About The Palomar
The Palomar opened in May 2014 to great critical reception and fast became one of the most talked about and exciting restaurants in London. It has since gone on to win numerous accolades, including the OFM ‘Best Restaurant’ Award, Tatler ‘Restaurant of the Year’ Award, and the GQ ‘Best Restaurant’ Award, while holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since opening.
Influenced by the rich cultures of Southern Spain, North Africa and the Levant, The Palomar is a celebration of vibrant, generous cooking rooted in seasonality and character.
The name itself originates from the Spanish word for dovecote — houses intended for doves and pigeons, found throughout the regions that inspire our food, with origins dating back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt and Persia. It felt fitting: something evocative of the past, but also classic and romantic, strong and enduring.
At the heart of The Palomar is a kitchen led by Head Chef Dan Murray, whose cooking is shaped by his time in Glasgow and London, including years at Ottolenghi’s ROVI, NOPI and Spitalfields kitchens. His dishes are vibrant, full of personality, and always grounded in the best of the season. He works alongside Ella Gibbons, Group Development Chef, whose experience spans some of London’s most respected kitchens including Murano, Trullo, Woodhead Restaurant Group and Hill & Szrok.
Together, they ensure the menu continues to evolve while staying true to the spirit of the restaurant.
The wine list has been carefully curated to showcase innovative boutique producers from across the globe; thoughtful, expressive and designed to sit effortlessly alongside the food.
The Palomar is part of a wider journey led by siblings Zoë and Layo Paskin, whose story in hospitality began long before the restaurant opened. Their early careers shaped a deep understanding of culture, atmosphere and experience — from founding The End nightclub in 1995, a globally recognised institution in music and nightlife, through to creating some of London’s most celebrated hospitality spaces.
“Great food was paramount in my grandparents’ and parents’ homes; a vibrant family with a rich amalgam of cultural heritage and influences… Travelling as Layo & Bushwacka, I was lucky enough to eat in not only the best restaurants, but sample the most varied, amazing street food… a constant education of the senses.” - Layo Paskin
“At 12 I persuaded the local café to let me work there after school… A lot has happened since Maria’s… It’s not surprising that Layo and I have made this next creative leap. And so we bring you The Palomar…” - Zoë Paskin
That sense of curiosity, travel and cultural exchange is woven into everything The Palomar does — a restaurant built on flavour, movement and the joy of sharing food.
