The Verdict

We think it’s worth every penny of the $30 fee.

Both the food and the service at Palo are impeccable. The knowledgeable staff will get to know you by name and give you honest tips (“personally, I think you shouldn’t fill up on the pancakes; the real treat is at the seafood station.”) Our waiter also went into detail about the mozzarella, which was imported from Italy, and surprised us by making roses out of napkins while we were in the restroom.

It's important to note that, while there is a dress code, brunch at Palo has a decidedly lighter atmosphere than dinner. The upside is that you can drop the kids off at daytime activities beforehand, and it doesn’t take as long as the dinner service, making it a better choice for parents with very little children. Plus, choosing brunch means you don’t have to miss out on dinner in the other dining rooms.

One last note: You must book the reservation in advance — the earlier the better — and preferably before you board.