California Cafe - Palo AltoFabulous Appetizers!We visited the California Cafe in Palo Alto on a Friday night and were so delighted with the outside table, the wonderful serivce and the fabulous appetizers.. My friend and I weren't up for a 'dinner' but for wine and a few goodies.. We had the Appetizer Trio, the Stawberry Salad, the House Cut Fries, the Asparagus with Parmesan shavings, the Sorbet Trio and Hess Chardonnay. They were all delightful.. we were delightfully surprised at the House Cut Fries which were covered with spices and parmesan cheese! WOW! Angie was an attentive server.. just the right amount of attention. Thanks again for a wonderful Friday night!5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMI took some people to lunchI took some people to lunch for a special work occasion and we had a great meal out on the patio. At the end of the meal, to my surprise, our waiter brought us a dessert to share, on the house!!! That was such a great way to end our celebration! Thank You!4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMCurrently there is a lot ofCurrently there is a lot of construction surrounding the restaurant. While this is going on, it is not the easiest place to locate and drive to. Directions should be noted of the temporary changes for driving to the restaurant.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistently GoodI have come here frequently for 10 years, originally because of the restaurant's proximity to Stanford Hospital. Now, I come just because California Cafe never fails to satisfy. Every menu item is reliably good. This evening my entrée was a sea bass served on a base of chard and parsnip puree. Delicious.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMThe chef makes some very interestinThe chef makes some very interesting creations. I loved the steak dish I ordered. The staff was welcoming and helpful.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent, and vegetarian friendlyThe name "California Cafe" kind of betrays this lovely restaurant, as does the unassuming signage out front. It looks like a much more casual place than it actually is on the inside. On the inside, the ambiance is lovely; a nice, clean, spacious eatery whose vaulted ceilings and visible rafters drop rustic hints at the stable or barn it once was. The menu is exciting for both omnivores and vegetarians alike. Don't miss the Salmon Tartare. I will be back for the Roasted Vegetable Napoleon. My table also enjoyed the Angus New York strip steak. For dessert, don't miss the Sour Cherry Crumb Tart!4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMMy friend was coming fromMy friend was coming from brunch before going to the theater(Theatreworks) and she was bringing four of her friends who I didn't know. California Cafe had something for everyone -- a super burger for the college student home from spring break, vegetarian selections for the vegetarian and everything for the rest of us. The servings were generous and delicious. Everyone left happy.
As for the ambiance. A very nicely decorated place. For brunch it is a little dark. And while it was bearable, it was a bit chilly inside... so I kept a throw/scarf on through the meal, but the others seemed okay.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMCalifornia Cafe is my newCalifornia Cafe is my new favorite. I live in Newark which is about 30 minutes away but the ride over is worth it then going to the local restaurants where I live. The food at California Cafe is excellent. I had the Scallops where were to die for. The Mussels were awesome and the Tiramisu is decadent. It's a must go for great food.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat I especially liked wasWhat I especially liked was the fact that the restaurant noticed my request for a "quiet" table area. As the lunch crowd filed out, the staff also didn't hurry us to leave.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThe table was ready when weThe table was ready when we got there on time. No waiting in line or for them to set it up. I was there for a business related dinner with 5 other people and the large round table was perfect for a casual and pleasant conversation.
The food was quite good. Everyone had enjoyed their meals and all had finished their portion. The portion is a moderate quantity. The presentation was great.
Price was reasonable for the restaurant and what it offered.
We'll use this place again.3/12/2013 12:00:00 AM