This Upscale Restaurant in Burbank is Date Night done Right

Upscale Restaurant in Burbank? Yes, you read that right. Palma Ristorante is relatively new on the scene, but it’s exactly what this neighborhood needs if you don’t want to head over the hill every time you’d like to dress up a bit. That said, if you walked into this Mediterranean restaurant wearing jeans, they definitely wouldn’t turn you away. Here’s what I’m loving at Palma Ristorante.

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The Menu at Palma Ristorante

The menu at Palma Ristorante comes from Chef Emidio Tidu, who draws inspiration from Italy. It’s not strictly Italian, though, as you’ll find delicious dishes from Spain, like the Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, carved tableside and served on Tomato Bread and a Raw Bar and Steaks and Chops section, which could very well make this a steakhouse. They also do an entire Suckling Pig from the most well-known region of the Iberian peninsula. It’s an indulgent choice for sure, but it makes for a memorable evening.

The menu includes a Pizza and Pasta section, as well as more seafood-centric Entree choices and Chicken specialties.

You’ll find that you can come in for a large or small meal without pressure to order something from every category.

The menu page, never to be missed by me, is always the Specialty Cocktails, like their Gin Martini with hand-stuffed Blue Cheese Olives and a Sidecar, along with seasonal specials like a Winter Old Fashioned. There’s also an extensive Wine list, or you can leave the choice to your server.

The Vibe at Palma Ristorante

While I would categorize this as an upscale restaurant in Burbank, a variety of seating options dial it down a bit. Choosing to sit outside by the fire pits or at the bar facing the Chefs makes it feel like a place where you can just grab a one or two plate meal. There is also plush sofa-style seating in the main dining room, which is like dining comfortably at home with some decadent dishes.

Zucchero music blasts over the speakers, transporting you away from Downtown Burbank to another part of the world. The only change I’d love to see is perhaps dimmer lighting to help take you further along the voyage.

Favorite Dishes at Palma Ristorante

Begin with Bread, which comes warm with a side of Olive Oil and Balsamic.

In the Appetizer section, I love the Spanish Octopus Salad. It is properly filled with olives and delightfully colored. It was a hard choice between it and the Escargot with focaccia.

From the Prime Steaks and Chops section, the Wagyu Hanger Steak is very nicely priced and comes with a side of Potatoes. You also have the option to load up on sides like Asparagus and Death by Butter Mash, as you might in a classic steakhouse.

Something entirely original for Palma Ristorante, however, is the Lobster a la Venere with Orange Zest Butter. It has a rich risotto quality and is punctuated with large portions of Lobster.

If you’re dining with children, the restaurant is happy to make a Butter or Pomodoro Pasta and can undress the Truffle Parmigiano Fries to make them perfect for little palates.

As for dessert, they have an Espresso Bar, as well as a Pastry and Gelato Case. 

When to Visit Palma Ristorante

Palma Ristorante is open for dinner nightly at 5 p.m. The restaurant is located at 269 East Palm Avenue in Burbank. They have a valet out front, but you can also park for free in the lot next door.

Make your reservations on OpenTable.