Restaurant

Palermo

401 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Recommended by 20 people

Updated

Find Palermo

401 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

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HoursMonday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Palermo

Palermo serves charcoal-grilled Argentinian beef in a low-lit den on Little Bourke Street. Settle into a booth beside the open parrilla—the scent of glowing embers sets the tone early. Diners often steer straight into the shared Asado feast to bypass the ordering decisions, opening with golden empanadas and carbonara croquetas before thick cuts of wagyu and beef hit the table with chimichurri and crisp potatoes. The floor staff keep the pacing steady whether you are celebrating a birthday or dropping by for a solo dinner on business. Just hold a little room for the dulce de leche flan.

  • Charcoal Parrilla Cooking: Prime beef cuts and sausages seared over glowing charcoal with a signature wood-fired crust.
  • Communal Asado Feasts: Multi-course shared banquets like the Asado and Primo menus bundle empanadas, grilled beef, and sweets.
  • Attentive Hospitality: Attentive floor staff known for personal touches and pacing celebrations smoothly.
  • Signature Flan: Traditional dulce de leche creme caramel that finishes the banquet on a sweet, balanced note.

What's On at Palermo

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Dine at Palermo

Discover how charcoal grilling, communal feasts, and thoughtful hospitality shape every meal at Palermo.

  • Charcoal & Open Iron Parilla Grilling

    Palermo serves premium cuts cooked over authentic charcoal and an open iron grill, delivering exceptional sear and deep wood-fired smokiness.

    The premium steaks cooked over the charcoal and iron grill were a complete masterpiece—seared perfectly on the outside, incredibly juicy, and infused with that signature smoky flavor.

    Andrew B
  • Curated Shared Feast Banquets

    Curated multi-course banquets like the Primo and Asado menus remove the stress of ordering by pacing starters, grilled steaks, and sides for the whole table.

    We opted for the Primo Set Menu, and it was the absolute best decision. It is an incredible showcase of their talent and the perfect way to experience the menu without having to choose.

    Andrew B
  • Dedicated Milestone Celebrations

    Palermo proactively notes booking details, surprising celebratory tables with personalized messages and special celebratory touches that make guests feel truly valued.

    We don’t think we’ve ever been to a restaurant where the team genuinely values and acknowledges the special occasions mentioned during the booking process.

    Chen ci
  • Intuitive and Attentive Hospitality

    From thoughtful tea for a cough to warm recommendations, the floor team delivers attentive, personalized hospitality that puts diners at ease.

    Our server was lovely and heard me complaining about my residual cough and bought me honey lemon tea which was so sweet.

    Carly Wang
  • Dependable CBD Business Dining

    Solo business travellers and visiting diners can count on swift, efficient service and top-quality steak dinners right in the Melbourne CBD.

    Booked a table for this business trip, missed out last time. I was such a happy carnivore. Entrée, the special sausage and meat meet my expectations 100%. Travelling on business a lot, I rely on people's reviews. The service was quick, and the servers were really nice and efficient.

    Paul Scoble
  • Accommodating Itinerary-Conscious Schedules

    Whether visiting on limited tour time or catching a cruise departure, staff deftly guide menu choices and pace service to fit tight schedules without sacrificing quality.

    However the very patient staff explained the menu and that we could share the steak and they could accommodate our time issue. After that we were off and running.

    Matt Carter

Other favorites

Complementary side dishes and authentic desserts

  • Papas

    surprisingly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. The seasoning is well-balanced and utterly delicious!

    IL Melbourne Foodies
  • Charred Carrots

    The carrots are roasted to perfection, retaining great texture. The accompanying cheese and honey further highlight the vegetable's natural sweetness.

    IL Melbourne Foodies
  • Alfajor

    The meals and desserts were amazing, especially the Alfajor.

    chia chi chi
  • Tarta de Naranja

    The lemon curd was absolutely amazing—perfectly tart, smooth, and the ideal refreshing finish to an incredible meal.

    Andrew B

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality gestures that elevate charcoal-grilled dining in Melbourne CBD

  • Unprompted Wellness Care

    Servers proactively notice guest comfort needs, such as bringing warm honey lemon tea unprompted when overhearing a diner struggling with a residual cough during a celebration.

  • Proactive Birthday Recognition

    When reservations note birthdays, tables are welcomed with personalized messages and complimentary celebratory birthday specials paired with dessert.

  • Tableside Chef Consultations

    Chefs visit individual tables to check on dish satisfaction, tailor personalized menu recommendations, and connect directly with diners.

  • Tailored Timing and Menu Guidance

    Servers patiently decode extensive cuts and share personal favorites, actively pacing multi-course banquets to fit constrained schedules without making diners feel rushed.

Before you head over

Practical timing, ordering, and reservation tips for dining at Palermo

  • Book in Advance and Flag Time Constraints

    Reserve a table ahead of time—ideally a week out—and flag any strict departure schedules so the kitchen can pace multi-course banquets without delay.

  • Buffer Meat Cooking Times with Starters

    Charcoal-grilled steaks can take approximately 45 minutes to prepare, so order appetizers, croquetas, or focaccia early to bridge the gap.

  • Note Celebrations and Seating Preferences Early

    Mention anniversaries or birthdays when reserving to enjoy thoughtful celebratory touches, and request a corner booth for a quieter setting.

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