Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in Palo Alto

We end up going to Palo Alto a lot to eat as it is really close to us. Most weekends we go to SF, but if we are feeling too lazy, downtown Palo Alto has some great options that keep us happy:

Evvia Estiatorio: Great food and even better dining experience. It is a must try if you like Greek food. On weekends it gets very crowded so reservations are recommended. The menu is very similar to Kokkari in San Francisco. The appetizers are nice and light. The fish is very delicate and flavorful. The lamb dishes are also very popular.

Coupa Café: This little Venezuelan cafe, just off University Avenue, is one of our favorite places to get late night dinner. It is crowded most of the time. Traditional Venezuelan dishes like Arepas, Cachapas and Empanadas are great. I did not like the pasta too much. The sandwiches/salads are really nice and fresh. Love the cappuccino.

Joya: I like the ambiance more than the food here! Sometimes that is more fun:) This spanish tapas place is always packed. The Yuca fries, crab cakes and  croquetas are good to start with. We are not into ceviche, but it seems to be popular. Paellas are great for the main dish. It is pretty huge and 3-4 people can share one.

Rangoon Ruby: This is our new favorite place for Burmese food. I could eat the tea leaf salad everyday! The sambussa soup is really good. The chicken and shrimp biryani is nice as well.

Sprout Cafe: Sprout cafe replaces Plutos as our new favorite salad place. The ingredients are very fresh and they have more options for make-your-own salads.

Nola: Enjoy Bourbon street without a ticket to New Orleans! This three story restaurant on Ramona street serves authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. The restaurant as well as the bar is very crowded most evenings.

Tamarine: Reservations are highly recommended for this fancy Vietnamese place on University. I have not tried the shaking beef but everyone seems to be raving about it. The Banh mi roti, papaya salad, noodles, seafood and the vegetarian dishes are all delicious. 

Coconuts: Only 2 among the 4 of us are fond of this Caribbean restaurant. The jerk spices could be too strong for some. That said, the place is always packed. Try it if you like Caribbean food. The jerk chicken, fish, fried plantains, guacamole platter are good. Love the cocktails! 

Cafe 220: This is a casual Mediterranean place that serves Greek and Turkish food. Being one of the few places that are open till midnight, makes it convenient for a late night dinner. The Kebabs and gyros are made fresh to order. The Arni Kokinisto ( diced lamb with tomatoes, onion, eggplant, bell pepper, garlic, tomato sauce, baked in clay pot served with rice and salad) is very delicious. The hummus and pita and the Turkish tea is good too. 

Fuki Sushi: This Japanese restaurant has a traditional seating area with beautiful art and Ikebana arrangements. We really liked the Sushi there, but recent reviews on Yelp have not been that great. We are guessing the quality might have gone down!

Happy Eating:)

-Yam and Dee

Photo Courtesy: Personal/ Yelp