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Best Californian Restaurants in Palo Alto

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61 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Ettan - Palo Alto restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2093)
££££
• Californian • Palo Alto
Booked 78 times today
Excellent menu, ambience & service! Price is completely justified
A photo of Local Union 271 restaurant
4.2
Awesome(639)
££££
• Californian • Palo Alto
Booked 26 times today
Our dining experience over the holiday weekend exceeded our expectations. We arrived at the perfect time and were seated immediately without any wait. According to our server, many people were likely away on extended vacations, which helped keep the restaurant pleasantly uncrowded. The omelet and salmon eggs Benedict were both delicious and well prepared, although the dishes could have been served a bit warmer. Despite this minor issue, the overall experience was excellent. The service was attentive and friendly, and the ambiance was top notch, making for a very enjoyable meal.
A photo of St. Michael's Alley restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(968)
££££
• Californian • Palo Alto
Booked 17 times today
We loved our dinner! Delicious food and wonderful service. Will definitely go back soon!!
A photo of Zola + BarZola restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1409)
££££
• Californian • Palo Alto
Booked 29 times today
Everything was absolutely delicious and different than all of the other restaurants that we frequent. We hadn't been to Zola in a long time and now we wonder why, We will definitely be back soon. Fish was perfect; gnocchi is very different than anywhere else yet delicous.
A photo of Eylan restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(564)
££££
• Californian • Menlo Park
Booked 48 times today
My husband and I celebrated my birthday here, and the experience was fantastic. The menu offered an exquisite blend of flavors, while the soft, cozy ambiance and welcoming staff made the evening feel incredibly special.
A photo of Wildseed Palo Alto restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(366)
££££
• Californian • Palo Alto
Booked 71 times today
We sat outside. It was lovely. Service was fast and food was excellent
A photo of Ethel's Fancy restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(886)
££££
• Californian • Palo Alto
Booked 17 times today
Vibe and energy were great! Our server, Stephan(sp?), struck the right balance of engaged and personable without being intrusive and overly chatty. The music was great and the food was too!
A photo of Flea Street restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2770)
££££
• Californian • Menlo Park
Booked 15 times today
Outstanding dinner. We had the scallops and the black card, which were both excellent. Our service was terrific. We will definitely be coming back.
A photo of Sekoya restaurant
4.5
Awesome(233)
££££
• Californian • Palo Alto
Booked 21 times today
We loved our meal and the service was great. Very accommodating to our large party
A photo of Bistro Elan restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(133)
££££
• Californian • Palo Alto
Booked 7 times today
everything was bright, flavorful, and the chef really knows how to make the fresh ingredients shine without the typical salt/heavy additions. Such a treat. Chanterelles were amazing. Lovely wine list. No pretense, just amazing. Captured the old Palo Alto vibe of my childhood, too, which added to the experience.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Venkat
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent menu, ambience & service! Price is completely justified
    More info
    Ettan - Palo Alto$$$$• Indian• Palo Alto
    4.5
  • VickiGold
    San Francisco Bay Area •119 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Everything was absolutely delicious and different than all of the other restaurants that we frequent. We hadn't been to Zola in a long time and now we wonder why, We will definitely be back soon. Fish was perfect; gnocchi is very different than anywhere else yet delicous.
    More info
    Zola + BarZola$$$$• French• Palo Alto
    4.7
  • LloydGold
    New York City •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Vibe and energy were great! Our server, Stephan(sp?), struck the right balance of engaged and personable without being intrusive and overly chatty. The music was great and the food was too!
    More info
    Ethel's Fancy$$$$• Californian• Palo Alto
    4.7
  • Tracey
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 7 Sept 2026
    We loved our dinner! Delicious food and wonderful service. Will definitely go back soon!!
    More info
    St. Michael's Alley$$$$• American• Palo Alto
    4.6
  • Ed
    2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on 6 Sept 2026
    Our dining experience over the holiday weekend exceeded our expectations. We arrived at the perfect time and were seated immediately without any wait. According to our server, many people were likely away on extended vacations, which helped keep the restaurant pleasantly uncrowded. The omelet and salmon eggs Benedict were both delicious and well prepared, although the dishes could have been served a bit warmer. Despite this minor issue, the overall experience was excellent. The service was attentive and friendly, and the ambiance was top notch, making for a very enjoyable meal.
    More info
    Local Union 271$$$$• Contemporary American• Palo Alto
    4.2

Discover best Californian restaurants in Palo Alto

Discover the diverse and vibrant Californian cuisine in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, specifically in Palo Alto and the Peninsula. This region is renowned for its innovative approach to food, blending local, seasonal ingredients with culinary creativity to offer a truly unique dining experience. From farm-to-table practices to the incorporation of international flavors, each restaurant in this area presents a distinct interpretation of Californian fare, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. The dining scene here is characterized by a commitment to quality and sustainability, emphasizing fresh, organic ingredients that reflect the health-conscious ethos of California. Whether you're seeking a casual dining atmosphere or a more refined culinary adventure, the restaurants in Palo Alto and the Peninsula area promise an exceptional gastronomic journey. Enjoy the blend of laid-back luxury and meticulous food craftsmanship that makes each meal a memorable event. Explore the culinary delights of Californian cuisine in this dynamic and scenic region, where every meal is an opportunity to savor the rich flavors and innovative dishes that define the Golden State.

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