Restaurants in Palo Alto

“Good food and great customer service. Do recommend”

“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.”

“Evvia has always been consistent with their excellence in food quality and service. One of the top 2 best restaurants in the whole area...Hands down! I love EVVIA!”

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

“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!”

“First time getting a drink and it was so fast and delicious! I love the small round tables you can sit cross cross applesauce on. I love the music they play and overall it’s a vibe. The food is delicious and the service is fast!”

“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.”

“My husband and I love coming in for the lunch buffet. It's so delicious!”

“Our dinner was amazing from start to finish! Came with friends and tried a few different dishes, including two different styles of momo (kothe and choila), akbare wings, cauli 8848, and chicken chow mein. The juju dhau was also a great way to end the night. Everything was so great! If you’re on the fence, don't hesitate! You have to go here :)”

“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!”

“Excellent food, drinks and service.”

“🎉 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”

“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”

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

“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!”

“Sekoya has been on our list for a while, and we were finally able to make it for a birthday celebration. They made it special from the start, giving us a personalized menu with ‘happy birthday’. The inside of the restaurant has a cool vibe to it, so if you’re looking for something more special I’d recommend that. Otherwise the heated covered patio is a great option. Their cocktail program is extensive and absolutely fantastic. But the food, that is where the magic is happening. We started with the tuna tartare- fresh, classic. The plantain chips give it a nice flavor. The crispy prawns were over a bed of papaya salad and spicy mayo- a balance of sweet, spicy and crunchy in each bite. For mains, we had to try their burger. This 6oz patty was flavored in I don’t know what, but it was easily one of our top burgers of the year. The side of truffle French fries were a classic but could be skipped. The roasted scallops were large, perfectly cooked over polenta and topped with bacon jam. If I could have licked my plate I would have. A MUST get was, yes, the beef tongue skewer. Our waiter told us it would be his last meal so naturally we had to try it. It was absolutely delicious and perfectly cooked. We will definitely be ordering it again. To celebrate the meal (and our birthday), we got the mini crispy chocolate chip cookies with a side of vanilla ice cream. The perfect pairing to end an amazing meal. There are so many other good options on the menu we cannot wait to come back!”

“The halibut tasted amazing — moist and flavorful, with a natural sweetness that didn’t overpower the fish. Pairing it with curry sauce, nuts, and fresh vegetables was the perfect finishing touch.”

“An absolute gem for anyone craving authentic and flavorful South Asian cuisine. The food is consistently delicious, and the atmosphere has a cozy, welcoming feel that makes you want to keep coming back.

Their Chapli Kabab is a standout—juicy, perfectly spiced, and cooked to perfection. Paired with their soft, fluffy plain naan, it’s a combo that hits the spot every time. You can tell they put real care into their recipes.

The service is friendly and efficient, even during busy hours. It gets packed, especially around lunch, but the food is always worth the wait.

Highly recommended for a casual meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.”

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

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

“Amazing food highly recommend”

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

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

“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.”

“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!!”

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

“A hidden gem nestled in Silicon Valley’s history.

Vina Enoteca is one of those rare restaurants where everything—from the food to the atmosphere—feels intentional and quietly extraordinary. Housed in the beautifully restored Stanford Barn, the space itself is stunning: high arched ceilings, warm brick walls, and an open kitchen where you can actually watch fresh pasta being made by hand.

The menu is classic Italian but elevated. We tried the spinach tagliatelle with ragù and the burrata with seasonal vegetables—every bite was rich with flavor and clearly made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The wine list is equally impressive, with thoughtful regional pairings that feel more curated than trendy.

Service was warm but unintrusive. You can tell this team takes hospitality seriously without being overly formal.

Bonus points for the market inside the restaurant! We left with a bag full of fresh pasta, house-made sauces, and a bottle of wine we’d sampled during dinner. It’s rare to find a place that does dine-in and take-home this well.

Highly recommend for a date night, small group dinner, or even just grabbing a bottle and a pizza to go. Palo Alto is lucky to have this spot.”

“Love love love. Fresh ingredients and healthy options that taste delicious. Had the tuna nori wrap which was good. Had better ones but this tasted good. Shout out to Hayes and Cesar for their warm hospitality. Hayes recommended the pineapple mint juice and gave me samples of others. Juice was refreshing and delish. Hayes hooked it up for 10% discount for first time customer which was super nice. Tipped it back and more of course. Cesar was super friendly and helpful, said they make their flat bread fresh daily made to order and that I should’ve tried that. Will next time. And he complimented me with a delicious chocolate fudge brownie which was yum! Nice chill ambiance, tall doors and ceiling which I liked—it allowed for plenty of fresh air to flow through. Glad I stopped by!”

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

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

“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.”

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

“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!”

“Great restaurant”

“It’s just really, really nice food with really, really nice service. We had various dumplings to start, a few seafood dishes, a few veggie dishes, the Singapore noodles — all just very nice. And that service was lovely.”

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

“Awesome rooftop bar with stunning views and great cocktails!”

“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!”

“My husband & I go to flemmings on special occasions, we love everything about the restaurant! Also awesome lemon drops🍸🍸🍸🍸👌😊”

“pizzas muy ricas y saludables buen servicio”

“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!”

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

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

“Rico todo , buen servicio”

“so much more than a roof over our heads. comradorie, family and food.As well presents for all of our children.”

“I'm so glad we made it in for happy hour! Bar snacks and specialty cocktails all 50% off! What a steal! We shared the Grilled Octopus, Tostones with a delicious Mojo Verde Sauce, and the beef Tallow French fries. They have a beautiful courtyard where we enjoyed the Whiskey Ginger Cove and Sweet & Smokey cocktail. Cocktails and food were full of flavor and perfect for the evening. Thank you to the bartender for the recommendations! We decided to stay for dinner and their 28 Day Dry Aged Ribeye did not disappoint! Highly recommend if you decide to dine here! My date had the Cabaña burger with French fries. Both cooked perfectly medium rare. Will definitely be back!”

“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.”

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

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

“The best worst flavor
They have abominations like habanero with berries and strawberries with pepper and balsamic, for the bold.

The rest of less weird combinations are just delicious, vanilla bean with sea salt and caramel, lavender, chocolate brownie.

Generous portions and long line on weekends, try them on off-peak hours and you can have a couple of tastes”

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

“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.”

“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.”

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

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

“Frambrini's Cafe is upgraded and it is amazing! Extensive menu and big-portion dishes. I like the beautiful pink rose latte”

“This has been my go-to lunch spot at work for for the last 8 mos (ever since I found out about it). One of the tastiest sandwich places and reasonably priced. Great, fresh ingredients, thoughtful menu items, and extremely friendly staff. Probably one of the most 'slept on' restaurants in the area. Would give 10 stars if I could.”

“Hamachi shots were insane. The tofu was some of the best I’ve ever had, super soft and fried just a bit for the perfect thin, crispy texture. The sauce for the tofu was also so yum!!! Crab was pretty good, though both the crab and tofu got soggy quickly due to the sauce. The o toro nigiri was honestly the best thing from this dinner. SO. TENDER. Salmon toro and Ebodai (butter fish) were also tender, but the o toro was unmatched. Honestly could’ve passed on the yellowtail maki, it was very rice-y but still good. Yuzu cheesecake was a great way to end this magical meal. We are moved.”

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

“Good ramen, hella busy, backed up urinal which was mildly unpleasant but the food was super good. Kudos to the person with the aux cord for playing anime openings. It was hard eating noodles while head banging to Sorairo Days - this guy knows ball”

“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”

“Nice place and nice coffee”

“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.”

“Food and atmosphere are always great. On this particular visit service was very slow even they weren't busy. Side note regarding slow service: I hate that they automatically added a 20% gratuity to the bill, I will tip based of the service, thank you.”

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

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

“Amazing Sicilian food, cozy patio and dining experience. Wait staff are welcoming❤️”

“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.”

“great food. good service”

“The food was absolutely delicious! As a regular consumer of Caribbean cuisine, I came in with my expectations in check—but I was pleasantly surprised. The portions were generous (I went for lunch and ended up skipping dinner). The subtle hint of coconut in the rice truly made my day and the curry goat was one of the best I’ve had in a long time—yes, I said it! The service was decent; although our orders got mixed up, the staff were very friendly and apologetic, which made up for it. Overall, a fantastic experience that I’ll definitely be coming back for.”

“No amount of "good" food can make up for blatant violations of the law. Just like rats in the kitchen are a health risk to all patrons, rats in service are just as bad. And you have rats! Denying a blind person access because of her guide dog is 100% horrible and inexcusable. And against the law. If I was the owner, I'd be tracking down the guest and profusely apologizing while firing the employees who broke the law. Humiliating a guest by denying them access is unconscionable. Shame on you! Until this situation is rectified and all employees properly trained on the Americans with Disabilities Act, NO ONE SHOULD PATRONIZE HOWIE'S Update: Owner contacted individuals involved to rectify the situation. Staff is being educated about service dig access and the ADA. He also is making a contribution to Canine Companions for Independence. Hopefully this will improve not only access for service dig teams, but elevate everyone's experience at Howie's.”

“So glad I stumbled across this gem today! William (cashier) was extremely patient, accommodating, and helpful. We ordered a porchetta sandwich, side of fries, double espresso, burger, and scone. Everything we had was delicious - the porchetta was one of the best sandwiches I’ve had. There isn’t a dedicated kids menu from what I saw, but they provided a high chair and most kids survive off fries, so we were fine. Parking is in a private lot and an easy walk from LPCH or Stanford shopping center. The weather was perfect for their patio dining, and staff were prompt to bring our food and clear tables.”

“Amazing food & service, excellent atmosphere”

“Matcha soft serve in a cup, with or without the custard filled fish waffle, is excellent. We tried matcha and peach as well (1/2 and 1/2) and admit the second flavor was too sweet. So stick with the green tea classic!”

“Yummy delicious and super cool 😎”

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

“Awesome place to enjoy good coffee, pastries and cosy atmosphere!”

“Excelente servicio 🙂…………..”

“Wow, this place is a gem! Operated by Sandy, a sweet Korean woman, who makes her own kimchee. Each burrito (I had the breakfast burrito with pork and kimchee) is hand made on a skillet. All the products are cooked. This is fantastic home cooking and super affordably priced. (Note: Cookies are not made at home)”

“I came early in the morning unaware that they only took card and the lady offered my hot cocoa on the house. Extremely appreciated and really felt the warm hospitality from all the coworkers despite it being so early.”

“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 .”

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

“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!”

“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.”

“location, coffee and sandwiches”

“Best coffee I’ve ever had!”

“샌프란에가면 마셔봐야하는 민트모히또아이스커피”

“My pre-order was MIA but I chatted up a staffer who looked for it in their system, decided somebody may have taken it, and made me a fresh salad on the spot! ❤️”

“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! 🍹”

“Amazing food & service, excellent atmosphere”

“Excellent meal in the restaurant!”

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

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

“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!”

“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.”

“I wish you would open another location outside downtown Palo Alto. Your food is fabulous but too hard for parking!”

“First time getting a drink and it was so fast and delicious! I love the small round tables you can sit cross cross applesauce on. I love the music they play and overall it’s a vibe. The food is delicious and the service is fast!”

“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.”

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

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

“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.”

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