Old Money Restaurants in Mexico City / The Palm, an iconic American steakhouse with impeccable service.
To fully appreciate the origins of The Palm, it is essential to travel back in time to 1926, when this restaurant opened its doors in New York's Little Italy neighborhood.
By Anna Lagos / Photos courtesy of The Palm
Quickly becoming a must-visit for the personalities of the time: politicians, movie stars, and intellectuals were regular visitors for its famous steaks and giant lobsters.
The place was founded by Pio Bozzi and John Ganzi, of Italian origin. With its private atmosphere, it's not hard to imagine the Italian-American society of the era discussing their affairs, legal and not, in the restaurant's booths.
The allure of the original The Palm has been inherited by its branches. With more than 25 years of history in Mexico City, this authentic American-style Steak & Lobster House has become a must-visit destination thanks to a menu that highlights its legendary cuts of meat, the lobsters that are flown in from Nova Scotia every season, and a wine list from the largest cellar in Mexico, that of the Presidente Intercontinental hotel.
In 1995, the then Federal District welcomed its first The Palm. The young chef Luis del Sordo introduced a menu that blended The Palm classics with his own creations like the crab cake that was “Mexicanized” with a chipotle tartar sauce. The Palm Polanco turned out to be such a successful product that in 2012, another branch opened in Santa Fe to serve the businessmen and women of the area; however, that space did not survive the massive restaurant closures during the 2020 pandemic. Almost 20 years after its opening, The Palm Polanco is directed by José Luis Ronquillo with the same task of offering formal yet friendly service in a restaurant filled with wood and white tablecloths.
This branch of The Palm is very much for businesspeople, politicians, or celebrities who bring their shows to Mexico City at venues like the National Auditorium, which is just across the street. These faces decorate the walls of the rooms in the form of caricatures, a tradition that was born in New York: the founders encouraged local artists to eat at The Palm and pay with a caricature to hang on the wall. In addition to the caricatures of Bozzi and Ganzi, diners can entertain themselves by looking for more familiar faces like Luis Miguel, Guillermo del Toro, Iñárritu, or some purebred politician.
Food Police Insider Advice
The hotel is very convenient for parking if you're going to a concert at the National Auditorium, but the cost can be as expensive as your ticket for the event itself.
If you have children or nephews to take care of, the 'Chiquiclub' is your ally. There, children can enjoy a play area while waiting for their food.
- Location: Campos Elíseos 218, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Mexico City, CDMX
- Contact info: 55 5327 7762
- Service hours: Monday to Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 8.
- Ideal for: business meals or before or after a concert at the National Auditorium.
- Type of food: American steakhouse with a seafood bar.
- Payment: credit cards, debit cards, cash.
- Accessibility: wheelchair accessible.
- Parking: parking available within the hotel; valet parking also available.
- Reservations: recommended, especially for dinners and weekends.
- Nearby public transportation: Metro and Metrobus Auditorio, Metro Polanco.
