Decor/Ambience: All Palm restaurants are modeled after the original Palm on Second Avenue in New York. In West Hollywood, the standard decor is highlighted by caricatures of some of the restaurant’s best customers-many of whom are well-known celebrities. 18/20

Service: Our waiter was wonderful, giving us time to talk, do a bit of business and order a bottle of wine before making our selection from the expansive menu. 18/20

Menu and Quality: The menu runs the gamut from steaks, chops and seafood to Italian specialties. I opted for a gigantic lobster with drawn butter and my guest ordered the swordfish. We each started with a traditional Caesar salad. The food was wonderful. The lobster was cooked to perfection. My dining companion’s swordfish was out of this world. Wonderful taste from the blackened seasoning and nearly an inch thick. For dessert, we shared a bowl of sweet strawberries with a side of homemade whipped cream. 37/40

Value for Dollar: The Palm is not an inexpensive night on the town, but you can count on quality service and wonderful food. 17/20

The Last Word: There is no question that this is a business/expense account type of place, but dining here is a great way to impress an important client.

Total Score: 90/100

The Palm Restaurant
9001 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
tel 310 550 8811
fax 310 278 5334
www.thepalm.com