California Cafe - Palo AltoServiceIt was lunch time, and the service was very, very slow. But they seemed to be busier than usual, so that may be why.
They have had better chefs in the past. Meals are o.k., but in the past they have had some real gems like Mark Stark, Jeffery Stout,
etc.6/11/2013 12:00:00 AMDining on the PatioWhen looking for a lovely quiet patio to dine on a warm night, look no further than the California Cafe!
There was a variety of food that fits any budget, tastes and appetite. The food was above average; but what made them stand out (and highlighted the evening) was the attentive and outstanding service! Thank you Pedro and the bus staff!6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMCalifornia Cafe has alwaysCalifornia Cafe has always been a good choice for lunch or dinner. The Stanford CA Cafe has a nice patio outside and it is beautiful in the Spring/Summer when the flowers are blooming. Our evening dinner this past week was perfect - weather was warm and there wasn't a breeze. There was light music and a really good service. The staff bends over backwards to make its customers comfortable.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMServersOur waiter, Teddy, did a fine job serving us; however, it was his trainee, Andrew who really drew our attention. He was even more attentive to our needs than the server and seemed to really care. It was obvious that even though he was new at California Cafe' that he was an experienced waiter from previous experience and knew what he was doing! He deserves the ***** five star rating and we wish both he and Teddy well.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMPatio Dining w/ delicious foodMy friend and I go to lunch here about every other month and have never been disappointed - great burgers and salads and the seafood is also prepared well and with good flavor. Very dependable and staff are always accommodating and prompt.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMfood perfect as ausual
1 mistakefood perfect as ausual
1 mistake on the wine which was awful (like vinegar)
got another one + the apologies of the waitress
a great experience as usual5/22/2013 12:00:00 AMA lovely eveningWe were almost the only people in this restaurant on a Sunday night, which was perfect, because we wanted to be able to talk and hear one another. We were meeting friends from San Mateo, and it's a good midway location for us. Three of us ordered the scallops over risotto. The scallops were succulent and very clean (I've had sandy scallops in other restaurants), and the serving was generous. The risotto was delicious, but pretty rich. I tried to resist eating it, but failed. I can't recall what the fourth person ordered, but he seemed to be very satisfied with his meal. We'd definitely go back again.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMHappy with Mother's Day brunchWe were a party of six. Made reservations. They seated us outside, which was great. Service was thoughtful and courteous. Food was good; not stellar in a foodie sense, but for a special occasion brunch that is feeding many people, the buffet food was fine and tasty and definitely a very good, diverse selection to choose from, certainly worth second helpings. I would definitely come here again for Mother's Day.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous 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 AMGreat spot, beautiful oldGreat spot, beautiful old building on the farm. Only kind of odd thing was that I was clearly the youngest person in the place on that particular day. Could've been the kid of any of the other diners. I'm in my early 30's.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