Forty minutes south of San Francisco, Palo Alto is the heart and brain of Silicon Valley.
It’s a city with a reputation for prestige and innovation. Tech titans including Tesla and Hewlett Packard headquarter here and it's home, of course, to the elite Stanford University. Such a lofty rep may leave outsiders thinking Palo Alto is inaccessible. In reality, it’s kind of a quaint and surprisingly relaxed town, though developments in recent years, especially on the foodie front, make it, dare we say, exciting.
The restaurant scene in Palo Alto has become worthy of the big city (no seriously), and given this is a college town, PA has culture in the form of legit museums. Flanked by foothills and marshlands, there are also gorgeous natural surrounds.
While housing prices here are infamous and there are some glamorous places to dine and drop some bucks, Palo Alto is still a friendly, mostly glitz-free destination anchored by two main commercial thoroughfares—University Avenue in downtown and California Avenue to the south—with Stanford's must-visit campus on the perimeter.
The Best Restaurants in Palo Alto
(Courtesy of @ettanrestaurant)
While Palo Alto has its share of decent chain restaurants that cater to the college crowd (and their visiting parents)—think Oren's Hummus (this is the OG location), True Food Kitchen, Sushirrito, Shake Shack, Lemonade, and Sweetgreen—it's also home to a number of delicious, independent restaurants worth a taste.
Ettan
San Franciscans are recently salivating over chef Sri Gopinathan's enchanting South Indian food at Copra (in the old Dosa space on Fillmore Street), but Silicon Valley foodies have been enjoying the chef's prowess for a few years now. Formerly of the city's Campton Place where he earned two Michelin stars, Gopinathan has been plating vibrant Indian flavors with bountiful California ingredients and plenty of finesse at brunch and dinner since winter of 2020. Design lovers can't help but fall hard for the lush and lofty interior. // 518 Bryant St. (Palo Alto), ettanrestaurant.com
Bistronomie by Baumé
From the ashes of the covid-fallen modern french bistro Baumé has risen Bruno Chemel's new Palo Alto project, Bistronomie. The brighter, more laidback, somewhat more affordable concept sacrifices none of the Michelin starred-chef's signature style. Bistronomie's six-course pescatarian tasting menu showcases fresh local seafood from sustainable, open ocean farms (two types of wagyu beef supplements can be added for those who can't imagine a meal without meat). The white wine-focused bottles, glasses and pairings draw almost entirely from storied French vintners. // 201 California Ave. (Palo Alto), bistronomiebybaume.com
Bird Dog
With Bird Dog's arrival in 2015, Palo Alto entered the world of the contemporary dining experience. Merging cuisines from Northern California and the Far East, chef Robbie Wilson creates playful yet comforting dishes including the signature (and Instagram favorite) wood-grilled avocado with ponzu and fresh wasabi. Meanwhile, a fried chicken thigh with green curry, egg yolk, and smoked uni puts an Asian twist on the classic Southern plate. Be sure to order a drink or two—while Palo Alto is no longer a craft cocktail desert, Bird Dog's superb libations still stand out. // 420 Ramona St. (Palo Alto), birddogpa.com
Mediterranean Wraps
This California Avenue lunchtime spot has been a mainstay on best falafel lists around the Bay Area for over 20 years, and for good reason: The parsley-stained falafel balls are consistently right on the mark, crunchy on the outside, soft in the center, and never dry. Homemade hummus, tender schwarma, and delightfully sticky baklava make up the equally compelling supporting cast. // 433 California Ave. (Palo Alto), mediterraneanwraps.com
Vina Enoteca
Like University Avenue, downtown's main thoroughfare, the Stanford Shopping Center is awash in foodie-approved chains (hi, Shake Shack and True Food Kitchen). The one exception is this standout Italian spot serving classic trattoria hits (al dente spaghetti cacio e pepe) but also mixing it up (Impossible sausage pizza). Excellent cocktails, especially the barrel-aged Negroni options, will make you forget how much cash you just dropped at the mall. // 700 Welch Rd. Suite 110 (Palo Alto), vinaenoteca.com
Rooh
While the pandemic raged, Rooh quietly opened its second Bay Area location on University Avenue. With an eclectic interior drenched in bold colors and patterned wallpaper, this location focuses not on curries (though yes, of course they have those too) but on live-fire grilling and smoking meats like Sonoma duck and pork belly, and on stuffed breads like the green pea, goat cheese and winter truffle kulcha and the paneer chili roll. Mixologist Chetan Gangan has crafted an array of impressive cocktail concoctions inspired by Ayurveda, each bestowed a name in slang from around India. // 473 University Ave. (Palo Alto), roohrestaurants.com
Wildseed
At this brand new location, SF plant-based spot Wildseed ditches the lunch rush and focuses its efforts on a hearty, comforting dinner service. Using local, seasonal ingredients, the restaurant replicates flavors from around the globe in dishes like wild mushroom zeppole (fritters), spicy yellow curry, and Peruvian hodo soy tofu skewers. Their cocktail game is equally as fresh and indulgent, with grown-up standards and unexpected ingredients like pineapple kombucha, yellow bell pepper, and olive oil-washed gin. // 855 El Camino Real (Palo Alto), wildseedsf.com/palo-alto
Protégé
When you've got a chef from El Bulli and The French Laundry teamed up with the former restaurant's old master sommelier, expectations are bound to be be sky high. Fortunately for Peninsula gourmands, this pair of fine dining protégés, Anthony Secviar and Dennis Kelly respectively, strikes all the right notes at their split concept restaurant. The dining room showcases Secviar's riveting cooking via a tasting menu; the lounge, meanwhile, serves equally intricate offerings (sablefish, geoduck, squid ink cavatelli) à la carte. On both sides, guests can count on knockout brown butter Parker House rolls and Kelly's epic wine program. // 250 California Ave. (Palo Alto), protegepaloalto.com
Terún
By day, Terún is a power lunch spot (minus the suits and ties) for panini, salads, and branzino al forno enjoyed on the spacious back patio. At night, the pace slows, the lights dim, and professors and young couples alike file in for eggplant polpette, lasagna Bolognese, and wood-fired 'nduja-zucchini pizza. While the pasta is generally quite good here, it's the textbook Neapolitan-style pizza (with about a dozen toppings variations) that shines. Dolce vita vibes are further evident in the strong Italian wine list and frequent set of local Italian chefs stopping in for espresso hits at the bar. // 448 California Ave. (Palo Alto), terunpizza.com
Taverna
The blue door and whitewashed exterior are just the first hint that Taverna is prepared to whisk you off for a little getaway to the Greek Islands—and the warm hospitality, terrific taramosalata, and tender octopus do not disappoint. With compelling and soulful cooking, don't think twice about ordering the custard baklava-like bougatsa for dessert. With Greek wine flowing with gusto, it feels like a celebratory vacation in the cozy space each night. // 800 Emerson St. (Palo Alto), tavernarestaurant.squarespace.com
Sundance the Steakhouse
They just don't make 'em like Sundance anymore. This candlelit, dark-wood-paneled legend across from Stanford screams "elegant steakhouse" and has been the place for celebratory dinners in town since a little before John Elway was Stanford's quarterback. The real decisions at Sundance are whether it's a prime rib or filet mignon kind of night, and which California cab to pair it with. // 1921 El Camino Real (Palo Alto), sundancethesteakhouse.com
Sun of Wolf
The name is bizarre (it's a play on the owners' last names) and the contemporary Mexican, slightly globe-trotting menu is just as quirky—but in and exciting way. Opened in 2018, hip Sun of Wolf dishes standout duck confit tacos on handmade huitlacoche tortillas; sautéed shrimp in a chile negro butter; beet tartare; and super cocktails. It all receives howls of approval. // 406 California Ave. (Palo Alto), sunofwolfpa.com
Palo Alto's Best Coffee Shops, Ice Cream + Snacks
(Courtesy of @cafevenetia)
Zombie Runner
What used to be part running store and part cafe-slash-roaster, ZombieRunner is now officially only maintaining one identity: a coffee shop. The Palo Alto institution moved down the block a couple of years ago to a new, more modern location with no jogging shoes in sight. Locals love this spot for its collection of healthy-ish chocolates and licorice that compliment the excellent nitro cold brew or the house favorite Turkish cappuccino (a dirty chai done to perfection). // 344 California Ave. (Palo Alto), zombierunner.com
Izzy's Brooklyn Bagels
Yeah, yeah, we've heard what our New York friends say about West Coast bagels, but there is no complaining about the bagel scene in Palo Alto because of this longtime California favorite for spot-on bagels slathered with schmear. The kosher bakery also has knishes, babka, deli salads, and a whole lot more to go with its iconic bagels. // 477 California Ave. (Palo Alto), izzysbrooklynbagels.com
Rick's Rather Rich Ice Cream
Palo Alto has a strong ice cream and gelato scene, but it's worth trekking to a quiet shopping plaza at the Mountain View border for the uber-smooth creative and classic flavors of this cheery locals' favorite for a cup or an overflowing cone of homemade ice cream. Good luck choosing from almost 50 flavors—we'll steer you towards dreamy industrial chocolate and the lovely saffron-pistachio. // 3946 Middlefield Rd. (Palo Alto), ricksicecream.com
Palo Alto Creamery Fountain & Grill
The retro diner setting feels straight out of American Graffiti, as does the Americana menu of patty melts, turkey dinners, and bowls of chili. Don't overthink it at the Creamery, as locals refer to it. This is the place for a California burger (jack cheese, avocado, and bacon), outstanding soda jerk-made shakes, and giant slices of freshly baked pie. // 566 Emerson St. (Palo Alto), paloaltocreamery.com
Backyard Brew
In a town full of adorably quirky concepts, this entirely outdoor California Avenue café/roaster (with lots of covered seating) might take the cake for its backyard location hidden off an alleyway leading to fantastic coffee, tea, and sandwiches. There are always dogs begging for a bite of the steak tacos on homemade tortillas, Stanford grad students focused on their laptops, and smooth jazz as the soundtrack for the sunshine-filled al fresco scene. It's feel-good, chill Palo Alto in a nutshell. // 444 California Ave. (Palo Alto), aoccoffee.com
Café Venetia
This all-day University Avenue café really does seem like it was directly transported from Italy. A tidy selection of small sandwiches, pastries, and chocolates await at the espresso bar, best enjoyed on the patio at prime people-watching tables. Yes, it's ok to order a cappuccino after noon here. And no, nobody will frown upon a glass of wine ordered at 11am or an espresso at 9pm. Free snacks are set out on Fridays at aperitivo hour for guests who purchase a glass of wine, just like Venice's cicchetti bars would do. // 417 University Ave. (Palo Alto), cafevenetia.com
Timothy Adams Chocolates
Bring your sweet tooth to Palo Alto's Wonka-ish chocolate destination for exquisite bonbons, caramels, and luscious sipping chocolate. The boutique also functions as a small café with a selection of bubbles and sweet wines to pair with rose or coffee walnut praline bonbons. // 539 Bryant St. (Palo Alto), timothyadamschocolates.com
Blue Bottle Coffee
Set in the old Varsity Movie Theatre and opened in cooperation with the coworking hub HanaHaus, this just might be Blue Bottle's most spectacular location courtesy of the gorgeous patio with a beautiful fountain and Mission-style architecture. In addition to their signature coffees, the cafe also offers breakfast and lunch dishes. // 456 University Ave. (Palo Alto), bluebottlecoffee.com
When the clock strikes 4pm, head to Tea Time for a cozy cup and petite bites. Traditional English tea sandwiches such as cream cheese and mandarin jam or turkey with cranberry relish are just a few of the many combinations. Choose from among 120 loose-leaf teas, from classic English Breakfast to hard-to-find Dragonwell green tea. The menu also offers classic butter scones and crumpets topped with strawberry preserves or shrimp and avocado. // 542 Ramona St. (Palo Alto), tea-time.comWhere to Drink in Palo Alto
Wear layers to imbibe at the President's Terrace.
(Courtesy of Graduate Hotel Palo Alto)
President’s Terrace
Take in 360-degree views atop Palo Alto’s new and only rooftop bar at the Graduate Hotel (formerly the Hotel President). A modern take on the original rooftop garden here, the setting is intimate with an outdoor fireplace, wicker furniture, and string lights. Choose from a selection of natural wines, creative cocktails by acclaimed mixologist Bad Birdy, and seafood-forward fare such as oysters, scallop ceviche, and tuna tartare. // Graduate Hotel, 488 University Ave. (Palo Alto), graduatehotels.com
Palo Alto Brewing Company
Simply known as the Tap Room, the city's only craft brewery, owned by Palo Alto native Kasim Syed, showcases its own beers on tap, including the popular Hoppy Tart Deco sour and the powerful Barley Legal coconut porter, along with some guest beers in the rotation. The communal table invites you to join in for a beer, order some bar food, and make new friends. // 233 University Ave. (Palo Alto), paloaltobrewing.com
Vin Vino Wine
It's hard to navigate through the maze of wine-filled boxes on the shelves and on the floor at this California Avenue wine bar/shop. Clutter notwithstanding, it's worth checking out the retail and bar options at this Palo Alto wine nerds' paradise.Barolo, Burgundy, Rioja, you name it—they've got the world's great regions covered in impressive depth. The wine bar is really more of a tasting room, where various themes like "Vosne-Romanée 2010 vintage" are poured as flights for guests standing at the bar or sitting at one of the cramped tables. // 437 California Ave. (Palo Alto), vinvinowine.com
Calave Wine Bar
Who knew that California Avenue is a wine lover's marquee destination? Calave, just a few steps from the Caltrain station, is the street's chicest wine bar of the handful of choices—and its best for date night. The by-the-glass list is probably Palo Alto's most extensive, and the various themed flights are thoughtfully put together. The peanut-butter-onion-cheese sandwich is the must-try snack—no, seriously. // 299 California Ave. #115 (Palo Alto), calave.com
Rose & Crown
With an entrance off a downtown parking lot, you might be surprised at Rose & Crown's interior atmo—with wood paneling and no shortage of English and Irish ale signs, it's all English country pub in here. Sure, you can grab a pour of Old Speckled Hen, but since this is also Palo Alto's definitive craft beer destination, you can get your fix of the likes of Pliny the Elder on tap. // 547 Emerson St. (Palo Alto), facebook.com
This cozy hot spot mixes Mediterranean and Moroccan styles with plush couches in the back room, but the wine menu features bottles from all over the globe. By-the-glass options aren't just the castoffs either, with great choices like Foxen's Chenin Blanc from the Santa Maria Valley or Tucker Wines' Carneros Merlot. A small snack menu includes a cheese plate and smoked salmon carpaccio. // 520 Ramona St. (Palo Alto), thepawineroom.com
Fun Things to Do in Palo Alto
The Faces of Ruth Asawa, on view at Cantor Arts Center.
(Andrew Brodhead)
Rodin Garden and the Collection at Cantor Arts Center
The Rodin Garden and Stanford's adjacent flagship art museum, the Cantor Arts Center, have the third largest collection of the French sculptor's work in the world. Beyond Rodin, Cantor has intriguing exhibitions regularly, plus a terrific permanent collection of modern works, ancient art, and everything in between. Admission is always free, and they offer docent-led tours (also free). // 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way (Stanford), museum.stanford.edu
The Anderson Collection
No Stanford visit is complete without admiring the outstanding Anderson Collection next door to the Cantor. The stunning modern structure boasts one of the world's largest private collections comprising 20th century American art from the likes of Mark Rothko, Peter Alexander, and Frank Lobdell. The gallery displays permanent pieces such as Richard Diebenkorn's Ocean Park #60 and features rotating exhibits, as well. // 314 Lomita Dr. (Stanford), anderson.stanford.edu
Baylands Nature Preserve
Almost 2,000 acres of bayfront marshland await walkers, joggers, and birdwatchers at one of Palo Alto's favorite places to stretch its legs. The various trails are a great opportunity to get up close with the Bay and explore its distinct mixture of tidal and fresh water habitats. The Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center is a good starting point to help understand the plants and animals that call the Baylands home. // 2775 Embarcadero Rd. (Palo Alto), cityofpaloalto.org
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
Some of the most rewarding views and breathtaking trails on the Peninsula can be found here in the Palo Alto and Los Altos foothills. The Preserve boasts gorgeous rolling hills covered by poppies in spring and lush green or golden grass all year long that seems right out of a "Welcome to California" postcard. Meanwhile, the views from several trails provide the rare vantage point for hikers to see the skyscrapers of San Francisco, Mount Diablo in the East Bay, and San Jose's sprawl all in one spot. It's almost guaranteed that there will be some deer or a coyote near your hiking trail, too. // 1530 Arastradero Rd. (Palo Alto), cityofpaloalto.org
Up in the Stanford foothills, there is a can't-miss, 150-foot-diameter radio telescope called the Dish. It's in use, but you can safely hike around it. Most of the Stanford-owned land is off limits to the public, but the 3.9-mile trail is accessible for everyone, and as far as its level of difficulty, we think it's a walk in the park. Caution: The back-in only parking situation on Stanford Avenue is an absolute nightmare at peak times.
Stanford Theatre
For a city known for its tech innovation, it's fascinating how Palo Alto's cultural crown jewel is a classic movie palace complete with a Mighty Wurlitzer organ. Built in the 1920s, this example of neo-classical Persian and Moorish architecture screens a wide range of early to mid 20th century films. Seeing a Hitchcock favorite or Casablanca from the balcony is as essential a Palo Alto experience as it gets. Unfortunately, the theater remains temporarily closed since Covid-19 but hopes are high it will reopen this year. // 221 University Ave. (Palo Alto), stanfordtheatre.org
Watercourse Way Spa
This downtown Palo Alto wellness center has massages, mud wraps, and skin care services, plus the opportunity to book an individual tub room with sauna and steam. Check out their website for unique monthly specials. // 165 Channing Ave. (Palo Alto), watercourseway.com
Shopping
Yes, Palo Alto is dominated by malls, with Stanford Shopping Center flanking Sand Hill Road and the outdoor Town & Country Village at the northeastern edge of campus. At the former you'll find the usual big box suspects as well as a few smaller labels like SF-based Cuyana and Amour Vert. Town & Country is your place for athleisure and beauty—with Athleta, Marine Layer, and LaBelle Day Spa. // Prefer indie boutiques? Find high-end international designers at Cielo(477 University Ave.); trendy womenswear from such labels as White and Warren, The Great, and Birds of Paradis at sister shops Leaf & Petal (439 California Ave.) and Cassis (206 Homer Ave.); and hand-painted cards and custom stationery at Letter Perfect(384 University Ave.).
Where to Stay in Palo Alto
A premiere suite at Palo Alto's Nobu Epiphany Hotel.(Courtesy of the hotel)Graduate Palo Alto
The newly opened Graduate in Palo Alto is the product of a major renovation to the historic Hotel President, which was originally built in 1929 and shuttered 50 years ago. The building has been revitalized to embrace its Spanish Colonial roots and, like all Graduate hotels, pay homage to the university down the block. Imagine hand-painted redwood wallpaper, custom art depicting Stanford traditions and alums, and original 1930s details. The two dining options, Lou and Herbert’s, and a rooftop bar, President’s Terrace, make this hotel a destination for locals in addition to those stopping through. // 488 University Ave. (Palo Alto), graduatehotels.com/palo-alto
Nobu Epiphany Hotel
Downtown Palo Alto's swankiest place to spend a night comes from global mega chef Nobu Matsuhisa's hospitality group. The beautiful design of the public and guest spaces perfectly blends themes of zen tranquility, the savvy Silicon Valley tech world, and California's sun-filled natural habitats. Guests can enjoy private balconies and plush Italian bed linens in all rooms, plus 24-hour room service available from Nobu restaurant. Tech gadgets include a G-link docking station and Revo Radio for tuning into internet radio stations. Non-guests can enjoy Nobu's signature pricey Japanese-Peruvian creations on the ground floor restaurant, but only some will be able to check out the "famous" Cal urinal in the restaurant's bathroom. // 180 Hamilton Ave (Palo Alto), nobuhotels.com/palo-alto
The Clement Hotel
As the headliner on El Camino's hotel row just across the street from campus, The Clement Hotel is an elevated boutique stay with just 23 one-bedroom suites tricked out with Frette linens, Nespresso machines, divinely deep soaking tubs, and plenty of high-tech amenities. The Clement is all-inclusive, so feel free to pop down to the kitchen any time day or night to grab a snack or a meal; or order your breakfast to be sent up to the rooftop pool. The rate also includes high-speed WiFi, valet parking, laundry, and even a nightly shoeshine service. This level of service comes with a price tag, but for traveling tech elite and proud Stanford parents with coin, this is home away from home. // 711 El Camino Real (Palo Alto), theclementpaloalto.com
