Restaurants in Palo Alto
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Best Restaurants
“We had a fantastic dining experience here recently! If you are looking for a spot that strikes the perfect balance between a sophisticated wine selection and a diverse, food menu, this is it. The food quality remained consistently good across appetizers and entrees. The menu offered a great range of options, ensuring everyone at the table found something they loved.”
“The atmosphere here is very inviting with a beautifully designed interior that really stands out. The wooden dining table adds a unique touch to the experience. The staff was friendly and attentive, making the service excellent. The food was flavorful and well prepared, and the cocktail complemented the meal perfectly.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“We tried the Gyu King Ramen and the Original King Ramen.
The Gyu King (limited edition) was amazing!The broth had such a rich, deep beef flavor and tasted super comforting. Definitely worth trying while it’s available.
The Original King is always solid. I like adding a bit of the spicy sauce which cuts the richness and makes the soup feel lighter and more balanced.
Would happily come back again!”
Restaurants with Delivery
“We had a fantastic dining experience here recently! If you are looking for a spot that strikes the perfect balance between a sophisticated wine selection and a diverse, food menu, this is it. The food quality remained consistently good across appetizers and entrees. The menu offered a great range of options, ensuring everyone at the table found something they loved.”
“First time here, fairly busy. Lots of free parking. There were a few employees, but they aren't greeting anyone who walked in. Not sure if they take orders in person, but there are kiosks to order your food & they are easy to use for ordering. The food is good, made to order. We had to clean our own table, I didn't see any employees cleaning tables, they should work on that because it was busy. This place is open late night, I think 3AM some nights. You can eat inside or outside, there's heaters outside. And a bathroom for customers.”
“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!”
“In truth, I recommend Jessica --the front desk-- who makes sure that I receive extra marinara as well as extra sauce Anglaise... for takeout. Until, we talked, I stopped ordering from Terun on principle. I was a frequent client. Takeout customers must be honored for requests that are gladly honored when in the dining room. Takeout customers should be thanked for not causing dirty tablecloths and dishes -- and LOYALTY. Jessica reinstated that loyalty. I truly hope that the owners appreciate her. Without extra sauces the food is too dry. With it, delicious. The prices honor extra sauces and more!”
“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”
“My husband and I love coming in for the lunch buffet. It's so delicious!”
Outdoor Dining
“I went to celebrate my friends birthday. We had a delicious vodka cocktail (actually 2 each!) coconut shrimp and pork belly appetizers. And we're too full for another dish! Except of course a shared dessert. It was sort of like French toast with pistachios as part of the crust. Over blueberries and very light whipped cream. And of course,I forgot to mention the milk bread. (Got one loaf to go to take home to BF who wolfed it down). Super place. Super service. Super food.”
“The atmosphere here is very inviting with a beautifully designed interior that really stands out. The wooden dining table adds a unique touch to the experience. The staff was friendly and attentive, making the service excellent. The food was flavorful and well prepared, and the cocktail complemented the meal perfectly.”
“What a lovely addition to the stanford shopping center!
Among all the kebabs, the chicken kebab is our fav!
- chicken kebab
- classic hummus
- cucumber lemonade
- scrambled eggs with sausage (brunch item)
Chicken kebab is our favorite, we ordered many times, and each time is consistently good!
Classic hummus, great, who doesn’t love classic hummus!
The scrambled egg we hope it can be slightly larger in portion, but still very flavorful!
Oh and the cucumber lemonade is refreshing too!”
“🎉 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”
“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!”
“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!”
“World Wraps in Palo Alto is fantastic — the food was amazing and the service was just as good. Huge shoutout to Julie for taking such great care of us. We accidentally messed up our order when we placed it through the app, and she jumped in right away to fix it without any hassle. She was quick, kind, and genuinely made sure everything came out exactly the way we wanted. We left happy, full, and really impressed. If you go, ask for Julie!”
“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!”
“In truth, I recommend Jessica --the front desk-- who makes sure that I receive extra marinara as well as extra sauce Anglaise... for takeout. Until, we talked, I stopped ordering from Terun on principle. I was a frequent client. Takeout customers must be honored for requests that are gladly honored when in the dining room. Takeout customers should be thanked for not causing dirty tablecloths and dishes -- and LOYALTY. Jessica reinstated that loyalty. I truly hope that the owners appreciate her. Without extra sauces the food is too dry. With it, delicious. The prices honor extra sauces and more!”
“What a lovely addition to the stanford shopping center!
Among all the kebabs, the chicken kebab is our fav!
- chicken kebab
- classic hummus
- cucumber lemonade
- scrambled eggs with sausage (brunch item)
Chicken kebab is our favorite, we ordered many times, and each time is consistently good!
Classic hummus, great, who doesn’t love classic hummus!
The scrambled egg we hope it can be slightly larger in portion, but still very flavorful!
Oh and the cucumber lemonade is refreshing too!”
Online Reservation Available
“Came here for a business dinner and it was fantastic. Service was attentive but not annoying, food was delicate and delicious and the drinks did not disappoint. The atmosphere is my favorite part of the restaurant. It was a perfect evening and we got to watch the sunset.”
“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!”
“Staff are friendly. They’re pet friendly. My Ribeye steak was the best!”
“🎉 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”
24 Hour Restaurants
“My boyfriend and I went here to celebrate New Year's Eve, and it was a fantastic experience! Sam made us an amazing drink that we absolutely loved. The F&B Manager, Alejandra, was incredibly professional and sweet—she even surprised us with a small discount at the end, which was such a thoughtful gesture. Our server, Michael, was also excellent and provided great service throughout the evening. The live music was out of this world—it truly felt like we were in Hollywood! Overall, it was a magical night, and we can't wait to visit again!"”
“The location of this store has been convenient for me in my locale and i can appreciate it's employees and Management diring the current crisis period even though i had had some discrepancies with some orders in the past. The only concern i have at rhis time is how a number of times i received cold, dead fries with my order.”
“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!”
Takeout Restaurants
“We had Chocolate & Blueberry focaccia, which was truly excellent. Also two jar cakes: Pistachio and Tiramisu. The jar cakes, like the focaccia, were very nicely made from quality ingredients. But their flavors were quite subtle, and afterward we both thought that the eating pleasure we got from them wasn't worth the calories.”
“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!!”
“Palo Alto Creamery is located in the heart of Palo Alto at 566 Emerson St, right at the intersection of Hamilton Ave and Emerson St, making it very easy to find. It’s a spacious restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and consistently great service.
The food is delicious and served quickly, even during busy times. This place is especially well known for its burgers, which are flavorful and satisfying. I personally loved the chicken wings the spicy and sweet flavors were spot on and the fries were crispy and tasty.
It’s an excellent spot for friends and family gatherings, whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a relaxed dining experience. Street-side parking is available, which is convenient given the central location.
Overall, a reliable and enjoyable place for good food, fast service, and a comfortable dining experience. Highly recommended!”
“We love our Sunday breakfasts at Joanie's Cafe. A cup of wonderful Guatemalan coffee is brought to us as soon as we sit down. Coffee refills are ongoing throughout our breakfast. Eggs Benedict and the fresh fruit are our food favorite items. The wait staff is exceptional. -Long time employees who add to our enjoyment of our breakfast. \nLovely outdoor seating next to festive Sunday Farmers' Market.”
“Great unique olive oil flavour. Mismatch of scoop to empty cone size though. For me, this detracted from eating the last 1/3. The value of this place is on par with other ice creameries. Selection of flavours is decent! I tried a few and honestly, this was the only one that stood out to me.”
“The Redwood is a secret gem in downtown Palo Alto. I'm a sandwich for lunch guy, and what I've loved about the several that I've had is that Chef Julien takes excellent base components -- like bread/rolls, meat, cheese and veggies -- and adds extras that make it taste especially good. My wife is a soup and salad person and she's always been very happy with her food. We're so grateful that a friend turned us on to the place.
I'm addition, we recently had Chef Julien cater a dinner for us. He was especially thoughtful to manage the menu around dietary restrictions of guests. Everyone loved the meal, from start to finish.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“We tried the Gyu King Ramen and the Original King Ramen.
The Gyu King (limited edition) was amazing!The broth had such a rich, deep beef flavor and tasted super comforting. Definitely worth trying while it’s available.
The Original King is always solid. I like adding a bit of the spicy sauce which cuts the richness and makes the soup feel lighter and more balanced.
Would happily come back again!”
“The lady who works behind the counter is extremely rude and unprofessional. Very snobby and no manners, she laughed in my face multiple times, and since then, I have not returned. She ruined the whole experience. I emailed and never got a response back. I'm not quite sure if this behavior is acceptable. But she had a gross attitude, a bigger, heavier set woman wearing glasses with hair in a bun.”
“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.”
“From the moment we walked in, the staff treated us like regulars — warm, attentive, and genuinely happy to help. Service was flawless all night: timely drink refills, thoughtful answers to menu questions, and spot-on recommendations that made ordering easy and fun.
The sushi is insanely fresh. Every roll and piece of nigiri tasted clean, perfectly cut, and beautifully balanced. Whether you’re into classic sashimi or more creative rolls, everything is done right. The menu is also impressively broad — not just sushi, but tempura, grilled dishes, and specialty items that clearly show how much they care about quality. Personally, I’m a big fan of the sake kama (salmon collar) — rich, flavorful, and cooked perfectly.
The atmosphere strikes that rare balance of traditional and relaxed, making it ideal for date night or a special dinner with friends or family. We didn’t do a tatami room this time, but even the main dining area felt cozy and authentic. There’s real sushi culture here — not just good food, but the full experience.
Parking and reservations were easy (a huge win in Palo Alto), and I left already planning my next visit. If you’re looking for excellent sushi, genuinely kind staff, and a place that truly delivers on quality, this is it.”
“What a gem! Service and food were top-notch. The bay scallop amuse bouche was stunning, as well as the swordfish and scallop main course. Restaurant is a little small, with the tables very close to each other, but we were able to hear each other easily in conversation.”
“Only down side is small parking lot. Do recommend street parking since the lot is very small
Recommend: Sashimi and Nigiri is well prepared. But everything is fairly pricey
The sushi here is very good and well made. Good quality fish”
Fine Dining
“Palo Alto Creamery is located in the heart of Palo Alto at 566 Emerson St, right at the intersection of Hamilton Ave and Emerson St, making it very easy to find. It’s a spacious restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and consistently great service.
The food is delicious and served quickly, even during busy times. This place is especially well known for its burgers, which are flavorful and satisfying. I personally loved the chicken wings the spicy and sweet flavors were spot on and the fries were crispy and tasty.
It’s an excellent spot for friends and family gatherings, whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a relaxed dining experience. Street-side parking is available, which is convenient given the central location.
Overall, a reliable and enjoyable place for good food, fast service, and a comfortable dining experience. Highly recommended!”
“We love our Sunday breakfasts at Joanie's Cafe. A cup of wonderful Guatemalan coffee is brought to us as soon as we sit down. Coffee refills are ongoing throughout our breakfast. Eggs Benedict and the fresh fruit are our food favorite items. The wait staff is exceptional. -Long time employees who add to our enjoyment of our breakfast. \nLovely outdoor seating next to festive Sunday Farmers' Market.”
Cheap Eats
“Never done me wrong. I dropped my ice cream once, they took pity on me. Love this place, wish I lived closer to it. Will be coming here every day during summer. A couple topping options, and multiple ways to eat your ice cream, or even get pancake versions.
They don’t accept cash though.”
“City Hall Cafe in Palo Alto is a hidden gem. Service is warm, fast, and genuinely welcoming. The breakfast is consistently excellent, with fresh ingredients and comforting flavors. Owner Sandy’s homemade touch shines in every dish, making mornings feel personal, relaxed, and always worth returning for again.”
“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!”
“Square Pie Guys never disappoints. The crust is perfectly crispy the sauce is rich and flavorful, and the toppings are always cooked perfectly. Everything tastes fresh and made with care. Easily one of my go-to spots when I’m craving pizza. I would love a few more cheeses and pepper packets tho. But overall amazing pizza.”
Latest Reviews
“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.”
Most Popular Restaurants
“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.”
“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!”
“First time here, fairly busy. Lots of free parking. There were a few employees, but they aren't greeting anyone who walked in. Not sure if they take orders in person, but there are kiosks to order your food & they are easy to use for ordering. The food is good, made to order. We had to clean our own table, I didn't see any employees cleaning tables, they should work on that because it was busy. This place is open late night, I think 3AM some nights. You can eat inside or outside, there's heaters outside. And a bathroom for customers.”
New Restaurants
“Many promotions going on, they have eat for under $10 and I was more than full. Also they have a gift card deal and more discounts when leaving a review that I am taking advantage of! This place is very well priced and you can tell everything is fresh. I saw the girl cutting up all the vegetables from scratch. Very honorable place, really liked the kake, similar to miso soup in my opinion”
“Loco Moco was the best I've had. The gravy sauce on it was umami but also had a slight touch of sweet and sour (from the caramelized onion and maybe a tiny bit of vinegar?). It's different than traditional, but way better in my book. If you're very hungry, you can add a second patty for another $6 or $7.
Chicken & Waffles were great too. Matcha butter sounds a bit much at first, but I'm glad we got it because it goes well with the crispy & fluffy waffles. Crispy banana/plantain + strawberry on the waffle was a nice touch too”
“Iki Omakase gave me one of the most enjoyable omakase experiences I’ve had. The food was excellent — super fresh ingredients, perfectly balanced flavors, and every course felt thoughtfully prepared. The uni was incredibly sweet and the toro literally melted in my mouth.
What made the night even better was the chef. He wasn’t just skilled — he was really funny and made the whole experience more relaxed and enjoyable. His jokes, stories, and interactions added a personal touch that you don’t get at many omakase places. You can tell he loves what he’s doing.
Service was warm and attentive, and the pacing of the meal was just right. For the price, this was absolutely worth it. I’ll definitely be back and will recommend Iki Omakase to friends!”
“Covour coffee is a hip coffee shop where lots of local and nonlocals go
Parking is a bit tight, but I saw a cybertruck navigate it so should be doable
Overall great vibes, good coffee, helpful staff
Their matcha was on point and the burnt honey latte was good and unique but a little too sweet
Definitely recommend!”
“The menu is very limited, but they are so pleasant — the young man behind the counter is unfailingly kind, and his choice in music is always excellent. They have far fewer warm options (basically warm pastries and a couple of brekkie sandwiches) than Mc Donald ‘s and La Baguette, but to not deal with the crummy, antagonistic service the staff of both those places provide, and to not have to sit outside in the cold or the damp (like at la baguette) or be made to stand around until well after the opening time while the employees giggle, gossip and ignore the customers (mcdonald’s), I am fine skipping breakfast and having an extra cuppa for 15 minutes before work in the morning. Plus, sometimes you just REALLY need a quiet corner where Green Day, the Clash and the Cure are playing at top volume at 7:30 am, to remind you that it is, in fact, Monday— and you are NOT on holiday.”
“Delicious food and outstanding service from beginning to end. Loved the hot cocoa and toasting the marshmallows at the end! We were not rushed at all and enjoyed the whole time in there! Definitely the best Apres Village my wife and I have had and we typically come very December!”
“I went to celebrate my friends birthday. We had a delicious vodka cocktail (actually 2 each!) coconut shrimp and pork belly appetizers. And we're too full for another dish! Except of course a shared dessert. It was sort of like French toast with pistachios as part of the crust. Over blueberries and very light whipped cream. And of course,I forgot to mention the milk bread. (Got one loaf to go to take home to BF who wolfed it down). Super place. Super service. Super food.”