Top 11 Restaurants In Palo Alto, California

palo alto restaurants
Adrian Chew
Adrian Chew 
Updated
| 6 min read

This holiday season, explore different types of cuisines instead of visiting the points of interest. Consider Palo Alto as your food destination and you will be amazed by what you can eat, drink and see. The city in California’s San Francisco Bay Area is about 56 kilometers (32 miles) south of San Francisco proper. It is well known for its parks, arts center, and historical landmarks. Besides that, it is also the main focal point of Silicon Valley as various technology companies are based here. There are many eateries located in the city that are worth checking out. Start your adventure now!

1. Evvia Estiatorio


Start your food hunt by checking out this Greek restaurant in Palo Alto. Since it is a popular restaurant for its great food and mountain view, you need to book your reservation online. There are various menus to choose from, so you can dine at Evvia Estiatorio any time of the day be it for lunch, dinner, or supper. You should also check out the wine and dessert menus as there is something to eat or drink for everyone.

The highly recommended dishes are roasted chicken, salads, branzino, and seafood. The aroma of the spices and olive oil will whet up your appetite. If you do not know what to order for your kids, you can always ask the staff for a recommendation. This Michelin Guide-listed restaurant is the best place to try Greek food. 

Evvia Estiatorio

Address: 420 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday (11.30am-2pm, 5.30pm-10pm), Saturday (5pm-11pm), Sunday (5pm-9pm)

Website: Evvia Estiatorio

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2. The Fish Market


Craving for delicious seafood or celebrating a special occasion? Then you should dine in at the well-known Fish Market in the city. If you ask any locals where to enjoy fresh and mouth-watering seafood, they will recommend you this casual spot. The garlic prawn, coconut shrimp, and crab cocktails are a must when eating here. They are a favorite among diners.

Service and quality are excellent and you will enjoy eating at The Fish Market. Besides, you can also buy some fish to cook at home. Do not forget to check out the excellent wine list as its selections are great too. The menu highlights might change on a daily basis as it includes seasonal ingredients, so you need to check the website or refer to the staff at the restaurant for details. Kids will like the food here too.

The Fish Market

Address: 3150 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday (11am-9pm), Friday-Saturday (11am-9.30pm), Sunday (12noon-9pm)

Website: The Fish Market

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3. Tamarine Restaurant

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Looking for Asian food while in Palo Alto? The place you should consider is Tamarine Restaurant located along University Avenue. You will get to savor scrumptious Vietnamese dishes made from fresh ingredients. It will be a unique dining experience for sure. Being one of the highest-rated restaurants in the area, Tamarine requires a reservation for its guests. Among the popular dishes are claypot fish, hoisin lamb chops, empress rice, and many others. Besides that, you can book the dining room according to your preference.

Tamarine Restaurant

Address: 546 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday (11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-9pm), Friday (11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-10pm), Saturday (5pm-10pm), Sunday (5pm-9pm)

Website: Tamarine Restaurant

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4. Terun

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Super @giuseppeschefoffical

Posted by Terun on Saturday, May 22, 2021

If your kids prefer pizzas, bring them to Terun. You can choose from the various kinds of pasta and pizzas while at Terun. Indulge in high-quality wines while having your pizzas. The excellent Neapolitan-style pizza is a must while dining at this fantastic restaurant with outdoor seating. If you want to order dessert, Eggplant Polpette is one of the favorites and you should go for it.

Along with the Neapolitan pizza, the restaurant also serves authentic Italian pasta, steak, fish, cocktails, and a great wine selection. Its cozy outdoor patio or veranda has lots of comfy seating options and makes alfresco dining enjoyable.

Terun

Address: 448 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday (11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-10pm), Sunday (11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-9pm)

Website: Terun

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5. Joanie’s Café

Joanie's Cafe
Source: Photo by Flickr user kennejima used under CC BY 2.0

No visit to Palo Alto is complete without enjoying its local food. Do you know that this casual spot was voted “Best Breakfast” for four consecutive years? It is definitely worth your money and everyone should dine here for breakfast and lunch. This is the place to go if you are looking for American food and you will come back for more after eating at Joanie’s Café.

You get to eat in large portions as it is standard American size. The smoked salmon omelet, cobb salad, and hash browns are among the popular foods at the café. Make sure you order them. Imagine yourself having a hearty breakfast - you will leave the café with your stomach full.

Joanie’s Café

Address: 405 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday (7.30am-2.15pm)

Website: Joanie’s Café

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6. Rangoon Ruby


Among all the Asian cuisines, you might not have heard of Burmese food. It is time to give it a try and you might be surprised by the uniqueness of the cuisine. Head over to Rangoon Ruby for your meal. Even if you are a first-timer, this restaurant will indeed surprise you with its authentic Burmese cuisines. It also serves Thai, Chinese, and Indian food and has an upscale ambiance with an outdoor dining option.

The Tiki cocktails are refreshing and are a must when you dine in at this Californian restaurant. Order the shrimp curry, samosa soup, and tea salad - among the well-known dishes. Whether it is noodles, salads, soups, or desserts, this is a unique dining experience so book your reservation to avoid disappointment.

Rangoon Ruby

Address: 445 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday (11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-10pm), Friday-Saturday (11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-10.30pm)

Website: Rangoon Ruby

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7. Pampas


Looking for more options when dining out? Pampas is one great restaurant to dine in. Choose from various types of meat and cuts from the menu. Its Brazilian cuisine is of world-class standard. Linguica, lamb riblets, and salad prawns are among the dishes to try while you are at Pampas.

If you like meat, steak, and organic ingredients, this is the perfect place for you. Always order moderately as you might not be able to finish it all. Go experience something new while in Palo Alto.

Pampas

Address: 529 Alma St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday (5pm-9.30pm), Friday-Saturday (5pm-10pm), Sunday (5pm-9pm)

Website: Pampas

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8. Zola Restaurant


Fine dining is popular around the world. One of the common things that come to mind when mentioning fine dining is a French restaurant. It is among the best and most popular cuisines in the world. Enjoy a mix of Californian and French cuisines at Zola Restaurant. Take a look at the picture below and you will want to grab hold of the food.

Salmon rillettes, beef Bourguignon and grilled pork chop are some of the dishes to order as they are the favorites among diners. Fine dining is not complete without the wines. Do remember to choose a flavorful drink from the restaurant’s excellent wine list. Additionally, it is one of the Michelin Guide-listed establishments in Palo Alto.

Zola Restaurant

Address: 565 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Thursday (5pm-9pm), Friday-Saturday (5pm-10pm), Closed on Sunday-Monday

Website: Zola Restaurant

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9. Vino Locale

palo alto restaurants | vino locale
Source: instagram

Hanging out with your friends or looking for a bar to just have a drink? Vino Locale is the wine bar for you to enjoy premium wines and hang out with your friends. Apart from wines, you can order beers and some light snacks. This is the place to celebrate your birthday, hang out with the locals and have a glass of wine. Try the fillet mignon and Caprese salad as they are super delicious.

You can choose from the impressive wine selection that includes white, red, sparkling, and rose wines available. Just remember to drink moderately and refrain from taking heavy doses of alcohol. 

Vino Locale

Address: 431 Kipling St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Opening Hours: Monday (5pm-9pm), Tuesday-Sunday (11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-9pm)

Website: Vino Locale

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10. Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels


Fancy eating some bagels? There are two well-known eateries in Palo Alto. One is located on California Avenue and the other on University Avenue. The shops also share the same name. It is up to you which shops you want to go to but the bagels are indeed awesome and huge too. So creamy and freshly made.

Look at the picture of the bagels and kids will get excited too. You can get your bagels through take-outs or enjoy them in the store’s indoor or patio dining spaces. Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels is the place to go for bagels. Apart from bagels, you can also order sandwiches and coffee. The bagels are so colorful and there are so many to choose from. It is also a must-visit if you’re hunting for a burrito, wrap, or sandwich shop.

Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels

Address: 477 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday (6am-5pm), Friday (6am-4pm), Saturday-Sunday (7am-3pm)

Website: Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels

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11. Joya Restaurant & Lounge


While walking around the downtown area, drop by at Joya Restaurant & Lounge and order the tapas. You can opt to have lunch, brunch, or dinner but you must remember to book your reservation. Among the popular dishes are roasted pig, Kobe beef mini-burgers, and chipotle chicken tostadas. Of course, there are many others and you need to refer to the amazing menu for details.

Apart from that, you will have a chance to enjoy wines from countries like Chile, Spain, and Argentina. Joya Restaurant & Lounge is one of Palo Alto’s expensive restaurants so ensure that you have enough cash.

Joya Restaurant & Lounge

Address: 339 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday (11.30am-10pm), Thursday-Saturday (11.30am-12am), Sunday (11.30am-9pm)

Website: Joya Restaurant & Lounge

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A mix of Asian and Western cuisines

Delicious bagels
Source: Pixabay

Whether it is a local delicacy or Asian food, you can eat and drink almost anything in Palo Alto’s lovely restaurants. The city is not just a holiday destination near San Francisco but also a foodie haven as you get to indulge in its food scene as well as experience the culture and heritage of Palo Alto.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Adrian, originally hailing from the small town of Muar in Johor, Malaysia, was born and raised there. Following his parents' marriage, he made the transition to Kuala Lumpur and now resides in...Read more

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