Palladino’s Steak & Seafood
Influencer Reviews1
Kristin & Will
About
0,000-square-foot steakhouse in main concourse of Grand Central Terminal (opened September 2025). From Bronx native/former NYPD officer turned restaurateur Joseph Paladino (injured in line of duty, transitioned to restaurants). Previous restaurants in Las Vegas, then Dallas steakhouse Nick and Sam's (frequently named among city's best). Took over space after 2018 fire closed Michael Jordan's steakhouse. Executive chef Sam Hazen (11-year executive chef tenure at Tao, long resume, good friends with Michael Strahan). Designed by Rockwell Group around stunning vintage chandeliers, velvet booths, beautiful chairs/tables. Historic landmark restrictions: no open flames (no real birthday candles), can't touch walls/ceilings (built fake wall not touching Grand Central wall). Third iteration Grand Central Terminal built 1913 (113 years ago). View of celestial ceiling (reversed east-west), famous opal glass clock, darker tile from 1990s renovation cleaning cigarette-soot-blackened ceiling, Apple Store. Unlike Grand Central Oyster Bar (under Grand Central, beautiful ceiling but can't appreciate main ambiance). Lunch menu more limited than dinner. Prices not cheap even for NYC, paying for unlike-anywhere-else-in-world ambiance.
The Visit
The visit to Palladino’s Steak & Seafood was marked by an atmosphere unlike any other, right in the heart of Grand Central Terminal. The reviewers highlighted the restaurant’s inventive dishes and playful approach to classic steakhouse staples. Standouts included the creative desserts and the unique take on egg cream. The experience was described as destination-worthy, perfect for impressing out-of-town guests with something both familiar and refreshingly different.
What They Ate
Quotes
"A destination-worthy dining experience for sure. If you've got family or friends visiting from out of town and you want to take them to a steakhouse that is unlike any restaurant they've ever experienced before, this is truly the perfect spot."
"I think this steak is really pretty darn good, especially for a not-dry-aged steak. I think it's pretty great... Having some of these pieces around the edges, there's definitely a lot more fat, but the fat is rendered perfectly and it just melts in your mouth."
"This is a full-on Jewish delicatessen in sushi form. My brain didn't even know how to process it. It tastes almost exactly like a deli sandwich... This one still has that warm, peppery heat from the pastrami and that wasabi mustard."
"Have you ever seen a black and white cookie that looks like this? I mean, it literally looks like a pastry. There's like layers to this, like a croissant... It is literally like a chocolate croissant, but with the topping of a black and white cookie, you get that sweetness from the black and white cookie, and also that crispy, flaky interior."
Our Reflection
The reviewer's enthusiasm for Palladino’s Steak & Seafood shines through in every bite and description. Their playful debate over the vanilla and chocolate sides of the dessert, and the surprise delight in the egg cream, highlight the restaurant’s ability to surprise and satisfy. The experience is framed as both nostalgic and innovative, blending classic New York flavors with inventive twists. The setting in Grand Central Terminal adds a sense of occasion, making this a memorable destination for locals and visitors alike.
This review includes brief, attributed excerpts of copyrighted material used for the purposes of commentary, criticism, and education. Such use is permitted under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. All rights to the original works remain with their respective creators and copyright holders. Our intent is to highlight, celebrate, and help audiences discover these creators by directing attention to their original content.
Explore Related Content
Google Reviews
0.0(0 reviews)Recent Reviews in New York
Discover more restaurant recommendations in New York
