Around Indy: Palomino restaurant- Upscale European with a Rustic Flare

Although Palomino is technically a chain restaurant,  I have to say that after the dinner we had there last night, I’m am TRULY a fan, you guys. Aaron an I don’t get to do a nice date night just the two of us, too often (I don’t count the Mexican restaurant as a hot date) so this was a much needed evening together. One of our favorite things to do together is eat and drink, so here we are!

First, let’s talk cuisine: wood fired pizzas, seafood and steaks, and all with a rustic European touch. Palomino’s are traditionally known for the Spanish, Italian and Mediterranean upscale dishes. I was really impressed by the menu itself as well as the wine list.

It’s been quite a while since I had been into this place, and I was pleasantly surprised by the recent renovations they had made. Even the bathroom wallpaper was sassy. Fun fact about me, I used to work next door to Palomino for years so I’d often stop by after work for drinks. (The chop salad and mushroom soup were my go-tos!) However, I had never sat down and had a full dinner here until last night.

 

We started with a cocktail of course, Aaron had the “Cask aged old fashioned” and I had the Ginger Pear martini, garnished with a slice of pear. Yum!

Ok. I know a kale salad is not the most glamorous thing you’ve ever seen. BUT. if there was one thing I would come back for (and everything else was also great) it would be this Kale salad. I have kind of a weird obsession with a good salad when I find out, and this one has a sweet truffle vinaigrette. I plan on going back next week JUST TO GET THIS SALAD. Ya heard?

We also tried the caramelized cauliflower with herbed Mascarpone and the clams/mussels.  Aaron didn’t want to try the cauliflower, but our server talked him into it: so we tried it and he was pleasantly surprised. (I thought it was great too- I’ve been ordering this on EVERY SINGLE DAMN MENU I’ve seen it on. SO good you guys!)

Queue the entrees- I went with the pistachio crusted Mahi and angel hair pasta. I have a thing for pistachios, so this one was a no-brainer for me. (Hint, this came with two pieces of fish and enough pasta to share for two, if you are also doing salad and apps!)

Aaron ordered the Ribeye Pittsburgh MR and while it didn’t come out Pittsburgh (a char crust usually only ordered along a rare temperature) the grill marks were done beautifully and they got the temp right, so that was a plus!

You can’t see them in this photo, but the side dish was roasted potatoes and mushrooms. The mushrooms were so delicious, we ordered an extra side of them!

And not to draw this out, but now lets move to dessert. If you didn’t know by now, I’m not the world’s biggest chocolate fan. I mean it’s just “ok”. Put a fruity or tarte dessert in front of me and I’ll throw your chocolate cake in the trash.

When the server (Emily, who was super sweet) told us they had an almond crusted Limoncello cake with blueberry gelato, I almost lost it.First of all, lemon and blueberry together is like THE BEST dessert combo EVER. Amiright or amiright? So of course I asked for her to bring this one out for me. Aaron got the tiramisu, which didn’t photograph well so I opted to leave it out of this post.  It was also a little “cakier” than the tiramisu that I’m used to, but let’s chalk it up this being a Tiramisu “inspired” dish. The menu does say it includes chocolate cake, and I suppose if your a chocolate lover, that’s your thing. I also want to say that I wish we would have ordered the Orange Ricotta Donuts, complete with razz sauce and Nutella. O KKK!!! (Lil jon voice).

 

BEHOLD:

Are you guys drooling yet? If you’re local to Indy and are looking for a great spot with date night, this is an awesome spot It’s got ambience AND it’s got something for everyone on the menu, with such a variety everyone is sure to find something!

Last, make sure to visit their patio in the summer when its nice and warm out. Palomino has long had one of the prettiest patios in the city in summer time, they always have gorgeous floral boxes and premium patio seating- that’s excellent for people watching because of the location.

 

There is street parking located on Illinoise, garage parking on Maryland just around the corner, an valet parking for $10 next door at Ruth’s Chris.

ONE MORE THING!! The mushroom soup on this menu is one of my favorite soups in the city. I walked in thinking I was going to order this, but talked myself into trying new things (which I think we should all do more often!)

What’s your fave patio in the city to cocktail on? I’d love to hear your recommendations, comment below!