Located in the vibrant art district of Wynwood in Miami, Palmarās hole-in-the-wall feel and culinary expertise make this the perfect dinner spot for a night out. Executive chef, Albert Diaz, describes the fare as āChinese cuisine with a Latin twistā, including highly revered traditional dishes such as dim sum and mixing them with flavors that pop. Our host chef de cuisine, Raymond Li, shared that he whimsically changes the menu at Palmar on a regular basis, depending on the fish selection available at the multiple local fisheries he frequents as well as what he is in the mood to make that day.
I had the pleasure of dining at Palmar on a Friday night, before the dinner rush began. As soon as my companion and I walked in, we were greeted by the staff and led to our table. The interior is small yet spacious, with eye-catching pink vinyl booths, elegant wooden tables and chairs, and, my favorite detail, low-hanging red lights with woven-basket shades. As the evening passed, the restaurant grew more populated but never to the point of feeling overcrowded, making Palmar a great intimate setting for a dinner with friends or a date-night.
The meal began with a delightful sparkling rosƩ and an assortment of dim sum. We started with the crispy prawns accompanied by Sichuan chili, an incredible house-made sauce with just the perfect amount of kick to it. This was followed by duck confit dumplings with a mouth-watering 5 spice aioli and pickled red ginger. Then came the veggie egg roll with pickled ginger, charred cabbage, and juniper berry juice and the shrimp har gow in a vinegar soy sauce garnished with an original Palmar twist: powdered sesame. Before the main course, the chef sent out what was easily one of the front runners of the night: Chinese broccoli served with a hibiscus-infused tonkatsu (cabbage) sauce. Not only was this dish beautifully presented, but the slightly flowery infusion mixed with crisp vegetables and crushed pistachio had us talking about this plate for the rest of the night.
After a brief respite and a round of floral Chokaisan sake (highly-recommended), the chef brought out a generous portion of fried rice with scallions, coriander, and duck egg yolk. The richness of the duck egg was balanced by the fresh coriander, and the texture of the rice was soft without being overcooked. Although we felt that we couldnāt possibly take another bite, we magically found room for the scrumptious lychee and granny smith apple slices and 5-spice egg custard for dessert. The egg custard was an incredible gastronomical experience: the top layer included a fluffy coconut espuma covering a yuzu-mango marmalade with a delectable coriander crumble at the bottom. It was the perfect amount of sweet with just a little savory, a hint of spice, and a delightful crunch to top it off.
From start to finish, I enjoyed every moment during my dinner at Palmar. The ambiance is exactly what you would hope for when dining in Wynwood, the service was stellar, and the food was exquisite. The food selection is diverse enough that anyone could find an option suited to their preferences, yet refined enough to not overwhelm one with choices. I do not exaggerate when I say that I greatly look forward to my next dining experience at Palmar!
Pin This!
Lena
June 23, 2018 at 8:04 amYour experience at Palmar sounds and looks amazing. I got hungry, and to tell you the truth I became intrigued how Chinese cuisine with a Latin twist tastes like. I love coriander and can imagine the taste of all the dishes you tried was amazing. I put Palmar on my list of restaurants to visit when I visit Miami.
Carmen Edelson
June 25, 2018 at 2:21 pmIt’s such a unique fusion but it works perfectly! I really hope you enjoy it when you’re in Miami š
Cynthia
June 23, 2018 at 1:07 pmThe food at Palmar looks absolutely delicious! A hibiscus-infused-anything sounds amazing and I can just imagine what a light and delicate air that must have lent to the dish. And I love how we always miraculously find room for dessert! š Your description of the Egg Custard is divine, I would love to try it one day!
Carmen Edelson
June 25, 2018 at 2:22 pmOh yes, I’ve heard we have a separate stomach for dessert š
Mel
June 26, 2018 at 3:36 amThat’s such a cool concept – Chinese cuisine with a Latin twist ! It looks and sounds amazing, I’d love to try it one day if I visit Miami
Carmen Edelson
June 27, 2018 at 8:36 pmDefinitely add it to your list! I loved it.
Amy Ambrosia
June 26, 2018 at 10:32 amWhat a terrific addition to Wynwood. The atmosphere of Palmar and the details of the cuisine offered are deliciously inviting. Looks like a must do experience!
Carmen Edelson
June 27, 2018 at 8:36 pmYes, I’ll definitely be visiting Wynwood even more now!
Jasmine Vargas
June 26, 2018 at 9:48 pmPersonally, I am not a fan of chinese food at all but this place looks cute.
Carmen Edelson
June 27, 2018 at 8:38 pmI would still recommend trying it because it’s not your typical Chinese food š
Anna Makridi
June 27, 2018 at 5:49 amFood sounds delicious! Great experience!
Carmen Edelson
June 27, 2018 at 8:38 pmYes, such a great experience! Thanks for reading.
Jenia
June 27, 2018 at 10:16 amWhat a curious culinary experience! We live in China and this is so far removed from what we normally see and eat here :)) Most of it sounds delightful but the idea of a coriander crumble in a dessert gives me concern!
Carmen Edelson
June 27, 2018 at 8:39 pmHaha, I understand! But I was pleasantly surprised š
Nicola Hilditch-Short
June 28, 2018 at 8:25 amWhat a unique place, I love that combination of cultures, it’s very Miami!! We love discovering these gems when travelling.
Carmen Edelson
June 29, 2018 at 1:14 pmYou’re right, it is very Miami!
The Travel Bunny
June 28, 2018 at 10:35 amThe food looks amazing! I like the concept and I love those basket-like lamps.
Carmen Edelson
June 29, 2018 at 1:15 pmIt’s an amazing restaurant, definitely add it to your list š
Lauren Pears
June 28, 2018 at 2:36 pmThis place looks amazing! I love the lights hanging from the ceiling. The way you described your meal was really quite engaging – I’m definitely tempted š
Carmen Edelson
June 29, 2018 at 1:15 pmThank you so much, Lauren!
Yukti
June 29, 2018 at 1:44 amThis chinese cuisine bar looks perfect place to eat out in Miami with authentic ambiance. I loved those bamboo lamp shades and those Chinese Porcelain bowls.
Carmen Edelson
June 29, 2018 at 1:22 pmI know, the decor is awesome!
Rohini
June 29, 2018 at 10:56 amThat looks like a unique concept .. never heard before..These woven baskets I think form a part of the culture in many asian countries. Loved the look of it as lampshades š
Carmen Edelson
June 29, 2018 at 1:22 pmYes, the interiors are just wonderful š
Jade Copper
September 16, 2020 at 6:54 ama nice food blog….. after reading such delicious information I really want to visit and do the same…
Carmen Edelson
September 20, 2020 at 4:59 pmYou won’t be disappointed, it’s delicious!
AsianFood
December 19, 2020 at 2:42 amGreat Article. I love to read this.
Carmen Edelson
January 4, 2021 at 4:34 pmThank you so much!