La Palma Restaurant In the Gables

• Cuisine(s): Italian
  Hours: Sun-Fri 11:30am-0am, Sat 5pm-0am
  Price: $$
  Attire: Casual
• Features: Banquet Facilities, Delivery, Kid Friendly, Patio/Sidewalk Dining, Private Party, Takeout, Vegetarian Friendly, Wheelchair Accessible, Wifi Access
  Serving: Late Night, Lunch
  Entertainment: Live Entertainment
  Alcohol: Full bar
• Reservations: Accepted
  Parking: Street

Description

La Palma Ristorante seems entirely designed for date nights and wedding receptions. The historic 1924 building features an elegant dining room of white linen-draped tables, dark wooden chairs (covered in linens for special events), and fine paintings that line the walls. A wrought iron arched entryway leads into a picturesque courtyard lit by candles and strings of light entangled in the trees; cascading water gurgles from a stone fountain while a piano player hits soft notes. While incredibly romantic, ambiance unfortunately trumps the cuisine - basic, uninventive Italian dishes that teeter between acceptable and bland. The best would be ossobuco alla veneta ($35), a braised center-cut veal shank served on a bed of risotto and accompanied by cherry tomatoes and asparagus. Mezze luna tortellini ($11.25), moon-shaped pasta filled with pumpkin purée, are served in a light sauce of butter and sage that pairs nicely. Nearly all other meat, poultry, and seafood dishes come with humdrum overcooked carrots and potatoes. The inexpensive daily buffet ($12.95) is popular with the business-lunch crowd, and features an assortment of salads, soups, pastas, cheeses, and fruits alongside rotating menu items or special daily creations.