Event space turned cute patio restaurant? We're in!
Our girlfriend Adanari (yelp elite) picked our girls date night spot, and after this experience, we're officially letting her pick all future recommendations because this place was a 10/10!
Palomino is located in Downtown Ventura right across from the bank off Palm. Easy to get to and free parking lots nearby.
The Palomino space has a gorgeous outdoor patio featuring a beautiful Spanish style fireplace, outdoor bar, cozy couch seating, and plenty of tables for dinner. The patio is open a few nights a week and/or when they don't have private events booked, making it feel like a little hidden oasis right in the middle of downtown Ventura.
But I have to talk about the hospitality, because it was seriously beyond amazing. In the day and age of QR codes and robot servers, I can't tell you how refreshing it is to have a hostess greet you at the front, attentive bartenders, and a perfectly executed and well timed meal service.
The staff was SO nice, and since it was most of our first time visiting, they were incredibly patient about slowing things down, walking us through the cocktails, and explaining the menu. That kind of hospitality makes such a difference.
And I may have found one of my new favorite cocktails in downtown Ventura: GOLDEN HOUR, it's a tequila based cocktail with passionfruit and lime. SO. GOOD. I obviously had to order two. lol.
For dinner, we went family style and ordered a little bit of everything for the table. I have to say...there wasn't a bad bite. We cleared. Every. Single. Plate!
My top bites:
PORK SLIDERS: Start with these! And when I say these are BIG sliders, I mean it. Easily cut in half and shared amongst four girls. The pork was incredibly flavorful and the whole thing was just an all around stellar slider.
GNOCCHI -- This was the dish we could NOT stop talking about. Gnocchi tossed in a creamy sauce with asparagus and shallots, and it was such a standout. Definitely a must-order every time we come back.
We had the BEST girls' night and basically closed the place down.
If you're spending an evening in downtown Ventura, definitely add Palomino to your list, especially if you're looking for great food, cocktails, atmosphere, and genuinely wonderful hospitality. read more