I would highly recommend NOT going there as a larger group. The kitchen and the wait staff obviously do not know how to accommodate that. Also, DO NOT use the valet parking service. We were still charged the $8 fee even though we ended up waiting about an hour in total to park and then get the car.

We went here for supper on July 4th based on recommendation from our B&B. It was clean, modern, and very romantic. The owner/maitre d was fantastic. The real deal Italian. Food seems a little pricey, but it is exquisite in taste and presentation. We had their pasta specials, as well as a whole grilled fish that was filleted at the table - that was a performance to rival any Japanese steakhouse! If there was anything a little disappointing it was the selection of wine by the glass. but on the whole this was a fantastic authentically Italian meal, and we would definitely go back! [BTW, we spent a year in Italy]

Visiting with family who frequent Paloma Mexican Haute Cuisine...and we can see why. A must visit restaurant in downtown Philadelphia!

Oh My... This place is delicious. I took 7 people there and everyone was falling over each other to taste all the delights at our table. Not a mediocre dish on the table. If you think of Mexican at its highest is a fresh fish enchilada.... Keep guessing. The chef seems to know intimately every pepper and seasoning south of the border (hot and NOT). With this mastery of spices, he whips up European dishes and reinvents them all haute Mexican! This man is a natural chef, an unsung hero of the food world, not pretentious... And clearly LOVES what he does. Let me also say, I eat out quite often, and get tired of what the latest and greatest are serving up. This place is so fresh, and an amazing treat!!!! I had a special soup, cucumber, with a swirl of fresh salmon in the middle, and surrounding it was a series of red and green clear polka dots. This was 2 different pepper sauces that intermingled with the cool cucumber and fish. Aw! The crabcake on the menu comes out looking like a tornado birds nest, fabulous. The lobster special was so different my tastebuds were wanting to eat my friends entree. I could go on, but go check it out yourself!! Note: take a cab. Parking is difficult, they will call you a cab for your return, AND, the cab will phone when he arrives! BYOB

We use to enjoy Paloma when they were located in N E Philadelphia. This is our first time to their downtown location. What a treat. Barbara, the hostess, Chiefs wife and pastry chief greeted us like old friends and regulars. Their new location looks nice inside and out, comfortable with space around your table. Parking is difficult so consider taking a train or parking in a garage on Walnut St and taking Uber. Now to the reason to try Paloma. The food is great. In the past they were considered one of the few five star restaurants in Phila and nothing has changed. Subtle flavors, unique spices and beautiful presentation is what to expect. Prices are reasonable for the quality of the meal. And don't forget to try desert. Again unique selections, flavors and sorbet that rocks. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Parking is an issue both arriving and departing, even with the shoddy valet service. We had to wait 10 minutes for the valet to pick up our car, then 15 for him to retreive it. The service was odd, the pink-haired waitress didn't recite the specials so we missed out on a great sounding special when she did for the adjacent table. We only caughter her again to tell her that she forgot my beverage, then we never saw her again, period. She never offered to uncork our wine even though it was sitting on the table, good thing we brough our own corkscrew. All food was delivered by runners. The food was OK, the pasta tasted off (old flour maybe?). My filet was fine and the fish entre was fine, the ceviche was odd more like sushi/sashimi. The busser was very brusk. We had to ask for the check. Not worth the trouble of dealing with South Philly then miserable service. Sorry, I wanted this to be good, but they failed.

We ate here a few years ago , so decided to return with friends from Baltimore. It was crowded, but our table was ready when we arrived; unfortunately, we were seated across from a very LOUD party of 10 and this restaurant has NOTHING to absorb sound- it was painful, very painful! The floor is tile, the tables and chairs are wood. Last time we ate in the front room which has lots of windows, but there is carpeting in there and that must help. It was our server's 2nd day on the job- she did rather well. Everyone helps out here-the maitre'd', the hostess, the busboys. All very pleasant and polite. The food was good- our friends had the caesar salad which is prepared tableside by Max- a very dapper gentleman with a pocket square and a twinkle in his eye. I had a special- risotto with shrimp- very good and my husband had the branzino- one of the fish specials- they fillet it table side. They now have valet parking for $12- probably a bargain in south Philly on a cold Saturday night. If you go, ask for a table in the front room- there is one tucked in the corner that I bet is just perfect!

Just tried Paloma for the first time...and can't wait to return. The service was wonderful and the crab ceviche is crave-worthy! We were never rushed and everyone in our party loved their meal. I tried my husband's corn chowder and it was great, too. if you like spicy...don't miss the strawberry habanero sorbet... a perfect ending to a perfect meal. Yes, parking in the neighborhood is a pain, but the restaurant is well worth the effort. We are long-time Philadelphia foodies and we can't believe there is still a restaurant in town that can knock our socks off!!! We will be back soon!

My husband picked out this restaurant and it was one of the most best decisions he has ever made!! The food is fabulous..delicious, beautifully plated....MEXICAN FRENCH FUSION! Our server provided exceptional service which was complements by not only her knowledge of the menu but also description of the delicate sauces involved. The chef's wife makes mouth savoring cakes, gelatos and sorbets that delight the palate. One of the top restaurants in the city...but somewhat undiscovered.

Went to eat with some colleagues from Mexico at this restaurant. Great atmosphere and the food was excellent. Even the Mexicans were raving about it.

Recommended to us by friends, a friend and I went to Paloma for dinner and found ourselves virtually the only guests on a Thursday evening (our reservation clearly unneeded!). The waiter was attentive (not hard when one is the only party in the place...), and the food (a delicious corn chowder with a bit of a kick and a fettuccine dish with poblano peppers, as well as a mushroom flan for my friend) very good and unusual. Bread was served with a tasty whipped dip (poblano?). The high point of our meal from my perspective, however, was a fabulous mojito layer cake served a la mode with a lime-coconut sorbet - outstanding! The dessert menu features an amazing assortment of sorbets and ice creams, all made in house, apparently. Prices are reasonable ($9.50 for a large bowl of soup, $18 for the fettuccine, $8.50 for the cake and sorbet). I am not convinced it merits it's #6 Zagat rating, but Paloma was a pleasant, attractive spot for a pleasant, tasty meal. They get points in my book for creativity, service and DESSERTS! Note, it is a BYOB.

We spent 4 years visiting my son at college in PA. It was only after he graduated that we discovered Paloma Mexican Haute Cuisine and this was our second visit. Decor is calming and sophisticated. Service is attentive and friendly. The chef, Adán Saavedra, and his wife Barb are the most gracious of hosts, with Barb checking in on the tables. Food excellent, allowing the flavors to shine through. The Corn Chowder Paloma is a star and they have kindly shared the recipe on their web site if you are ambitious. I ordered the Crab Cake Purse Arcelia - the crab was so tender and was the essence of what crab should taste like - the sauce complemented perfectly. I tried my husband's Pechuga de Pato - I adore duck and this did not disappoint, it worked so well with the sweetness of the shallots and smokiness of bacon. A perfect dish as the days get chillier. Save room for dessert, as the multi-talented Barb makes them all! The warm Mexican Brownie with gelato is not to be missed, if you like your chocolate. My son ordered a variety of gelati and sorbets and they were all fabulous, as was my White Chocolate Cheesecake with cajeta (Mexican caramel sauce.) Paloma is BYOB, which makes a fine dining experience very reasonable. We still go to PA several times each season for football games at my son's alma mater. I am not a football fan, but endure the 6 hr drive and 3 hr game so that I can be with my family - and dine at Paloma on the way home!

A small restaurant in the old section of town. Somewhat hard to find and parking on the street is problematic, but worth the fuss. The Veal is excellent, good selection of wines, and the owners are "vero" Italians. If driving, stop by the restaurant and get a parking pass for a place just down the street and within a three minute walk back to the restaurant.

Every time I eat here I am blown away by the food. I ambiance and service are outstanding. I can't wait to return.

The food was artfully presented and very good. The atmosphere is just odd. On a Friday evening there were ~12 patrons the entire night which allowed the only dining room staff member (a very knowledgable hostess/waitress) to be attentive to the guests. Portions are small. Menu is interesting. We love the food scene in philly but this a 'one and done' restaurant for us.

Paloma is an amazing restaurant. Returning again, this Saturday night, our party of 6, were delighted with exceptional service, attention, guidence through the menu and wonderful food. Yes every dish was a delight of flavors, presentation and satisfaction, each and every course. Thank you to all the staff for your passion and dedication to so many details to make dining such a relaxing and delightful experience. Paloma is a true gem here in Philadelphia.

We came here to celebrate a birthday, really knowing nothing about the restaurant except what we read online. The menu is Mexican with a very French influence. There were six of us and everyone enjoyed everything we ordered. The duck got raves and the desserts prepared by owner, were wonderful. The service was perfect. We were there for three hours and we never felt rushed. We thought we knew all the best Philadelphia restaurants so this was a lovely surprise.

Don’t expect Tex Mex junk food here. This is a gourmet Mexican BYOB and it lives up to the hype. We had the veal special which was wonderful, leaving a lovely glow in the mouth that did not overwhelm the veal. The marinade for the scallop ceviche was divine, although my scallop had a slight fishy taste. Husband’s was perfect. The service was friendly and attentive and we had an altogether lovely meal -- except for my one bite of scallop. Portions were perfect -- neither too huge nor too small. Miracle of miracles, we could also have a nice conversation. It was not too noisy and the atmosphere is classy. Evidently parking is a problem in this part of town, but we live in center city, so walking is not a problem although it rained last night and we had to take cabs. But they were wonderful at calling us a cab and also telling us right away when it arrived. Recommend this place and we hope it stays around for a while.

I went to Paloma expecting to add it to my list of favorite places in Philadelphia. This isn't going to happen, but it is a very nice dining experience. It is worth noting that the $30 Prix Fixe is a great option and a great deal (it is an excellent selection of the options from the main menu plus some additional options). 2 of us ordered from the Prix Fixe and the others from the ala carte menu. The food was varied in quality. The biggest disappointment was the veal. Two members of our party ordered it and neither enjoyed it. My husband said that the crab "ceviche" was more of a crab salad. Two people ordered the mushroom flan (one from the regular menu and one from the Prix Fixe - according to our server the one from the regular menu had "more mushrooms" which proved to be true) and both enjoyed that - especially the one from the regular menu. The crab cake in the Phyllo pocket was enjoyable, but not as impressive as advertised (they say it is award-winning - apparently it once made the top of the best of Philadelphia, but that was in around 2007). My Dorado was probably the entree win of the evening (from the regular menu), supposedly baked, nicely crispy with a lovely mango-jicama salsa and a small tower of very fresh tomato and ripe avocado as the accompaniment. For dessert we tried the blueberry poundcake (good, not special) and the sorbet. Oddly, despite there being 3 scoops, for the desserts included on the Prix Fixe, they did not allow a mix of flavors. We sampled the coconut-lime (excellent) and the blueberry-vanilla (not very good). Service was good, the setting was nice and all in all we would probably go back, but not in preference to many of the other amazing BYOBs in Philadelphia.

I won't rate it by my taste, since I had major dental work, the day before. I had the crab cake, almost all lump crap. Hubby had the duck breast which he loved--I tasted a piece and it was good even with the dental work! Teens all had the filet steak, they ordered it medium, but I noticed it was medium rare, the chef knows how to cook a steak! They never noticed, and loved it ! The staff was amazing, knowledgeable about the menu, a little slow since they seem to have only one waitress on a weekend night. That's OK, we weren't in any hurry and it's a small restaurant. Parking is a problem... There's a garage at 10th and South, $18 dollars. Lol, the chef's wife Barb makes the deserts, they're delicious but if you don't like tequila, make sure you ask! My oldest teen (17) said she felt "drunk" after eating the Key Lime Pie, owner's wife admitted that she just baked it, and the alcohol hadn't "evaporated" yet, worth a try!

Recently, I was treated to a wonderful dinner for my birthday at Paloma's. Barbara, the owner was the hostess who warmly welcomed us and checked in, but unobtrusively, during our meal. Turns out she makes/bakes/creates all of the desserts herself which were scrumptious. I had the fixed price meal which was excellent, particularly for the price ($30). Both my friend and I couldn't have been more pleased with both the food and the service. The menu is Mexican, but with a twist. The dishes are unlike anything you will find in the city, including TEQUILA which favors traditional fare. Overall, the menu is inventive and innovative mixing flavors with outstanding results. It was a birthday dinner to savor and I look forward to the next dinner at Paloma's.

Paloma got very high ratings in a Philadelphia magazine article so we went with great expectations which, unfortunately, were dashed because: 1. The food was mediocre. The steak tartare had medium grade hamburger meat. 2. The veal was overcooked 3. The fish was loaded in bread crumbs - hard to taste the fish 4. The restaurant's name says "Mexican Haute Cuisine" It is neither Mexican (I have eaten in Mexico) nor is it "haute cuisine". The food was much too spicy for for almost all the dishes. Spicy is good for many kinds of food but not everything! 5. Desert, made by the wife of the chef were good but the huge serving of chocolate cake was a bit much. 6. Parking is very difficult and the advertised valet service was non existent. 6. On the other hand, the waiters were attentive to our needs at this BYOB

Don’t let the category “Mexican” dissuade you, this restaurant should be at the top of your list. You will recognize some ingredients from traditional mexican cuisine but the preparation, presentation and subtle blend of flavors are distinctly gourmet With an autumn chill in the air we warmed up with the shrimp corn chowder - wonderful. For an entre I enjoyed my first taste of venison, in a savory wine sauce, for the first time in years. My wife enjoyed a subtle mushroom flan. Fortunately the portions aren’t too large because you’ll want to save room for the desserts that are home made from truly unique recipes. Despite the tempting chocolate options and even though I’m not a fan of cake I opted for a change of pace and enjoyed an exquisite tequila lime cake. Be sure to make an effort to get to know the staff and proprietor of this restaurant. They are very friendly and appreciative of their guests.

This place is NOT Tex-Mex. it deserves to be rated as a high quality Tapas and Small Plate restaurant. We thoroughly enjoyed the food, and all of the desserts were prepared from scratch by the owner's wife. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is very classy, but comfortable.

I was a frequent patron at this restaurant at it's original location on Castor Avenue. The food there was always top notch. I was very happy to receive notification that they were re-opening in South Philly. The food is still amazing and consistent. The chef (Adan) knows my son has a preference for filet mignon, and when they call to confirm a reservation, I'm always told that the chef will make sure he has a filet waiting. I have been to Paloma at the original and new location at least 25 times with friends, relatives, business associates, etc., and can not recall one bad meal or disappointed guest. Food ordered has ranged from fish to seafood, to game, to meat and the meal is always great. Of course dessert is a whole new experience when compared to other places. The chef's wife is very animated and the dessert chef. She will not be shy discussing here creations. This has been our favorite go-to spot for special events or when dining out with friends. Take it from someone who has been there many times........the food is amazing and consistent.

I usually don't write reviews of restaurants but it is hard to keep quiet about this one. My wife and I had recently returned from Grand Case, St. Martin, the foodie capital of the Carribean, and I must say the main entree duck dish we had there was comparable to the dishes we had at Auberge Gourmande, a Trip Advisor number two rated restaurant in a string of superb foodie fair establishments. The flavors were rich but not overpowering, everyone distinct and wholly present, and there were a lot of flavors to taste there. The red wine reduction was outstanding and the duck was tender and juicy not greasy like a lot of duck can be. The corn chowder soup also had expressed many individual flavors, not at least the corn which other flavors tend to drown, and it had that pleasing Mexican bite at the end. The chef's wife Barbara came out to see how everything was going, she was warm and friendly and talked about her deserts which were superior also. My wife's Kahlua cheesecake was particularly good, and my hazlenut and chocolate pound cake was quite good too, but if you order this make sure you get it with a good scoop of coffee or chocolate ice cream. This would have knocked this desert up a notch or two. We went with two friends who recommended this place and especially the duck, and we really appreciate them for doing this because as foodie tasters in and around Philly, this was one of the best. Can't wait to get back there again, and don't change that duck recipe!

I was recently there on a cold snowy night. Additionally, it was a Tuesday so the restaurant was not crowded. Nevertheless the quality of the food and the service were excellent. The Corn Chowder was absolutely the best I've ever had in my life. The Crab cake done Mexican-style was amazing. The homemade desserts are out of this world. I highly recommend this place.

The food was amazing - more "haute" than "mexican". Varied menu with lots of fish and interesting combinations of flavors. Beautiful presentation. Dessert was worth every calorie. So delicious. Varied clientele made us happy - young and old - gay and straight - Servers were friendly and attentive but not overbearing. It is a BYOB and that is always a plus in our opinion. The decor was cozy but a bit dated with fine art replicas on the walls and a peculiar dining room layout. We spent a bit of our dining conversation discussing who we wanted to bring with us the next time - Definitely a "do over" - Yum!

Does this chef taste the food? Other than the corn soup, which was fantastic, the rest of our dishes were flavorless. All of us had fish dishes. One was the special of the day and the others were on the regular menu. The descriptions on the menu would have you believe that there would be a symphony of flavors. Unfortunately, everything tasted like it was steamed and not seasoned at all. Two of the fish dishes were served on top of frozen spinach. The spinach had been frozen, boiled and put on the plate. No prep, no flavor, not even a hint of spinach flavor. Don't go, there are much better restaurants in Philly.

"Mexican Haute Cuisine" is accurate, but it seems so many go expecting really fine tacos, or exquisite burritos, or fancy tamales, etc. that it really makes better sense (for most Americans) to think of this place as serving French food seasoned with Mexican flavors. Regardless of how you think about it, everything is delicious and your meal will be memorable. From the outside, the sign is easily visible though you may think you're in the wrong location because of the unassuming neighborhood. You enter into an intimate dining area and regardless of who's working, the greeting is always warm and welcoming. The menu offerings change periodically but usually feature a variety of different appetizers and entrees; seafood is prominent. Portions are adequate though not overwhelming, so if you've got a decent appetite I'd recommend an appetizer and entree. However, make sure you plan for dessert because they're exceptional. My personal favorite: the chocolate orange layer cake. It's simple yet delicious, and for me it's irresistible, because I've never dined here without ordering it for dessert. Ice cream and sorbets are all house made and feature exciting flavors and pairings. Go to Paloma on a weeknight when you need a break from the grind of work, on a weekend with friends you haven't seen in awhile, with business colleagues you wish to impress, or with family to celebrate a special occasion. Your meal will be memorable!

Excellent italian food, especially the veal and fresh fish. Good service. We went back the next night to try some more if their goodies.

What more can I say....this is one of the best meals I have ever eaten. They were very accommodating of special diets without compromising flavor.

I don't know what took us so long to try this place! Ignore any of the indications regarding cost - it is only expensive compared to the typical Mexican grease pits, not at all expensive compared to other fine dining establishments. I would not call this a Mexican or Spanish restaurant but a restaurant that uses Mexican and Spanish influences in its preparations. The spacing in the restaurant is also atypical, there is plenty of room between tables so you can be afforded some intimacy as you are not on top of the next table. Also, it is a BYOB, so you can cut your costs as well. We started with two soups, a hot tortilla style which was delicious and a cold soup made of catus and peppers and who knows what else, plus served with a wonderfully delicious piece of smoked salmon (when is the last time you had smoked salmon at a Mexican restaurant?). I still don't know what I ate, but it was delicious. However, our middle course, a third appetizer that we split, was a mushroom preparation that almost had the texture of a tartare and was stunningly good. We each had fish for dinner, one was a Brazino done with crispy skin and the other was a special -wahoo. Both were excellently prepared and served with well presented and cooked vegetables. Our cake, laced in tequilla, was equally wonderful and, in fact, we bought a second to take home. Appetizers were in the 10-15 range and most entrees were in the 20s. I think wahoo was low 30s and well worth it. Service was very attentive and friendly. Our bill came to about $125 before tip (3 starters, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts) We will return.

Recently discovered that Paloma had re-opened in South Philly/Bella Vista area (near Italian Market). As always parking is a challenge in the area. The few minute investment in finding a space more thans pays off. Chefs cuisine is even better than it was on Castor Ave. The place is a bit larger, so the tables are not on top of each other. The service is polite, unintrusive, well-informed and spot-on. The food is French/Mexican fusion without being too spicy or creamy. And they adjust as requested in either directon. Our dishes: Corn Chowder to die for. Mostly vegetable stock base, slight amount of cream, rich corn, pepper, onion , ancho chiles, with a shrimp garnish. Tuna tartare: with cucumber salad, sesame seeds and orange-ginger serrano reductin dressing. Crab Ceviche: Jumbo Lump marinated as expected, served with tomatoes and avocado salad. Crema de Poblano soup: served with what appeared to be droplets of some oil, I interpretted as spicy pepper-infused oil.. Spicy, but truly wonderful. Robalo filet: one beautifully prepared filet and accompanied by a puree of the other filet,with tomato, serrano coulis. Shrimp Vol-au-Vent: 3 giant poached shrimp in great sauce, served in puff pastry, Crab Cake Purse: Jumbo lump wrapped in phylo with mild curry sauce. Wild Boar special (my dish): so often overcook, it came out rare, tender and juicy. 4 bone rack was very substantial. The sauce delighted. Chefs wife makes desserts and knows her stuff: (my notes stopped here, so I'm winging this: Dark, rich chocolate/orange-flavored cake.Fruity sorbets and gelatos that ranged from pure spicy pepper fruit goodness to smooth chocolate. Mexican brownie dessert was downright decadent as was the Kahlua Chocolate cake. (Can you tell we are chocoholics?) I recommend this place very highly. It has just become my favorite BYOB in town, It's a "Must Try" and you are guarenteed to return. If you're not sure, try the midweek prix-fixe for $30...a steal.

Makes me nostalgic for Ixtapa. Fantastic food & BYOB, which I love. Brought a GREAT Pomerol from Moore Bros which went perfectly with the mushroom flan (you gotta order it).

Paloma's is a wonderful place for dinner. The menu is comprehensive. Each dish is prepared expertly. The signature appetizer dish, Corn Chowder, is out of this world. I had the crab cake for the main course. It also was wonderful. Service is friendly as well. Both the owner and the owner's wife came at different times to ask how we were doing. Until they get their liquor license, they are BYOB. Run, don't walk, to this place in the heart of Philadelphia. Their premise is that true Mexican cuisine has a French touch to it. They sure do it well.

Superb from start to finish...the presentation of each course was impeccable and we savored each and every bite. Our server was extremely knowledgeable, attentive, and welcoming. I can not say enough about this dining experience!! I can hardly believe that this Mexican/French establishment was formerly somewhere in NE Philadelphia...It exceeded my expectations after reading some rave reviews! I look forward to many more extraordinary evenings with family and friends! As others have mentioned, the wild mushroom flan is a must as well as the fresh crabmeat, tomato, and avocado. There is something for everyone and I recommend exploring outside your comfort zone for you SURELY will be pleasantly surprised!

Very original creations, delicious combinations. We loved everything we tried. Very much enjoyed the food, staff, and owner. It's a BYOB but they directed us to a nearby liquor store so we could enjoy a good red wine with our dinner! How fun is that!

My opinion is that this wonderful restaurant should lose the "Mexican" adjective in its name, because most people, I'm afraid, think it's Tex-Mex, which it most assuredly isn't! No, this is a Haute Cuisine (they should keep those words in the name) first class restaurant, rich with delicate seafood and other scrumptious delicacies. Their iconic dish seems to be the crab cakes, which were superb, with their plentiful crab meat and phylo pastry. Three of our party of four ordered the crab cakes and raved about them. The fourth ordered a shrimp dish, which also provoked praise. There is absolutely no hint of Tex-Mex here, except for nuanced hints of spices -- spices you won't find in a Tex-Mex place. Desserts were decadent, mostly pound and cheese cakes and a big assortment of gelati. This is a fine restaurant in all respects. No tacos or refried beans. Mostly French cooking performed by a Mexican chef and his wife (who does the desserts). This place is not to be missed.