The interior is startling, unlike any Mexican restaurant you’ve seen before, and that’s appropriate. It sets your expectations higher, and those expectations are met. Palmilla serves Mexican food with mellow but flavorful sauces that enhance quality ingredients like fresh seafood and prime beef. It’s almost counterintuitive that this works since our expectations are so different, but once you try items like the ceviches, achiote salmon, or slow-braised short ribs the wisdom of the strategy is clear. They offer premium tequilas and cocktails to wash it all down, making this your place to go for Mexican food with high style.
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila
39 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach
(310) 374-4440
palmillarestaurant.com
Runner-up: Ortega 120
1814 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach
(310) 792-4120
ortega120.com
