Restaurant Recommendations

Reposado
236 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 833-3151

A great place for dinner or just drinks. They serve authentic Mexican food and are known for their guacamole, tamales, enchiladas, empanadas, queso fundido and crepas con mariscos. The layout of the restaurant is very open, with two story ceilings, and casual mood lighting. The margaritas, and tequila, come highly recommended. A very busy location, make sure to make reservations.

Umami Burger
452 University Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 321-8626

A burger unlike you have ever tasted. This restaurant specializes in flavorful, juicy burgers, with top quality meat and buns that are to-die for. The truffle burger and truffle fries are among people’s favorites. The restaurant is rather small, so make sure to make reservations, but has a cozy yet modern atmosphere. Very friendly staff.

Tamarine Restaurant
546 University Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 325-8500

Delicious Vietnamese food. The shaking beef, tuna tartare, clay pot cod and empress rice are highly recommended, along with many other items on the menu. The restaurant is rather formal, with an intimate atmosphere, even though it is usually packed – again, reservations are recommended.

Joya Restaurant & Lounge
339 University ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 853-9800

Serving modern Latin cuisine, this is a great place for drinks and tapas. Their ceviche is delicious, and their braised short rib tacos and seafood paella for two are also favorites. The service is at times a little slow, unless you are ordering drinks. They have some great cocktails, including the highly recommended white peach sangria, and a decent wine list. The restaurant has a nice vibe, with mood lighting and Latin American music, and the décor is all very modern.

Evvia
420 Emerson St
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 326-0983

Probably one of the best restaurants in Palo Alto, Evvia specializes in authentic Greek cuisine. The lamb chops, octopus and phyllo with custard filling and ice-cream are some of their best dishes, though everything on the menu is delicious. The restaurant is small and intimate, with a simple décor. Definitely requires a reservations, it is packed even on weekdays.

Pluto’s
482 University Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 853-1556

The perfect place for lunch or a casual dinner. You can go up to the counter to design your own salad or sandwich among their many ingredients, or choose from their traditional American food that usually includes their traditional Mac n’ Cheese, Tri-tip steak and Sierra Nevada pale ales. Seating is usually easy for small groups, and they also do take-out.

Calafia Café
Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #130
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 322-9200

A cozy yet busy café, Calafia offers a wide variety of menu options, ranging from fresh salads, to noodle bowls, to pastas and meats. Very much in sync with the California vibe, a lot of the options are healthy, organic, local-ingredients and/or vegan. It’s a great location for a nice dinner or sit-down family meal. It is busy, so would require reservations for large groups.

Mayfield Bakery & Café
855 El Camino Real (Town and Country Village)
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 853-9200

Mayfield is an upscale, rustic café supplied by its own bakery next door. On Sunday mornings, the wait for brunch is very long, but worth it. The fresh baked goods from the bakery are served with many delicious brunch options. Definitely the most popular place in the area for brunch, make sure to reserve. Also serves a very nice lunch and dinner, always accompanied by their bread.

Nola’s
535 Ramona St
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 328-2722

Looking for some excitement? Then Nola’s is the place to be. With 3 different floors that are reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans and Mardi Gras beads hanging from the chandeliers, this place is anything but boring. Their menu offers Creole specialties. Heavy food, have to be hungry. The bar is one of the liveliest places at night.

Fuki Sushi
4119 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, Ca 94306
(650) 494-9383

Very classic Japanese restaurant with a formal atmosphere. Their dishes are very authentic. They offer takami rooms for a more private feeling. A little away from the hustle of downtown Palo Alto, so parking is readily available.

Hobee’s
4224 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 856-6124

This family style restaurant makes you feel like you are in the American countryside. Their décor is very rustic and cozy, and they are known for their brunches – make sure to reserve! Serves health-minded American fare, including sandwiches and pasta, and all day breakfast.

Terun
448 California Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 600-8310

A refined pizzeria with a simple, sophisticated décor and a patio, serving traditional Italian dishes and Neapolitan pies. Terun has a very nice wine list and a full bar to go with it. Perfect for a nice evening out.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
180 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94304
(650) 329-8457

This branch of the high-end steakhouse chain is just as good as any. A pricy location that is perfect for a formal dinner, it offers aged prime beef and delicate classics such as lobster tails and pork chops. Their interactive wine menu helps you choose a beverage that is perfectly suited for your mood or meal.

The Counter
369 California Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 321-3900

A contemporary chain known for their customizable gourmet burgers. Their veggie burgers are extremely tasty and they offer other vegetarian and healthy options. Their sweet potato fries come highly recommended. Also has a nice list of beers & wines.

Thaiphoon
543 Emerson St
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 323-7700

A very friendly and basic Thai and Asian restaurants, serving all the basic dishes. The service can be a bit slow at peak times, but it is still a busy location. They are also very accommodating to celebrations or large groups, when reserved in advance of course.

Pizza My Heart
220 University Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 327-9400

A nice pizzeria that specializes in locally sourced ingredients. A fun, family-friendly restaurant with tasty pizzas, known for their fun combos on its Slice of the Day. Also a good place for takeout pizza.

Fish Market Restaurant
3150 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 493-9188

One of the few nice seafood restaurants in the area. Specializes in affordable fresh fish and boats an oyster bar, cocktail lounge and retail fish market. Their clam chowder receives very positive reviews.