The Palm Houston

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Century of Tradition, Now in Downtown Houston

The Palm has been a place where people come to celebrate life since 1926 — and the Houston location on Fannin Street carries that same founding spirit. The story begins with two Italian immigrants, Pio Bozzi and John Ganzi, who arrived in New York from Parma and opened a restaurant in the heart of a bustling Italian neighborhood on Second Avenue. Their name was misheard and registered as "The Palm," and what followed was nearly a hundred years of family-run hospitality built on a single, unshakeable philosophy: treat guests like family, serve great food, and always exceed expectations.

Rooted in Italian Heritage, Shaped by American Appetite

The restaurant's Italian origins remain woven into its identity. When the second generation — Walter Ganzi and Bruno Bozzi — took over, they added a two-pound lobster to the menu, creating the Surf 'n' Turf combination the brand became known for. The third generation responded to the cultural shifts of the 1960s and '70s by relaxing the atmosphere and expanding the footprint, opening locations in Washington D.C., West Hollywood, and Houston. The Palm's Italian character has always sat comfortably alongside prime American beef, and that combination continues to define the experience today.

The Room, the Regulars, the Recognition

What began as a gathering spot for journalists and artists in Manhattan evolved into a second home for tycoons, civic leaders, screen stars, and working families alike. The Palm Houston carries that same tradition — a place to close a deal at lunch, mark a milestone at dinner, or simply reconnect over a well-poured glass of wine. The wine program earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, a recognition that reflects the care put into the cellar and the seriousness with which the dining experience is taken.

The restaurant also handles private events and catering, making it a practical choice for Houston's business community — without sacrificing the warmth that four generations of family ownership have built into every room.

"Authentic. Intimate. A little quirky. Always amazing food."

That quote, from The Palm's own guests, says more than most descriptions could. After nearly a century, the Italian-American dining tradition that Pio and John brought to New York has found a lasting home in Houston — familiar enough to feel like a return visit, consistent enough to keep people coming back.