14 Best American Restaurants in Palo Alto

“Sat at the bar, by choice. Good selection of fine spirits, especially Japanese whiskey and tequila. Cocktails were very well made and balanced. We also asked for a mocktail modified to be “less sweet” than normal and it came out perfect. Food was great, not outstanding, but I would absolutely eat here again. The truffle fries were a miss for us since the white sauce makes them soggy. Burger and NY steak were exactly as advertised, possibly sous vide on the medium rare steak. The tempura mushrooms stood out to us as one of the best small dishes we ate. The Spanish Octopus was an unusually large tentacle, made me wonder how tender it would be. I prefer to have octopus more on the grilled side and that seemed to be lacking here but the favor was decent. The oysters were delicious!“

“Food was great, service was excellent, and the vibe was unpretentious. Our young kids really enjoyed the dishes and we had to even order an extra bowl of just steamed rice 😅. - Milk bread = chef's kiss - Coconut fritters had an interesting combination of flavors and texture - Kohlrabi with pomegranate seeds was "super good" according to my 6-year-old. I could not verify because he inhaled the whole thing. - Meiji tofu custard with shrimp and snap peas: Another hit with both kids, which always equals a win. - Spanish octopus had the right amount of crisp on the outside and the right amount of bite overall. - Pork belly was a bit too sweet to our liking. - Banana milk soft serve with mochi and shaved peanut butter - Griddled pistachio financiers: We'd never had griddled financiers, so the bruleed financiers were a new treat.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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 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!“

“Seniors love La Comida! It's a warm friendly atmosphere where they can get a nutritious meal each weekday. And it's a great way for them to get out and meet people.“

“My sister and I had lunch on July 28, 2025. The French fries are absolutely the best. Crisp with rosemary scattered on top. Two Ceasar salads, one with chicken and one with wild Pacific prawns. My sister said the chicken was cooked perfectly and had good flavor. The problem was with the salads. The dressing on the salad had no flavor at all. Who ever made must have forgotten the flavor ingredients. My prawns were cooked perfectly but no seasoning, just no flavor. Not sure what happened yesterday but just no taste and no seasoning of the dressing and prawns.“