How is Palmetto restaurant rated?

Palmetto

4.7

407 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

Palmetto, located across the street from the historic Fox Theater, is a restaurant and bar featuring New American cuisine and classic cocktails in a hip and welcoming atmosphere.
Palmetto's kitchen, under Chef Manny Bonilla (The Kon-Tiki, Hawker Fare), creates shareable plates that are packed with flavor inspired by his East Bay upbringing and his Filipino and Salvadoran heritage.
Traditional dishes like steak tartare, shrimp cocktail and ribeye steak are enhanced by citrus, spice, and exotic fruits and herbs.
Palmetto's cocktail program, curated by Beverage Director Jeanie Grant, brings together fresh ingredients and beautiful spirits to create new flavors and lighthearted takes on classics. Guests are encouraged to explore a range of spirits from around the world.

Reservations are for dinner only and bar seating is available on a first come first serve basis.

Join us next door (Thursdays through Sundays) at our sister bar, The Kon-Tiki Room at Palmetto.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Californian, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon, Thu, Sun 5:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(510) 817-4002
Website
https://palmetto-oakland.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Manny Bonilla
Private party facilities
Please call us at 510 817 4002 for parties of 10 or more. Thank you!

Location
1900 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612
Neighborhood
Oakland
Cross street
Telegraph Ave at 19th st.
Parking details
None
Public transit
19th St. Oakland Bart Station.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Castelvetrano Olives$8.00
garlic & chili oil
Fried Egg Salad$15.00
pea tendrils, toasted seeds, fennel, herbs, jalapeño and fish sauce vinaigrette, calabrian chili yogurt
Escargot$16.00
charred jalapeño & garlic crema
Chicken Fat Fries$7.00
kewpie mayo
Chicharrónes$14.00
fried pork skin, charred scallion crema dip
Little Gem Lettuce$14.00
miso ranch, pepitas, radishes, cotija
Brown Rice Caldo$9.00
chili oil, crispy onions, garlic chives
Baby Lacinato Kale$15.00
beets, chickpea purée, olives, roasted garlic vinaigrette
Cauliflower$14.00
cabbage, grapefruit & chili vinaigrette
Tempura Corn on the Cob$14.00
cilantro & lime aioli, chili furikake
Hamachi Crudo$23.00
chile de arbol & soy sauce glaze, herb oil, pickled onions
Grilled Acme Bread$7.00
butter, sea salt
Shrimp Cocktail$18.00
chipotle cocktail sauce, dill, olive oil
Cast Iron Cornbread$9.00
lardo, chili honey
Braised Greens$9.00
porcini broth
Japanese Sweet Potato Mash$9.00
garlic crisp
Masa Fried Oysters$13.00
old bay crema, frisée
Steak Tartare$15.00
chimichurri aioli, capers, arugula, crostini, smoked cheddar crisp
Salsa Verde White Beans$9.00
whipped queso fresco
Mussels$24.00
chorizo, saffron cream, white wine, grilled bread
Chicken Thigh Chicharrón$17.00
pickles, pepita salsa macha
King Trumpet Mushrooms$15.00
charred jalapeño barbecue sauce, spiced crispy shallots
Twice Cooked Pork Belly$23.00
grain mustard mojo, grilled chicories
Whole Grilled Trout$45.00
cilantro pesto, peas, radishes, crispy coriander, lemon
New York Strip Steak$30.00
6 oz, sweet & sour onions, burnt garlic demi
Ribeye Steak$80.00
16 oz, sweet & sour onions, burnt garlic demi

Desserts

Chocolate Chip Cookies$13.00
sweet cream, vanilla olive oil
Coconut Carrot Cake$13.00
cream cheese icing, caramalized pineapple, toasted coconut
Rotating Quintescence Sorbet Flavors$6.00

What 407 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

408 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It’s was amazing to eat there for the last time and on our anniversary.
Is this helpful?
Z
Zippy
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place was SO good. We’re devastated that it’s closing but so happy that we were able to stop in and enjoy the delicious shared plates and drinks. RIP to an Oakland legend
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M
Mike
Los Angeles
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The meal and service was outstanding. The food was very different from anything we've ever eaten and we eat out a lot! We loved the steak tartare, the jasmine rice and the mussels which came in a lovely sauce! The drink I ordered to start was the October Sun which was delicious. We highly recommend this restaurant. Also, the location across from the Fox Theatre could not have been more convenient. Thank you.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We will miss this Oakland gem. ❤️ Thank you for a delicious final service.
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C
Chloe
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing drinks, food and staff. So sad to see it go but so thankful we were able to experience it!
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EA
EricA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sad that they are closing soon. It's been my go-to place when I'm in the neighborhood.
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b
bsue
Denver
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are SO sad that PALMETTO will close. Excellent service and delicious food and drinks !
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was outstanding, friendly and efficient. Rib eye steak was amazing and the hamachi was a standout dish.
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CS
CarmenS
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love Palmetto and can’t wait to go back! The service, cocktails, and food were fantastic! Don’t leave us, Palmetto! You’re our true love!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
So good. Cocktails, food, service, ambiance, everything. The place to be anytime but especially before a show! Love.
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MV
MaureenV
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was wonderful - great pairing recommendations and bartenders!
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HK
HollyK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
wonderful experience. Top notch service. Great food.
Is this helpful?
L
Lucy
San Francisco
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect cornbread and escargot! We loved the cocktails too!
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KV
KarenV
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Thankful we made a reservation! The place filled up by 6:30. The wait staff was beyond sweet and knew the menu very well. We had cocktails and shared four plates. It was plenty of food! The chicken fat fries with kewpie mayo are a must. We also shared the cauliflower, the farro salad and the new york strip steak. The steak can with early girl tomatoes and cumin brown butter - could not get enough of it! I wish I'd been eating here more often. Will try to squeeze back in befor the end of the month.
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CG
CourtneyG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 8, 2023
overall5food3service5ambience5
Overall the aesthetic was great. The food was good but not amazing. Just overpriced for the quality in my opinion. Our waitress was absolutely amazing though. She was attentive and checked in on us and have great recommendations for drinks! I forgot her name but she does wear glasses and has shorter hair.
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MB
MarthaB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved all the food and service. In particular we liked the trout, cauliflower, faro salad and steak tartare. Nothing disappointed. People were really pleasant. Highly recommend.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Madrid
6 reviews
1.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall1food4service1ambience4
I experience overt racism at Paul meadow by the lead server. She actually had the audacity to ask if I could wait outside the restaurant as I forgot my credit card and was coming to retrieve it. It’s sad to see that we are still very much in a racist society
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TM
TamaraM
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall2food1service3ambience3
Ok ambiance. Food wayyyy overprized. Rice was an oily mush, similar to oatmeal. I expected more for the cost. We (party of two) had reservations and were seated in the back, although booths were available where they sat parties of two. We won't be returning next time we are in Oakland. Snapped a nice pic of the neon Palmetto sign though. Total bill $95 (2 sides, 1 piece of chicken, 1 drink).
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A
Austin
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love Palmetto and love going here. I should have written this review sooner, the food is fantastic and their drinks are great. Really quality place all around.
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HB
HankB
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 26, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Real nice spot to eat. We dined before a show at the Fox and it was perfect. We will definitely go back.
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S
Stephanie
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall1food2service3ambience3
Wine was good. Overpriced for the food options and quality. I brought my husband for his birthday - an embarrassing choice. We left disappointed.
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S
Sarwar23
San Francisco
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2023
overall1food2service2ambience2
We went here here before a concert at Fox Theater. The drinks were not great nor was the food. The little gems salad was so salty we couldn’t finish it. After sharing a meal and one drink each, we spent over $100. The service was also not great. We won’t be back. Very sad because on a Saturday night in a great location, this place had the chance to be amazing!
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JP
JPAgustus
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
The corn, fries, and salad was absolutely delicious! The trout and steak were good entrees. Drinks were solid!
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TM
TheMix
San Francisco
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ok…my new fav in Oakland. EVERYTHING was sooo good! The greeting was friendly, the table was comfortable, the server was great-explained everything and was efficient. We started with cocktails and fries. Fries tell you how the rest of the meal will be, and these were perfect! Then…the tempura corn on the cob….0mg-they even brought towelettes! Then we shared mussels-in some delicious cream sauce we wanted to slurp up or ask to bottle to go, then the pork chop-perfectly cooked, the chicken (enough for 2-3 people), the ahi tuna-seared just right so mostly raw, and the king trumpet mushroom—which was a very pleasing and beautiful main course. Couldn’t skip dessert, so shared this thing called a Concord grape cobbler which was served on a small cast iron skillet. It was so buttery and yummy we couldn’t finish it. One of the best meals in months! Can’t wait to return!
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JM
JasonM
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience! Loved the food, the drinks, and the staff. We'll be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Everything was really good. Food was a little bit on the salty side but it’s not like it wasn’t good or anything. Overall we had the best time there and would come back again!
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C
Campion
Las Vegas
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a fantastic meal. Nothing missed. Favorites included Tempura Corn, Braised Greens, Hamachi Crudo. We will return!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had the whole fish which was excellent. Our server was wonderful. We had a quiet booth which was great for conversation. All in all, a great dinner before a show at the Fox.
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MS
MichaelS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One hundred million thousand stars. Give Cat a raise!!!
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EN
EmilyN
Seattle
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience! Just a bad neighborhood. Unfortunately my car got broken into when it was parked just across the street.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Great food and decent service. Waitress was super helpful with ordering for our number of people - wasn’t overselling so we didn’t feel ripped off even though it’s a more expensive restaurant.
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b
bsue
Denver
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and drinks were delicious and the service excellent b!
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HV
HarryV
San Francisco
23 reviews
vip
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Small plates, limited menu…………………………………………………z……..
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B
Brad
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Their new tapas-style menu was fantastic. Our service was wonderful. My one piece of feedback is drinks, while palatable they aren't the most balanced.
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AH
AliyahH
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great for a cute date! Birthday dinner or night out for drinks. The dinner menu is unique and very delicious. They have something for every diet.
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JA
JATP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Extremely pleased with every single dish we tried. 5 stars definitely!
Is this helpful?
S
Starlight77
San Francisco
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
I was so happy to see a new restaurant in this space. The environment is super art deco Miami meets the inner city. Drinks are very inventive, spirit forward and a unique mix of flavors. The Little Gem Salad, New York Steak and mussels are amazing. Where Palmetto shines is desert!! Holy moly panna cotta and sea salt chocolate cookies with sweet cream. WOW. Cherry on top.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and amazing service. We will be going back. Highly recommend the steak!
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GW
GeoffW
San Francisco
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great. Service was perfect. Loved the cornbread and the cocktails.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience5
The decor and ambiance are great, very cute retro vibes. The customer service was also very great! They’re really responsive via OpenTable. I accidentally booked the reservation for the wrong date and had to update the reservation size and they were very prompt and timely in their response. The staff was also very friendly and checked on the group throughout the service. The downside was that the meals too a while to come out, we felt like the food tasted mediocre we all tried something different. The exceptions were the Chicharrones chicken, little gem salad, and muscles which was a hit with our group. Overall it’s worth trying!
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Palmetto is rated 4.7 stars by 407 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

1900 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612

Additional information

Cross street
Telegraph Ave at 19th st.
Neighborhood
Oakland
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon, Thu, Sun 5:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Californian, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
None
Public transit
19th St. Oakland Bart Station.
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Manny Bonilla
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://palmetto-oakland.com/
Phone number
(510) 817-4002
Private party facilities
Please call us at 510 817 4002 for parties of 10 or more. Thank you!

Palmetto

Permanently Closed

Additional information

Steak Tartare

Ribeye Steak

Cauliflower

Main

Castelvetrano Olives$8.00

Fried Egg Salad$15.00

Escargot$16.00

Chicken Fat Fries$7.00

Chicharrónes$14.00

Little Gem Lettuce$14.00

Brown Rice Caldo$9.00

Baby Lacinato Kale$15.00

Cauliflower$14.00

Tempura Corn on the Cob$14.00

Hamachi Crudo$23.00

Grilled Acme Bread$7.00

Shrimp Cocktail$18.00

Cast Iron Cornbread$9.00

Braised Greens$9.00

Japanese Sweet Potato Mash$9.00

Masa Fried Oysters$13.00

Steak Tartare$15.00

Salsa Verde White Beans$9.00

Mussels$24.00

Chicken Thigh Chicharrón$17.00

King Trumpet Mushrooms$15.00

Twice Cooked Pork Belly$23.00

Whole Grilled Trout$45.00

New York Strip Steak$30.00

Ribeye Steak$80.00

Desserts

Chocolate Chip Cookies$13.00

Coconut Carrot Cake$13.00

Rotating Quintescence Sorbet Flavors$6.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

How is Palmetto restaurant rated?

Permanently Closed

Additional information