Porta Blu

Nice little brunch spot - outdoor seating only, dog friendly…read more Street parking or pay $5.50 and park at Caltrain across the street Service was very friendly. Ordered the Belly Ranchero, good portion size, potatoes were crisp. Pork was tender but a bit too sweet on the marinade for my liking. Can't comment on the taste but the other items ordered by my table looked very aesthetically pleasing (omelettes) Caltrain does go by every so often with loud horns/noises if your dogs are sensitive

Awesome wonderful brunch restaurant right next to the Caltrain station in Menlo park.I ordered…read moretheir salmon Benedict.Nice smoked salmon on Levin bread with holendeiss sauce, asparagus and cream cheese with chives.Delishious . Also came with red potatoes and the dish was garnished with strawberry and orange and lemon slices I also ordered a diet coke The restaurant is outdoor only on a beautiful patio Employees here are wonderful Pleanty of parking

To the restrooms

Rainbow French toast

See all

Tofu Omelet @lesminaddio

Horsefeather

4.1(255 reviews)

3.2 mi

I came here for brunch with my family and we had the BEST time. My brother and I ordered the Korean…read moreCrispy Chicken Sando with fried eggs and avocado and WOW. Crispy chicken + gochujang honey + brioche + a fried egg? Whoever came up with this understood the assignment. My mom got the Shrimp Po' Boy, and my nephew went for the BLT. Everything coming out of the kitchen looked better than the last thing. The umami fries deserve their own paragraph because we kept ordering them. And ordering them again. And then somehow ordering them AGAIN. At some point I think the fries just became part of the family. We also tried the deviled eggs with tobiko, which were SO good! But let's talk about the drinks because this is where things got dangerous. Our server Sam was AMAZING. He was attentive without hovering, knew the menu, and gave us recommendations that were genuinely spot-on. We trusted him completely by the end of the meal, which is how we ended up trying several cocktails. My favorite was the Low rider because I'm a mezcal girly and the espresso martini was especially good definitely one of the better ones I've had. I loved the different ingredients they use, including Ola Coffee, which gave it something a little different. And then Sam recommended the whiskey butter cake. That cake was the perfect ending. Every recommendation he gave us was a hit, so at this point I would probably let Sam plan my entire brunch menu. We had such a fun family brunch and genuinely left talking about how much we enjoyed everything. Great food, great cocktails, great service, and a staff member who clearly knows how to make people have a good time. The ambiance was also such a vibe. The interior is really cute and we got seated in a booth, which made it feel extra cozy and perfect for hanging out and enjoying brunch. I could totally see this being a great spot for family brunch, drinks with friends, or even a cute date. It has that kind of atmosphere where you can dress it up a little or keep it casual and still feel right at home. 10/10 would brunch here again.

Stopped by around lunch time on a Saturday and was able to be seated without reservations easily…read more We were hoping to try the miso pasta but on weekends only the brunch menu is available until their dinner service at 4pm. We tried the loco moco and chicken and waffles instead. Both were good and portions are average sized. Usually we can't finish brunch between the 2 of us but this was easily consumed with no leftovers. The chicken and waffles came with matcha butter which was a nice touch. Overall a safe choice for brunch and I'm interested in coming back to try some of their lunch/dinner options!

Dining area

Deviled Eggs

See all

Umami Fries

Camper

4.0(407 reviews)

2.3 mi

My husband and I took a drive up the peninsula and decided to stop by downtown Menlo Park for…read morelunch. I remember Camper being on the Michelin guide, so I had suggested the place for us to try. I made reservations just in case -- you never know how busy Saturday brunch gets. Looked like I didn't have to sweat it as there was ample seating when we arrived. Pretty cool restaurant concept. They really leaned into the camping aesthetic. Earthy tones, paddles as decor, and the bathroom stalls reminded me of public restrooms at campsites (in the cleanest way possible, of course). I even noticed the casual flannel the host wore to match the vibe. Overall customer service was good. Our server was delightful, and I appreciated her genuine excitement of us trying Camper for the first time. She was very proud of our food choices. That said, I did find that the food took a bit of time to arrive at our table. We only ordered entrees, and there was a handful of parties while we were there who were already eating. Not sure what was up with the delay, BUT after eating the food I recognized that you can't rush perfection... My husband ordered the blue ribbon cheeseburger, and I got their basket of famous fried chicken. My husband boldly claimed that Camper's blue ribbon cheeseburger was the best burger he's had in 2026. I wholeheartedly agree. I can't begin to describe how delicious the burger was, and it had the simplest ingredients: bun, burger patty, gruyere cheese, and onion jam. Loved the shoestring fries and homemade dips of garlic aioli and ketchup. This dish will singlehandedly bring us back to Camper. My basket of famous fried chicken was solid. In my mind I was expecting more of buttermilk fried chicken, but it was more in line of popcorn fried chicken. Loved that they used chicken thighs, so every bite was flavorful and moist. The dill ranch was the right complement to the chicken, and I was obsessed with their coleslaw. Basically inhaled it. Camper doesn't skimp on the chicken, so I found this to be a hefty dish with plenty of chicken to enjoy at home.

Went to Camper for dinner on a Friday night; my first visit. The atmosphere was great; we sat…read moreinside, which was comfortable, but they also have outdoor seating that looked like a lot of fun when the weather cooperates. The menu was a bit of a challenge for me personally, since I'm not big on sheep or goat cheeses and a lot of dishes lean that way, so take my main course review with a grain of salt. I ordered the gnocchi and found it fairly bland. The corn bread appetizer and both salads (tomato and green) were excellent, though, and the rest of my table raved about their burger and risotto, so I think I just picked the wrong dish. My main hesitation is the price. Almost $40 each for the gnocchi and risotto felt steep, even for downtown Menlo Park. Great food overall and a fun spot, but the combination of a so-so main course (my choice, not necessarily the kitchen's fault) and the price point is why I'm landing at 4 stars instead of 5.

Entrance - host table

Grilled Squid Salad

See all

LA VIE (zero) Passionfruit, Ginger, Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Ethel's Fancy

4.4(423 reviews)

2.7 mi

Oh yeah..... Such a great experience. Yelp last minute find for Saturday evening last minute…read morereservation. Dined outside on small street side patio. Weather was perfect. California with Asian flair. Food is carefully prepared, creative, fresh, local, and delicious. Loved the sesame pancakes with trout meringue and avocado (my description LOL), yellowfin tuna and rice, and beef dumplings. Absolutely delicious. The desert was pistachio with fresh blueberries and ice cream. One of the best I've ever had. Wine service and list is proper and lots of offering from the great state of California as you would expect. The Poe bubbles was exceptional and paired perfectly. Tea service is a definitely worth enjoying. For the locals, this is amazing. For travelers like us, a golden find. Cheers!

A nice vibrant, modern asian fusion eatery, with a great selection if small bites and shareable…read morefood for the table, everything from delectable milk bread to fresh and fried seafood. Definitely a family style dinner, order multiple things to try! Made a reservation couple weeks in advance for a week night dinner for 2. Celebrated our anniversary and couldn't be more happy we came to Ethel's Fancy. Service was great, everyone was friendly and explained the menu and process. Helped making some personal recommendations and the food came out quickly. The only dish that came out very slowly was the dessert, we did wait about 25 - 30 minutes just for the softserve, but all other dishes came out in a moderate time. Rouge de Bordeaux Milk Bread, comes with cultured amazake butter and some salt. Comes out super warm, puffy, and soft. Very nice pull and the butter is super decadent. Very great take on a japanese shokupan, we were hesitant at first, but it makes for a good appetizer 5:5 Warm Sesame Pancakes were like those mini sesame mochi pancakes at chinese dim sum, but the texture was slightly airy. The sauce to accompany it was unlike anything i've had, smoked trout, avocado and yuzu. The avocado was not over powering and the cream on top was whipped. Amazing pairing. 5/5 Sashimi of Kanpachi, japanese cucumber salad as the base and dressing with the kanpachi sashimi. I will say this was the weakest dish of the night. While still good, it was a bit too tart, it overpowered the other natural flavors. Fish was still very good, tender and not fishy, but again, over powered but all the tartness in the dish. 3/5 Yellowfin Tuna on sushi rice - this was a great shareable plate of upscale poke. The tuna was great, no fishy taste, perfectly seasoned and the smoked kira had an amazing pop of flavor. Very rich and decadent dish, absolutely loved the harmony of a slight smokey flavor to the nice rich, umami savoriness. 5/5 Crispy Caledonian Prawns - Absolute star of the night. We could not stop talking about these prawns. Big plump prawns, fried perfectly, where the prawn itself was not dry but the shell had a shatteringly crispy exterior definitely slightly coated with a starch to give it a nice crunch. The chili ramp sunomono was a great touch, not spicy at all but added a great touch of flavor that complimented the crispy prawns. Could devour plates of these! 6/5! Sword-Fish Katsu Style - A great take with sword fish, flakey but not overcooked, great thin crispy katsu. Accompanied by kumquat and cauliflower, helps cut down the greasiness. The sauce with it was a buttery tart sauce. This was a lot better where the tartness helped the fried fish. It was like eating a fried fish burger without the buns. I really enjoyed this one. 5/5 Lastly we ordered a softserve with peaches, shokupan croutons and a caramel dressing. We had to wait about 25 minutes just for the small softserve so we were a bit surprised as other dishes came out relatively quickly or in an orderly fashion. It still tasted great as a little small dessert but definitely was surprised by how long it took. 3/5 Overall, we were very happy with our experience at Ethel's and it definitely lives up to the standard it sets. I can't wait for other new dishes to try and come back in the future.

Open kitchen view from the bar seating

Warm sesame pancake

See all

Kampachi Crudo ($26)

Oak + Violet

3.9(334 reviews)

1.9 mi

I was dining solo and honestly could not have felt more welcomed or taken care of. The service was…read morewarm, attentive, and thoughtful without ever feeling overbearing. They really made an effort to make my experience special, and I appreciated that so much. And the food was amazing. I started with the roasted oysters, which were incredible, followed by the grilled Sonoma quail, beautifully cooked and full of flavor. The wild king salmon was another standout, and the warm sourdough with roasted garlic was absolutely delicious. Everything was fresh, creative, and beautifully prepared. I also have to mention the space. The outdoor dining area is wonderful, and the dining room is beautiful as well. It is such a lovely setting for a relaxed meal, whether you are dining alone or with friends. Oak + Violet really checks all the boxes: exceptional food, wonderful service, and a beautiful atmosphere. I left feeling genuinely cared for and so happy I stopped in. I cannot recommend it enough!

I really want to give this place 5 stars but I can't…read more The atmosphere was amazing. We came on a hot summer night and there was a jazz band playing on the patio in the evening as the air cooled down. I absolutely loved that. Drinks were also pretty solid, but slightly watered down. Food was pretty expensive and it wasn't particularly a wow factor. The staff were very courteous and the executive chef came out and greeted customers and asked us to sample a new dish he was making.

Apple Cobbler

See all

True Food Kitchen

had a really good experience at true food kitchen, the food was really good and everything tasted…read morefresh. the service was great too, our server was super nice and attentive. overall, it was a nice experience and i'd definitely come back again!

I was excited to try this place out after hearing a glowing review from a good friend. I went for…read moredinner and was provided great service from Dylan. I enjoyed the food so much I considered getting something to go as well. I decided not to place a to go order because I will be back! For my visit I had. the edamame dumplings, vegan double cheeseburger, and the butternut squash pizza. All things I would gladly have again but also look forward to trying other meals from here Cozy vibes in the resturaunt.

See all

Flea Street

4.2(774 reviews)

3.8 mi

•$$$$

Came by for dinner the other night and it was a tasty experience. Made a reservation and our table…read morewas ready upon arrival. Parking is available in the private lot or on nearby residential streets. Dining is available either inside the dining room, at the bar, or outdoors on the covered patio. Flea Street is featured in the Michelin guide. Our waitress was phenomenal the entire evening, being very sweet and attentive. She was quite talented too! ;) Meal started off with the complimentary biscuit, served with a side of beautiful butter, salt, as well as a piece of carrot. This was decent as the biscuit was merely lukewarm. The lamb chop as a snack was quite tasty. These were sold per piece and cooked to a perfect medium rare. The farmers salad, dungeness crab cake, as well as the cured trout small plates were all quite tasty. Loved how premium and light the farmer's salad was. The dungeness crab cake was super light and tasty too! The cured trout was excellent with the homemade potato chips! The cioppino was gigantic and perfect for sharing. It featured a ton of premium seafood, from clams, mussels, calamari, shrimp, as well as a couple pieces of black cod fish along with a few pieces of toasted bread! Finished off the meal with an apple galette which was tasty and served with a scoop of ice cream which was surprisingly a touch lacklustre... The meal ended off with a couple chocolate dipped strawberries. ~$130/head after 20% service charge and 3% employer benefits surcharge.

Flea Street has been in the Menlo Park 'hood since the '80s, and they are all about embracing…read moresustainbility and supporting local ferns, fishermen, ranchers, and vinters. Our group came here for an early dinner, and we decided to share some bites and small plates to share: +the Cast Iron Corn Bread - prepared with rosemary, lemon, and smoked maple syrup; they use GF corn meal +Our Caesar Salad with Tempura Fried Sardines - prepared with little gem lettuces, Parm, and breadcrumbs; was a fan of the sardines! +Nana's Stuffed Artichoke - prepared with panko bread crumbs, garden herbs, Parm, lemon, and olive oil +and, the McFarland Smoked Trout - with marinated beets, frisee, truffle horseradish creme fraiche, and housemade potato chips For my main, I went for the Slow Braised Grass-Fed Short Rib - this was served with spring veggies, mashed potatoes, and a Zinfandel au jus; the short rib was tender, but wished there was more au jus that came with. Staff were friendly, and the restaurant itself is cozy and intimate; great for date nights or a little get-together. Note that parties of 5+ automatically includes a 22% service surcharge. +shareable bites and small plates +friendly service

See all

Buttermilk bread

RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Palo Alto

3.7(669 reviews)

2.6 mi

Anniversary dinner!…read more Wife and I enjoyed exploring the gallery and getting ideas until it was dinner time. I had made a reservation online. Super easy process, had no issues. Mentioned in the reservation that it was our anniversary, what wine was our preference and nice seating - whatever that may be heheh. My only problem is that they ask for this information and yet it felt like they didn't proactively, beforehand, do anything with it. Oh well. Beyond that, Philip was a star, great host. Very attentive and timely. Took pictures when we requested and was just overall delightful I guess to be expected, but all portions were very small (reference pictures for more detail). But although small, they all had BIG flavor! Every single bite was savored and enjoyed.

A bit over hyped !…read more The restaurant itself is absolutely beautiful. The ambiance, decor, and overall atmosphere were definitely the highlight of our experience--it's a very lovely place with a sophisticated and inviting feel. We visited to celebrate my birthday, and while our server was friendly, I felt the service lacked attentiveness throughout our visit. When we were seated, we were asked again what the occasion was, so we were expecting perhaps a small birthday gesture or acknowledgment. Unfortunately, nothing was done for my birthday, while we noticed the table next to us received a nice birthday gesture. It was a little disappointing, especially since the occasion had been specifically mentioned. As for the food, there were definitely some hits and misses. My mom ordered the chicken sandwich, but the bread was extremely over-toasted. When I took a bite, it was so hard and sharp that it actually cut my gums, which was definitely not something we expected. On the positive side, the salmon and truffle fries were delicious and probably the best part of our meal. However, while they were good, I wouldn't say the food overall was quite at a 5-star level. Overall, I think this restaurant has a lot of potential. The setting is gorgeous and the ambiance is beautiful, and our server was kind, but the lack of attentiveness and some issues with the food made the experience feel more like a 3-star visit for us. I would consider coming back, but I would hope for a more attentive experience and better attention to the small details next time.

Dinner ambiance

Filet Mignon

See all

Matcha cappuccino

Wildseed

4.3(1.1k reviews)

3.2 mi

Had a reservation for 6pm and was seated right away after arrival…read more It was our first time at Wildseed and we were impressed. My friend and I shared the mushroom bao, rigatoni pomodoro and corn pizza. Our favorites were the mushroom bao and corn pizza. I really love the use of coconut milk in the mozzarella. We also opted for the peach galette at the end. The peaches were pretty tart but the ice cream complimented it well. Only con we had that night was the AC was blasting and it got pretty chilly towards the end of our meal.

I came to this restaurant two days in a row because I really enjoyed my first experience…read more Unfortunately, my second visit was noticeably different, and it really highlighted one of the biggest challenges for any restaurant: consistency. First Visit - Nearly 5 Stars On my first visit, I ordered: * Beet Poke * Mushroom Bao * Kale Caesar Salad with Falafel The beet poke was fantastic. It was fresh, light, and packed with seaweed, with a delicious dressing that brought everything together. There were great textures and flavors, and I would have happily ordered it again. The mushroom bao was another standout. The mushroom was perfectly fried, tucked inside a soft, fluffy bao, and topped with a tangy slaw. Great combination of crispy, soft, savory, and acidic. The kale Caesar salad was also delicious. Fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. At this point, I was thinking 5 stars and was excited enough to come back the very next day. Second Visit - A Different Experience I ordered: * Beet Poke * Mushroom Bao * Kale Caesar Salad * Potato Pizza Unfortunately, things were much more inconsistent. The beet poke was probably the biggest disappointment. There was barely any seaweed, very little textural contrast, and the dressing tasted completely different from the day before. It was also barely dressed. If this had been my first experience with the dish, I honestly would not have ordered it again. The mushroom bao was still good, but it didn't taste the same as the previous day. The slaw was noticeably spicy this time, whereas it hadn't been spicy at all on my first visit. It made me wonder if there were different chefs or if the recipes/preparations simply weren't being followed consistently. The kale Caesar was the one dish that remained consistent, still delicious on day two. The potato pizza was underwhelming and definitely something I wouldn't order again. The flavor combo wasn't working with me. We also got the gluten free crust which was not great. Almost more of a cracker than a pizza crust. The Verdict: If I were reviewing this restaurant based only on my first visit, I would have given it 5 stars. The food was fresh, creative, flavorful, and genuinely memorable. But after coming back the very next day and having several dishes taste noticeably different, I had to take a few stars away. I'm not sure if there were different chefs, different prep, or something else going on behind the scenes, but consistency is such a key part of a great restaurant experience, especially when you're paying restaurant prices. When a dish is fantastic one day and just okay the next, it's hard to know what experience you're actually going to get. The ambience is great, and while the service was friendly, it was also a bit slow. Overall, I still see the potential here, and my first visit was genuinely excellent. I just wish the second visit had lived up to it.

Interior during a midday lull

BEET TOSTADAS

See all

Probiotic bowl with neat balls

Selby's

4.1(508 reviews)

2.1 mi

•$$$$

Selby's. When can I get back here?? Note, this review is for bar dining. We had an excellent meal…read moreand experience! The bar menu is close to the table menu though perhaps not everything. We started with the Saltspring Island Mussels which were a perfect start. Then the perfectly cooked and crispy chicken parmigana, made with San Marzano tomatoes. If you don't know, these tomatoes have an extra punch of flavor. Then the Selby burger which was out of this world flavorful. Those three plus a couple drinks (espresso martini and beer) were plenty of calories for that evening! Oh by the way, they divided all the dishes into two servings since they knew we'd share. That's classy. And the bartenders who support you are all super nice. It's a little pricey, but for the food, service, and valet parking, it's very much worth it. If you sit at the bar, you're first come, first serve, so pro tip, be prepared to wait a little if you just miss the first round of seating.

I had the pleasure of dining at Selby's to celebrate a special occasion. The place came highly…read morerecommended during my research, and it definitely lived up to the hype and expectations. They also offer complimentary valet service, which was a nice touch. The interior is beautifully elegant, with a dark and sophisticated character. It gives off very old-money vibes. The staff was courteous, attentive, knowledgeable, and present, yet never intrusive. The restaurant offers a prix fixe menu, with options for a starter, entrée, and dessert, along with a very impressive wine collection. They started us off with a complimentary amuse-bouche. The melon consommé had a very distinctive yet refreshing profile. For the main course, we ordered the smoked Maine lobster and the ribeye, and both were exceptional. The ribeye was cooked to perfection. The potato rösti with caramelized onions and sun-dried tomatoes complemented the ribeye extremely well. The lobster, however, was the highlight of the evening. It was such a pleasure interacting with the staff, and they left no stone unturned in making our evening memorable. The overall experience was outstanding, and I'm already looking forward to our next visit!

Dining Hall

Osetra Caviar service

See all

Midnight Chocolate Cake (Salted Caramel, Fudge Sauce)

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

5 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Mike B.

0

95

220

2 years ago

From the moment you step into this restaurant, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of sheer elegance. The decor is nothing short of spectacular--every detail, from the luxurious fabrics to the carefully curated artwork, exudes high-class sophistication. It's clear that no expense was spared in crafting an environment that is both inviting and awe-inspiring. The ambient lighting sets a perfect tone, casting a warm, golden glow that enhances the rich colors and textures throughout the space. Whether you're seated at a cozy table or at the sleek, modern bar, the visual appeal is second to none. But what truly elevates this dining experience to the extraordinary is CJ, the bartender and server who has become an integral part of my visits. I dine here a few times a month, and I always request CJ by name. His attention to detail is unparalleled; he remembers my preferences with precision and consistently delivers service that is both professional and personable. CJ has an eye for detail that makes each visit special--whether it's the perfect garnish on a cocktail or the way he presents a dish, everything is executed with finesse. The food, of course, is always on point. The consistency in quality is impressive, a testament to the skilled kitchen staff who never fail to deliver dishes that are as delicious as they are beautifully presented. Yet, it's the seamless service from CJ that ensures my experience is flawless every single time. His ability to anticipate my needs, combined with his warm, genuine demeanor, makes dining here feel like a truly personalized experience. In a world where great service can often feel like a rarity, CJ stands out as a true gem. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to ensuring every guest has an exceptional experience is something that should be celebrated. Whether you're coming in for a special occasion or just a casual evening out, I cannot recommend this place--and CJ--highly enough. This is not just a meal, but an experience, one that I eagerly look forward to time and time again. read more

Sophie K.

197

46

8

4 years ago

Came here on a Friday night for a quiet double date. The environment was great and not many Facebook crowd. We were the only table that night. Unfortunately, hugely disappointed with food. The beef tarte tasted ok but some of raw beef was brown --the moment I noticed this, I stopped eating it. I also ordered the NIÇOISE SALAD for $32 as my entree--the menu had this description: marble potatoes, soft egg, haricot verts, seared tuna. The salad came with only Romain lettuce and dressing. No tuna, no egg...it was so bizarre and not sure how they could justify $32 for lettuce and dressing. The cocktail was also not very memorable. I didn't want to complain about the dishes and instead decided to mention this when our bill arrived. But the bill has already been charged to our friends hotel room. read more

Dafne S.

80

1

0

8 years ago

The food was great. The service was also very good, I was attended by Viviana and she was very thoughtful and kind. Try out the ribeye steak and the omelette option for the breakfast! read more

Sarah H.

0

14

1

7 years ago

The food is way over priced and not good at all on top of that...no one in the party we were in liked their food

Dongsheng L.

0

6

0

5 months ago

A generally good experience. Quiet atmosphere and good food. Nothing standing out though.

Porta Blu - newamerican - Updated September 2026

People who viewed Porta Blu also viewed

British Bankers Club

3.6

(360 reviews)

Enjoyed the outdoor happy hour drink & meal here in the patio. The place is nice with a lot of…read moreseating areas. Kind of empty though. Service was good. Staff were professional. The cocktails were nice, enjoyed it. Got 1/2 dozen oysters. She didn't ask which type we want. Brought us 1/2 & 1/2. The bigger oysters were good & tasty. The smaller one was just fine. One of them looked funny so we skipped it. The burger was very tasty. Cooked perfectly (asked for medium) and the caramelized onions were very flavorful. The truffle fries were fine. The peach & arugula salad was fantastic. Really enjoyed it. Good and just enough dressing.

I'm originally from the Menlo Park area, and the BBC *was* a charming old woodsy & leather…read moreupholstered 19th century gentleman's club-style space like something out of a movie. Back in the day, it was very "Ralph Lauren." My family remembers it fondly. My partner is not from around here, and this seemed like the perfect old school venue to take him to experience the Original Menlo Park, pre-tech boom. He and I came in on a Tuesday evening for dinner, and the place was virtually deserted. We were one of only three tables in the house. Food: 8 out of 10 We ordered the Peach and Arugula Salad, the Pork Chop and the Mushroom Pasta, all of which was delicious, and we thoroughly enjoyed it everything. Service: 5 out of 10 Our waiter was great, we enjoyed having her, however some aspects of the service from other wait staff were odd, especially given that there were less than 6 people in the whole restaurant. For example, they brought us the wrong bottle of wine, and it took us a while to figure out they'd brought us a Riesling (not what we asked for). Wine cooler had no ice in it. But they did make up for the mistake appropriately, bringing us the correct wine promptly. Ambiance: 1 out of 10. I was shocked to discover that the interior had been entirely gutted over a decade ago, and in such a manner that the windows and other period details that give the space character are obscured. The interior looks so vacuous and open that it is now the antithesis of cozy. I joked to my partner, an architect, who also didn't understand what they were trying to achieve in the remodel, that it feels more like a hangar for parking the Millennium Falcon than a restaurant. The ultra-modern, cold, utilitarian design is weirdly cafeteria-esque, although the view of the glassed in kitchen was nice enough. The second story feels like a warehouse, although the rooftop bar, which is only open on Fridays and weekends, looked perfectly okay. It's just so sad that this was done to the BBC. Everything that made it special is either gone or being covered up or poorly utilized. I would have loved to be able to see out the stained glass windows! If the owners wanted a generic ultra modern space, why not buy one? So many already exist. Why butcher a beautiful old building in this way? Just awful. The exterior is still lovely, so I'm giving it one star for that.

Saint Michael's Alley

3.8

(1.1k reviews)

We will be forever grateful to Katie and the St. Michael's Alley staff for the wonderful luncheon…read morewe held in honor of our mother. This private event was very important to us, and we have nothing but positive things to say about how well the staff took care of us throughout the meal. The food was incredible, the service fantastic, and the ambience was perfect. Thank you so much!

This place has a really charming environment perfect for a date night. I came here with my family…read morefor a nice dinner. I shared the Cesar salad, I ordered the pan roasted salmon, and had the pineapple pudding. All of it was really good. I also had a glass of Cabernet, which they had a generous pour of. Service was slow for the food to come out so it took some time. That is my only area of improvement.

Causwells

3.7

(64 reviews)

Closer to a 3.5 but hopefully on our next visit this will change. Service was great and the space…read morewas very nice. I would have liked the Brussels if they were crisped up a bit. The burger was solid. We enjoyed the ricotta with the crispy lavash. The least favorite of the evening was the pasta which was sour. House made ricotta- rosemary, honey, olive oil, lavash Brussels sprouts- onion dressing, pickled tomato confit, sunflower seed, basil Americana burger- house recipe ground beef, American cheese, lacto fermented pickle, onion, lettuce, Causwell sauce, sesame bun Tagliatelle- braised lamb, English peas, gremolata, herbed ricotta

Came in for dinner last night with some girl friends…read more Ambiance- the restaurant itself is cute, spacious and trendy. Loved it. Food- we ordered the ricotta, poke, Caesar salad, burger and fries Ricotta- not usually a fan but it was light, fresh, and had a very balanced flavor, especially when paired with the lavash Poke- I believe they used a halibut and was paired with fried rice paper. The flavor was fantastic. Caesar salad was a Caesar salad. Good, nothing fantastic or special about it. Burger and fries- so goood. Very much a classic, no frills burger & fries. Loved it. Drinks- they were out of basically half the menu. I was so sad I couldn't taste the Pimm's cup, espresso martini or the ube drink. Got a filthy martini which was excellent, the bartender working the bar cart was fantastic as well. Service- everyone was nice. Asked some questions but the server wasn't really helpful.. maybe she was new because I could tell she was trying, which I appreciated but -1 star because we had to flag her/ the manager to take our order, get water refills, order dessert, get our check, etc..

Flea Street

4.2

(774 reviews)

•$$$$

Came by for dinner the other night and it was a tasty experience. Made a reservation and our table…read morewas ready upon arrival. Parking is available in the private lot or on nearby residential streets. Dining is available either inside the dining room, at the bar, or outdoors on the covered patio. Flea Street is featured in the Michelin guide. Our waitress was phenomenal the entire evening, being very sweet and attentive. She was quite talented too! ;) Meal started off with the complimentary biscuit, served with a side of beautiful butter, salt, as well as a piece of carrot. This was decent as the biscuit was merely lukewarm. The lamb chop as a snack was quite tasty. These were sold per piece and cooked to a perfect medium rare. The farmers salad, dungeness crab cake, as well as the cured trout small plates were all quite tasty. Loved how premium and light the farmer's salad was. The dungeness crab cake was super light and tasty too! The cured trout was excellent with the homemade potato chips! The cioppino was gigantic and perfect for sharing. It featured a ton of premium seafood, from clams, mussels, calamari, shrimp, as well as a couple pieces of black cod fish along with a few pieces of toasted bread! Finished off the meal with an apple galette which was tasty and served with a scoop of ice cream which was surprisingly a touch lacklustre... The meal ended off with a couple chocolate dipped strawberries. ~$130/head after 20% service charge and 3% employer benefits surcharge.

Flea Street has been in the Menlo Park 'hood since the '80s, and they are all about embracing…read moresustainbility and supporting local ferns, fishermen, ranchers, and vinters. Our group came here for an early dinner, and we decided to share some bites and small plates to share: +the Cast Iron Corn Bread - prepared with rosemary, lemon, and smoked maple syrup; they use GF corn meal +Our Caesar Salad with Tempura Fried Sardines - prepared with little gem lettuces, Parm, and breadcrumbs; was a fan of the sardines! +Nana's Stuffed Artichoke - prepared with panko bread crumbs, garden herbs, Parm, lemon, and olive oil +and, the McFarland Smoked Trout - with marinated beets, frisee, truffle horseradish creme fraiche, and housemade potato chips For my main, I went for the Slow Braised Grass-Fed Short Rib - this was served with spring veggies, mashed potatoes, and a Zinfandel au jus; the short rib was tender, but wished there was more au jus that came with. Staff were friendly, and the restaurant itself is cozy and intimate; great for date nights or a little get-together. Note that parties of 5+ automatically includes a 22% service surcharge. +shareable bites and small plates +friendly service

Dinah's Poolside Restaurant

4.0

(437 reviews)

I love this spot. It's really nice when it's a warm summer evening and being able to eat outside by…read morethe pool at this hidden gem hotel restaurant. Get a table outside on a warm evening or it isn't worth it. Service is pretty friendly and intimate. Food and drinks are served quickly. All the food here is really good, especially for the price. At our most recent visit, we started off with bread bites that was served with butter. We then were served the main courses we ordered: the Organic Creative King Salmon, Fish N chips, and Dinah's Fried Chicken. All of them are very good and nicely presented. This place is very underrated.

My buddy suggested we meet up for drinks by poolside at Dinah's Poolside Restaurant. I had nothing…read morebut free time (no job) on my hands and immediately agreed. I must have driven by DPR hundreds of times over the span of 20 years and never thought of going in. As it turned out, it was an interesting place. My first impression was that it was an apartments/condominium complex that was converted to to hotel. We sat poolside, had a couple of beers, some fried calamari and french fries and commiserated over times when we were unemployed. Maybe that was a little sad, but I enjoyed the opportunity to be outside and in the company of a longtime friend. Now for the pics.

Portola Bistro

4.0

(94 reviews)

Portola Bistro is a very special, unique restaurant in Portola Valley. It starts your meal with a…read moredelicious home made bread & olive oil appetizer. And you have your own bottle of olive oil, if you crave more! Tonight I had the amazing Black Pepper Fettuccine with baby shrimp and scallops. I thought I was in Florence!! Another unique dish they have is their Warm Cabbage Salad, made with sautéed mushrooms, bacon, Gorgonzola Cheese, and Croutons. It's a fabulous lunch! Richard Portola Valley

We had a really nice experience here. Everything we ordered was tasty and presented beautifully…read more It was a warm summer evening, and the interior of the restaurant was quite warm and a bit stuffy, so we ate outside and it was perfect. Very calm and serine patio seating. Service was outstanding. Food came out at a nice pace, we had apps, salads entrees and desert. Everything was seasoned and cooked well and seemed to use fresh ingredients. Portion sizes were also decent. Looking forward to our next dinner here!

Camper

4.0

(407 reviews)

My husband and I took a drive up the peninsula and decided to stop by downtown Menlo Park for…read morelunch. I remember Camper being on the Michelin guide, so I had suggested the place for us to try. I made reservations just in case -- you never know how busy Saturday brunch gets. Looked like I didn't have to sweat it as there was ample seating when we arrived. Pretty cool restaurant concept. They really leaned into the camping aesthetic. Earthy tones, paddles as decor, and the bathroom stalls reminded me of public restrooms at campsites (in the cleanest way possible, of course). I even noticed the casual flannel the host wore to match the vibe. Overall customer service was good. Our server was delightful, and I appreciated her genuine excitement of us trying Camper for the first time. She was very proud of our food choices. That said, I did find that the food took a bit of time to arrive at our table. We only ordered entrees, and there was a handful of parties while we were there who were already eating. Not sure what was up with the delay, BUT after eating the food I recognized that you can't rush perfection... My husband ordered the blue ribbon cheeseburger, and I got their basket of famous fried chicken. My husband boldly claimed that Camper's blue ribbon cheeseburger was the best burger he's had in 2026. I wholeheartedly agree. I can't begin to describe how delicious the burger was, and it had the simplest ingredients: bun, burger patty, gruyere cheese, and onion jam. Loved the shoestring fries and homemade dips of garlic aioli and ketchup. This dish will singlehandedly bring us back to Camper. My basket of famous fried chicken was solid. In my mind I was expecting more of buttermilk fried chicken, but it was more in line of popcorn fried chicken. Loved that they used chicken thighs, so every bite was flavorful and moist. The dill ranch was the right complement to the chicken, and I was obsessed with their coleslaw. Basically inhaled it. Camper doesn't skimp on the chicken, so I found this to be a hefty dish with plenty of chicken to enjoy at home.

Went to Camper for dinner on a Friday night; my first visit. The atmosphere was great; we sat…read moreinside, which was comfortable, but they also have outdoor seating that looked like a lot of fun when the weather cooperates. The menu was a bit of a challenge for me personally, since I'm not big on sheep or goat cheeses and a lot of dishes lean that way, so take my main course review with a grain of salt. I ordered the gnocchi and found it fairly bland. The corn bread appetizer and both salads (tomato and green) were excellent, though, and the rest of my table raved about their burger and risotto, so I think I just picked the wrong dish. My main hesitation is the price. Almost $40 each for the gnocchi and risotto felt steep, even for downtown Menlo Park. Great food overall and a fun spot, but the combination of a so-so main course (my choice, not necessarily the kitchen's fault) and the price point is why I'm landing at 4 stars instead of 5.

Reposado

3.6

(1.5k reviews)

I love coming here. This is elevated Mexican food so not a street food experience, hence it's a bit…read morepricey. I always get the Crepas con Mariscos, which is so good. Desserts were also filling. I had the Sangria once and it was not watered down at all unlike most places, so be aware. Service was decent and the staff got things served pretty quickly. The dining room is large and the bathroom is on the second floor at the back. There are large floor to ceiling windows at the front that open up when the weather is nice.

Reposado is a classy Mexican restaurant located right in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. Despite…read morehaving tried many restaurants in the area, we had never been here before and decided to visit for a special family occasion. Booking a table for three was seamless, and the atmosphere was wonderful. The food was absolutely delicious--we ordered the enchiladas, the guacamole, and a quesadilla for the kids. The drinks were fantastic and perfectly strong, and our servers were incredibly attentive and friendly. It's also worth noting that they have a lot of large tables, making it a clear favorite for corporate groups from the surrounding tech offices in the evening. Whether for a family celebration or a night out, I definitely recommend this place!

Quattro Restaurant and Bar

3.7

(571 reviews)

I come here too much for my own good. This time, I have pictures from brunch!!…read more Brunch is actually relatively affordable for the caliber of this restaurant and the quality of food is so good and worth it. I had the eggs Benedict again but I added salmon to it for $4 extra. this was great and I regret not doing it the first time. the butter here is also so smooth and silky. I got to try it from a set breakfast from another member of our table who got his bread basket refilled. the tea here is also fantastic so we went to the store afterwards to buy it to use at home. interestingly, they gave us a dessert menu this time so I tried the tirmami-choux this time which was so rich and creamy. we had a larger party this time and got sat at one of the two long tables and it is wide with plenty of space. the floor to ceiling windows during brunch bring in a lot of natural sunlight which sets the ambiance.

I'm trying really hard to figure out why anybody would rate this place less than a five. From the…read moremoment that I walked in the attention that I received as a single has been amazing. I would rank service at level of six not five and then once my dishes came out... wow. I just had appetizers and tequila. The appetizers were the Hamachi and the crusted tuna, both perfectly prepared, although diametrically opposed in flavors and taste. Truly the best service one could expect from any restaurant, nevertheless, Four Seasons. I was impressed and will be back.

Café Soleil

3.6

(52 reviews)