When started visiting Santa Barbara 20 years ago The Palace Grill https://palacegrill.com/ was on our regular rotation - interesting, flavorful Cajun cuisine with relaxed, yet energetic service. Over the last 10-15 years the dining scene in Santa Barbara has quite improved and there are a number of other interesting restaurants and our visits to Palace Grill got rare. On a recent visit to Santa Barbara we thought it was a good time to revisit Palace Grill after about 10 years.
Overall not a bad visit but also a bit “stale”. A menu which hasn’t changed in anyway over the last 20 years, some execution a bit sloppy, e.g. meat was a bit overcooked and dry. And unfortunately really rushed and indifferent service - it was good to check back on the restaurant but it’s also not very likely we will rush to be back in the next few years.
Selection of savory and sweet mini muffins
Cajun Popcorn - Crawfish tails in cornmeal buttermilk batter - unfortunately many without any “filling”
Bayou Greens Salad - Greens, diced red peppers, fire-roasted pecans, roma tomato, creole vinaigrette
Palace Pasta Royale - Pasta with filet mignon, caramelized onions, mushrooms worcestershire sauce
Jambalaya Sauce Piquante - Shrimps, andouille sausage, chicken, tomato creole sauce, dirty rice
Stuffed Blackened Filet Mignon - Filet mignon, crawfish tails, garlic mashed potatoes, vegetables
Palace Chocolate Soufflé with chocolate bourbon cream sauce