As a newcomer to Indianapolis, I admit there are tons of eateries around town I wouldn’t mind trying. I mostly choose simple mom and pop shops, because those always have the most unique comfort foods, but my experience was deliciously different at the Palomino Restaurant & Bar.
I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone, get dressed up for an evening of relaxation, and be treated to upscale cuisine. Palomino was the perfect place to do it.
This isn’t your ordinary, casual dining restaurant. Expect a premier establishment that offers to take your coat and gives you a view behind the bar all within your first few steps through the door. I was seated at a cozy booth near the center of the restaurant at a table furnished with tulip-shaped wine glasses and cloth napkins. The menu offers almost anything you’d expect at a fine dining eating establishment such as dips and spreads, seafood, pasta, soup, salads and more.
Usually at a new restaurant I take my time to scan the menu and then choose my option wisely, as I am typically stuck between two or more choices. Oddly enough, at Palomino, I knew exactly what I wanted the moment I laid eyes on it. I spotted the menu’s selection of artisan pizzas made with hand-pulled, fresh mozzarella and fresh ingredients on a crisp brick-oven charred crust. I was hooked and couldn’t resist. I chose the Pollo e Spinaci pizza created with a four-cheese spread, housemade smoked mozzarella, spinach, rotisserie chicken and roasted peppers priced at $13.
Although mentally prepared to devour the dish, my stomach was not, as the pizza was much larger than imagined and could have easily fed two people. Despite the size, I was up for the challenge. The spinach and chicken blended so well together on the thin crust embedded with sweet peppers. (Of course I had some to take home but that was one of the best parts of the trip.)
Besides pizza, customers can enjoy dishes like the restaurant’s signature paella made with clams, mussels, fish, chicken, chorizo and saffron rice; Steak Frites, Baked Four Cheese Penne, Crab & Artichoke Dip and Sicilian Meatballs.
Bottom line: If you are looking to be served some of the best in fine dining, Palomino offers much more than the ordinary casual dining experience.
Palomino Restaurant & Bar
49 W. Maryland St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 974-0400
