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Best Cozy Restaurants in Palo Alto

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79 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Evvia restaurant
1. Evvia
4.8
Exceptional(4825)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Palo Alto
Booked 100 times today
Sister restaurant of Kokkari, Evvia has been serving authentic rustic Greek cuisine since 1995. Our fresh fish, savory roasted meats and grilled and roasted vegetables are perked up with a squeeze of lemon, a splash olive oil, and Mediterranean herbs. There is perfection in simplicity.
A photo of Macarena restaurant
2. Macarena
4.4
Awesome(121)
Price: Expensive
• Traditional Spanish • Palo Alto
Booked 64 times today
The Art of Celebration in Palo AltoMacarena is more than a restaurant—it’s a celebration of Spain’s soul, brought to life in Palo Alto. Inspired by timeless recipes passed down through generations, every dish reflects the classic traditions of Spanish cuisine, with no shortcuts and no reinterpretations—just comfort food as it’s meant to be.Here, bold flavors meet time-honored techniques. From hearty paellas to vibrant tapas, every plate is crafted with care, honoring the traditions and culture that define Spanish cooking.In our elegant and inviting space, time slows down. Laughter flows, glasses clink, and meals are savored, creating moments that feel both intimate and unforgettable.At Macarena, we don’t just serve food—we share stories, honor history, and invite you to experience the timeless beauty of tradition and culture.​​Opening End of February 2025
A photo of Zola + BarZola restaurant
3. Zola + BarZola
4.6
Exceptional(1283)
Price: Expensive
• French • Palo Alto
Booked 19 times today
BarZola offers an elevated cocktail experience complemented by a dinner menu from the Zola kitchen. We feature an array of French and California wines, as well as the best and closest sourced meat and produce of the season.
A photo of TAVERNA - Palo Alto restaurant
4. TAVERNA - Palo Alto
4.7
Exceptional(1588)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • Palo Alto
Booked 39 times today
Taverna is a cozy neighborhood restaurant with an inviting atmosphere. Reviewers often mention its cozy indoor setting and chic ambience. The place is also considered intimate, allowing for a special and warm dining experience. The friendly and accommodating service, along with the authentic Greek cuisine, contribute to its cozy feel.
A photo of Pizzeria Delfina Palo Alto restaurant
5. Pizzeria Delfina Palo Alto
4.7
Exceptional(500)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Palo Alto
Booked 29 times today
Inspired by the best pizza of New York City and Naples, Italy. In 2005, Annie and Craig Stoll annexed the space next door to their James Beard Award winning Delfina restaurant fulfilling a long time dream of bringing Neapolitan-inspired pizzas to San Francisco. The 600 square foot space was an instant neighborhood hotspot, and Pizzeria Delfina became the ""darling of the San Francisco food scene"" opening a second location in 2008 to popular demand. In 2014, Annie and Craig expanded into the Peninsula with Pizzeria Delfina in Palo Alto. This energetic, farmers-to-table restaurant serves up Neapolitan-inspired pizza complemented by a daily-changing roster of seasonal antipasti, piatti (small entrees), beer, wine and more. A family-owned business, Pizzeria Delfina is a neighborhood establishment through and through that continues to bring people together around fresh, handmade, delicious food in a warm, casual atmosphere.
A photo of Osteria restaurant
6. Osteria
4.6
Exceptional(1448)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Palo Alto
Booked 12 times today
Our vision is to insure a quality dining every time you eat with us. Osteria's purpose is to provide 'Culinary Contentment.' Whether you are choosing to enjoy an Osteria meal at home, your business via delivery, or in our dinning room, it is our pleasure to assist you. We believe in preparing fresh, whole food, as an essential to our customer's well-being. We are focused at providing you, our family and friends, with a traditional Tuscan cuisine, which pleases the palate is healthy, and progressive. Whether you are gathering with family, friends, co-workers, or entertaining clients, we happily offer our assistance. It is a privilege to serve you, grazie!
A photo of Arya Steakhouse - Palo Alto restaurant
7. Arya Steakhouse - Palo Alto
4.8
Exceptional(1278)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Palo Alto
Booked 18 times today
Welcome to ARYA in Palo Alto, a place we call home. Arya is about a warm ambiance, and many choices whether you love Steak or Persian Cuisine. Arya features seafood, steaks, chicken, and kebabs, cooked to order, the best in Persian cuisine. We feature a fine selection of California and Italian wines. Delicious cakes and desserts, for every event, from our Baklava to our Persian style Ice cream and Pistachio ice cream. For business and special celebrations, we love to make you feel special in our home. You will be comfortable in business or dressy casual attire, enjoying our elegant environment. You will enjoy service from our warm and friendly staff.
A photo of Local Union 271 restaurant
8. Local Union 271
4.5
Awesome(579)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Palo Alto
Booked 15 times today
We, as a local family owned restaurant, unite local, exceptionally produced, food and drink. We proudly purvey these locally sourced provisions in a comfortable setting that has been hand crafted by local artisans.We strive to create a local experience that is abundantly flavorful, healthy, safe, and enjoyable. We are honest and do the right thing.Local Union 271 is a circle of farms, ranches, dairies, hatcheries, bakeries, fisheries, breweries, and wineries- and a lot more! Our local partnerships are the core of our mission to provide healthy, sustainable, safe, organic ingredients.
A photo of St. Michael's Alley restaurant
9. St. Michael's Alley
4.7
Exceptional(854)
Price: Expensive
• American • Palo Alto
Booked 14 times today
Established in 1959, owners Jenny Youll and Mike Sabina expanded the once small coffeehouse of St. Michaels Alley into this intimate dining establishment in 2009. The restaurant provides three comfortable spaces for a dinner out with friends, date night, or a complete private event. The main dining room is wood paneled and intimate. The front room / bar area is more casual and social, yet still offers tables with linens and the full menu. The solid wood bar is a favorite dining spot for many of the regulars and locals. A beautiful outdoor patio is most enjoyable on warm summer days and nights as it open to the sky. Enjoy a cocktail at the full bar before venturing into one of the upscale and relaxed dining spaces of St. Michael's Alley.The restaurant is currently offering the Autumn Menu on the Patio as well as takeout, Tuesday through Sunday starting at 5pm.
A photo of Tacolicious - Palo Alto restaurant
10. Tacolicious - Palo Alto
4.8
Exceptional(216)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Palo Alto
Booked 13 times today
Tacolicious is a casual, modern Mexican restaurant with locations in San Francisco and Palo Alto. We source our ingredients responsibly, take our tacos as seriously as our cocktails, and offer a fun sit-down, full-service experience. Large party of 12 +? Email us at palo_alto_management@tacolicious.com and we'll fit you in. We have outdoor dining, a great private room and do off-site catering. Go to tacolicious.com for more information; catering requests can be sent to events@tacolicious.com.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Tatiana
    1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Today, after 1 year of moving to the bay area, I finally found a Spanish restaurant that reminds me of authentic Mediterranean food, each of the dishes surpasses the previous one, variety of tapas to share with an incredible flavor, of my favorites the meatballs and garlic shrimps. The paella was incredible spectacular its flavor and last but not least the desserts so I recommend leaving a space for the end because it will be very worthwhile between the tiramisu and the cheesecake difficult to say for just one. And highlight that the service was exceptional and the atmosphere of the restaurant incredible, I will repeat without a doubt 🫶🏼✨🤞🏼
    More info
    MacarenaPrice: Expensive• Traditional Spanish• Palo Alto
    •
    4.4
  • DavidVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This was our first visit to Zola / Bar Zola and it won't be our last. We shared two starters (a seasonal garden salad and the French Onion Soup -- which the kitchen thoughtfully split into two smaller portions for us), and we ordered the boullabaisse and the hangar steak/frites. Both were excellent: the boullabaisse was well-seasoned and the seafood was properly cooked, not rubbery at all (a common problem with cioppino, boullabaisse, and other mixed seafood dishes), while the hangar steak was cooked perfectly to a medium rare, accompanied by a nice chimichurri and was considerably more tender than expected. We finished the meal sharing a chocolate mousse (also excellent!). A well-executed, tasty meal accompanied by excellent service in a nice atmosphere. Highly recommended!
    More info
    Zola + BarZolaPrice: Expensive• French• Palo Alto
    •
    4.6
  • Susannah
    Phoenix / Arizona •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Beautiful patio with delicious food and impeccable service!
    More info
    EvviaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Palo Alto
    •
    4.8
  • BrandonVIP
    Charlotte •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 17, 2025
    Small plates were very good with good variety, ingredients felt very fresh.
    More info
    TAVERNA - Palo AltoPrice: Expensive• Greek• Palo Alto
    •
    4.7
  • MarcoVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Jun 7, 2025
    Both the pizza capricciosa and the carta musica bread were excessively loaded with spices : garlic, herbs. Italian food on steroids. Please be subtler and more nuanced with flavors.
    More info
    Pizzeria Delfina Palo AltoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Palo Alto
    •
    4.7

Discover best cozy restaurants in Palo Alto

Explore the best cozy dining spots in the Palo Alto area, nestled in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula. Each restaurant offers a unique atmosphere that embodies warmth and comfort, perfect for those seeking a relaxed dining experience. From intimate European settings to modern, spacious environments, these eateries cater to various tastes and preferences, all while maintaining a cozy vibe. Enjoy the charm of poolside dining, the authenticity of Greek cuisine, or the innovation of modern culinary delights in settings that are both inviting and serene. The dining scene in Palo Alto is renowned for its diverse offerings and emphasis on quality, ensuring every meal is both delightful and memorable. Whether you're planning a quiet meal with loved ones or a comfortable evening out with friends, these establishments promise an ambiance that complements their delicious menus. Discover your next favorite cozy spot in Palo Alto for a truly enjoyable dining experience.

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