Palermo in NYC’s SoHo Is A Cultural Experience
A sort of living room in the Big Apple’s neighborhood that’s known for world class shopping and artistic history…
When I lived in Berlin, there was an Argentinian steakhouse near my apartment but I never went, yet it was my first understanding that steak is a thing in Argentina. The first time I actually had Argentinian steak was some years later in Washington, DC when my college friend’s Argentinian father fired up the grill and made steak. I had never tasted anything like it. But for anyone that knows about steak cooked the Argentinian way, you have to experience it believe it. Trying it in DC left me wishing I had given into the craftsmanship of this beef artform during my Berlin days.
On a recent trip to The Big Apple, I and a friend slow dined at Palermo Argentinian Bistro in SoHo, the newest location of the brand that first made its name known in Hell’s Kitchen and Gramercy. Opened in July 2026, the SoHo location that can hold up to sixty-five guests (including ten bar seats) continues its vision of authentic Argentinian fare, crafted by its founders and partners.
The dining room of Palermo’s SoHo location | Photo provided by Palermo Argentinian Bistro
The well dressed tables are elegant, adding grown up sophistication | Photo provided by Palermo Argentinian Bistro
As you walk in you’ll notice the vibrant colors, and as you pass the bar and make your way into the dining room things become more sophisticated. The walls are white, the floor is wooden, the banquettes are midnight blue velvet, the ceiling has a brass colored embossed metal finish, and Texas longhorn horns adorn the walls. The set-up is a wander and dreamy, while the dressed-up tables with white table cloths, sparkling stemware, glasses, shiny cutlery, and mini gold lamps add a grown-up elegance to the room.
On the menu you will find flavors from Buenos Aires’ vibrant Palermo neighborhood. The culinary direction is under Chef Barroz, a native of Córdoba, Argentina who has spent twenty years in New York City kitchens. And flavors on the menu take inspiration from his family’s restaurant and his own butcher know-how.
You must start with an appetizer, or two, or three- we did! Let me tell you, the Lamb Croquettes with braised lamb shanks in Malbec, provoleta cheese, and hollandaise aioli was by far the favorite. It comes with a thirty second shelf life, at least that’s how the waiter explained it to us, meaning it must be eaten quickly to enjoy its warmth. The Beef Empanadas are also satisfying with hand-cut beef, Spanish onions, hardboild eggs, olives, scallions, and Ilajua sauce. The Tuna Tartare with avocado puree, crispy quinoa, and blood orange ponzu is one of the best of its kind that I’ve experienced. The flavors are rich and this dish can be a meal in and of itself. And, the Grilled Octopus is sizeable and is paired with Russian salad (of potatoes, carrots, peas, hard boiled eggs, may), and sits on top of an aji Amarillo sauce.
The 10oz Argentinian Skirt Steak | Photo provided by Palermo Argentinian Bistro
Fish of the day | Photo provided by Palermo Argentinian Bistro
For the mains, we opted for the 10oz Argentinian Skirt Steak. It’s paired with fries, oil-based sauces, salt, and grilled peppers and garlic. The Grilled Asparagus is a great veggie option that’s topped with saffron aioli. If steak isn’t your thing, you won’t go wrong with the Fish Of The Day. We had the grilled trout and it was seared to perfection, sitting on a bed of steamed broccoletti.
For dessert, if you have room and you must, try the flan. I’m not the biggest flan fan but this one hit my palette differently. Its topped with a rich amber caramel sauce that doesn’t disappoint. The banana crepe is also good and is torched to add some crunch. And, the chocolate lava cake is totally covered in whipped cream and sprinkled with chocolate powder.
Wine under the direction of Jorge Albarracin is perfectly paired with all the dishes. Or, you can opt for a cocktail. The barkeep makes a mean Old Fashioned, Pineapple Mule, and of course, Margherita.
Palermo Argentinian Bistro is a great dining option for those wanting some cultural flair while in New York City. You can tell founder Orhan Cakir’s three-decades of hospitality experience is quality when the food hits your tongue. Palermo isn’t his first restaurant rodeo as Cakir has opened twenty-five restaurants. And, he has traveled extensively throughout Buenos Aires and Mondoza. For Cakir, Chef Barroz, and Albarracin, Palermo isn’t just a restaurant. All three of its locations are meant to be a sort of living room in the neighborhoods they reside in, bringing their communities together through well-crafted Argentinian fare and culture.
5 Grand Street, New York, NY 10013, (646) 476-3897, www.palermosohonyc.com
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A sort of living room in the Big Apple’s neighborhood that’s known for world class shopping and artistic history…