Che bello!
Palo is one of the best restaurants not only on Disney Cruise Line but across all cruise lines. This could actually be our entire review - a single line telling you not to miss the opportunity to put on a nice polo shirt, visit Palo, and order a juicy steak. But okay, we can expand a little by also mentioning that you should book a spot in advance. Still want to know more? Alright, we’re here to please.
Palo is an Italian restaurant, known as Palo Steakhouse on the Disney Wish. Both restaurants are essentially the same, sharing the same prices: you can choose the à la carte option and order items individually, or opt for a prix fixe menu that costs $50 (or $70 if you decide to include a bottle of wine). The main difference is that the Disney Wish location offers a few more options focused on prime cuts of meat.
One last thing before we get to the good stuff! Palo is adults-only, meaning you need to be at least 18 years old to enjoy one of the best steaks at sea. There’s also a semi-formal dress code at Palo, which means t-shirts typically aren’t accepted - you’ll need something like a collared shirt and a nice pair of jeans to enter.
What we like about Palo
Everything! That's the easy answer. Palo is a step above anything else you know about restaurants on cruise ships. It offers a cozy, upscale atmosphere with very few, if any, Disney touches. It feels like you’re entering an old, charming Italian mansion, with warm gold tones. Wait, did I say there are no Disney touches? Pardon me. The staff here is usually excellent, which is definitely a DCL trademark. The waiters will pull out your chair, place the napkin on your lap, and patiently guide you through the menu. Not sure what to order? They can certainly help you out, basing their recommendations solely on your tastes.
The food receives excellent reviews, with many guests saying that Palo offers some of the best cuisine on any cruise ship. Honestly, everything is delicious. The pappardelle with lobster is highly praised, but the same goes for the rack of lamb and all types of meat. And it's not just the meat that's a hit, oh no. Even the iced tea is amazing, as they make the ice cubes out of iced tea to prevent it from getting watered down.
Palo is also available for brunch, and guess what? It’s amazing too. The cost is $50 per person and includes a complimentary mimosa or Prosecco, fresh pastries, a starter, a main course, and dessert. Some guests even prefer brunch over dinner, as it allows them to enjoy Palo and still visit one of the rotational dining restaurants later on. The off-menu grape and gorgonzola pizza is a standout, and the Chicken Parmesan with risotto is one of their best dishes.
What we don’t like about Palo
Honestly, we hate that we can’t spend an entire day eating at Palo. Is that it?
Well, there isn’t much to dislike about Palo. Some guests do complain that the prix fixe menu offers limited options. It’s a four-course meal, with two choices for each course, from appetizers to entrées. I don’t think this is a major issue, especially considering that all the menu items are pretty amazing.
Another potential drawback with specialty restaurants like Palo is the need to book in advance. As one of the most popular dining spots on Disney Cruise Line, it’s definitely a good idea to reserve a spot as early as possible.
Let’s check out the menu now. We are going to give you the Palo Steakhouse menu, since it’s similar to the traditional Palo with just a few additional choices.
Palo Steakhouse Menu
Antipasti & Zuppa
- Heirloom Tomato, Burrata Mozzarella Caprese Basil Pesto, Aged Balsamic Vinegar $12.00
- Antipasto Prosciutto, Coppa, Bresaola, Salame Calabrese, Parmesan-Reggiano, Pecorino Toscano, Caciotta al Tartufo $22.00
- Fritto di Calamari e Gamberi Deep-fried Shrimp and Calamari with Lemon-Garlic Mayonnaise and Marinara Dippings $13.00
- Sliced Herbed Yellowfin Tuna Apple Mostarda, Biscotti di Regina, Limoncello White Pear Balsamic $12.00
- Ciuppin Soup Mussels, Shrimp, Calamari, Red Snapper and Monkfish poached in a Garlic, Basil, White Wine Tomato Broth $14.00
- Puy Lentil and Cotechino Soup Fennel, Pecorino, Rosemary $10.00
Insalatine
- Crisp Romaine Caesar Dressing, Toasted Ciabatta Croutons, Quail Eggs, Gorgonzola $10.00
- Baby Arugula Virgin Olive Oil, White Balsamic, Parmesan Reggiano $7.00
La Pasta & Pizza
- Agnolotti Butternut Squash, Buffalo Mozzarella, Amaretti, Sage-Brown Butter, Basil $12.00
- Soft Potato Gnocchi Roasted Tomatoes, Pine Nuts, Basil. Pesto in Prosecco Wine Sauce $12.00
- Pappardelle Grilled Lobster, Pappardelle Pasta, Leeks, Salmon Caviar, Truffle Oil, Tarragon Cream Sauce $22.00
- Penne San Marzano Tomato Basil Sauce, Chiles, Parmigiano-Reggiano $12.00
- Paccheri Lamb Ragu, Thyme, Ricotta Salata $19.00
- Prosciutto di Parma, Basil, Burrata Pizza $16.00
- Bianca Ricotta, Mushrooms, Arugula, Truffle Oil Pizza $16.00
Secondi
- Bar Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna Green Beans, Roasted New Potatoes, Quail Eggs, Cerignola Olives and White Balsamic $26.00
- Piquant Dover Sole Nut-Brown Butter, Capers, Anchovies, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Flat Parsley, Spinach, Carrots, Roast Thyme Potatoes $32.00
- Pan-Seared Salmon Tupelo Honey Parsnip, Roasted White Asparagus, Leek, Baby Turnip, Cipollini Confit, Pinot Noir Reduction ＄19.00
- Roasted Free-Range Lemon and Thyme Chicken Roasted Baby Vegetables, Garlic, Potatoes, Chianti Thyme Sauce $21.00
- Osso Buco Barolo Wine Slow-roasted Center Cut Veal Shank, Gremolata, and Milanese Risotto $22.00
Piatto Vegetariano
- Portabella, Morel, Crimini and Porcini Mushroom Risotto Shallots, Barolo Wine $19:00
- Roasted Pepper Spiced Eggplant Heirloom Tomatoes, Ricotta, Chopped Hazelnuts, Aged Balsamic, Micro Celery, Parsley $15.00
La Carne
- Lamb/Veal Parmesan-crusted Rack of Niman Ranch Lamb With your choice of Salsa: Pink Peppercorn, Tomato Béarnaise, Truffle Thyme Borolo Jus, Gorgonzola or Salsa Verde $26.00
- 11oz Veal Rib Chop With your choice of Salsa: Pink Peppercorn, Tomato Béarnaise, Truffle Thyme Borolo Jus, Gorgonzola or Salsa Verde $35.00
Choice Cuts
- 6oz Choice Angus Beef Tenderloin Steak With your choice of Salsa: Pink Peppercorn, Tomato Béarnaise, Truffle Thyme Borolo Jus, Gorgonzola or Salsa Verde $25.00
- 32oz Choice Bone-In “Cowboy” Rib Eye Steak With your choice of Salsa: Pink Peppercorn, Tomato Béarnaise, Truffle Thyme Borolo Jus, Gorgonzola or Salsa Verde $60.00
Prime Cuts
- 8oz Prime Angus Beef Tenderloin Steak With your choice of Salsa: Pink Peppercorn, Tomato Béarnaise, Truffle Thyme Borolo Jus, Gorgonzola or Salsa Verde $32.00
- 12oz Prime Angus New York Sirloin Steak With your choice of Salsa: Pink Peppercorn, Tomato Béarnaise, Truffle Thyme Borolo Jus, Gorgonzola or Salsa Verde $36.00
- 28oz Dry-aged Prime Angus Porterhouse Steak With your choice of Salsa: Pink Peppercorn, Tomato Béarnaise, Truffle Thyme Borolo Jus, Gorgonzola or Salsa Verde $62.00
Wagyu
- 6oz Japanese A5 Wagyu Strip Loin With your choice of Salsa: Pink Peppercorn, Tomato Béarnaise, Truffle Thyme Borolo Jus, Gorgonzola or Salsa Verde $45.00
- 6oz Snake River Black Wagyu Strip Loin With your choice of Salsa: Pink Peppercorn, Tomato Béarnaise, Truffle Thyme Borolo Jus, Gorgonzola or Salsa Verde $20.00
- 6oz Snake River Black Wagyu Tenderloin With your choice of Salsa: Pink Peppercorn, Tomato Béarnaise, Truffle Thyme Borolo Jus, Gorgonzola or Salsa Verde $30.00
Contorni
- Fried Yukon Potato Rosemary, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Lava Salt $4.00
- Spinach Butter, Black Garlic, Lemon $4.00
- Cavatappi Pasta “Macaroni & Cheese” Parmesan, Buttered Breadcrumbs $4.00
- Pan-roasted Wild Mushrooms Shallots, Garlic, Pinot Grigio, Thyme $4.00
- Whipped Yukon Gold Potato Purée Butter, Chives, Parsley $4.00
- Grilled Asparagus Virgin Olive Oil, Ricotta Salata, Lemon $4.00
- Broccolini Black Garlic, Breadcrumbs, Parsley and Lemon $4.00
Main Desserts
- Chocolate Soufflé Madagascan Vanilla Bean Gelato, Chocolate Sauce, Vanilla Anglaise $10.00
- Amaretto Soufflé Hazelnut Gelato, Vanilla Anglaise $10.00
- Palo’s Tiramisù Coffee-infused Ladyfingers, Layers of Mascarpone Cheese, Raspberry Olive Oil Soil $8.00
- 14k Chocolate Bar Chocolate Fudge, Bitter Chocolate Crème, Blood Orange Gel, Black Raspberry Chocolate Gelato $12.00
- Lychee Panna Cotta Lychee Panna Cotta, Pistachio Air Sponge, Raspberry Sorbet $8.00
- 6-Layer Carrot Cake Carrot Cake, Lemon Cream Cheese, Candy Carrots $10.00
No Sugar Added Dessert
- Italian Ricotta Cheesecake Ginger Sablé, Vanilla Blueberry Crumble Gelato, Fresh Berry Compote $10.00
Selection of Gelatos
- Selection of Gelatos Choice of three: Double Chocolate, Butter Pecan, Pistachio Stracciatella, Hazelnut, Coconut Paradise, Black Raspberry, or Blueberry Crumble $10.00
Formaggio
- Formaggio A selection of Cheese with Honeycomb, Date Almond Cake, and Fig Orange Chutney $12.00
Palo FAQ
Are Palo and Palo Steakhouse the same restaurants?
No, they are not the same. Palo Steakhouse is available only on the Disney Wish and features a menu with a few additional items focused on prime cuts of meat. Palo is the restaurant on the other DCL ships. Honestly, both are amazing options, and while they have some differences, the service and food are outstanding at both.
What is the dress code for the Palo Restaurant?
Palo has what we may call a “semi-formal” dress code. That means you need to wear something like a collared shirt or a polo shirt and a nice pair of jeans. Dress a bit more fancy than usual!
Is the Palo restaurant adults only?
Yes. You need to be at least 18 years old to visit Palo.
Are there Disney characters inside the Palo restaurant?
No, there aren’t any Disney characters inside the Palo restaurant. In fact, there are very few Disney touches inside Palo, as the atmosphere resembles a beautiful Italian mansion with warm touches of gold.
