Restaurants in Menlo Park
Best Restaurants
“Super cute restaurant inside the Park James Hotel.The only reason this isn’t a five stars because of a few operational issues.There is no parking. They do offer valet but only the first two hours are free. Luckily I found street parking about a block away so good to know that is an option.While the ascetics are beautiful, the comfort level is not great. The chairs are hard and uncomfortable. The backseat cushions on the booth move around as it is hanging on a bar as a freestanding pillow situation.Unfortunately, the lighting kept changing from super bright to dim a few times during the hour and a half we were there.The food is five stars. Everything we had was cooked perfectly with tons of flavor. We started with the calamari. The sauce that came with it was so good.We then decided to share the ceasar salad and the squid ink seafood pasta. The pasta bowl was overflowing with tender seafood. The pasta was cooked perfect and the sauce had a little kick that was a welcome surprise. So good! ?The drinks and deserts were really good as well.The service was attentive, friendly and absolutely lovely. Everyone from the host, to the chef, to the servers were excellent. ??We were there on a Wednesday night and had no problems getting a table, but I can see how on the weekends or sunny days (for the outdoor area) it can get quite busy. Would recommend making sure to have a reservation.They also had live music the night we were there, and the talent was quite good.I will definitely be back for the food, but will be sure to request one of the high top tables or outside seating.”
“Amazing Italian food, flavorful and fresh! Love the pear filled pasta, we don’t mind the 30 min drive to get here for their pasta and tiramisu! The seasonal watermelon arugula salad is a delight! StaffI is super friendly warm and helpful!”
“I attended a private party. Chef Nick was EXCELLENT!! The food was amazing. Different spins on traditional dishes and I couldn't wait to taste the next dish. can't wait to come back! Service and atmosphere were top notch!”
“As usual, Flea St takes all the best parts of the farm-to-table method, stays true to the mission without a lot of self-congratulatory stuff, then adds real attentive service and care to every detail such that you feel like they've been just waiting to have you as a guest. The team is warm, professional and skilled - such a joy to have this gem available to us all.”
“Very hip and fun tapas restaurant. Great for a date night. Food and beverages were excellent quality and very creative as well as delicious. Wait staff very friendly and attentive. On the pricy side, but well worth it for a fun night out.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“As I mentioned on other reviews, our plans over the summer were changed at the last minute by wildfires in Canada. This resulted in us having to change plans on the hoof and for a number of reasons we ended up booking 3 nights here. The hotel is OK – I’d say it feels more like an upscale business hotel not a vacation spot (though it was very busy with families in July). For me, it didn’t feel luxurious enough in terms of the room product or location. Our first suite looked over a very busy road but we were then moved to overlook the pool which was better. The suite is more like a junior suite with the bedroom area separated by a partial wall. The sleeping area was small, however the bed was comfortable with very soft linens. There is a small hallway leading into the sitting area which is well stocked with coffee maker, kettle, fridge, cups etc. The bathroom - although it only had a single basin - had plenty of storage and had a large shower cubicle with rain-head as well as a good bath. The dressing room had very little short-hanging space but other than that was well planned. However, the staff in the restaurant are VERY good – several of them German, perfectly trained and on point. One of them recommended the excellent Village Pub for a meal one evening which we very much enjoyed. Also, if there on a Thursday do go to the bar - Thursday evenings are rather an entertaining “scene”.”
“Review is for bar. Lovely charcuterie. Could improve bread to meat ratio. Cheese is extra. Unclear what cheese would be on cheese plate. Did not inquire.Couldn't serve us anything from regular menu. Just bar bites. Unfortunate.Seats were heated which are nice except now there's no reason to cozy up with one another.Other food was decent. Forgettable. Charcuterie was the highlight.”
“Great spot! There's awesome steak sandwiches and salmon sandwiches that I've really enjoyed. You can do wine tasting here as well as get wine by the glass or bottles. They are very dog friendly, you can bring your dog inside and outdoors. Awesome place to go with family, it's baby friendly too. There are exotic cars parked inside that car enthusiasts can check out. The staff running the food is extremely friendly and welcoming.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Ideally I would have to say I would give Robin a 3.5 stars. Upon arriving to the restaurant, it was storming outside and there were no signs for us to find the place. When we entered, we got greeted by friendly staff members and got seated. I think what makes Robin a bit more unique compared to other omakase places is that you can choose your own price range and the chefs accommodate with what you had picked, but in my opinion I would have preferred them to give a set price to choose from. Inside of the restaurant was beautiful, I loved the interior design, but if you're looking for a quiet/intimate omakase experience this is not the place for that. Music is pretty loud and the parties around us were talking with their outside voice , which I didn't mind because like I mentioned the vibes at Robin is definitely more casual. In terms of the quality of food, I would have to say, while everything was super fresh and good, nothing stood out to me. On top of that, every omakase I've been to so far, I would have been full 80% in but we left Robin still hungry. Our total came out to be $470, and I would have expected to leave full. I wished they had taken out the potato chip nigiri and the noodle dish, because I would have preferred to receive more fish. The nigiri that was part of the courses was super small, and as I mentioned, while everything was good, I was not amazed. Still highly recommend if you've never experienced omakase before, only tip is to book at the bar seating bc you'll get the full experience that way.”
“Everything was SO delicious: the scallop crudo with peas, the tortelloni , the spaghetti w/Dungeness crab, the waygu hamburger and fries and the apple tart tatin. I think one cannot go wrong with dining at Camper and I look forward to trying the pizza on my next trip :)”
“Super cute restaurant inside the Park James Hotel.The only reason this isn’t a five stars because of a few operational issues.There is no parking. They do offer valet but only the first two hours are free. Luckily I found street parking about a block away so good to know that is an option.While the ascetics are beautiful, the comfort level is not great. The chairs are hard and uncomfortable. The backseat cushions on the booth move around as it is hanging on a bar as a freestanding pillow situation.Unfortunately, the lighting kept changing from super bright to dim a few times during the hour and a half we were there.The food is five stars. Everything we had was cooked perfectly with tons of flavor. We started with the calamari. The sauce that came with it was so good.We then decided to share the ceasar salad and the squid ink seafood pasta. The pasta bowl was overflowing with tender seafood. The pasta was cooked perfect and the sauce had a little kick that was a welcome surprise. So good! ?The drinks and deserts were really good as well.The service was attentive, friendly and absolutely lovely. Everyone from the host, to the chef, to the servers were excellent. ??We were there on a Wednesday night and had no problems getting a table, but I can see how on the weekends or sunny days (for the outdoor area) it can get quite busy. Would recommend making sure to have a reservation.They also had live music the night we were there, and the talent was quite good.I will definitely be back for the food, but will be sure to request one of the high top tables or outside seating.”
“Amazing Italian food, flavorful and fresh! Love the pear filled pasta, we don’t mind the 30 min drive to get here for their pasta and tiramisu! The seasonal watermelon arugula salad is a delight! StaffI is super friendly warm and helpful!”
“As usual, Flea St takes all the best parts of the farm-to-table method, stays true to the mission without a lot of self-congratulatory stuff, then adds real attentive service and care to every detail such that you feel like they've been just waiting to have you as a guest. The team is warm, professional and skilled - such a joy to have this gem available to us all.”
“Very hip and fun tapas restaurant. Great for a date night. Food and beverages were excellent quality and very creative as well as delicious. Wait staff very friendly and attentive. On the pricy side, but well worth it for a fun night out.”
“The food was very good. I have never been to Caribbean to compare the authenticity of this place…but I was more than satisfied. There is limited parking and seating…which is the only downfall.Parking: There are only a few spots. Most of them are painted green as well (15 minutes).”
“Dropped in on a whim, wasn’t sure what to order. The owner offered some free samples. The lamb is amazing! Some of the best I’ve ever had. He made me a lamb gyro that was 10/10. My son and I were very impressed with the service and food. We Will be dropping by again. Thank you!”
“Review is for bar. Lovely charcuterie. Could improve bread to meat ratio. Cheese is extra. Unclear what cheese would be on cheese plate. Did not inquire.Couldn't serve us anything from regular menu. Just bar bites. Unfortunate.Seats were heated which are nice except now there's no reason to cozy up with one another.Other food was decent. Forgettable. Charcuterie was the highlight.”
“Good food. Prices were a little high. Would recommend going non-peak hours for better service, they didn't really have enough staff for the lunchtime rush.Kid-friendliness: Staff and atmosphere are very kid-friendly.”
“Place is beautiful and food was tasty. Taking off one star because they took a long time to bring our food, but otherwise good place to enjoy the nice weather. Great fan of the garlic bread!”
“Food portions are big the service is fast and people are friendly .I really recommend this place they also has beer and wine if you have time to share good time with friends or family.”
“Hadn't been here for a long time. The food was really good and so was the service.We had the fresh spinach mushroom omelet and the full stack of blueberry pancakes. The omelet was really big as the plate was ~11" in diameter. The pancakes were huge as the plate was ~9" in diameter.We couldn't eat it all and took it home.”
“Had a lovely time here. I enjoyed the lamb quite a bit, and the chocolate baklava ended the meal off perfectly. The service was great, the location was populated but not crazy. I would definitely go back!”
“Really good all the way around. Menlo Park has messed proper bakery for a long time. Everything super yummy. But the dessert challah has been awfully dry as of late.Parking: Park up the street and walk.”
“Place is beautiful and food was tasty. Taking off one star because they took a long time to bring our food, but otherwise good place to enjoy the nice weather. Great fan of the garlic bread!”
“Food portions are big the service is fast and people are friendly .I really recommend this place they also has beer and wine if you have time to share good time with friends or family.”
“Had a lovely time here. I enjoyed the lamb quite a bit, and the chocolate baklava ended the meal off perfectly. The service was great, the location was populated but not crazy. I would definitely go back!”
Outdoor Dining
“I attended a private party. Chef Nick was EXCELLENT!! The food was amazing. Different spins on traditional dishes and I couldn't wait to taste the next dish. can't wait to come back! Service and atmosphere were top notch!”
“Great coffee prepared lovingly - seriously great. I will say, they could stand to put out a singular space heater for the couple of folks (including me) who sit for a morning coffee. Otherwise ”
“Bistro Vida offered exactly the French Bistro experience we were looking for: Traditional items like the onion soup and Steak Frites were prepared as ordered (and as expected). Service was prompt and polite, without being overbearing. Prices were quite reasonable for the Bay Area. Parking was readily available. (We had lunch on a Saturday.)”
“The wait staff is very attentive to ur needs as a customer & efficient the dish prices are what expect in SV but well worth it all food was fresh tasted top notch???. So for our starters we ordered the Cold Sampler Plate- Pita Bread, 5 dips Tzatziki, Hummus, Dolma, Babba Ghanoush, Kalamatiano, Melitzanosalata; 4 Cheese Tiropita made a little Unorthodox to the usual Croissant dough instead of Pilo dough tasted fabulous-Feta,Goat, Parmesan, Mozzarella Cheese. ? Gyro Plate-Lamb,Beef,Red Onion, Tzatziki, Salad, Rice scoop, the meat was cooked to perfection ???. Must Try then review it if you closer to authentic Greek Food come here forget bout Sultana down the street.Parking: Lots of free parking Downtown MP.”
“Wow! This sweet little pizza shop is making amazing pizzas! Owner Matt Burr greeted us himself. He's super friendly; we felt right at home. We had a cheese pizza with 4 toppings of our choice. Perfectly topped with a really flavorful tomato sauce base. The crust though? That was what clinched it-- chewy and charred to perfection. Matt's shop is clean and comfortable with plenty of seating. Couldn't have had a better pizza experience! Just wow!”
“Dont miss a visit here. Lovely food with ample very fresh veggies and condiments. We enjoyed giant prawns with kung pao sauce, beef pho and teriyaki chicken (low sodium option is flavorful with a delicate sauce). All wonderful and plenty left to take home. We lunched at the patio cafe tables under umbrellas. Proprietor was fun and engaging too.”
“Great food and service, atmosphere is clean just old. Crunchiest and best tasting cod ive had in the bay area. Fries are good not super crispy could be better but the fish is tops. Chowder is delicious just like mama used to make. Calamari is good too very fresh.”
“Good beer selection, the serve both coffee and beer, you sit and work from there.Not sure why they don’t allow to drink from canned beer which I bought from them…you can only drink if you get beer from tap.”
“Si nice to have a good Italian restaurant in Menlo Park! The outside patio is super cute and weather doesn't seem to make as big a difference as one may imagine. They have a covered area and big heaters throughout. The staff is friendly and the servers quite knowledgeable and offer suggestions for your meal. They do recommend family style (sharing) but we also got a couple of individual items. The pizza is probably my favorite part - it's a sourdough crust, which is probably why it's a close second only to the pizza I've had in Rome. Plenty of options for vegetarian/pescatarian folks, which we appreciated! Pictured are the octopus w tomatillo salsa verde and potato, and the vongole en crosta, which were killer! They are clams steamed INSIDE calzone-like pocket of love. Vongole is served table side where they add olive oil and fresh lemon juice. So good!”
“Great coffee shop with plenty of free underground parking. You can buy lunch from proper foods (next door) and they allow eating it at Canteen. Bathrooms are not in the coffee shop but are still available in the building complex.”
“very excellent. tacos meat was tender and juicy. tacos itself were fresh and not too thick. prices are good for the size. place is not dingy, it is clean. would be nicer with more salsa choices. high on the ”
“The mushroom soup was scrumptious. The crab cakes were lovely! I don't usually actually like crab cakes but these were flavorful and perfect.The truffle mushroom ravioli was great.Wonderful service; like genuinely nice and attentive. We sat outside - good placement of heat lamps. Forgot to take photos; next time!”
“We came to SAJJ with a small group of coworkers, and it was fast, friendly, and tasty. I had a shawafel rice bowl (shawarma and falafel) and all of the toppings I had them put on were great. I also liked the mint lemonade! I'd be happy to come back for a quick meal some time.”
“Wonderful place, Fantastic ambiance. Extremely friendly service. I really enjoyed this place, it was my first time. Wouldn't be the last time. I highly recommend this restaurant. I was there with a big party and all the food looked and tasted really good. Highly recommend the Burgers and Pizzas ??”
“Great little cafe here. Like the new design in the front. Avocado toast is my fav here and sometimes hot oatmeal's! I love the merchant offers here: - free coffee on birthdays - once in a while $2 off $10+ orders”
“Bistro Vida offered exactly the French Bistro experience we were looking for: Traditional items like the onion soup and Steak Frites were prepared as ordered (and as expected). Service was prompt and polite, without being overbearing. Prices were quite reasonable for the Bay Area. Parking was readily available. (We had lunch on a Saturday.)”
“Gotta love small places like this where the owner is on deck and takes pride in his restaurant. Value to price was awesome. Bunch of Stanford students drive out here probably for this reason. The lunch sashimi bento box was outstanding. Cheers and ty for having ”
“The wait staff is very attentive to ur needs as a customer & efficient the dish prices are what expect in SV but well worth it all food was fresh tasted top notch???. So for our starters we ordered the Cold Sampler Plate- Pita Bread, 5 dips Tzatziki, Hummus, Dolma, Babba Ghanoush, Kalamatiano, Melitzanosalata; 4 Cheese Tiropita made a little Unorthodox to the usual Croissant dough instead of Pilo dough tasted fabulous-Feta,Goat, Parmesan, Mozzarella Cheese. ? Gyro Plate-Lamb,Beef,Red Onion, Tzatziki, Salad, Rice scoop, the meat was cooked to perfection ???. Must Try then review it if you closer to authentic Greek Food come here forget bout Sultana down the street.Parking: Lots of free parking Downtown MP.”
Online Reservation Available
“We ordered the Hand-pulled Laghman which was very good! Noodles were fresh, veggies and meat were tender, and the sauce was very flavorful.As an appetizer, we ordered the Gosh Naan, which was a pleasant surprise. There was less meat in it than expected, but the meat was very juicy.In terms of service, it was a little bit slower than some other places.However, definitely still recommend stopping by, food was delicious!”
“Authentic taste with great experience.We ordered Mysore masala dosa , podi idli and Madras dosa. Crispy tasty and real podi chutney.Although sambhar is not spicy at all and it has more sweet taste. Sambhar didn't had drumsticks and masala as it is supposed to be authentically.Chutneys are definitely tasty.Also like their buttermilk specially the fresh fragrance and taste of curry leaves.We had take out yesterday and uttapam is great too.Even samosa were crunchy and imli chutney is damn tasty.”
“Amazing food! We ordered the tea leaf salad(ask for extra tea leaf!) and the fresh spring rolls as appetizers. We were vegetarian- so we got the garden curry and hawker noodles....all delightful flavors!”
“Came here with my good friend for drinks and appetizers later afternoon. Staff were super friendly and professional - appetizers were top notch and beautifully presented - and found my favorite wines on their list too. Highly recommend it for friends, anniversaries or even business meetings. Wish we had known abt the rooftop…..”
“Went here for a team lunch. So many options, all really good. I really like the beef wrapped onion pancakes and the steamed veggies . They were also really polite. Service was really good.”
“I hate it when I have to say this is the best Sushi I have had in 20 years, because it will be pack more, then I will have to wait. This is an actual Japanese restaurant! They usally close at 8:30, but they were packed. At the looks of things, the were not going home until midnight. Unbillable how fresh the food was. Great assortment of Saki. Food was to die for. I will be returning on Sunday after the Super Bowl.”
“Solid fish burrito in a neighborhood taqueria. Lots of neighbors hang out in it his place where there is a very decent menu of tacos burritos enchiladas etc. chips and a salsa bar is on the house - fresh and delicious. The service is good too.We have been going here for 17 years and glad that it is in our neighborhood. Even after changing owners recently- the food and service remains great.”
“Four of us had a delicious dinner. Service was lovely, atmposphere was quite so we could actually hear each other. Someone commented this isn't the typical California Mexician food place - exactly! It is better. All four of our main dishes were good. Side of beans had real flavor and wasn't drowned in cheese. Included a little salad not just for garnish and guacamole. Rice also had nice flavor and texture. Vegetables were grilled not boiled. Prices very reasonable for a sit down, full service in a nice location resturant.Parking: Easy to park on a Thursday night.”
“I had been wanting to try this place because of its history (the original Round Table established 65 years ago) and it didn’t disappoint. The place is so clean and so nice inside. There’s memorabilia displayed throughout the dining area and the banquet room has a suit of armor on display! The pizza was so delicious! They do not skimp on ingredients and the veggies were so fresh and tasty. If we needed something, the staff was more than happy to help. I would highly recommend this restaurant!”
“Who isn't all about an aesthetically cute place serving great food? Getting together with my friend, we decided to meet at Farmhouse Kitchen, a place we both enjoy! This was my first time at their Menlo Park location and aside from the space everything else is similar--Instagram-worthy decor, elegantly styled dishes, and warm service. The interior is quite spacious with booths and tables for small and large parties. There's also an outside patio, though the CalTrain is right across and quite loud. We were taken care of throughout our meal by the hospital and friendly workers, without it being overbearing. The thing about Farmhouse Kitchen is that they know how to make their dishes appealing to both the eye and mouth. Dishes include traditional and non-traditional Thai foods. My friend and I both had the Yellow Curry with Tofu and a Side of Jasmine Rice. Though we weren't asked for the spice level, the curry was sweet and flavorful with a lingering spice. It was on the runnier side and I wish we did get more rice to enjoy it to the full extent. Portions were decent and we had leftovers--but note that dishes are on the pricier side. Farmhouse Thai Kitchen provides a cute and creative Thai cuisine dining experience. They have multiple locations around the Bay. Their Menlo Park location is off Merrill Street with limited street parking in the area. This is a place I enjoy going to occasionally but wouldn't seek out.”
“I live nearby and have seen this place but usually order on my app other pizza spots because it's what I'm use to. I tried something new and ordered from them a couple weeks ago and was extremely impressed. Just ordered again and it's just as good as it was the first time. Thankful you guys have delivery! Pizza is delicious!”
“Four of us had a memorable experience. Our waiter was fantastic, our food delicious and desserts to die for..... deciding who had the best meal was most difficult! Thanks for terrific memories!”
“Ristorantea Carpaccio is a gem! The food, from Clams Oreganata to Ribeye, is consistently delicious. The inviting atmosphere, both inside and outside, adds to the charm. Whether it's the calamari, Margarita Pizza, or the Chicken Piccata, each dish is a hit. It's the kind of place that keeps you coming back for more, reflecting on the great times shared over fantastic food and genuine hospitality. Ristorante Carpaccio is great for special occasions. The cozy warm vibe, compliments the tasty desserts, like the homemade Tiramisu & The Bread Pudding with vanilla ice cream, these add a sweet touch to any celebration. delightful spot for marking those special moments. Highly recommended!”
“One of the best Japanese restaurants I have been in, the food was outstanding, especially the tuna Trio and sashimi, the staff was super nice and the atmosphere was cosi and so pleasant, we loved it!!!! Michelin should look at it....:-)”
“We ordered the Hand-pulled Laghman which was very good! Noodles were fresh, veggies and meat were tender, and the sauce was very flavorful.As an appetizer, we ordered the Gosh Naan, which was a pleasant surprise. There was less meat in it than expected, but the meat was very juicy.In terms of service, it was a little bit slower than some other places.However, definitely still recommend stopping by, food was delicious!”
“Si nice to have a good Italian restaurant in Menlo Park! The outside patio is super cute and weather doesn't seem to make as big a difference as one may imagine. They have a covered area and big heaters throughout. The staff is friendly and the servers quite knowledgeable and offer suggestions for your meal. They do recommend family style (sharing) but we also got a couple of individual items. The pizza is probably my favorite part - it's a sourdough crust, which is probably why it's a close second only to the pizza I've had in Rome. Plenty of options for vegetarian/pescatarian folks, which we appreciated! Pictured are the octopus w tomatillo salsa verde and potato, and the vongole en crosta, which were killer! They are clams steamed INSIDE calzone-like pocket of love. Vongole is served table side where they add olive oil and fresh lemon juice. So good!”
24 Hour Restaurants
“I like this Safeway, it's big and brightly lit and has great variety. They used to have plant-based spaghetti at the Ready to Eat section. They haven't in a while. I wish they did for us vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian folks. No complaints, just a request - please carry plant-based spaghetti again.”
“Thanks so much willow mcds! I was kind of embarrassed to order coffee at 2:50a.m. but I did! And the guy working the intercom was happy to make fresh hot coffee for me! Thanks so much bro! I feel safe on the road with my fresh coffee! A little kindness goes a long way! Thus im writing to give him a big thumbs up to service and hospitality! Thanks again ❤️ when I'm in the area I will be back! ?”
“Best F'n cheeseburger I have had in quite sometime. Reasonably priced but like gourmet. You can choose how you'd like them cooked and they do it perfectly. Mine was medium rare and incredibly juicy. Fries were outstanding and you can have a cold beer if you'd like. I heard that the milkshakes are amazing too so maybe next time I will try that.Came on Leap Day after running an errand and it was worth the stop. Would definitely make the trek back to Menlo Park for this gem. Give 'em some love!!Parking: If the parking is full, there are lots incredibly close you can use.”
“The mushroom soup was scrumptious. The crab cakes were lovely! I don't usually actually like crab cakes but these were flavorful and perfect.The truffle mushroom ravioli was great.Wonderful service; like genuinely nice and attentive. We sat outside - good placement of heat lamps. Forgot to take photos; next time!”
“I went to an out of office meeting for work and the team for that location bought grilled chicken from Michocan Produce Market. It was absolutely delicious. Their order also included rice and beans, a side of hot sauce and tortillas. Love the side of hot sauce it comes with. For those that do not like spicy, since the hot sauce is included inside a container on the side, you will have the option of not putting it on your food. The beans had a jalapeño which made the beans taste even better. Weeks later after that meeting I kept thinking about the chicken and how I would like to buy it for myself.to share with friends and family. I asked where they had bought the chicken. It seemed like this is a place where people know how to find it but they can't remember the name and to top it off they have a hard time explaining where it is located. Eventually after some google searches and reading the reviews, I narrowed it down and figured it out. I bought a grilled whole chicken that they chopped into pieces. I also ordered the rice and beans and the order included tortillas and the hot sauce. Four of us ate and it was all under $30. My co-workers enjoyed it and one co-worker, who is very picky, was very pleased with the food, so much so, that one day he bought some for the office as well. Each time we have gone to this place, the people who work there have been very nice. They are also fast; It takes no time for the food order to come out. Also I want you to mention you could just order the chicken without ordering the rice and beans. If you do that I believe the cost is $20. I would like to add that I had their chicken before I knew it was popular in this neck of the woods, so I had no prior expectations. I don't know why it is so good. I think it is how or what they marinate it in and also how they grill it. It is a no frills grilled chicken, but very tasty nonetheless. And the pricing is still economical. Even though I find it very tasty and by the reviews, many other people feel the same as well, what I could see happening is that someone who tries it after reading the reviews, might have much higher expectations after reading several of the positive reviews. Then when they try it, they might not think it is as good as what they built it up in their mind because they set their expectations very high based on the reviews. It's like when you watch a movie that got rave reviews, then when you watch it, you wonder what the hype is all about. The store has this very hole in the wall feel. A mom and pop shop for sure. Depending on the time you go to this place the parking can be tricky because the parking lot is small.. It's dark inside the store. Definitely no frills, but it has a very authentic feel. It's definitely not a fancy place, but having said that, I think that's the vibe that gives this store its appeal. I don't know if the produce and other products are a good price since I only go there for the chicken. Although this seems to be a store frequented by locals that live nearby, I think their grilled chicken( pollo asado) puts them on the map with other customers that otherwise would not visit this store. I know that my teammates and I will crave their grilled chicken again so I know we will be back.”
Takeout Restaurants
“As I mentioned on other reviews, our plans over the summer were changed at the last minute by wildfires in Canada. This resulted in us having to change plans on the hoof and for a number of reasons we ended up booking 3 nights here. The hotel is OK – I’d say it feels more like an upscale business hotel not a vacation spot (though it was very busy with families in July). For me, it didn’t feel luxurious enough in terms of the room product or location. Our first suite looked over a very busy road but we were then moved to overlook the pool which was better. The suite is more like a junior suite with the bedroom area separated by a partial wall. The sleeping area was small, however the bed was comfortable with very soft linens. There is a small hallway leading into the sitting area which is well stocked with coffee maker, kettle, fridge, cups etc. The bathroom - although it only had a single basin - had plenty of storage and had a large shower cubicle with rain-head as well as a good bath. The dressing room had very little short-hanging space but other than that was well planned. However, the staff in the restaurant are VERY good – several of them German, perfectly trained and on point. One of them recommended the excellent Village Pub for a meal one evening which we very much enjoyed. Also, if there on a Thursday do go to the bar - Thursday evenings are rather an entertaining “scene”.”
“Gotta love small places like this where the owner is on deck and takes pride in his restaurant. Value to price was awesome. Bunch of Stanford students drive out here probably for this reason. The lunch sashimi bento box was outstanding. Cheers and ty for having ”
“"Hello everyone! ? I'm excited to share my personal experience with Gery and her delightful cakes and desserts. From her infectious joy to her warm smile, every interaction with her is a delight! Gery goes above and beyond to ensure she meets your needs and desires. Her Maracuya cheesecake has quickly become a household favorite for my family—it strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, and the syrup is simply irresistible! If you're in search of a charming, family-owned business, Gery is the one to support!""Hello everyone! ? I am excited to share my personal experience with Gery and his delicious cakes and desserts. From her infectious joy to her warm smile, every interaction with her is a pleasure! Gery strives to meet your needs and desires. Their passion fruit cake has quickly become my family's favorite! It has the perfect balance of sweetness, and the syrup is simply irresistible! If you are looking for a lovely family business, Gery is the one to support!””
“One of the best Japanese restaurants I have been in, the food was outstanding, especially the tuna Trio and sashimi, the staff was super nice and the atmosphere was cosi and so pleasant, we loved it!!!! Michelin should look at it....:-)”
“Delicious cheesecake and lovely store! Unique sour cream layer which balances out the cheesecake layer perfectly. So so good. Don't just take it from me, multiple local high-end restaurants serve Namesake Cheesecake, so obviously this is the real deal! The store is a great place to buy gifts for others (and to treat yourself!) - beautiful alpaca shawls and blankets, olive oil, jewelry from local artisans. Cherith the owner is the sweetest most welcoming and friendly person. Support local business! This one is a total gem. Check the hours before you stop in. Easy street parking around the corner on the south side of College Ave.”
“Best F'n cheeseburger I have had in quite sometime. Reasonably priced but like gourmet. You can choose how you'd like them cooked and they do it perfectly. Mine was medium rare and incredibly juicy. Fries were outstanding and you can have a cold beer if you'd like. I heard that the milkshakes are amazing too so maybe next time I will try that.Came on Leap Day after running an errand and it was worth the stop. Would definitely make the trek back to Menlo Park for this gem. Give 'em some love!!Parking: If the parking is full, there are lots incredibly close you can use.”
“When I used to work in RWC I ate at their original location just outside of downtown. They've opened a second locale in Menlo and has been quietly opened for a year and I hadnt realized it. Especially because it is in the same strip mall as one of my fave Mexican places, El Fogon, which strangely had an Atherton Mom and her teenage daughter going to. this would never happen pre covid. Speaking of when they opened apparently most folks wanted the original location which is more Panaderia than Restaurant back then to have a bar. So they built this one with a nice bar and now post covid the demand for a bar isnt as strong. I hope that changes because I think their food is quite good. Also this locale brings in the bakery products from the other location so it is a small case. I had a conversation with a server a while back at a sushi restaurant of all places and found out they were from Guatemala. We got to talking about where all the Guatemlan food was and they said El Pollo Campero was basically the only one around. So when I told them about the original location of Guatemalteca we googled it and this one showed up. So during my errands I met a friend here for a meal. We had to go for the stuff we'd never heard of and that paid dividends. The Hilachas is a beef stew that texturally like ropa vieja with the protein being beef being in a thick gravy like stew of tomato and other aromatics. This was served with a salad, pureed black beans and rice. The churrasco was grilled beef similar to carne asada but spiced differently. it had similar components to the Hilachas but also came with a chili and some crema. We also got a Gutemalan Tamal of pork to share and they included the last of their Gutemalan style chile relleno which is smaller but amazingly tasty. The bonus here are the hand made tortillas! Food was a big win and since you're surrounded in a neighborhood of great Mexican food, Id stick to the Gutemalan fare to broaden your horizons. THe brother and sister which run this locale speak really good ENglish but they still helped me practice my Spanish which was nice. A great new add to the neighborhood and now it's going to be hard because I have to choose this or EL Fogon in the same block”
“From out of town and I was looking for that taste in tacos ? that only a few places I know back home can do. Hands down this place is amazing. Humble hard working folks that serve you, feed you with there amazing food.”
“Bringing authentic frenchness in California is a huge achievement, Mademoiselle Collette nailed it! From outstanding croissants that could challenge many places in France to the excellent croque madame for a great brunch, and of course the amazing fine patisseries are a must..... The place is charming, bringing a good souvenir of so many French places.....”
“The pupusa is very very very delicious! Vegan meat and cheese tastes just like the real thing. Fabulous! That restaurant is truly a gem.Update: we had 4 pupusas and a Jarrito today. We like food very much.Vegetarian options: vegan meat and cheese”
“I went to an out of office meeting for work and the team for that location bought grilled chicken from Michocan Produce Market. It was absolutely delicious. Their order also included rice and beans, a side of hot sauce and tortillas. Love the side of hot sauce it comes with. For those that do not like spicy, since the hot sauce is included inside a container on the side, you will have the option of not putting it on your food. The beans had a jalapeño which made the beans taste even better. Weeks later after that meeting I kept thinking about the chicken and how I would like to buy it for myself.to share with friends and family. I asked where they had bought the chicken. It seemed like this is a place where people know how to find it but they can't remember the name and to top it off they have a hard time explaining where it is located. Eventually after some google searches and reading the reviews, I narrowed it down and figured it out. I bought a grilled whole chicken that they chopped into pieces. I also ordered the rice and beans and the order included tortillas and the hot sauce. Four of us ate and it was all under $30. My co-workers enjoyed it and one co-worker, who is very picky, was very pleased with the food, so much so, that one day he bought some for the office as well. Each time we have gone to this place, the people who work there have been very nice. They are also fast; It takes no time for the food order to come out. Also I want you to mention you could just order the chicken without ordering the rice and beans. If you do that I believe the cost is $20. I would like to add that I had their chicken before I knew it was popular in this neck of the woods, so I had no prior expectations. I don't know why it is so good. I think it is how or what they marinate it in and also how they grill it. It is a no frills grilled chicken, but very tasty nonetheless. And the pricing is still economical. Even though I find it very tasty and by the reviews, many other people feel the same as well, what I could see happening is that someone who tries it after reading the reviews, might have much higher expectations after reading several of the positive reviews. Then when they try it, they might not think it is as good as what they built it up in their mind because they set their expectations very high based on the reviews. It's like when you watch a movie that got rave reviews, then when you watch it, you wonder what the hype is all about. The store has this very hole in the wall feel. A mom and pop shop for sure. Depending on the time you go to this place the parking can be tricky because the parking lot is small.. It's dark inside the store. Definitely no frills, but it has a very authentic feel. It's definitely not a fancy place, but having said that, I think that's the vibe that gives this store its appeal. I don't know if the produce and other products are a good price since I only go there for the chicken. Although this seems to be a store frequented by locals that live nearby, I think their grilled chicken( pollo asado) puts them on the map with other customers that otherwise would not visit this store. I know that my teammates and I will crave their grilled chicken again so I know we will be back.”
“I've never had a bad meal here. Food is amazing, service is amazing, atmosphere is friendly and comfortable. Best frosted mocha you'll ever have. I also highly recommend the #3 egg scramble.”
“Stopped by to try a new boba place! I ordered the honey milk tea with boba 25% sweet! I was quite pleased with drink, there was strong tea flavor and the boba was nice and chewy. The only qualm I had was I could barely taste any honey flavor. I understand I got it 25% sweet, but I wish I at least got a hint of flavor. I'll come back and try it at 50% sweet next time. There were a lot of delicious other teas on the menu, so I'll stop by next time to try those.”
“While staying in Palo Alto Menlo Park I discovered we were near Philz Coffee!! I got my mint mojito coffee fix!!! I loved how the mint was present in every sip of my coffee! I can tell they took the time to make sure I enjoyed it!!! Thank you to the barista! ( Sorry I didn't get your name)”
“Just angelic food I say the number 4 is just always so appetizing so good just takes me to heaven best thing I could’ve eaten. I’m always so excited to return. The lady’s their already recognize me it’s just a wonderful and nice ”
“I've never had a bad meal here. Food is amazing, service is amazing, atmosphere is friendly and comfortable. Best frosted mocha you'll ever have. I also highly recommend the #3 egg scramble.”
“Amazing food! We ordered the tea leaf salad(ask for extra tea leaf!) and the fresh spring rolls as appetizers. We were vegetarian- so we got the garden curry and hawker noodles....all delightful flavors!”
“Came here with my good friend for drinks and appetizers later afternoon. Staff were super friendly and professional - appetizers were top notch and beautifully presented - and found my favorite wines on their list too. Highly recommend it for friends, anniversaries or even business meetings. Wish we had known abt the rooftop…..”
Cheap Eats
“Walk in looked around, my capaneon ordered cbuble gum and cookies with nice Oreo crunch and surprisingly loved it ok seeting nice and unreal one of a kind textureParking: Not good”
“The store is very well-stocked, clean, and competitively priced. Great selection of snacks, drinks, and miscellaneous pantry and household items. Their deli has tasty sandwiches made with care. The location is super convenient if you're on the West Menlo/Sharon Heights/Oak Creek side of Stanford.Overall, it's a great place to shop and support a family-run small business :)”
“This place is actually really really nice the staff is really friendly and eager to help out the food is really great and it's also very clean you're in town want to grab a bite to eat or just want to come and pick up a few items for dinner definitely the place to be”
“There's not that many food options in this tech park so this little cafe hits the spot. Located on the first floor to the left of the gym. Service times may vary, but it's always friendly. Prices are a little pricey for the quality but it's a-ok. Seating both indoor and out door. Communal area for water cups, utensils and condiments. Return kitchenware to the communal area and I love how they have compost, recycle and trash options. Thanks!”
“I was looking for a quick breakfast to pair with my coffee that I picked up next door and stumbled upon Woodside Bakery & Cafe. This cute little shop offers a variety of baked goods, foods, and drinks. There are plenty of seats indoors and outdoors for customers to relax and enjoy their goodies. The man behind the counter was very nice and offered assistance if I needed anything. After looking around at the options, I decided to get the gluten free blueberry muffin. It was really good and moist, the perfect little breakfast I needed in that moment. I'll definitely be back when I'm around the area again and support this little small business.”
“Great outpost of this chain. Located on the corner across from a small park where you can enjoy your coffee when the weather is nicer... they have some high tables with stools and a few tables with chairs and one available restroom.Seem to do a decent amount of to go orders/mobile orders. But are usually well staffed so things don't take too long. Parking at the back!”
“Great spot for Korean inspired meat plates and sandwhiches!Definetly recommend!The spicy chicken isn’t crazy spicy, it’s sweet and spicy just to the right amount.The rice has some beans inside too which makes it extra good!Vegetarian options: YesDietary restrictions: Ask the staff, but not easily visible on menuParking: 10 or so spots.Kid-friendliness: YesWheelchair accessibility: Yes”
“Delicious breakfast, lunch, gourmet coffee & tea - beautifully presented in a new cafe. I'll add pictures soon! Take Marsh Rd Menlo Park off 101, left onto Bohannon - you'll know you are there when you see an office park with lots of palm trees. Great place!”
“Best takeout spaghetti bolognese in the area! The pizza is tasty but more of a splurge in calories and price. Order online 15 minutes before you arrive for quick service! The iced lattes are a hidden ”
“The pizza was very good and the staff were friendly.I am not sure why, but the pizza took much longer to get ready than I was expecting. It was almost an hour from time of order for two one topping mediums, so I am taking off a point for that.”
“No longer carry sugarless frozen yogurt. It was such a treat. Please bring back. People who don't eat sugar love it. I used to look forward to getting Froyo every week until some idiot canceled it. In the weeks after they dropped the sugarless yogurt I went through a sadness unlike anything I had ever felt before. I believe Wild Berrry should bring back the sugarless yogurt because of its healthiness and incredible taste. Not to mention if you are a diabetic you can't have Wild Berry unless it's sugarless. Wild Berry would be a better place with it. Wild Berry is a clean tidy place with awesome service, all it needs is sugarless froyo.Thank you so much for reviewing my feedback and taking it into account.”
“I absolutely LOVE Lutticken’s! It is my home for karaoke every Thursday night with KJ Anthony! The regular crowd is so welcoming, diverse, fun to be around. They are my second family. Carlos serves up the best cocktails in the area and their whole kitchen crew serves up the most amazing menu. I will continue to come back week after week!!”
“Chef Kwan’s is a true Bay Area gem and landmark! I grew up with it as Su Hong To-go but it’s retained most if not all of its menu through the rebrand. Accuracy of orders can be spotty (I.e. missing Chinese chicken salad dressing, dressing tasting off, providing chicken version of a dish instead of beef). But, staff are kind and they’ve figured out how to run everything quite efficiently.Parking: Free street parking and municipal lot located next to Chef Kwan’s. Parking availability can be spotty depending on day/time and downtown traffic.”
“This is my second time coming to this place and I really like the atmosphere, it's very good, it's not the largest Starbucks I've been to but this one is on average very good, the parking lot is spacious, it just doesn't have a drive thru The service they give you is very good, the people are friendly and have a good vibe, the drinks are delicious, oh and they also speak Spanish.”
“Amici's is a great restaurant with wonderful service. They pay attention to details and serve quickly. The atmosphere is enhanced with a front interior dining patio which includes a fireplace with a blazing fire.”
“Went here for a team lunch. So many options, all really good. I really like the beef wrapped onion pancakes and the steamed veggies . They were also really polite. Service was really good.”
“I hate it when I have to say this is the best Sushi I have had in 20 years, because it will be pack more, then I will have to wait. This is an actual Japanese restaurant! They usally close at 8:30, but they were packed. At the looks of things, the were not going home until midnight. Unbillable how fresh the food was. Great assortment of Saki. Food was to die for. I will be returning on Sunday after the Super Bowl.”
“I love take out from Yum Cha. Dim Sum all day. Crepes. Sesame balls. The entrees are also good. And decent portions for the price.I didn't rate atmosphere because we don't eat in.”
“Checked out off the grid in Menlo Park. Not too crowded. At least 8 food trucks present this Wednesday evening. There are tables near the railroad building at the corner of on Merrill but be aware of the Caltrain buzzing their loud horn as it passes by. Also there's not much shade earlier evening where the picnic tables are located. I enjoyed the baos and a pineapple quencher from BunBao. The pineapple juice delivered as it's named. The mushroom veggies were alright though just a bit on the salty side. We all had a good time with some good food and conversation. Also of note is that the area is dog friendly.”
“I got the order of 3 tacos ? ?? they were hella good thanks ? as a suggestion they should sell energy drinks as well like Rockstar and Monster they do sell redbulls tho.”
“Four of us had a delicious dinner. Service was lovely, atmposphere was quite so we could actually hear each other. Someone commented this isn't the typical California Mexician food place - exactly! It is better. All four of our main dishes were good. Side of beans had real flavor and wasn't drowned in cheese. Included a little salad not just for garnish and guacamole. Rice also had nice flavor and texture. Vegetables were grilled not boiled. Prices very reasonable for a sit down, full service in a nice location resturant.Parking: Easy to park on a Thursday night.”
Latest Reviews
“Great food and service, atmosphere is clean just old. Crunchiest and best tasting cod ive had in the bay area. Fries are good not super crispy could be better but the fish is tops. Chowder is delicious just like mama used to make. Calamari is good too very fresh.”
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“Four of us had a memorable experience. Our waiter was fantastic, our food delicious and desserts to die for..... deciding who had the best meal was most difficult! Thanks for terrific memories!”
“Who isn't all about an aesthetically cute place serving great food? Getting together with my friend, we decided to meet at Farmhouse Kitchen, a place we both enjoy! This was my first time at their Menlo Park location and aside from the space everything else is similar--Instagram-worthy decor, elegantly styled dishes, and warm service. The interior is quite spacious with booths and tables for small and large parties. There's also an outside patio, though the CalTrain is right across and quite loud. We were taken care of throughout our meal by the hospital and friendly workers, without it being overbearing. The thing about Farmhouse Kitchen is that they know how to make their dishes appealing to both the eye and mouth. Dishes include traditional and non-traditional Thai foods. My friend and I both had the Yellow Curry with Tofu and a Side of Jasmine Rice. Though we weren't asked for the spice level, the curry was sweet and flavorful with a lingering spice. It was on the runnier side and I wish we did get more rice to enjoy it to the full extent. Portions were decent and we had leftovers--but note that dishes are on the pricier side. Farmhouse Thai Kitchen provides a cute and creative Thai cuisine dining experience. They have multiple locations around the Bay. Their Menlo Park location is off Merrill Street with limited street parking in the area. This is a place I enjoy going to occasionally but wouldn't seek out.”
“Classic my type of coffee shop. Everyone here is work/study or meeting friendly-professional.It’s naturally well-lit. Coffee is good. Tons of places to sit. Booths and a bar. Good parking.”
“Hadn't been here for a long time. The food was really good and so was the service.We had the fresh spinach mushroom omelet and the full stack of blueberry pancakes. The omelet was really big as the plate was ~11" in diameter. The pancakes were huge as the plate was ~9" in diameter.We couldn't eat it all and took it home.”
“Authentic taste with great experience.We ordered Mysore masala dosa , podi idli and Madras dosa. Crispy tasty and real podi chutney.Although sambhar is not spicy at all and it has more sweet taste. Sambhar didn't had drumsticks and masala as it is supposed to be authentically.Chutneys are definitely tasty.Also like their buttermilk specially the fresh fragrance and taste of curry leaves.We had take out yesterday and uttapam is great too.Even samosa were crunchy and imli chutney is damn tasty.”
“Great food and service, atmosphere is clean just old. Crunchiest and best tasting cod ive had in the bay area. Fries are good not super crispy could be better but the fish is tops. Chowder is delicious just like mama used to make. Calamari is good too very fresh.”
“The food was very good. I have never been to Caribbean to compare the authenticity of this place…but I was more than satisfied. There is limited parking and seating…which is the only downfall.Parking: There are only a few spots. Most of them are painted green as well (15 minutes).”
“Ideally I would have to say I would give Robin a 3.5 stars. Upon arriving to the restaurant, it was storming outside and there were no signs for us to find the place. When we entered, we got greeted by friendly staff members and got seated. I think what makes Robin a bit more unique compared to other omakase places is that you can choose your own price range and the chefs accommodate with what you had picked, but in my opinion I would have preferred them to give a set price to choose from. Inside of the restaurant was beautiful, I loved the interior design, but if you're looking for a quiet/intimate omakase experience this is not the place for that. Music is pretty loud and the parties around us were talking with their outside voice , which I didn't mind because like I mentioned the vibes at Robin is definitely more casual. In terms of the quality of food, I would have to say, while everything was super fresh and good, nothing stood out to me. On top of that, every omakase I've been to so far, I would have been full 80% in but we left Robin still hungry. Our total came out to be $470, and I would have expected to leave full. I wished they had taken out the potato chip nigiri and the noodle dish, because I would have preferred to receive more fish. The nigiri that was part of the courses was super small, and as I mentioned, while everything was good, I was not amazed. Still highly recommend if you've never experienced omakase before, only tip is to book at the bar seating bc you'll get the full experience that way.”
“Wonderful place, Fantastic ambiance. Extremely friendly service. I really enjoyed this place, it was my first time. Wouldn't be the last time. I highly recommend this restaurant. I was there with a big party and all the food looked and tasted really good. Highly recommend the Burgers and Pizzas ??”
“Great coffee prepared lovingly - seriously great. I will say, they could stand to put out a singular space heater for the couple of folks (including me) who sit for a morning coffee. Otherwise ”
“Menlo Park is a really up and coming strip of restaurants and cafes south of SF. Andytown is a coffee roaster from SF that opened up in Menlo Park. It’s a really nicely designed space, with an elaborate ceiling crafted with curved wood beams and lights. The coffee is solid. I tried their house special “The Original Bird”, which has espresso on ice, soda water, topped with a house made whipped cream. It’s cool and refreshing, just enough sweetness. I also tried some of their “Wind & Sea Blend” drip coffee, which is pretty good for a drip stored in a big container. They don’t have pour over which was a mild surprise.I also tried their breakfast sandwich, which is thick toasted bread with ham, bacon, and an egg with runny yolk. It’s a bit oily and messy, but overall another solid menu item.Indoors, they have a communal table with 4 stools and a curved bench for around 4-6 indoors and another 4 tables or so outside. When it gets busy there would probably not be anywhere to sit. It’s a nice spot, always great to find another quality coffee roaster with a store front.”
“I have been eating here for years and I have never had a bad meal. I love going there and there are so many delicious options to choose from. My husband loves the arroz con camarones. I love the appetizers and the chicken tostada salad. Also the margaritas are very good too. We like the comfortable booths and will be Having dinner there again soon.”
“Really good all the way around. Menlo Park has messed proper bakery for a long time. Everything super yummy. But the dessert challah has been awfully dry as of late.Parking: Park up the street and walk.”
“Stopped by to try a new boba place! I ordered the honey milk tea with boba 25% sweet! I was quite pleased with drink, there was strong tea flavor and the boba was nice and chewy. The only qualm I had was I could barely taste any honey flavor. I understand I got it 25% sweet, but I wish I at least got a hint of flavor. I'll come back and try it at 50% sweet next time. There were a lot of delicious other teas on the menu, so I'll stop by next time to try those.”
“Food was great and came out pretty fast. Service was also good. Will be coming back!Dietary restrictions: Great for people with gluten restrictionsParking: Parking spots nearby are tight. A little difficult to maneuver.”
“Everything was SO delicious: the scallop crudo with peas, the tortelloni , the spaghetti w/Dungeness crab, the waygu hamburger and fries and the apple tart tatin. I think one cannot go wrong with dining at Camper and I look forward to trying the pizza on my next trip :)”