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Cafe Pro Bono, Palo Alto, CA

Cafe Pro Bono

4.8 (1477)
$30 and under
Italian
2437 Birch Street, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 8 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for business meals
Cafe Pro Bono stands as Palo Alto's premier destination for exquisite Italian cuisine. With a legacy spanning over 30 years, we take pride in offering a diverse array of authentic and reasonably priced Italian and European dishes, each crafted with a dedication to freshness that is evident in every bite.

Whether you seek a romantic evening or a casual dinner, our menu features a wide selection of traditional dishes at accesible prices. From beautifully presented appetizers to homemade pastas, daily fresh seafood, quality meats, and indulgent desserts, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails we strive to ensure every visit is a memorable culinary experience.

Consider our Private Event Room for your next rehearsal dinner, birthday celebration, baby shower, family gathering or business meeting. Our full bar offers a variety of cocktails, including alongside domestic and international wines.

We look forward to welcoming you soon to Cafe Pro Bono.

Buon Appetito!!!

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, European, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Sun 5:00 pm–8:45 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Ignacio Cortez
  • Private party facilities
    To reserve our private room (or the entire restaurant!) for your next business meeting or party, call us at 650/326.1626 - or fill out our inquiry form at https://cafeprobono.com/private-dining-special-events and we will contact you right away Stop by our web site to view our ā€˜Events Menus’ too - we have a variety of menus/pricing to choose from.
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Neighborhood
    Palo Alto
  • Cross street
    California Ave. / Sherman Ave. Garage: handicap/charging stations
  • Parking details
    New four-level parking garage directly across the street.
  • Public transit
    Cal Train - California Avenue stop, VTA
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Liquor, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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What 1,477 people are saying

Cafe Pro Bono reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Peninsula

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Cafe Pro Bono in Palo Alto is a cherished dining spot known for its "outstanding cuisine" and "first-rate" service. Guests frequently praise the "exceptional food" and welcoming atmosphere. Signature dishes like "Susan's Downfall" and attentive staff make every visit memorable. Despite occasional noise, it's a "hands-down favorite" for many patrons.
1,477 Reviews
  1. Debra

    Philadelphia County4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very good Italian food. Staff was very pleasant and responsive.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Richard VIP

    Jackson Hole / Wyoming6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another terrific dinner at Cafe Pro Bono—at least our 50th this year! The Lemon BrĆ»lĆ©e dessert special was an absolute standout.

    Is this helpful?

  3. nancy VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area31 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 8, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    A restaurant you can always count on for good food and service. Comfortable.

    Is this helpful?

  4. David VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We are regulars, for good reason. Food, staff, ambience, service, beverages, all are first rate.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Victor

    San Francisco Bay Area4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place, great people, great food. Always a very very nice experience!

    Is this helpful?

  6. C VIP

    Hawaii2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 4, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Everything about it was great EXCEPT for the very loud, racist conspiracy theorist who was sitting close to us. He was basically shouting at his dining companion and another couple who sat down moved to a different table to be further away from him. I was surprised that the restaurant staff did not ask him to keep his voice down because he really was saying outrageous and offensive things. He seemed like a regular though, or maybe his friend was. It made what was otherwise a lovely evening uncomfortable for us and other restaurant patrons. Otherwise, the waitress was AMAZING, she really was kind when I explained my dietary restrictions and the food was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Jennifer VIP

    Orange County3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food and the service was fantastic. Very friendly environment.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Laura

    San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on May 28, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    A pleasant outdoor summer dinner with attentive and professional wait staff. Entrees ordered by all three of us (pasta with shrimp, whole wheat pasta with mushrooms, and duck) were very tasty and hot. Dessert (baked apple with vanilla gelato) superb. Pricey but par for the area.

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  9. Robin VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area18 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service and food at Cafe Pro Bono are just wonderful - next level. One of my favorite places to go!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Frances

    San Francisco Bay Area16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Cafe Pro Bono is just as great as ever. Food, service & ambiance are consistently great. It’s one of our family’s favorite go to restaurants.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Cafe Pro Bono offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 326-1626.

Cafe Pro Bono is rated 4.8 stars by 1477 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. Peninsula
  5. Palo Alto

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 8 times today
Google Map for Cafe Pro Bono

2437 Birch Street, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Additional information

  • Cross street
    California Ave. / Sherman Ave. Garage: handicap/charging stations
  • Neighborhood
    Palo Alto
  • Hours of operation
    Sun 5:00 pm–8:45 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, European, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    New four-level parking garage directly across the street.
  • Public transit
    Cal Train - California Avenue stop, VTA
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Ignacio Cortez
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Liquor, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    To reserve our private room (or the entire restaurant!) for your next business meeting or party, call us at 650/326.1626 - or fill out our inquiry form at https://cafeprobono.com/private-dining-special-events and we will contact you right away Stop by our web site to view our ā€˜Events Menus’ too - we have a variety of menus/pricing to choose from.
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