Paloma Mexican Haute Cuisine

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Address:
763 S 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Neighborhood:
South Philly

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Cuisine:
Contemporary Mexican

Price: $31 to $50

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Paloma Mexican Haute Cuisine Details

Dining Style: Fine Dining
Website: http://www.palomafinedining.com
Email: info@palomafinedining.com
Phone: (215) 928-9500
Hours of Operation: Tues-Thurs: 5:00pm - 9:00pm. Fri-Sat 5:00pm to 10:00pm. Closed Sun and Mon except for private parties. In addition to its regular menu, Paloma now offers a $35 three course prix fixe menu on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. (It's like Restaurant Week every week!)
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: Contemporary Mexican, French
Executive Chef: Adán Saavedra
Dress Code: Casual Dress
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: BYO Liquor, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Personal wines welcome

Getting there

Cross Street: Fulton Street
Public Transit: The southbound 47 bus stops right across the street, at 8th and Catharine/Fulton.
Parking: Street Parking
Parking Details: There is a free public lot on the north side of Christian Street between 7th and 8th. Some on-street parking is time-limited; the 700 block of Catharine has 4-hour parking on the north side. Parts of 8th are unrestricted. In a pinch, you can park on South Street and either walk down or hop in a cab.

A word from Paloma Mexican Haute Cuisine

This highly-acclaimed fine dining restaurant will forever change the way you think of Mexican food. Paloma serves superb French-Mexican cuisine. There are no nachos, burritos or sauces covered in melted cheese.

Chef-owner Adán Saavedra combines Mexican ingredients with French cooking… techniques to produce dishes that are refined, elegant, beautiful and full of flavor without the heat of spice. We will gladly accommodate those who prefer more chile heat!

Desserts are unique and wholly house-made, including special items for more adventurous diners, such as an incendiary mango-habanero sorbet. Vegetarian and gluten-free options abound. If you have dietary restrictions, let us know in advance and we'll accommodate them.

Come see why Paloma has been called "Le Bec Mex," why Chef Saavedra was a 2011 semifinalist for a James Beard Foundation award, and why the 2013 Zagat Guide ranked Paloma in the top ten restaurants in the region for food!Continued

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerBest Food

Diner Reviews

"It's hard to know whether to start with Barb's amazing desserts or everything else. We do save this for special times because we know we won't be able to resist dessert, whether it's a magnificent cake, like the newly-tweaked "coffee cake" of her grandmother's or the amazing sorbets and gelatos with flavors found nowhere else. Certain other favorites, like the corn chowder or the mushroom flan demand revisiting, but then - crab cake? duck? anything else? Always exquisite."
Dined on 3/8/2014
"This is the second time we've dined here when visiting Philadelphia. Just as great a meal the second time. We had the unique mushroom flan as an appetizer. The barramundi entree was also fantastic.The desserts were out of this world. Service was also great. Don't forget it's a BYOB."
Dined on 3/7/2014
"I don't see this as Mexican restaurant; I see it more as an OUTSTANDING South American restaurant. The soups started us off on a high note (I will return just for the soups!) and the entrees didn't disappoint. The duck and the branzino were beautifully prepared, tender juicy delicious and extremely flavorful. We eat out six to seven nights a week and this place caught me by surprise because I hadn't read about it. Outstanding! ... and then the deserts. The deserts are special and I was sorry I could only have one. We shared a chocolate brownie that had complex flavors that blended beautifully. Great meal and I would recommend this restaurant to everyone."
Dined on 3/6/2014
"Lovely staff. Interesting beautifully offered dishes. Great desserts. Thought it quite reasonable given the quality of the food."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"Among the the best dining experience and most unique cuisine you will find in Philly. Everything we ordered was exceptional. This was our first visit and we will be sure to return."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"I had always had an outstanding meal in the past but not when I brought friends to try the fixed price. The menu was not given to us, but recited by the waiter so it was hard to remember. He described items in terms of how they were like the one on the menu but missing or downgraded ingredients.When asked to upgrade the appetizer, They would only allow ordering the fixed price entree as an a la carte item. It felt cheap since her meal was higher than the $2 extra the appetizer she ordered was on the menu. They did not allow a substitute of rice for the potato. We all ordered a fish entree and the fish, potatoes and crab all seemed to blend together. There was only about 6 customers all evening, so I would have expected better."
Dined on 2/27/2014
"The food here is different: dishes you won't find anywhere else with flavors beautifully and subtly blended. The service is so professional and attentive, it rivals the finest restaurants. The pastry chef, a former prosecutor, turns out desserts that are not to be missed. Don't miss this one!!!!"
Dined on 2/22/2014
"Excellent food, unlike any other restaurant! Wonderful service and warm setting."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"Our first visit to this restaurant was one of the best we have experienced. The staff was friendly but professional. The food was nothing like we had imagined. There were three of us dining and each ordered a different appetizer/entree, therefore, affording us the opportunity to try six different plates. All were outstanding. This is a go to place for something a bit different. No disappointments here. Highly recommend this gem!"
Dined on 12/7/2013
"Paloma is a gem! We have been dining here for years and have not had one bad meal. We bring friends from around the country and they, too, love it, and ask to go back when they visit us. The winter menu is divine. Chef Adan and Pastry Chef Barb are gods!"
Dined on 2/15/2014
"I surprised my girlfriend on Valentine's day by taking her to Paloma. From the moment we arrived we were greeted by smiling faces and and a cozy atmosphere. Every person that came to our table was friendly and very helpful. Our appetizers, entrees and desserts were amazing! It's owned by a husband and wife who obviously pour their love of food into everything they send out. She even came to our table to tell us about the desserts as she makes them all herself and was very helpful in us making our decisions on what to have. We felt so welcome and at home we are definitely looking forward to returning!"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Had a great time with my wife. Great ambiance and service. The food was outstanding. I love that it is a byob. The staff was very informative and kept their distance unless needed, which I really appreciated."
Dined on 2/15/2014
"My husbands 50th birthday dinner could not have been any better. The food is always good at Paloma!"
Dined on 2/15/2014
"The moment we walked in the door there was a strong mildew odor that smacked us in the face. Once we were seated we wanted to get up and leave because the atmosphere and smell was like you were in grandmothers basement. We have at least three different people come to our table to serve us. Meanwhile we ordered the corn chowder and mushroom flan because it was recommended on most of the reviews we read. We were very dissapointed with the dishes, they were very mediocre, the bread was the best thing on the table. We opted to just leave after our appetizers because the servers stood in the corner for over ten minutes after we had finished our appetizers and the place wasn't pretty empty. We went down the street and got a burger. :)"
Dined on 2/14/2014
"This is my favorite restaurant in the city. The food is amazing, unusual, delicious and always interesting. There's nothing like the spicy sorbet also!"
Dined on 2/8/2014
"If you really want something special; then Paloma will give you a food experience that you really want to lick the plate when done. But we all know this is not proper dinning etiquette. Enjoy"
Dined on 2/7/2014
"Paloma is a winner. Food is really excellent, the presentation really attractive, the tastes most definitely "haute cuisine" that makes Mexican attractive to the most discerning diners. A real keeper."
Dined on 2/1/2014
"I went with friends and we were impressed with the atmostphere and the georgeous presentations of all the dishes. The food was very good but not as good as I think it could have been. I had the Crab wrapped in a beautiful kafti , and while it was a lot of crab, it needed more of the carrot curry sauce that was below the crab because it lacked flavor. one of the others at my table had the fish of the day which was a dorado and that was excellent. I also tried the stuffed poblano pepper and the filet, and while they were ok, neither was fabulous. The deserts however were excellent. So overall I would say i will go back for more meals, but hope that there will be a little more flavor in the dishes i chose."
Dined on 1/31/2014
"We recently had dinner for six at Paloma and could not have had a better experience. From the gracious hospitality to the fantastic meal, everything was perfect. It is particularly helpful to be able to BYOB, as we shared a couple of nice bottles of wine over a fantastic meal. Kudos to their team - we will be back soon!"
Dined on 1/31/2014
"The food was excellent, the atmosphere was charming, very cozy on a cold winters day, the people are friendly and the service was great. We all had a wonderful evening - We have added this restaurant to our "favorites" list!"
Dined on 1/29/2014
"Not on restaurant row and not trendy but consistently excellent food. Great flavors. Terrific presentation. Chef is there. Just super and not pretentious"
Dined on 1/25/2014
"What a great surprise. Our group had not heard of Paloma before but tried it on a snowy Friday night and were dazzled by the great appetizers, entrees and not least of all the superb gelato, sorbets and other desserts. I can't say enough about the branzino, the trout and the fettucine appetizer -- all splendid. The staff was warm, knowledgeable and very accomodating. This is a south philly BYOB, so perhaps don't expect a Starr-style ambience; and parking was a real challenge (I would suggest arriving in the neighborhood up to 30 mins before your reservation time); but other than those minor considerations, this is a great find where the most important elements (food and service) reign supreme!"
Dined on 1/24/2014
"Paloma is one of the best restaurants in town. The food is fabulous, unique and flavorful. We celebrated New Years eve and my birthday at this wonderful restaurant. The owners are the chef and pastries chef and they consistently serve wonderful food!"
Dined on 1/24/2014
"The food is wonderful at Paloma and is presented artfully. But there is little consideration to the customer's wishes from seating to special food restrictions. One gets the impression that you should be so impressed with every aspect of your experience that you should not ask for any variance in choices of any kind."
Dined on 1/18/2014
"i was not looking forward to eating at this restaurant as I am not generally a fan of Mexican food, but you can be sure that i will be back. The food was delicious, beautifully presented and a real treat to eat. The staff was attentive but not annoying and knowledgeable about the food. The branzino could be the best I have ever had. The tables were spaced so that you could actually carry on a conversation with the people at your table, while it still maintained a good energy level. What a find! Can't wait to go back."
Dined on 1/18/2014
"One of the best meals I've had anywhere. Preparation, presentation and flavors all outstanding. Ambience and service first rate."
Dined on 1/17/2014
"Had a wonderful dinner. Would return to try other dishes. The mushroom flan was outstanding. The service was great. Beautiful restaurant."
Dined on 1/14/2014
"The food is very good and the service is excellent. Both, the shrimp appetizer and the almost perfect filete al cafetal entree could have been better with just a little more huitlacoche. The cajeta cheescake is just outstanding! We were there to celebrate a birthday. The place was packed so a little noisy. We had a minor incident with the coat checkin people (they lost my wife's umbrella) but overall it was a good experience. Definitely worth trying."
Dined on 1/11/2014
"Incredible food and very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Gourmet Mexican food and you don't even need to be a real lover of Mexican cuisine. One of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at."
Dined on 1/10/2014
"We were pleasantly surprised by our delicious dinner last night. Some prior reviews left us questioning the restaurant but our experience was excellent. The service was great, all staff including our server were very attentive, helpful and make great recommendations. The two appetizers - Caesar salad (not like I've ever seen before) and the crab dish were beautifully plated and delicious. I had the risotto for my entrée and it surpassed my expectation - would highly recommend. The chili dish looked great and the bronzino also got thumbs up. Must try the sorbets - all homemade and truly unique. Overall a great experience. Only negative is finding a parking spot in South Philly."
Dined on 1/11/2014
"excellent food and presentation! highly recommended!"
Dined on 1/7/2014
"Chef was former chief sous chef at 4 Seasons. French trained with a little flair from his native Mexico. Was introduced to this restaurant by a friend mid year and have been coming back (I live outside the city) ever since. Great for a romantic dinner. And, when friends came into town for a convention, this is where I gathered with them. BYOB and worth breaking out a really nice bottle! Everything I or friend have had on menu has been superb."
Dined on 1/4/2014
"One of my favorite restaurants. The staff is the best anywhere and the food a delight. Always a treat to visit!"
Dined on 1/4/2014
"Waitresses should be better informed about the menu."
Dined on 1/3/2014
"I had never heard of Paloma but was looking for quality Mexican restaurant while making last minute plans for New Year's Eve. Paloma is a real gem and everyone in the group was ecstatic with their meal, including the appetizers and desserts. I recommend the lobster bisque, tuna tartar (appetizer), and duck wrapped in bacon (a NYE special entree). Homemade desserts at the table included sorbet, gelato, and sponge cake soaked in tequilla. The only thing not to my liking was the mango gelato with jalapeno. This is certainly a top-notch restaurant that you have to experience to believe. Don't be fooled by pre-conceived notions of Mexican fast food like tacos, burritos, etc. This is top shelf all the way."
Dined on 12/31/2013
"This is definitely my favorite restaurant in Philly. Hands down. Always go there on special occasions as they make it even more special. Philly has some of the better restaurants in any city and this tops the list for Philly. No question. I have recommended and taken people there and always hear outstanding comments back from everyone."
Dined on 12/31/2013
"We dined here for New Year's eve, and it was a worth experience (other than finding parking!)"
Dined on 12/31/2013
"This was my first time dining here. The food and service were outstanding. I will definitely go back."
Dined on 12/21/2013
"Dinner is in the Northern Italian tradition of slow food. Three courses took about 2.75 hours to complete. This is not a complaint. The incredibly leisurely pace is unusual stateside. There is absolutely nothing not to like about the food, service, space or ambiance. But parking is always tricky in So. Philly."
Dined on 12/18/2013
"This spot will not disappoint. Servers are very attentive and give great info. The food was very good with great presentation. I would definitely go back to try more things on the menu."
Dined on 12/13/2013

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