This spot is a downtown gem, off the beaten track, and open to the public (next to senior center Avenidas). The food is delicious, fresh, and has the “extra flair” that comes from Chef Julien being a passionate foodie and French culinary school trained professional. The fish sandwich is outstanding (I have now had it on three visits!) with beer-based batter (not too much, not greasy, not dry) with at least seven different savors coming through the sauce, fresh veggies, and condiments on the fresh ciabatta bun. I like to have it with a Perrier sparkling water and follow up with tiny raspberry jam-filled beignets and a small americano on the hidden inside patio. Chef Julien is working to expand and improve coffee offerings. He is kind, down-to-earth, and very approachable. And also does catering for events, has a crêpe stand at the Sunday California Avenue Farmer’s Market, and is a private chef. Great value for money.
Recommended dishes: Fish, Mini Croissant
Rajesh Ramchandani
A beautiful, lively and cozy cafe in the heart of Palo Alto. It's better option than many other crowded and noisy cafes in University Ave. Enjoy great coffee and pastries with quanut atmosphere for working on your next big idea or simply relax with a green team in a lazy afternoon. You won't meet a lot of VCs here though since this place is slightly unknown.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anastasia Budinskaya
So excited for this place to be right next to my office!!Parking: Free 3 hour garage right across the street
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissant Sandwich
Chris Naco
One of the best sandwiches I've had in a while.
Food: 5
Maria Umana
Delicious! Excellent croissants and sandwiches! We tried the jambon de Paris, the croissant breakfast sandwich, and the almond croissant! Very fresh, definitely recommend! :)
John
Chef Julian is always personable and a great chef
Ryan Harrell
Amazing food, reasonably priced, nice owner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Heidi R.
After recently returning from France and loving their abundance of fresh food - I never thought I'd find such a great place right in my own town . Incredible duck salad, truly European style and fresh and delicious! I'll be going there every time I charge my car just across the street!
Victoria Zung
This is the kind of place you hesitate to review because you want to keep it to yourself. The food is simple and will thrill the most demanding Francophile. The Jambon de Paris sandwich with Brie and green apple gets 5 stars!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Chocolate Croissant, Salad, Croque Monsieur
Wilson L.
First things first, Chef Julien is amazing - great person who makes great food! This is the best under the radar spots in Palo Alto, especially for office workers. The food is quite amazing and the price is actually affordable... There is no other location along the Peninsula where I can pick up a ham croissant sandwich for breakfast for $6. Did I mention the freshly baked goods (the chocolate chip cookies are to die for). All around 10 stars if I could give it.
Smooth and delicious hot chocolate and coffee. Excellent service and Banksy artwork :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Caroline Zung
Beautiful patio wonderful
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Theodore H.
Very enjoyable rainbow wrap and Diet Coke. Quick service, good food and nice staff. Definitely a place to return and enjoy more options.
sylvie shand
I'm obsessed with trying every dish of Chef Julien at Redwood Café since I had my first Croque Monsieur there. I had salads, sandwiches, croissants, weekly specials (you'll have to order them the day before). Each dish was generous, delicious with an intriguing creative "je ne sais quoi". The coffee room is comfortable, modern furniture with simple lines, cozy sofas, natural lighting, green plants, view on the redwoods and again the creative notes on the walls with colorful reproductions of Banksy's street art. Chef Julien does also catering and could be your private chef. You have to try it or you'll miss a foodie experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jenny Graetzel
I started working downtown this year and was so disappointed by all of the lunch options around University Ave. Then I found this GEM that has become my go-to place! The salads are truly amazing and are such a good value for money; the homemade pastries are incredible and taste like you are in France. The little hidden back patio is the best setting I have found downtown. If you are looking for a delicious (and affordable!) lunch spot in Palo Alto, this is by far the best option!!
This spot is a downtown gem, off the beaten track, and open to the public (next to senior center Avenidas). The food is delicious, fresh, and has the “extra flair” that comes from Chef Julien being a passionate foodie and French culinary school trained professional. The fish sandwich is outstanding (I have now had it on three visits!) with beer-based batter (not too much, not greasy, not dry) with at least seven different savors coming through the sauce, fresh veggies, and condiments on the fresh ciabatta bun. I like to have it with a Perrier sparkling water and follow up with tiny raspberry jam-filled beignets and a small americano on the hidden inside patio. Chef Julien is working to expand and improve coffee offerings. He is kind, down-to-earth, and very approachable. And also does catering for events, has a crêpe stand at the Sunday California Avenue Farmer’s Market, and is a private chef. Great value for money.
Recommended dishes: Fish, Mini Croissant
A beautiful, lively and cozy cafe in the heart of Palo Alto. It's better option than many other crowded and noisy cafes in University Ave. Enjoy great coffee and pastries with quanut atmosphere for working on your next big idea or simply relax with a green team in a lazy afternoon. You won't meet a lot of VCs here though since this place is slightly unknown.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
So excited for this place to be right next to my office!!Parking: Free 3 hour garage right across the street
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissant Sandwich
One of the best sandwiches I've had in a while.
Food: 5
Delicious! Excellent croissants and sandwiches! We tried the jambon de Paris, the croissant breakfast sandwich, and the almond croissant! Very fresh, definitely recommend! :)
Chef Julian is always personable and a great chef
Amazing food, reasonably priced, nice owner.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
After recently returning from France and loving their abundance of fresh food - I never thought I'd find such a great place right in my own town . Incredible duck salad, truly European style and fresh and delicious! I'll be going there every time I charge my car just across the street!
This is the kind of place you hesitate to review because you want to keep it to yourself. The food is simple and will thrill the most demanding Francophile. The Jambon de Paris sandwich with Brie and green apple gets 5 stars!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Chocolate Croissant, Salad, Croque Monsieur
First things first, Chef Julien is amazing - great person who makes great food! This is the best under the radar spots in Palo Alto, especially for office workers. The food is quite amazing and the price is actually affordable... There is no other location along the Peninsula where I can pick up a ham croissant sandwich for breakfast for $6. Did I mention the freshly baked goods (the chocolate chip cookies are to die for). All around 10 stars if I could give it.
Restaurantji Recommends
Smooth and delicious hot chocolate and coffee. Excellent service and Banksy artwork :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beautiful patio wonderful
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very enjoyable rainbow wrap and Diet Coke. Quick service, good food and nice staff. Definitely a place to return and enjoy more options.
I'm obsessed with trying every dish of Chef Julien at Redwood Café since I had my first Croque Monsieur there. I had salads, sandwiches, croissants, weekly specials (you'll have to order them the day before). Each dish was generous, delicious with an intriguing creative "je ne sais quoi". The coffee room is comfortable, modern furniture with simple lines, cozy sofas, natural lighting, green plants, view on the redwoods and again the creative notes on the walls with colorful reproductions of Banksy's street art. Chef Julien does also catering and could be your private chef. You have to try it or you'll miss a foodie experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I started working downtown this year and was so disappointed by all of the lunch options around University Ave. Then I found this GEM that has become my go-to place! The salads are truly amazing and are such a good value for money; the homemade pastries are incredible and taste like you are in France. The little hidden back patio is the best setting I have found downtown. If you are looking for a delicious (and affordable!) lunch spot in Palo Alto, this is by far the best option!!
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup