Palmilla Cocina y Tequila

January 2, 2015



There’s no shortage of sports bars, gastropubs, and your average lunch spots in Hermosa Beach. Being a local myself, I’ve been to these spots in the past, but it’s nice to know that I can get my foodie fix in a more upscale environment close to home. In this relaxed and casual beach town, I’m glad that Palmilla Cocina y Tequila is near by. 

It’s located by the pier, just a few steps from the water. The space and design are impressive. The exotic Spanish style, yet warm and friendly environment by the beach, make it a perfect setting for a date night.

It’s not just Palmilla’s style that’s impressive, but also the homestyle-Mexican cuisine from Chef Christina Cipres. Everything is made fresh, including their hand made tortillas that are served with two kinds of salsas and a side of honey butter. 

Theres a choice of four guacamoles like Strawberry and papaya, Dungeness crab, chorizo,  and of course, a traditional one. Since we couldn’t decide on just one, we ordered a guacamole tasting of three. The same goes for the ceviche. I ordered the Ceviche Tres Maneras which gave me the chance to try three types of their fresh ceviches. 

The Mrs. always goes for carne asada, so she ordered the cilantro lime skirt steak with rice and an elote -  which is a street style corn on the cob, but Palmilla elevates it with a chipotle aioli - so good! I ordered the filet, perfectly cooked,  and at the recommendation of the chef, had it with a short rib taquito, chicken enchilada, and the best chile relleno I've had in a while - don't tell my mom I said that. 


Palmilla, is without a doubt, a great place for fresh and delicious Mexican cuisine. They stay true to the authenticity and tastes of the culture, while adding their own signature to each dish. 

Hand crafted drinks made with simple, fresh ingredients.


Choice of three guacamoles with warm tortilla chips and crispy plantains. 

Three ceviches: Ceviche aji amarillo – lime, ginger, aji amarillo. Ceviche de pescado blanco – tomato, jalapeno, onion, avocado. Ceviche de coconut pina – papaya, serrano chile, honey, all served with plantain chips.

Pepino Diablo margarita: cucumber and muddled jalapeno.

Cilantro lime skirt steak, salsa asada and arroz de tomatillo, with a grilled corn on the cob.


Filet mignon with sautéed pasilla chiles and caramelized onion. Pepita mole chicken enchilada, short rib taquito, and a beer battered chile relleno.






39 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254