Dining & Drinks Near Stanford

Downtown Menlo Park Santa Cruz Avenue

The closest walkable dining to our property. A mix of neighborhood favorites and increasingly ambitious newcomers. The Springline development on El Camino Real and Oak Grove Avenue has added a cluster of SF-transplant restaurants and a brewery. Walkable from our home in 10–15 minutes, or a 3-minute drive.

University Avenue, Downtown Palo Alto

The main drag. The densest concentration of restaurants on the Peninsula, running from El Camino Real to Middlefield Road. Everything from Greek tavernas to Vietnamese fusion to classic pizza joints. About a 7-minute drive or a short Uber ride from our property.

California Avenue, Palo Alto

The locals' favorite. More relaxed than University Ave, with a great farmers' market on Sundays. Home to Palo Alto's only Michelin-starred restaurant (Protégé) and a brand-new cocktail bar from the same team. About an 8-minute drive.

Stanford Shopping Center

Not just mall food. Recent openings include José Andrés' Zaytinya (his first Bay Area location) and Delarosa Pizza. The shopping center sits between campus and Sand Hill Road, about a 5-minute drive.

Ladera & Portola Valley

A charming small-town enclave about 8–10 minutes southwest of our property. The Ladera Country Shopper anchors a cluster of neighborhood dining — from a French-Italian bistro to a Mexican cantina — all set against the Portola Valley foothills. Farther down Alpine Road, the legendary Alpine Inn beer garden sits on the banks of Los Trancos Creek.

Sand Hill Road / Rosewood

The splurge option. Madera Bar at the Rosewood Sand Hill is Silicon Valley's most sophisticated bar scene, with Santa Cruz Mountains views and a wine list that could double as a reference book. About an 8-minute drive.

Left Bank

635 Santa Cruz Ave. · leftbank.com

A Parisian-style brasserie that's been a Menlo Park staple for years. Classic French comfort: steak frites, beef bourguignon, cheese fondue. The private dining room works well for groups, and the heated patio is one of the neighborhood's best outdoor dining spots.

Bistro Vida

641 Santa Cruz Ave. · bistrovida.com

French-inspired cuisine with a modern twist in the heart of downtown. Chef Ali El Safy's menu runs from onion soup gratinée to coq au vin, and the sidewalk tables capture that neighborhood-bistro feel.

Flea Street

3607 Alameda de Las Pulgas · cooleatz.com

A farm-to-table pioneer that's been winning "Best of" awards for decades. Innovative yet approachable California cuisine with an emphasis on Santa Cruz Mountains wines. The bar does excellent martinis and craft cocktails. About a 5-minute drive from downtown.

La Stanza Cucina

Sweet Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown with classic favorites — ravioli, risotto, and a solid Italian wine selection. Intimate setting good for smaller celebrations.

Che Fico Parco Menlo

1302 El Camino Real · cheficoparcomenlo.com

The Peninsula outpost of San Francisco's acclaimed Italian restaurant. Hand-rolled pasta, naturally fermented sourdough pizza, antipasti, and grilled meats and fish. The vibrant design includes an all-season outdoor patio with a custom pergola. Private dining for up to 70 guests. Reservations via OpenTable.

Bubbelah

1300 El Camino Real, Suite A

The newest concept from Che Fico's David Nayfeld, celebrating the flavors of the Jewish Diaspora. Fast-casual format with mezze, soups, salads, housemade breads, and grab-and-go options. Full meals under $25 including tax and tip. Also has a gelato window. Opened mid-2025.

Burma Love

1165 Merrill St. (at Springline)

The Peninsula sister of San Francisco's beloved Burma Superstar. The tea leaf salad is a must-order, and the coconut chicken noodles are rich and comforting. Weekend brunch features Burmese fried chicken with platha and Thai-chili bloody marys.

Barebottle Brewing Co.

550B Oak Grove Ave. · barebottle.com · Open daily (hours vary; generally noon–11 PM)

San Francisco's award-winning craft brewery, with a bright 3,000-sq-ft taproom at Springline featuring 20+ beers on draft, natural wines, and house-made non-alcoholic sodas. Pinball machines, communal tables, and an outdoor patio. Dog-friendly patio.

Andytown Coffee Roasters

1302 El Camino Real (at Springline)

The beloved Outer Sunset SF roaster's first Peninsula outpost. Excellent coffee and pastries for a morning start or afternoon pick-me-up.

Evvia Estiatorio

420 Emerson St. · (650) 326-0983 · evvia.net

A perennial Palo Alto favorite and consistent "Best of" winner. Traditional Greek fare from a wood-burning oven in a warm, welcoming atmosphere where you're treated like family. Reserve ahead for dinner.

Tamarine Restaurant & Gallery

546 University Ave. · (650) 325-8500 · tamarinerestaurant.com

Thoughtfully crafted Vietnamese cuisine — blue crab nori tacos, hoisin lamb chops — in a modern Asian-influenced dining room that doubles as an art gallery. Michelin Guide recommended. A genuine special-occasion restaurant.

Oren's Hummus

Authentic Israeli Mediterranean that feels like Tel Aviv on University Ave. Creamy hummus with fresh pita, and a loyal following. Always busy but worth the wait.

Local Union 271

271 University Ave. · (650) 322-7509

Locally owned neighborhood favorite with a broad menu: fresh seafood, handmade pasta, healthy bowls, and burgers. Indoor and outdoor seating. Great happy hour 3–6 PM.

Zareen's

365 S. California Ave. · (650) 600-8438 · zareensrestaurant.com

Michelin Guide-listed Pakistani and Indian restaurant. Samosas, kebabs, a legendary Punjabi chicken burger, and spicy fries made in small batches. The California Avenue location is the original — this is worth a detour.

Terun Pizza

448 California Ave. · (650) 600-8310 · terunpizza.com

Neapolitan-style pies baked in a wood-fired oven. Endless creative combinations (burrata, artichokes, pears). Live music on Mondays. Winner of "Best Italian" in Palo Alto multiple years running.

Palo Alto Sol

408 S. California Ave. · (650) 328-8840

Regional Mexican from Puebla — family recipes served with heart. Moving toward sustainably sourced ingredients.

Bar Underdog

299 California Ave. · Instagram: @barunderdogpa

Opened September 2025 by the Protégé team, right across the street. Described as a "dive bar without the grit" — except the cocktails use Michelin-kitchen techniques (centrifuge-clarified drinks, house-made cola carbonated to 110 PSI). Cocktails $15–$18, with happy hour deals 4–5:30 PM weekdays and a Moonlight Menu during the last hour of service. The most exciting new bar on the Peninsula.

Bistro Elan

bistroelan.com

A California-French gem that's been a neighborhood gathering place for nearly 30 years. The signature potato waffle with smoked salmon is legendary. Smartly curated wine list. Sidewalk seating.

La Bodeguita del Medio

463 S. California Ave. · (650) 326-7762 · labodeguita.com

Cuban-influenced menu, elegant dining room, and heated patio. Repeatedly voted "Best Ambience" and "Best Bar/Lounge" in Palo Alto. Specialty cocktails inspired by the legendary Havana original. A great spot for a long evening.

Lotus Thai Bistro

425 California Ave. · (650) 289-0907

Voted Palo Alto's Best Thai Restaurant in 2022, 2023, and 2025. Family owned and operated, with lunch specials Mon–Fri.

Zaytinya by José Andrés

180 El Camino Real · zaytinya.com · Dinner nightly; lunch Wed–Sun

The first Bay Area location of the James Beard Award-winning chef's celebrated Mediterranean concept, opened December 2025. Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese mezze with a full cocktail bar featuring Mediterranean twists (za'atar margarita, raki pickleback). The dining room extends seamlessly into a heated patio. Excellent for groups — the whole menu is designed for sharing. Broader wine selection than other Zaytinya locations, reflecting proximity to wine country.

Portola Bistro

3130 Alpine Rd, Portola Valley · (650) 618-9154 · portolabistro.com

Mon–Thu 11:30 AM–9 PM · Fri 11:30 AM–9:30 PM · Sat 10 AM–9:30 PM · Sun 10 AM–9 PM

French and Italian cuisine with a California twist, in the space long held by the beloved Portola Kitchen. Wood-fired pizzas, Fisherman's Chowder, Beef Bourguignon, and a tiramisu that shouldn't be missed. Heated outdoor patio across from Bianchini's. Lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Wine and beer; full bar planned.

Bianchini's Market

3130 Alpine Rd · (650) 851-4391 · bianchinismarket.com · Open daily 7 AM–8 PM

Not a restaurant, but worth knowing about: a charming gourmet market with exceptional produce, cheeses, seafood, a full deli with prepared meals, and great sandwiches. The kind of neighborhood market that barely exists anymore. Pick up picnic supplies here before heading to a winery or trail.

Madera Bar at Rosewood Sand Hill

2825 Sand Hill Rd., Menlo Park · rosewoodhotels.com · Complimentary parking

Open daily 2–11 PM with weekend afternoon tea service · Smart casual dress

Silicon Valley's most sophisticated bar. The setting alone justifies the visit: an expansive L-shaped terrace with views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, an elegant library/lounge with a two-sided fireplace, and the main bar with redwood touches and leather couches. The wine program is extraordinary, with by-the-glass options from $18–$40 and bottles running deep into Napa and Santa Cruz Mountains collections. Cocktails $18–$22.

Madera Restaurant

Rosewood Sand Hill · Reservations via OpenTable

The Rosewood's main restaurant is a destination in its own right. Michelin-recognized, with refined dishes from a wood-burning grill using sustainably sourced, hyper-local ingredients. Three-course dinner menu at $85 per person. Breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch also available. Private dining rooms with mountain-view terraces seat up to 16.

The Wine Room

520 Ramona St., Palo Alto · Open daily 4 PM to midnight

Downtown Palo Alto's dedicated wine bar. Enomatic self-serve machines let you taste through a rotating selection by the ounce, glass, or flight. Great for exploring without committing to full bottles.

The Dutch Goose

3567 Alameda de Las Pulgas

A legendary dive bar and burger joint near Stanford. Cash only, no-frills, and beloved by generations of Stanford students and faculty. The burgers are excellent, the beer is cold, and the patio is always lively. Not a craft cocktail destination — that's the point.

The Stanford Barn

Located in Leland Stanford's old brick horse barn on the edge of campus, this is one of the area's most charming Italian restaurants. Handmade pastas, puffy Neapolitan pizzas, and a lovely courtyard for outdoor dining. The bar is a popular after-work spot for the nearby medical center crowd and stirs one of the best Negronis around.

Nobu Hotel Palo Alto

The restaurant inside the Nobu Hotel, adjacent to campus. Japanese-inspired fine dining with the expected Nobu standard of sushi and seafood.

The "Walk to Dinner" Night

Stroll to downtown Menlo Park. Start with tapas and wine at Canteen, then dinner at Camper or Left Bank. Finish with a nightcap at Barebottle. No car needed.

The Foodie Splurge

Cocktails at Bar Underdog on California Avenue, then the tasting menu at Protégé across the street. An extraordinary one-two punch and one of the best dining experiences in the Bay Area.

The Low-Key Family Night

Burma Love for bold, shareable flavors that kids love (coconut noodles, samosas), then walk over to Barebottle for a round of pinball and root beer for the kids.

The Celebration Dinner

Che Fico Parco Menlo's private dining room (up to 70 guests) or Madera's private rooms at the Rosewood (up to 16 guests with mountain-view terrace).

The Mediterranean Evening

Zaytinya at Stanford Shopping Center. The entire menu is built for sharing, the bar program is lively, and the heated patio feels like a night out in the Mediterranean.

The Stanford Campus Date

Walk the Cantor Arts Center and Rodin Sculpture Garden at golden hour, then dinner at The Stanford Barn in the old brick horse barn. Italian food, courtyard dining, and a Negroni.

The Ladera Afternoon

Pick up supplies at Bianchini's, then drive 5 minutes to the Alpine Inn for burgers, pizza, and cold beer in the creekside beer garden. On the way back, stop at Neely Wine in Portola Valley for an estate tasting — it's 10 minutes from Stanford.

The Sunday Ritual

California Avenue Farmers' Market in the morning, brunch at Joanie's or Bistro Elan, then coffee at Andytown.