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Palma
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Palma
8.6
Family-run since 2001, Palma pairs organic, family-recipe Italian cooking with one of the neighborhood’s most romantic garden settings. Large platters, housemade pastas, and a 200-year-old carriage house make it a go-to for celebrations and intimate dinners alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ravioli cacio e pepe, Lobster spaghetti in tomato sauce, Fettuccine ai funghi
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A long-running, organic-focused Italian spot with a flower-filled garden and carriage house that feel transported from the countryside.
Who should go: Couples, bridal parties, and groups planning celebratory dinners.
When to visit: Evenings in garden season; weekend brunch for softer crowds.
What to order: Arancini, ravioli cacio e pepe, lobster spaghetti.
Insider tip: Request the garden or carriage house when booking—those spaces define the Palma experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm. Nearest paid garages are within a 2–3 block radius on Hudson and Washington Streets.
Dress code: Smart casual. Elevated but relaxed—dressy tops, nice denim, and casual dresses all fit the room’s romantic tone.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversations are comfortable indoors; the garden can be slightly livelier during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; prime garden tables are rarely available for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, except during spring/summer patio season.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—multiple pastas, starters, and sides can be prepared vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and vegetable dishes work, but mains are sparse; advance notice helps.
Gluten-free options: Accommodated—several dishes can be made gluten-free, and gluten-free pasta is usually available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. Palma’s garden and candlelit carriage house create an intimate, romantic setting that’s ideal for early-stage chemistry without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but timing matters. Weeknights and off-peak lunch hours are your best bet. For garden seating, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who can handle a quieter, more refined dining room. No dedicated kids’ menu; strollers may be tight in peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Romantic dining, celebratory group meals, and atmospheric outdoor seating—few West Village Italian spots match Palma’s garden ambience.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge or experimental Italian, fast casual service, or a budget-friendly meal—Palma leans traditional, leisurely, and premium.
Palma
8.4
Palma is a family-run Cornelia Street townhouse with a candlelit indoor dining room and a lush back garden where Italian plates feel like a special occasion. While it’s often framed as a romantic spot, families book it for milestone dinners when they want a West Village setting that still feels like a home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti alle vongole, Cavatelli with sausage, Branzino al forno
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A townhouse Italian with a garden courtyard that works for both dates and multigenerational celebrations.
Who should go: Families celebrating birthdays or visits with out-of-towners.
When to visit: Early evening or weekend brunch for the calmest garden experience.
What to order: Spaghetti alle vongole, cavatelli with sausage, whole branzino.
Insider tip: Request a garden table when reserving; it books out well in advance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Cornelia Street is limited; rely on nearby paid garages on W 4th or 6th Ave, especially evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished jeans and a nice top are fine, but the garden skews dressy.
Noise level: Moderate indoors; quieter and more conversational in the garden courtyard.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for garden seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with easier access to the indoor dining room.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas, salads, and vegetable sides fit vegetarian diets.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 dishes can be modified, but the menu is not vegan-focused.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — some pastas can be made gluten-free; cross-contamination precautions vary, so ask staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the townhouse setting and candlelit garden create an intimate atmosphere, while the service remains relaxed and not overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weekdays or early evenings, but walk-ins rarely secure the garden. Reserve ahead if the courtyard is a priority.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who can enjoy a slower, more elegant meal; no dedicated kids’ menu, but staff is accommodating with simpler pasta requests.
Best For
Better for: Special-occasion family dinners and atmospheric garden dining that feels more personal and home-like than nearby Italian spots.
Skip if: You want fast, casual Italian; Palma is best for slower meals and planned celebrations rather than quick bites.
Palma
8.4
A family-run Italian townhouse with a charming candlelit dining room and a serene back garden, ideal for intimate meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti alle vongole, Cavatelli with sausage, Whole branzino
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A townhouse Italian with a garden courtyard that works for both dates and multigenerational celebrations.
Who should go: Families celebrating birthdays or visits with out-of-towners.
When to visit: Early evening or weekend brunch for the calmest garden experience.
What to order: Spaghetti alle vongole, cavatelli with sausage, whole branzino.
Insider tip: Request a garden table when weather permits for a truly special experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be limited, especially during dinner hours. Consider using nearby garages or public transportation.
Dress code: Smart casual – jeans are acceptable, but opt for something a bit more polished for the intimate atmosphere.
Noise level: Moderate – conversation is easily heard, making it ideal for date nights and quieter family gatherings.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30-45 minute wait without a reservation, particularly on busy weekend evenings.
Weekday lunch: No significant wait, typically seats available right away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetarian-friendly options such as the cavatelli with sausage and vegetarian antipasti.
Vegan options: Limited – 2-3 vegan options available, including some vegetable-based pasta dishes.
Gluten-free options: Yes – separate prep area for gluten-free dishes, with options like gluten-free pasta available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the intimate candlelit ambiance and quiet garden courtyard make for a romantic, relaxed setting, ideal for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? While it is possible, it is not recommended, especially during dinner hours or weekends. Reservations are strongly encouraged to avoid long wait times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – although more suited for adults, the atmosphere is welcoming for children, particularly for family celebrations and group gatherings.
Best For
Better for: Perfect for an intimate date night or a special occasion with its quiet, romantic setting and beautiful garden. The charm of the townhouse atmosphere also offers a unique experience compared to other Italian spots in the area.
Skip if: If you're looking for a lively, casual atmosphere or need to accommodate large, noisy groups, this may not be the best choice.
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10:30pm
Friday5pm - 10:30pm
Saturday5:30pm - 10:30pm
Sunday5:30pm - 10pm