Caffe RiaceA neighborhood gem...Tucked away off California ave, Cafe Riace offers a bounty of reward to those adventurous souls who seek out the tasty and unpretentious. Nestled in a courtyard with two interior spaces, CafeRiace does a magnificent job serving great Italian fare to all who enter.
Every trip holds a welcome treasure. Enjoy!6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent pasta with lobsterEvery entree was excellent. The starters were good. The affogato was overpriced. Overall excellent food and would return.6/11/2013 12:00:00 AMBest place to bring out-of-townersAlways a great evening. Sound of rushing water provides privacy.6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMA slice of Italy!A scenic spot - our summers are not complete unless we dine out on a warm evening at Caffe Riace!6/8/2013 12:00:00 AM4 Star Food at 5 Star PricesWe enjoyed the fountain-side patio luncheon and service. The salmon was tasty and the service attentive. A $70 tab for 2 for luncheon (one iced tea and two pieces of salmon with asparagus spears) is a bit over the top, so I'd suggest saving this for special occasions.
Also, it would be a nice addition to have a more formal gluten free menu and a couple of additional choices for vegetarians.6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMNot as good as past visitsOutdoor setting was good for our large group of 7, and they positioned space heaters and provided blankets to make sure we were warm. But 2 items we tried to order were no longer available (at 7 on a Saturday night). Also, one member of our party requested pasta carbonara (not on the menu this visit, although it had been before), but we were told they didn't have some of the ingredients. They had an appetizer with pancetta, and dishes with egg and cream, so I don't know what they could have been out of. Most likely didn't want to accommodate a special request. Also, the wait staff brought us one plate of bread for a group of 7, and we had to ask for more. All in all, not what we've been used to on past visits.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMThey took care of it allWe come here often & have always had great food & good.. sometimes great service.
We had Major problems with service - a specific waiter. The food was outstanding. But the management, the waiter etc, came back & apologized profusely. Then, they comped most of our food which we didn't expect. We all will definitely return because they handled the situation & it was a 1 night. out of many nights. Now they know us all so well, they'll treat us even more special.
This is the way a restaurant should handle any issue. Accept responsibility & 'deal with it'!5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMVery Nice Dining ExperienceFood was wonderful, service was great and fast, and the ambiance was very outdoor European cafe - which I loved.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat foodStaff a little distractedWe had a nice dinner, but staff seemed to be un-focused or distracted
Service was slow, we ask for the terrace heater to be turned on and it took 10-15 minutes to get it done
Water glasses are not refilled as frequent as they should be
Food is delicious5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMYou Feel Like You Got AwayIf outdoor dining is your thing, you need to check this out. Always a vibrant crowd in good weather, daytime or night. Flavorful food to stimulate the palate. Of my three visits here (two dinners and one lunch), it has been the service that has taken this place one notch higher. Dinner or lunch on the piazza and an attentive wait staff with a nice touch of humor and warmth. Some expansion of the wine list might be nice. Otherwise, Fantastico!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect outdoor dining experiencePerfect outdoor dining experience on a warm/mild evening. Food was delicious. Service was great as well. Highly recommend it!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperba cucina italiana con statueWonderful fun and delicious! Great Italian, nay Sicilian, cuisine served on a terrace with several classical bronze statues and a fountain featuring a woman holding a washing machine. No joke!
Hidden away or tucked away inside an office building's patio or terrace, Caffe Riace requires seeking it out. It is located on a street bordering Oregon Expressway. But once found, it is not to be forgotten, as it truly is one of the finest Italian restaurants in the area.
Enjoy! Enjoy!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMPatio Dining at its BestCafe Riacce features a very small indoor dining room but a beautiful and comfortable patio with interesting and quirky statuary and lovely gardens. Fortunately, outdoor dining is possible almost year round in Palo Alto. The service was prompt and friendly. My seafood risotto was absolutely loaded with a variety of seafood in a richly flavored saffron broth, served steaming hot. My husband's penne arrabiatta was hot and spicy and very satisfying. This is a pleasant place for lunch and dinner, though finding parking in this area is always challenging. We will definitely be back.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMI've eaten at Caffe RiaceI've eaten at Caffe Riace several times over the past several years, and have always had a good experience. Food has always been good.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMGood food, service, and prices.We started with the Arancine balls. When our server saw how much we enjoyed them, he brought us a couple of the Polenta balls to try. They were very good as well!
My wife and I shared the Spaghetti Carbonara. Very good! Pasta was cooked perfectly. Carbonara sauce was well incorporated - not too much sauce.
We then shared the Osso Bucco as our secondi piatti. Lovely and fall off the bone. Good flavor.
Wine list is extensive. I was able to find a reasonably priced Nero D'Avola by the glass.
Service was very good. Definitely going back.3/14/2013 12:00:00 AMWe asked for, & were seatingWe asked for, & were seating in a quiet room inside & the only noise was from a louder man who then seated at the table next too us, otherwise it was quiet. We each had a different entree - Black cod, duck, osso buco & veal marsala. Everything!!! was fabulous... or as I would put it - totally YUM! Service was great. Couldn't ask for a better meal.
The manager kept checking in often to make sure everything was to our liking. A perfect evening!3/9/2013 12:00:00 AM