"Last Sunday was Palmar’s last service at Julia & Henry’s and most certainly its last service ever. After a rollercoaster eight years the time has come to close it and move on," owner Javier Ramirez posted on Instagram. "I don’t think there ever has been nor (hopefully) will there ever be something that I have given so much effort, passion, and resources that has resulted in such a horrific payback. Palmar took away everything from me and will probably continue to take away for the rest of my days. All I wanted to create and give to Miami a great cool Asian restaurant."
Once Considered Miami's Best Chinese Restaurant
Originally opened in Wynwood along NW 29th St. in November 2017, Palmar quickly became known for its modern take on Cantonese cuisine. The vibrant space, with its brightly painted exterior, salsa-infused playlist, and tropical influences, captured the lively spirit of Miami.While the atmosphere embraced the city’s energy, the food stayed true to the heart of Chinese cuisine. In 2021, New Times named Palmar the Best Chinese Restaurant in the city. The restaurant's menu featured unique dishes, such as handmade dumplings filled with lamb, eggplant, and pork, as well as Filipino-inspired lumpia and Peking-style roasted duck served tableside.
The restaurant ultimately made a bold move, relocating to the Julia & Henry’s food hall in downtown Miami. This shift marked a pivot in their strategy, as Palmar embraced a new focus on Asian street food and hawker-style dishes, offering a broader menu that included flavors from other Asian countries while still retaining its original roots.
Struggles Behind the Scenes
Despite early recognition and a loyal following, Palmar's road was rocky. Restaurateurs Javier Ramirez and Leo Monterrey, who envisioned the concept, faced numerous challenges over the years, including bad partnerships, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and financial struggles. These factors, compounded by a problematic lease and a shift in food hall trends, eventually led to the restaurant's closure."I could spend the rest of this post blaming and describing the events out of my control that led to such a catastrophic outcome…. A few bad partners (there were a few very good ones too), a global pandemic, a terrible lease, a food hall demand that fell off a cliff… but in the end I am single-handedly to blame for this scathing outcome," Ramirez wrote on Instagram. Thank you nonetheless to all the people who rowed alongside me and helped create the high highs. You know who you are... I hope you retain good memories from Palmar."
Despite Palmar's closing, Ramirez is still in the restaurant game with his beloved pizza and wine bar La Natural, which earned "Bib Gourmand" status in 2023 and 2024 on the Michelin Guide.
