17 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.“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“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 .“

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

“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!“

“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!“

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

“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.“