Best Japanese Restaurants in South Mountain

We enjoyed lunch at Palma on a Thu afternoon. Our meal started with the guac and chips and the Beef Birria Rangoons. After we had the shrimp tacos and Tsunami Maki, both looked great and tasted even better. The Vibe Check is a bourbon based drink that was light for a midday cocktail. Service was great and both agreed we would be returning in the future. Would like to check it out in the evening when it is fully lit up.

We were promptly seated on an indoor outdoor patio. All of the servers were attentive and friendly. The manager also checked on us a couple of times which was nice. It wasn’t intrusive. It was just a brief ‘Can I get you anything?’ which is always welcome. We ordered several appetizers, some noodles and a couple of entrées and just shared them with the table to get a taste of a bunch of different things. They did a great job at coursing out the food. The order was exactly as we had placed it. The timing was perfect and the food was very creative and delicious. The ambience is very cozy and charming. The restaurant wasn’t too loud, but it still had a good energy to it. My husband and I are debating if it is our new favorite restaurant in Phoenix. It is pretty exceptional in many ways. I highly recommend.

KEEP THE GNOCCI ON THE MENU! The gnocci dish with the bone marrow was unbelievable. We’ve traveled the world and this was a dish that stopped our conversation in its tracks as all we could do was focus on those spectacular flavors swirling around our taste buds. Please for the love of all that’s holy keep it on the menu. Also the beef tartare was amazing! It had a very unique lightness and almost citrusy tone that complimented the beef. The bread was amazing, unique color of course, but it had the perfect texture and density for the tartare. Only downside of the evening was the shrimp we got was overcooked, but still delicious. We will be coming back with friends 100%, but keep that gnocci on the menu! P.S. Have to give the front of house staff some love. They were so on top of their game for a packed house. Friendly, kept our water full always, knew the menu inside out, and the little detail of folding my wife’s napkin while she was in the restroom was beautiful. The beauty is in the details.

Exceptional food and experience. Bartenders are experienced and martinis are elevated. Always love dining here!

You’ll pay and arm and a leg but food is SO delicious! Had a wonderful server who was really careful with my food allergy.