19 Best American Restaurants in Palo Alto

“Going in with little knowledge on this restaurant, we had a great culinary experience. Food was innovative and freshly prepared and service (Mariah) on point. The small plates menu, as explained by our server, allowed us to sample many different dishes. We sampled the Oysters, Warm Sesame Pancakes, Salad, Crudo, Yellowfin Tuna over rice and Pork Belly and Octopus. Most "mindblowing" were the Oysters topped with Meyer Lemon Foam.“

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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.“

“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 .“

“They have all the product just like your in Paris shopping“

“My recent stay at the Hilton Garden Inn was nothing short of fantastic. From the moment I arrived, the staff was welcoming and attentive, ensuring I felt right at home. The room was clean, comfortable, and equipped with everything I needed for a relaxing stay.

The highlight of my stay, however, was the exceptional service at the hotel bar. José, the bartender, was amazing! Not only did he craft delicious drinks, but his friendly and genuine approach made every visit to the bar feel personal. His knowledge of cocktails and attention to detail were impressive, and he went out of his way to ensure guests were taken care of.

Overall, the hospitality at the Hilton Garden Inn exceeded my expectations, and the staff, particularly José, made the experience memorable. I’ll definitely be returning!“

“Came here on a Sunday night as we’ve heard good things. The chili Verde turkey chili was really good and the mac & cheese balls appetizers were also tasty. I got a pastrami sandwich and my friend got the spicy chicken and we split them. The pastrami was really really good, not quite Katz deli but very tasty.

I love that they brought the shakes out with the extra 10 like in the old days so you had about 2 1/2 cups of shake. The atmosphere is awesome and nostalgia is great! Highly recommended but kind of pricey.“

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

“Bazille is tucked inside Nordstrom, is a pretty solid spot. It's convenient if you're already shopping and need a bite. The food is generally tasty - I had the salmon salad and it was good. The service was friendly and the vibe is relaxed, nothing too fancy. It's a decent option for a casual lunch or a break from browsing.“

“This was my fourth trip back to wild onion, and the quality of the experience is consistently terrific. Staff could not be nicer and more accommodating, food is yummy and interesting with choices that make even brunch more exciting. The Bloody Mary was divine. I've gone there for lunch meetings, because the noise level is low enough that you can hear each other comfortably, and while it's an open layout, I never feel a lack of privacy. And the free valet parking, may they never discontinue that, makes it so easy to get in on time, and be stress-free. I like that the mood is casual enough that I don't feel I need to get dressy, but stylish enough that I make an effort. If you go for brunch, definitely get the Nueske's bacon, it's the best America produces and it's hard to get here in California. Bon appetit!“

“Happiness, a sense of calm and wellness in a bowl. I chose the pacific grilled salmon bowl with avocado extra and devoured it entirely. Haven't eaten a better thing than this in this entire trip. So lucky my friend took me here for brunch.“

“Fun Times with the Hubby!“

“Had dinner with some friends, had the crepes, amazing stuff. The staff is the best, friendly, beautiful very efficient. highly recommended...“