The lively city of Palo Alto, known for its innovation and tech prowess, is also a haven for culinary connoisseurs. In this extensive guide, we'll explore the crème de la crème of Palo Alto's dining scene, featuring the standout establishments that promise a symphony of flavors and an unforgettable dining experience.
Ettan
518 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Let's commence our culinary adventure with Ettan, a gem nestled in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. Ettan is a celebration of modern Indian cuisine, where traditional flavors are elevated to new heights through innovation and artistry. As you step into Ettan, the contemporary décor, adorned with subtle Indian influences, sets the stage for a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.
Ettan's menu is a tapestry of bold and inventive flavors curated by Chef Srijith Gopinathan, a Michelin-starred culinary virtuoso. Indulge in dishes like the Tandoori octopus, where the tender octopus is charred to perfection, or savor the lamb chops for a symphony of spices. The delectable menu, which includes vegetarian and vegan options, ensures that every diner finds a dish to delight their taste buds.
Complementing the culinary creations is Ettan's impressive beverage selection. From expertly crafted cocktails incorporating Indian spices and flavors to a carefully curated wine list, the drink offerings enhance the overall dining experience. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a cocktail aficionado, Ettan has the perfect libation to accompany your meal.
Save room for the dessert finale, too. The white chocolate cremeux, grapefruit and litchi, and the seasonal sorbet are just a glimpse into the sweet symphony that concludes your culinary journey at Ettan.
Let's commence our culinary adventure with Ettan, a gem nestled in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. Ettan is a celebration of modern Indian cuisine, where traditional flavors are elevated to new heights through innovation and artistry. As you step into Ettan, the contemporary décor, adorned with subtle Indian influences, sets the stage for a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.
Ettan's menu is a tapestry of bold and inventive flavors curated by Chef Srijith Gopinathan, a Michelin-starred culinary virtuoso. Indulge in dishes like the Tandoori octopus, where the tender octopus is charred to perfection, or savor the lamb chops for a symphony of spices. The delectable menu, which includes vegetarian and vegan options, ensures that every diner finds a dish to delight their taste buds.
Complementing the culinary creations is Ettan's impressive beverage selection. From expertly crafted cocktails incorporating Indian spices and flavors to a carefully curated wine list, the drink offerings enhance the overall dining experience. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a cocktail aficionado, Ettan has the perfect libation to accompany your meal.
Save room for the dessert finale, too. The white chocolate cremeux, grapefruit and litchi, and the seasonal sorbet are just a glimpse into the sweet symphony that concludes your culinary journey at Ettan.
Nola
535 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Next on our culinary tour is Nola, a lively and soulful Palo Alto restaurant housed in the historic Pedro de Lemos House. Nola is a spirited celebration of Southern hospitality, where comfort food meets culinary innovation. Step into Nola, and you'll be transported to the vibrant streets of New Orleans. The restaurant's lively atmosphere, complete with jazz tunes and colorful décor, captures the essence of the Big Easy. Whether you're seated indoors (in one of the eight dining rooms) or on the charming outdoor patio, Nola immerses you in a dining experience that is as lively as it is delicious.
Nola's menu is a love letter to Southern cuisine, featuring classics with a contemporary twist. From the crawfish and shrimp gumbo to the firecracker cajun pasta, the menu here exemplifies the rich and spicy flavors of the South. The menu's versatility ensures that both meat lovers and vegetarians can find a dish that resonates with their taste buds. To complement the Southern fare, Nola offers a selection of craft cocktails and an extensive beer list. Sip on a refreshing pina verde or opt for a local craft brew to accompany your meal. The drink menu, much like the food, reflects the restaurant's commitment to providing a holistic and authentic experience.
Next on our culinary tour is Nola, a lively and soulful Palo Alto restaurant housed in the historic Pedro de Lemos House. Nola is a spirited celebration of Southern hospitality, where comfort food meets culinary innovation. Step into Nola, and you'll be transported to the vibrant streets of New Orleans. The restaurant's lively atmosphere, complete with jazz tunes and colorful décor, captures the essence of the Big Easy. Whether you're seated indoors (in one of the eight dining rooms) or on the charming outdoor patio, Nola immerses you in a dining experience that is as lively as it is delicious.
Nola's menu is a love letter to Southern cuisine, featuring classics with a contemporary twist. From the crawfish and shrimp gumbo to the firecracker cajun pasta, the menu here exemplifies the rich and spicy flavors of the South. The menu's versatility ensures that both meat lovers and vegetarians can find a dish that resonates with their taste buds. To complement the Southern fare, Nola offers a selection of craft cocktails and an extensive beer list. Sip on a refreshing pina verde or opt for a local craft brew to accompany your meal. The drink menu, much like the food, reflects the restaurant's commitment to providing a holistic and authentic experience.
Protege
250 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Our exploration continues with Protege, a culinary haven that graces the Palo Alto restaurant scene with its commitment to exceptional New American cuisine. Protege welcomes diners with an ambiance that exudes sophistication and understated elegance, featuring two dining spaces: the Lounge with an a la carte menu and the Dining Room with an impressive seven-course tasting menu. From the delicate flavors of the pear salad to the decadent indulgence of the Berkshire pork chops, each dish is a carefully crafted masterpiece. Protege's commitment to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients ensures that the menu is always fresh, vibrant, and in harmony with the changing seasons.
Enhancing the culinary journey at Protege is an extensive wine list curated with precision. The restaurant's knowledgeable sommeliers are adept at recommending the perfect wine pairings to complement each dish. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a novice, Protege's wine offerings add a layer of sophistication to your dining journey.
Our exploration continues with Protege, a culinary haven that graces the Palo Alto restaurant scene with its commitment to exceptional New American cuisine. Protege welcomes diners with an ambiance that exudes sophistication and understated elegance, featuring two dining spaces: the Lounge with an a la carte menu and the Dining Room with an impressive seven-course tasting menu. From the delicate flavors of the pear salad to the decadent indulgence of the Berkshire pork chops, each dish is a carefully crafted masterpiece. Protege's commitment to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients ensures that the menu is always fresh, vibrant, and in harmony with the changing seasons.
Enhancing the culinary journey at Protege is an extensive wine list curated with precision. The restaurant's knowledgeable sommeliers are adept at recommending the perfect wine pairings to complement each dish. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a novice, Protege's wine offerings add a layer of sophistication to your dining journey.
Terun
448 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Our final stop on this culinary odyssey brings us to Terun, a delightful enclave that brings the soulful flavors of Italy to Palo Alto. Terun embraces authentic Italian cuisine, where traditional recipes and fresh ingredients transport diners to the sunny landscapes of Italy. The restaurant's wood-fired pizzas are a testament to the traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients that define authentic Italian pizza. From the classic Margherita to inventive creations like the Napoletana and tricolore, each pie is a culinary journey to the heart of Italy.
Beyond its stellar pizza offerings, Terun's pasta dishes showcase the culinary prowess of the kitchen. Try the gnocchi, check out the risotto of the day, or savor the calamarata, a seafood pasta that captures the essence of coastal Italian cuisine. Complementing the authentic flavors of the cuisine are Terun's Italian-inspired cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine list.
From the modern Indian delights at Ettan to the soulful Southern flavors at Nola, each restaurant contributes to the rich tapestry of Palo Alto's dining scene. So, whether you're a local seeking a new dining adventure or a visitor eager to savor the flavors of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto's best restaurants invite you to embark on a journey of taste and discovery.
If you're hoping to begin your new life in Palo Alto, partner with us at The Oldham Group. Thanks to our extensive local insight, market knowledge, and industry expertise, we are the team you need by your side. Contact us today!
Our final stop on this culinary odyssey brings us to Terun, a delightful enclave that brings the soulful flavors of Italy to Palo Alto. Terun embraces authentic Italian cuisine, where traditional recipes and fresh ingredients transport diners to the sunny landscapes of Italy. The restaurant's wood-fired pizzas are a testament to the traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients that define authentic Italian pizza. From the classic Margherita to inventive creations like the Napoletana and tricolore, each pie is a culinary journey to the heart of Italy.
Beyond its stellar pizza offerings, Terun's pasta dishes showcase the culinary prowess of the kitchen. Try the gnocchi, check out the risotto of the day, or savor the calamarata, a seafood pasta that captures the essence of coastal Italian cuisine. Complementing the authentic flavors of the cuisine are Terun's Italian-inspired cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine list.
From the modern Indian delights at Ettan to the soulful Southern flavors at Nola, each restaurant contributes to the rich tapestry of Palo Alto's dining scene. So, whether you're a local seeking a new dining adventure or a visitor eager to savor the flavors of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto's best restaurants invite you to embark on a journey of taste and discovery.
If you're hoping to begin your new life in Palo Alto, partner with us at The Oldham Group. Thanks to our extensive local insight, market knowledge, and industry expertise, we are the team you need by your side. Contact us today!
