Recommended 12 Dinner Spots Near Palo Alto, California

Ralph G The appetizers were good and you could make a meal out of them and the sides. I liked the fried fish, anchovies and the meatballs with yogurt sause was great. I had the lamb chops which were excellent including the crispy potatoes and sauses. Wife had shrimp which she liked. We were in the larger group room which was a little noisy but they have outside seating and other rooms that are quieter. The service was great.

nimita mishra so tasty! pesto is incredible. service amazkng, everyone is so kind. the quality of the pasta is just incredible. the gnnochi is so soft and pillowt, and the sauce is out of this world. the pizza margarita is also perfectly delicious. absolutely love it hwre, have already been back 3x. keep it up guys, love your food!!

Salim Ali Khan We visited Anatolian Kitchen in Palo Alto for a team dinner, and it turned out to be a great evening all around. A big plus right off the bat was that there’s a public parking lot less than a minute’s walk away, which makes visiting very convenient.Levant was an amazing host who took excellent care of our table throughout the night being attentive, friendly, and always on top of things. Everyone at the table had a wonderful time. We started by ordering a mix of appetizers for the table, and they set the tone perfectly: 3-combo appetizer platter – an absolute standout; fresh, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. Everybody enjoyed the contents with the bread that was served. Falafel – crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and very satisfying Pan-fried calamari – tender and well seasoned Beet salad and Anatolian salad – fresh, vibrant, and refreshing Every appetizer was excellent, but the combo platter clearly stole the show. The main course spread was impressive, with something for everyone: Iskender – rich, comforting, and full of flavor Chicken Adana – bold, juicy, and well spiced Vegetable moussaka – hearty and comforting Grilled chicken shish – tender and flavorful Grilled salmon – perfectly cooked and fresh Grilled lamb shish – juicy and delicious Whole Branzino – absolutely amazing; this was my order and I loved every bite. Vegetarian turlu – (Stewed tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and carrot served with rice pilaf) well-balanced and satisfying We ended the evening with three orders of family-style desserts, and the desserts were truly standout, rounding off the meal on a high note. I also placed a separate to-go order that included a mixed grilled platter and grilled lamb shish. While the food itself was excellent and tasted just as good at home, the only downside was being charged a large party fee, even though this was a separate personal to-go order. That aside, the quality and flavor were still top-notch, with clear 5-star food written all over it. Overall, Anatolian Kitchen delivers exceptional Turkish cuisine, generous portions, and great service. Minor billing hiccup aside (for the to go order which ideally should have been separate from the table), this was a wonderful experience, and it’s a place I’d happily recommend and return to.

Zahra Roberts I recently dined at Sweet Maple in Palo Alto, and overall, it was a wonderful experience! The service was attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere on the patio was vibrant. I was also very pleased that all our dishes arrived hot and fresh—a great sign of an efficient kitchen. The food, for the most part, was phenomenal. I absolutely loved the Millionaire Bacon and highly recommend the Marnier French Toast—both were perfectly executed and delicious. However, I do have two pieces of constructive feedback that slightly impacted the experience. First, while I appreciate pet-friendly dining, there was one instance where a dog was actively on a table, eating directly out of a plate. This hygiene issue was quite off-putting and definitely caused me to lose my appetite momentarily. Second, unfortunately, my scrambled eggs were undercooked, and I ended up feeling unwell later in the day, throwing up only the eggs. Despite those two specific issues (the table hygiene and the undercooked eggs), the rest of the meal and the superb service still made for a great outing. I would absolutely return to Sweet Maple, but I hope these important issues can be addressed to ensure a five-star experience next time!

Avais Sherani This is a big branch of the most popular Pakistani restaurant in the Bay Area. This is a nice branch with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant gets very busy on weekends for all times including brunch, lunch, evening, and dinner. The menu is vast with plenty of options for snacks and meals. There are both meat based as well as vegetarian options, which are smartly written in green ink. The food tastes really authentic, the portion sizes are super generous, and the prices are relative to the quality and quantity. The staff are very nice, despite being really busy they make sure to attend to you. Food is also delivered pretty fast. Seating is only assigned by the staff and even at busier hours they do it quickly. Highly recommended for good quality Halal Pakistani food.

steven thorne Casual, popular and centrally located southern restaurant and bar with wide range of southern inspired plates and side dishes. Will definitely return. Surprisingly, shrimp and grits as a dish was strangely not on the menu. Very welcoming and attentive staff.

M J (Texas Foodie) Nice location. Small bar but large outdoor patio. Tried the butternut squash soup that was ‘ok’ but wouldn’t order again. Overly sweet and only warm. Edamame dumplings were delicious as usual and the prickly pear sparkler was nice.

M Pak It was a very interesting experience. It was my first time eating Israeli food and it was delicious. Hummus was delicious and the atmosphere was modern. They also kindly recommended food. If you like a different experience, I recommend you to go.

Laura Perkins Ive been coming here for decades and love the diner vibe and atmosphere. Prices have definitely gone up, but the burgers and milkshakes are well worth it. They also serve breakfast all-day!

John Zavolas Sundance Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Palo Alto delivered a stellar dining experience centered around their signature prime rib. Starting with a cup of New England clam chowder, the meal set the tone with its comforting creaminess and rich seafood flavors, immediately standing out as a memorable appetizer. The highlight was the prime rib, beautifully cooked and perfectly marbled, with just the right balance of savory depth and subtle seasoning. The accompanying sautéed mushrooms added an earthy, umami punch, while steamed carrots and broccoli provided vibrant color and a refreshing contrast that balanced the richness of the beef. The au jus and creamy horseradish sauce further elevated each bite, making the dish both classic and indulgent. The ambiance at Sundance combined traditional steakhouse elegance with welcoming warmth. Crisp white linens, attentive service, and well-crafted drinks added to the sense of occasion, making the meal feel special without being stuffy. Every course was prompt, thoughtfully plated, and made for a relaxing, memorable evening.

Ahmad Alfilimbany 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.

Kevin Stanley A must stop if you are visiting or live in PaloAlto. Cocktails are spot on! Food and service excellent. Great building and ambiance. Check it out.