"A sultry Baja-Sonoran cantina on the Peninsula — filet mignon tacos and Orange County's deepest agave list make it a celebration room."
About Palmilla Cocina y Tequila
Palmilla Cocina y Tequila sits at 3110 Newport Blvd on the Newport Peninsula, a short walk from McFadden Square and the pier. It joins our Newport Beach guide and our Mexican coverage as the Peninsula's go-to room for late-night agave and Baja cooking.
The Newport Beach outpost opened in 2023 as the OC sibling to the original Hermosa Beach restaurant, with a tropical, sunset-hued interior designed by award-winning architect Gulla Jónsdóttir. It pitches itself as a late-night gathering spot and party room rather than a quiet dinner table.
The Kitchen
Corporate chef Ray Alvarez runs a Sonoran- and Baja-inspired menu built on the freshest seafood and the finest cuts of beef. The signature filet mignon tacos are the dish to order, alongside ceviches, wood-grilled seafood and home-style Mexican plates.
The bar is the other half of the story: the largest selection of tequilas and mezcals in Orange County, plus globally sourced wines and house cocktails such as the Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita and the Cadillac Margarita.
The Room
The room is tropical and theatrical — sunset hues, lush planting and a glamorous bar designed by Gulla Jónsdóttir to read as both a dinner destination and a late-night scene. It fills with energy as the evening goes on.
Reservations are recommended at weekends, when the Peninsula crowd arrives and the agave list gets a proper workout.
Not for
Not for a hushed, intimate dinner or a quiet conversation — this is a high-energy cantina built for groups, agave and a buzzing bar scene.
Frequently Asked
What is Palmilla Cocina y Tequila known for?
Baja- and Sonoran-inspired Mexican cooking and Orange County's largest tequila and mezcal selection. Signatures include the filet mignon tacos, fresh seafood, ceviches and house margaritas like the Cucumber Jalapeño and Cadillac.
Where is Palmilla in Newport Beach?
At 3110 Newport Blvd on the Newport Peninsula, a short walk from McFadden Square and Newport Pier.
How much does it cost?
It sits in the upper-moderate $$$ band, with tacos and small plates running roughly $16-28 and mains and seafood plates climbing higher; expect around $80-130 for two with drinks.
Who designed the restaurant?
The tropical, sunset-hued interior was created by globally recognised, award-winning architect Gulla Jónsdóttir.
Do I need a reservation?
Walk-ins are welcome earlier in the evening, but booking ahead is strongly advised at weekends when the bar and dining room fill up.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Palmilla Cocina y Tequila
Booking is advised at weekends. Find it at 3110 Newport Blvd on the Newport Peninsula, a short walk from McFadden Square.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address3110 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach
NeighbourhoodNewport Peninsula
CuisineMexican (Baja / Sonoran)
PriceTacos and small plates roughly $16-28; about $80-130 for two with drinks
Dress CodeSmart casual
BarOrange County's largest tequila and mezcal selection
ReservationWalk-ins welcome early; booking advised at weekends
