Restaurants in Palo Alto

“Went here to celebrate my girls new job. The manager/servers were really nice, hospitable, and accommodating! I got the lamb chops and they were lick the bone clean good 😮‍💨.”

“Easily the best sandwich of my lifetime. I paused after every bite, saying “Damn, this is amazing”. The bread had that perfect crust and taste. While I’m at it, it’s also hard for me to remember a better tasting chocolate chip cookie.”

“Didn't want to eat the tried and tested Zareen's so I ended up here instead. Now this is good Street food! Authentic flavors, good spice level and warm service. The food prep time is definitely on the higher end, so definitely don't come here starved. We waited about 30 minutes for our food, but it was well worth it. Large portions and flavorful food.

Parking: There's a parking lot behind the shops”

“Good food and great customer service. Do recommend”

“The food was absolutely DELICIOUS! it really brought back my memories from back in Turkey. The server was great! the waitress was very kind and helpful. The atmosphere was very pleasant. i definitely will come again!”

“Excellent food, drinks and service.”

“I probably ordered the wrong thing. I got their matcha drink with coconut milk since they seem to be known for coconut, but. I don't think those two flavors mix together at all. Also tried the mango mochi pudding which was okay, and the mango drink which was good. Probably my fault since I don't like coconut that much. If you love coconut, you'll like this place.”

“A must visit spot while in Monterey for authentic tasty meal, great dining experience.”

“love this place. might be expensive but worth it been com I ng here for years”

“🎉 Just had an unforgettable evening at Ettan! Cozy vibes, top-notch service, and every dish was a masterpiece. 🍽 The chef's special? Mind-blowing! 🤯 Whether it's for the ambiance, the flavors, or the amazing staff, Ettan's a must-visit. Left with a full belly and even fuller heart. ❤️ Can't wait to go back! #EttanMagic #FoodieDream #BestDinnerEver”

“Very nice modern spot with a clean aesthetic and friendly staff that makes you feel welcome. The food is great comfort fare — I highly recommend the Original Single Patty with fries for a classic combo. The Mushroom Chicken is a flavorful option if you’re looking for something different, and the Mac N Cheese is creamy and satisfying. Portions are generous, definitely great for sharing. Overall, a solid choice for a casual bite while shopping.”

“An exceptional culinary experience at Protégé in Palo Alto. Every dish showcased masterful technique and impeccable flavors. The A5 Japanese Wagyu Ribeye was perfectly marbled and melted effortlessly, while the Crab and Caviar delivered a luxurious balance of brine and sweetness. The lobster toast was crisp, buttery, and indulgent, and the Black Bass—flawless in execution—was the best I’ve encountered. The Ricotta Dumplings , delicate yet deeply flavorful, rounded out an unforgettable meal. The shigoku oysters with whipped ponzu were indescribably fresh and flavorful. The sunflower Caesar, with its preserved tomato jam, was a unique and unforgettable twist on a classic. As for the brick chicken that we took to go, it was so delicious that it barely made it home before being devoured. The experience was elevated even further by the outstanding service—every person was kind, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to creating a memorable evening. A true showcase of precision, creativity, and hospitality”

“I had an amazing experience at Italico Restaurant! The food was fresh and flavorful, especially the truffle pasta and wood-fired pizza. The service was top-notch, and the atmosphere was cozy yet modern. I’ll definitely be back to enjoy more of their delicious dishes. Highly recommend!”

“Amazing food highly recommend”

“Good sized portion and really tasty. Lots of relaxed, outdoor seating.

Did forget my cousin’s naan but beyond that it was a great experience”

“Had a great birthday celebration. Have been here before. The level of service and quality of food remains unwaveringly excellent. Also, the space's vibe adds another plus to the experience. Everyone in the room is having a great time!”

“We had a delicious dinner here. The staff was so friendly to accommodate us and our child. We didn't have reservations on a Friday, but luckily they were able to seat us. We love the homemade bread with marscapone, double fried mushrooms, fried chicken and we added caviar, and the scallops. Also the cocktails are amazing! I hope they make a kids menu option someday. We definitely will come back soon! Love the ambiance too.”

“I attended a Chemex Kenz coffee tasting and love their Hambala. Their love and passion for coffee translates in the quality of their beans. I’m glad I can also enjoy their brew at Sue’s Cafe in Downtown Saratoga.”

“From the warm greeting everyone receives when walking through the door to the attentive and super friendly service, this place is amazing! The sushi was outstanding… hands down the best sushi I’ve ever had! The texture, taste and presentation was top notch. Wish there was a location on the east coast!”

“Absolutely amazing❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ best sushi!”

“We love this restaurant! The food is phenomenal and delicious.”

“Ottimo cibo, servizio veloce, locale molto carino.”

“Love the environment, music, food, wine and staff….❤️❤️”

“It's a lovely and cute little spot to hang out and get tea, coffee or a snack. It's the coziest space in town and late hours are very nice.

One warning though, they don't allow laptops certain days of the week.”

“Ada’s is the best place for delicious food, friendly service and a real sense of community. On top of all that, it believes everyone can have meaningful employment and trains and offers wonderful work under the kind and generous care of founder Kathleen. It’s a community GEM!!”

“Always have 2 slices 1 is never enough. It’s that good..”

“The BEST Sushi in the Bay Area- FOR SURE”

“This is the best food I've had on the Peninsula, hands down. Besides SF, you will struggle to find better pasta in the area. Staff are lovely, menu is seasonal, atmosphere is classy. The pricing is reasonable, and is cheaper or comparable to many worse restaurants. Please make sure to give this place a try!”

“Staff are friendly. They’re pet friendly. My Ribeye steak was the best!”

“Fun, rooftop bar atop the Graduate Hotel in downtown Palo Alto. Nice atmosphere, basically a bar with a limited but good menu. Seared ahi and seafood tower are good. No cash bar.”

“Great restaurant”

“The food is delicious. The sauces really stand out here at Palo Alto Sol. See my review at EssentialPaloAltoRestaurants.com”

“New York Pizza in Palo Alto is, in my opinion, the best pizza in the Bay Area. The taste of their pizzas is absolutely delightful, and the ingredients are fresh and high-quality. The staff is just amazing, so attentive, friendly, and always ready to serve and make sure you’re satisfied. I love dining in, but their delivery service is also fantastic. It’s a treat every single time! Thank you for everything!”

“Like Zupas but way better! The food was delicious and a great portion size. Reasonably priced as well, especially for the area. We will be back again. I tried the hummus salad, and we also got the caprese sandwich with chicken tortilla soup. Everything was delicious, especially the soup.”

“Love the pizza there, we ordered white pie and red pie. Both are great taste”

“After 20+ years of coming here…it’s STILL incredible! The Mojito! The Masitas, the snapper, and soooooo much more!”

“Enjoyed their Hamburger and fish & Chips Fries are excellent. Lovely surroundings, the ducks enjoyed the pool.”

“Got the edamame and standard Tonkotsu. Delicious - warm, thick broth. Lots of umami and salt but if you think it's too much get a side like edamame to balance it out. Great staff, international, professional, friendly.
For atmosphere, I mean it's a small space you're not going to be completely immersed, but they nailed it with what they have. Music also not too loud and more skewed toward bass than high pitch, so it doesn't make conversation difficult. Overall great experience - especially for a well priced, small place!”

“Food is wounderful and not that expensive… worth it….😃”

“Always try to go at least once when I’m in Old El Palo Alto.”

“Very good food!!! Awesome service!!! We will be back!!!”

“Rico todo , buen servicio”

“The environment is very nice and food is 😋😋😋”

“Bistro Elan is a member of that most elusive club of always sought after seldom found neighborhood gems where the food is exquisite, the service excellent, the dining room tiny — though there are a few more tables outside— and the clientele quiet well dressed locals who have eaten there for years, never having been disappointed. The menu that changes with the seasons is always surprising but never overdone. The food is interesting but above all delicious and the portions are generous. Reservations very much recommended.”

“good place to dine and very clean”

“We had the opportunity to stay during our son's surgery. The facility is clean and has great facilities. The staff, volunteers and other guests were very helpful. Thank you.”

“find it very interesting of all walks of life go through that place. Seem very good customers and some bad ones lots of cool employees work there I special like the burger specials every month that keeps you coming back each month just for a unique and fun hamburger and I find the people very interesting that patronize the place it's a good place to eat”

“Star Roll is fire - so delicious, a must-try
Also ordered the Spider Roll and Toro Heaven Roll - delicious as well

Great to bring friends and family and share the rolls?”

“Such a cute little bakery with so much to offer!! I had the pesto and mozzarella foccacia which was so insanely delicious. I am definitely coming back to try more :)”

“Went here to grab a salad for lunch. Staff is absolutely amazing - not only very nice but also very helpful. Food was delicious too. Will definitely come again when I am back in the area.”

“Unique and quirky flavors. Not always up my alley but always something new. Service is always lovely and patient with you while you taste test and decide on your flavors which is so appreciated! I know it probably can get annoying…But honestly with a $10 2 scoop cone, I want to enjoy the ice cream especially when the flavor combinations are so unusual

Vegetarian options: There are vegan options”

“Shekoh is an amazing chef, anything she touches tastes like heaven. Can hardly wait until she opens her online shop.”

“I’ve been there a few times and is always very good I highly recommend”

“Ordered on Doordash and my croque monsieur was just about ready when we arrived. It gave me time to order an americano and matcha latte. Spent about $30 for everything. The sandwich is packed generously with ham and the cheese was done to perfection as a crust on top. My husband and I demolished it before we got to Ikea. Coffee is well done. The cafe itself is decorated well and a great spot to do some work or chat. The lady/owner? Was very nice and patient while trying to decide on my drinks.”

“Cheerful welcome greeting, seated quickly and attended to throughout a very good meal.”

“Great lunch choices. Healthy and unique. Desserts are the perfect combination for your coffee or latte. Staff is friendly and accommodating. Location is easy for access with designated parking. Will repeat for sure.”

“The best Sandwich in 100 miles! Been coming here ever since it opened and will continue to eat delicious sandwiches for years to come. NOM NOM NOM.”

“Comfort food done right. I’ve had the pleasure of dining here several times, and every dish I’ve tried has been delicious. It’s a great spot for a laid-back evening.”

“My parents visited this restaurant and came home excited to tell me how delicious the food was and how impressed they were with the staff. I wanted to see for myself if it lived up to their praise, so I decided to try it. When I arrived, the cashier, Julieth, helped me and recommended several dishes, which were incredible. I chose the chimichurri dish, where Geobany's attention made me feel welcome. At the end of this wonderful experience, everyone said goodbye and wished me a happy day. I really appreciate this kind of attention, as it's not common in many restaurants.”

“The food tastes great! There are a lot of options, so even if you don't like sushi there's plenty of options, like miso and udon. The staff are always patient and attentive. There are many affordable roll options, and the menu is decently priced for the area as well. Great place to go with a partner or a group of friends.”

“We had dinner here a week ago and had a lovely time. We arrived right when they were opening and managed to get a table. They have a few tables outside, the same amount inside, and a sushi counter bar. The staff were all very friendly and helpful during our meal. Both of us ordered the omakase and the fishes were all great. And for the price of $110/person it was perfect for a date night! They also include a sake pairing with the omakase for an additional charge. We went for a bottle of sale with our meal. I highly advise you to get a reservation because this place is very popular.”

“Joanie’s is a staple on California Ave, having been around for more than two decades. After many years, I decided to revisit the place recently.

Some things have changed but the place has mostly stayed the same as I remember it. With good service, decent food options, and lovely atmosphere, Joanie’s is a solid choice.

In the past, service has been a mixed bag. When we went recently it was mostly solid. There were quite a few instances where it took a lot of effort on our part to get a hold of a waiter but when we did, they were friendly, efficient, and got the job done.

The atmosphere, just like most of California Avenue, is more laid back, quiet, and communal. The lovely dining options outside, coupled with the beautiful weather, made the meal more pleasant.

The food itself is solid but nothing exceptional or mind blowing. While many restaurants have evolved over the years, it seems like Joanie’s in many ways is stuck in the past. While their French toast was yummy, their potato options (both the hash brown and potatoes) were just ok and a bit flavorless. The eggs were cooked exactly as requested but the beef hash left a bit to be desired. It seems like while others are innovating, here time has stopped.

Overall, Joanie’s is a classic that’s sticking to their roots while many places are evolving to better serve their customers. What may have been ok 20 years ago doesn’t necessarily make it good enough in today’s competitive landscape. The most I can rate Joanie’s Cafe is 4 stars.”

“Amazing ramen! There is a line out here for a reason. However if you come very early and are okay with an early dinner, it takes less time. But honestly worth the wait. I love that there is more than one vegetarian option and the taste is phenomenal!”

“Nice place and nice coffee”

“Comida Grega, muito bem temperada, no ponto certo. Para mim, claro! Parabéns!”

“The food is very good. We had the halibut special and the chicken Marsala - both delicious! All staff are very efficient & friendly. Our server (Nicholas) is just amazing! :-)”

“This was a fun place with a local vibe. The breakfast croissant sandwich was amazing and the coffee was delicious. The staff were very helpful and kind. I really enjoyed my time here and hope to go back! Indoor and outdoor seating”

“We eat here a lot. Friendly service, delicious French food. I usually get the salmon, the bouillabaisse, one of the eggs benedicts, or the beef bourgogne. All great.”

“Best coffee I’ve ever had!”

“Great nice clean place friendly crew as I write this I'm back here again ... Good Day cheers”

“Mmmmmm, so good. And open for lunch. I had the um, I don't remember but it was kind of like an everything roll. Accompanied by two cold Asahi - fuhgeddaboudit. Service was quick for it being a busy lunch spot. Staff is super nice. Definitely check out next time in Palo Alto. I'm addicted to sushi. Cheers!”

“it's the best ice cream i have ever had. evan the flavers they have had that doesent sound like it would be good .. is real good. and they give you samples if you want to try a flavor before you buy it.”

“Margarita was good but the food was just OK
We ordered many different plates but none of them were really delicious nor very good something very casual
The portions are very big nothing very”

“Deliciosos platillos y pizzas en horno de barro bon apetit 👌”

“location, coffee and sandwiches”

“We were weary travelers stopping by Scotty's in hope of a more chill vibe with some good food, and Scottys delivered! Our bartender, Sergio, was so friendly and fun! We got some inside knowledge about the town as we are from Oregon. The drinks were perfect and the food was top notch! I would have expected to pay a lot more for the quality of food and service we received at literally any of the surrounding places. We will visit Palo Alto again if only to go back to Scotty's as a new tradition! Thank you, Sergio, for making our anniversary dinner a great one! Someone give him a raise!”

“샌프란에가면 마셔봐야하는 민트모히또아이스커피”

“My goto French cafe with delicious French bakery, Freshly pressed OJ’s, and excellent coffees.”

“I had the most amazing experience and it was my first time. I will definitely go back before l leave San Francisco.”

“Fast friendly service and delicious food”

“Just came in. The girl with the braid had excellent customer service and quickly made my order, it was so fast that I was super surprised when I heard my name 20 seconds after ordering. Will definitely come back!”

“I REALLY ENJOYED THE FOOD....IT WAS VERY DELICIOUS AND THE PRICES WERE EXCELLENT”

“Nice place to get a latte and croissant on a cool November morning. Lattes are $4, mocha are $5 for single shot. They have plain croissants, Nutella, croissants, almond croissants, and a cream croissant.”

“There will be good in this world as long as the Philz mint mojito exists; why can’t we have these everywhere? This location has lovely indoor and outdoor seating with huge tables inside and makes my favorite drink perfectly”

“1st time in Cali , this place was a 3 min walk from my hotel . I had the adult grill cheese. It was delicious. The service was great and the prices were not bad at all . I definitely recommend and will be returning next time i’m on the west coast .”

“Good portion, and delicious food”

“So clean, So delicious, So authentic Korean Food!!!! And other American menus are so fresh and scrumptious. The best chef Lee!!! The authentic Korean menu here is truly the best. It's not too sweet or too salty and is great for everyone's taste! best!”

“Among all of us we had the Rose, Kulfi, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, and also the puppy icecream. All the flavors were really nice and you could see real vanilla bean powder, nuts in the different flavors. Pepper did not stop licking till her icecream was done and then was looking for more. The people behind the counter were very friendly and kind to our chaos. We will definitely be going back.”

“Excelente servicio 🙂…………..”

“Tasty and healthy food at the right price. I ate here twice after hiking in Palo Alto and one of the best wraps I have ever had”

“Zoom Caffe, highly recommend! 5 � coffee and great eats!”

“I came here for a school field trip. The trip was amazing and super fun. Basically we tested their new robot system, and it was really cool. After we finished, we fought each other (the other kids). Also, the cafeteria was great, the “vending machines” were well stocked, and overall I had a great time. I wish I could go back and relive that day.”

“Hello if anyone somehow stumbled by this website because they want to check out Como Esta taqueria I have some answers. A relative is a worker there and I spent a summer there (If you saw a 6 year old cleaning tables a bit less than a decade ago - yup that was me, I appreciate the tips I was a very happy kid that summer). Regarding the comment of that they don’t sell beer there, they do but its limited to maybe 3 brands (all Mexican ). It’s definitely a place you should go in person! The space is small, but there is a few tables outside, and it has a homey vibe (at least to me). Since I spent so much time there - you guessed it I’ve tried some of the menu, the reason I don’t say most it’s because there’s way to much to cover and I’m a bit biased to my favorites. This includes: the fish tacos, regular burrito mojado the meat has to be Biiria, any burrito at that fact,and the tacos are good. I can say everything is authentic unless you add super to the name then that’s just for the people who think sour cream and lettuce should be in your burrito ? . ( no judgement) the salsa is flavorful ,but not spicy you have to ask for it to be spicy. Now without offending anyone I have to say the reson why the salsa isn’t spicy is because most people who visit can handle spice except a certain group of people. I know most of the workers and they all are very nice people. What some of the negative comments have said is that they were laughing at them and that they were disrespectful, I have to say this if you don’t understand the language don’t be quick to judge , take in consideration you walked into a taqueria not a predominately English speaking restaurant. I know that if you are a regular there they treat you like close friends and may tease you , but at the same time ask how have you been since your last visit. (Not to say new costumers aren’t welcome , but it’s kinda of the energy and attitude you put in , will be the one you get)I even know a grandpa that goes by “Tio “ uncle in English because that’s there nickname for him. If you are still here with me , (I hope you are )I have one last final comment. Everyone has bad days no one is perfect, and trust me they have good hygiene the manager and my relative make sure while they do switch roles multitasking , everything is sanitary. I can say this because I’ve been harshly scolded on how I should wipe tables , and a few years later, how I washed dishes. Another reson why you should trust me is because a few workers have a bit of OCD on clean things and how should it be done. (Imagine how I feel, I live with one). If you ever visit please say thanks to the workers since some have had bad chemical burns, normal burns, cuts, and sprained hands while trying to give you the best service possible!”

“I look forward to the Mitchell's ice cream at Scoop, and a HUGE variety of flavors. I stop by whenever I visit Palo Alto (from up the Peninsula). All of the employees (except one who plays such obnoxious music that even I won't go inside the store) are exceptionally nice and helpful. Otherwise, the music played in very entertaining and appropriate. And they DO give samples! But not until after you buy, and they call it something else besides a sample. It's a sad fact that here in San Mateo there is NO good ice cream place, either Downtown or near Downtown. Perhaps Scoop could consider expanding northward (hoping they read this glowing review).”

“had a wonderful night at BISTRONOMIE by Baumé for my husband's birthday! Even though we were not the only customers, the way the restaurant is arranged made us feel like we were having our own private, intimate meal. Every plate was stunningly beautiful and the compositions of flavor and texture were truly a new experience. Even the plateware and cutlery kept drawing our attention as elegant pieces of art. The service was wonderful, we loved how friendly, funny, and warm both the wife and son were. They really made us feel welcome and at ease. I would highly recommend to visit this place. We're not the type to frequent restaurants of this caliber so we usually reserve these types of visits to special occasions, but we are hoping the menu will change (maybe seasonally?) so we can use that as an excuse to return ASAP.”

“Very good food for lunch here”

“And the most amazing cocktails! 🍹”

“Excellent meal in the restaurant!”

“Good sized portion and really tasty. Lots of relaxed, outdoor seating.

Did forget my cousin’s naan but beyond that it was a great experience”

“Very nice modern spot with a clean aesthetic and friendly staff that makes you feel welcome. The food is great comfort fare — I highly recommend the Original Single Patty with fries for a classic combo. The Mushroom Chicken is a flavorful option if you’re looking for something different, and the Mac N Cheese is creamy and satisfying. Portions are generous, definitely great for sharing. Overall, a solid choice for a casual bite while shopping.”

“It's a lovely and cute little spot to hang out and get tea, coffee or a snack. It's the coziest space in town and late hours are very nice.

One warning though, they don't allow laptops certain days of the week.”

“Amazing food & service, excellent atmosphere”

“I probably ordered the wrong thing. I got their matcha drink with coconut milk since they seem to be known for coconut, but. I don't think those two flavors mix together at all. Also tried the mango mochi pudding which was okay, and the mango drink which was good. Probably my fault since I don't like coconut that much. If you love coconut, you'll like this place.”

“I like the ambience and enjoy the cuisine. Bring back lots is nostalgia!”

“Mmmmmm, so good. And open for lunch. I had the um, I don't remember but it was kind of like an everything roll. Accompanied by two cold Asahi - fuhgeddaboudit. Service was quick for it being a busy lunch spot. Staff is super nice. Definitely check out next time in Palo Alto. I'm addicted to sushi. Cheers!”

“Georgian (Southwesterly Asian) Cuisine ! Fav! Very glad to see that Bevri now has a larger restaurant! Great 👍🏾 food & service.”

“I had the most amazing experience and it was my first time. I will definitely go back before l leave San Francisco.”

“Fantastic service and Delicious food. Our server ( didn’t catch her name ) was awesome. I do remember she had a beautiful accent. I believe when asked she said she was originally from Kenya! Kudos to her for taking such good care of us! We live in San Joaquin Valley but we will definitely make the trip back for dinner!”

“Es un restaurante muy bonito, sus platos muy bien servidos y deliciosos! Recomiendo a Local Union siempre, excelente servicio el de Guadalupe y Estefany!”

“Rico todo , buen servicio”