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Best Local Restaurant
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Palmito

East Sussex, Hove - South American / Indian - Restaurant - ££

Diminutive diner serving up eclectic, vibrantly flavoured dishes

Overall Rating: Very Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Very Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Very Good

The pink neon sign and smart olive-green frontage bring some welcome style and swank to a rather drab stretch of Hove's Western Road. Flanked by a kebab joint and a vape shop, it’s no surprise to learn that this intimate small-plates restaurant used to be a takeaway. Chef and owner Diego Ricaurte has created an attractive space with exposed brickwork, decorative filament wall lamps, tiled floors and simple but stylish wooden furniture. You can see the team at work in the open kitchen from wherever you sit – and wherever you sit you’ll be close to your neighbouring table, but that just adds to the conviviality. In addition to the charming and friendly front-of-house team, the chefs deliver some of the dishes to the table themselves, giving diners the opportunity to chat – in fact, everyone is keen to talk about the food on offer here. The Ecuadorian chef's culiary heritage and wider influences from his travels gel into a satisfying and coherent dining experience...

The pink neon sign and smart olive-green frontage bring some welcome style and swank to a rather drab stretch of Hove's Western Road. Flanked by a kebab joint and a vape shop, it’s no surprise to learn that this intimate small-plates restaurant used to be a takeaway. Chef and owner Diego Ricaurte has created an attractive space with exposed brickwork, decorative filament wall lamps, tiled floors and simple but stylish wooden furniture. You can see the team at work in the open kitchen from wherever you sit – and wherever you sit you’ll be close to your neighbouring table, but that just adds to the conviviality.

In addition to the charming and friendly front-of-house team, the chefs deliver some of the dishes to the table themselves, giving diners the opportunity to chat – in fact, everyone is keen to talk about the food on offer here. The Ecuadorian chef's culiary heritage and wider influences from his travels gel into a satisfying and coherent dining experience.

A regularly changing menu features carefully sourced produce, much of it local, all brought together in a selection of vibrantly flavoured, eclectic dishes with South American and Indian influences looming large. Goat from nearby Cuckmere might be served as a birria taco, while locally landed line-caught sea bass could be sliced into a Peruvian-style tiradito and served with a kiwi and raspberry 'leche de tigre' plus a scattering of colourful wildflowers.

The wine list is short but full of interesting selections such as a Txakoli rosé and an impressive number of organic and biodynamic bottles – although the food also suits the local beers and well-made cocktails on offer. With only 20 seats, you’ll probably need to plan ahead to eat here – or be willing to dine early.

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VENUE DETAILS

16 Western Road
Hove
East Sussex
BN3 1AEGB

01273 777588

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