Cafe Pro Bono

Name: Cafe Pro Bono
Address: 2437 Birch Street, Palo Alto, CA, United States, 94306
Telephone: (650) 326-1626
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1293 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

(Please visit www.cafeprobono for more info or to order pickup or takeout orders)

Cafe Pro Bono is Palo Alto’s crowning jewel for exceptional Italian food. For over 30 years we’ve been serving a wide variety of authentic, reasonably priced Italian and European dishes with a freshness you can see and taste!

As the recipient of Palo Alto Weekly’s ‘Best Italian Restaurant’ in 2021 and 2022, we’re extremely proud and thankful for our wonderful CPB family of diners who were especially loyal during the height of the pandemic.

Through the creativity of CPB owner Akif Aydin and our head chef Ignacio Cortez, our menu includes delicious, attractively presented appetizers, fresh pastas, fresh fish, steaks, chicken, salads, sandwiches and homemade desserts. We also have a full bar, so enjoy your favorite cocktails, ‘0 Proof’ cocktails - or one of our domestic or international wines from our extensive wine list.

Hope to see you soon!

Buon Appetito!!!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 28, 2023

9:30 PM

Booked 14 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Italian, Mediterranean, 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
(650) 326-1626
Website
http://www.cafeprobono.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Owned/operated by
Middle Eastern
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 ‘Events Menus’ too - we have a variety of menus/pricing to choose from.
Private party contact
Akif Aydin: (650) 326-1626

Location
2437 Birch Street, Palo Alto, CA 94306
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

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Grilled Polenta$15.95
Roasted Portobello Mushroom Sauce
Sauteed Gulf Prawns$18.95
Parsley, Garlic, Lemon, White Wine
Carpaccio$21.95
Thin Sliced Raw Beef, Bermuda Onions, Capers, Parmigiano Reggiano, Drizzled Dijon Mustard Truffle Oil
Susan's Downfall$18.95
Cheese & Herb Ravioli, Gorgonzola Sauce, Toasted Almonds

Starters

Organic Baby Spring$12.95
Mixed Greens, Roma Tomato, Cucumber, and Fresh Citrus Vinaigrette
Wild Arugula$14.95
Candied Walnuts, Poached Bosc Pear, and Balsamic Dressing
Caesar Salad$13.95
Organic Hearts of Romaine Lettuce, Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano

Panini

all our sandwiches are served with salad

Grilled Portobello$18.95
Mushrooms, Roasted Bell Peppers, Caramelized Onions, Tapenade
Panino con Bisteca$28.95
Black Angus Filet Mignon, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, Butter Gorgonzola Cheese
Chicken Confit$18.95
Mary's Free Range Chicken Confit, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, Roasted Garlic Aioli, Provolone Cheese
Smoked Salmon$25.95
Norwegian Smoked Salmon, Bermuda Onions, Arugula, Lemon Caper Aioli

Luncheon Salads

Yabo Salad$30.95
King Salmon, Hearts of Romaine Lettuce, Roasted Red Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Olives, Feta Cheese, Citrus Vinaigrette
Duck Confit Salad$19.95
Organic Baby Spinach, Mushrooms, Sun Dried Cranberries, Granny Smith Apple
Grilled Chicken Salad$18.95
Pro Bono Bistro Salad, Mushrooms, Roma Tomatoes, Citrus Fresh Herbs

Pasta

Capellini$21.95
Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic, Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Mancini Spaghetti$23.95
(Beef & Veal Top Sirloin) Classic Bolognese Sauce
Tortiglione$22.95
Organic Whole Grain Buckwheat Pasta, Portobello Mushrooms, Green Peas, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Broccoli Crown, Light Marinara
Gnocchi$24.95
(homemade) Basil Pesto, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Pine Nuts
Susan's Downfall$26.95
(homemade) Cheese & Herb Ravioli, Gorgonzola Sauce, Toasted Almonds
Rigatoni$25.95
(homemade) Spicy Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce
Tagliatelle alla Pro Bono$26.95
(homemade) Pasta with Smoked Free Range Chicken, Roasted Shitake Mushrooms, Light Alfredo
Linguini alla Vongole$27.95
Fresh Manilla Clams, Calabria Pepper, Basil, Lemon, Vermentino
Squid Spaghetti$32.95
(homemade) Gulf Prawns, King Salmon, Manila Clams, Roasted Tomato Sauce

Lunch Entrees

all entrees served with starch and vegetables

Pollo alla Pro Bono$27.95
Free Range Chicken Breast, Pine Nuts, Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
Grilled Wild Boar Sausage$28.95
Flageolets, Daily Vegetables, Drizzled Evo
Loch Duarte Salmon$32.95
Orzo Pasta, Dill, Lemon Chardonnay Sauce
Pork Shank$34.95
Braised Pork Shank with Vegetable Mirepoix and Marsala Wine

What 1,293 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Peninsula
Italian

1,293 Reviews

S
Sandy
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always fabulous food and convenient location. One of my absolute favorite restaurants!
Is this helpful?
w
wondering
San Francisco
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great popular Italian restaurant frequented by repeat customers
Is this helpful?
CM
CathyM
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I go to Pro Bono frequently, and no matter how many guests you have, no matter how busy they are, the service is impeccable, the food is always good, and the prices are reasonable. I always have veal piccata and sometimes salmon or steak. All are good. Salads are good, as are cocktails and amazing desserts. I actually hate writing a review as I like keeping this little gem of a restaurant to myself.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, great service and they make really great cocktails.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
We made a reservation over a week in advance, but when we showed up they weren’t even open😡 So unprofessional.
Cafe Pro BonoResponded on September 11, 2023
Greetings. I see your reservation was made for Labor Day. We were closed for lunch and only open for dinner - the OpenTable reservation platform failed to update our hours to reflect our lunch closure, and we were not alerted to their error until about a half hour before our usual lunch opening. We immediately started phoning, texting and emailing everyone who made an OpenTable reservation for Labor Day lunch to notify everyone of our closure. If you saw an unfamiliar phone number or email, perhaps you deleted our contact as junk. Your grievance really should be with OpenTable - and not with us here at Cafe Pro Bono. We did reach out! Regardless, we are sincerely sorry for your inconvenience - and would hope you might consider removing your one star review, given the error was not ours.
1 person found this helpful
C
Comidabuena
San Francisco
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Convenient parking, both indoor and outdoor eating, great selection of fish, pasta, and meat, wonderful service…good wine, beverage list. Prices are reasonable…$32 typical for entree and the noise level is VERY low - great for conversations with guests. A wonderful dining experience every time!
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h
hungrygranny
San Francisco
21 reviews
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Went on a very unbusy night with out of town friends . They/We were very happy with the good food and attentive service. I am always pleased with the fish dishes here . The kitchen knows how to handle fish.
Is this helpful?
AS
AvivaS
Palm Springs
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Great restaurant with consistent quality food. Friendly staff and very nice ambience.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service are always excellent at Cafe Pro Bono. I indulged in the always deliciously decadent Susan’s Downfall and tried the lobster appetizer special which should always be on the menu. The entrees were also delicious. We sat outside on a perfect Palo Alto evening. Wonderful place!
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PA
PaloAltoEngineer
San Francisco
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is excellent and the service is very good. We have been coming to this restaurant for years and always have a great meal.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Good food. My little guest loved the rack of lamb. Great service from this older gentleman!
Is this helpful?
I
Itiswhatitis
Central Coast
41 reviews
vip
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and excellent service! Ambiance was terrific.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Love Cafe Pro Bono. Have for years. Wonderful service and a good variety of dishes to choose from.
Is this helpful?
s
srverde
San Francisco
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Gracious service and consistently very good food.
Is this helpful?
j
joycerey
San Francisco
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
another delicious meal with terrific service ... I love the horseradish crusted salmon!
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CM
CathyM
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
all the veal dishes are good and the salads. Also a good margarita.
Is this helpful?
T
Tedw
San Francisco
30 reviews
vip
3.0
30 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Reliable Italian food in a nice environment. Good value
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was truly a spectacle beyond what I was prepared for. The service and food exceeded all expectations!
Is this helpful?
WM
WilliamM
Orange County
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cafe Pro Bono was, as usual, a thoroughly delightful experience! The food and service was great and this time we ate outside on the front patio. Very nice dining experience overall and my wife and I would highly recommend you try it.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a spontaneous date night at Cafe Pro Bono at 8:45pm on a Tuesday night. The service, ambiance, and food could not have been better. We found them on apple maps and yelp in about 10min and then made a reservation through opentable in about one minute. Couldn’t have been easier. We will be back.
Is this helpful?
L
Lanie
San Francisco
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another great experience. Food is consistently great, as are the cocktails. We tried a couple of the specials, (sausage appetizer, ravioli & cocktail) and the duck breast from the usual menu. All were excellent. We are always treated like special guests. This is our go to place for special occasions, including midweek casual dinners when we need a boost. 😋
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service were excellent. It wasn’t very crowded when we were there and the noise level was very low. We sat outside and it was a beautiful day.
Is this helpful?
L
Link
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service and food were excellent. Veal Piccata was tender and not too lemony. They accommodated our 11 year old dining companion with her very favorite meal that’s not on the menu. The desserts were delicious.
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a
avacadovich
San Francisco
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on June 27, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
I’ve always enjoyed eating here or wait. Staff is friendly food is good.
Is this helpful?
PR
PaulR
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
My favorite Italian restaurant in the south bay. Classic Italian dishes Indoor or outdoor seating, huge parking garage nearby (or street parking) Owner and staff are always friendly and on the ball.
Is this helpful?
BE
BrownEyes
Tucson
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding food, ambiance, and service. Easy to recommend. Enjoy!
Is this helpful?
U
Unji
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice food, good service, and a cheerful atmosphere!
Is this helpful?
H
janH
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Aways so welcoming and served by people who care. The food is always so beautifully prepared and delicious1
Is this helpful?
S
Susy
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
All the staff are so nice and friendly. And the food is delicious!!! Can’t think of a thing I would want changed.
Is this helpful?
MG
MrsGrumpy
San Francisco
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 2, 2023
overall3food5service2ambience3
Food was excellent and delicious. Service was ok. There was lipstick stains on my water cup. Asked for refill of water and never got it. Had to ask 2 more times before we got it. Waiter didn’t come ask us how everything was til we were almost done. Although the food was wonderful, not sure we will be back because if the service.
Is this helpful?
S
Seale
San Francisco
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pro Bono is the perfect spot for a delightful lunch or dinner. Wonderful food, wonderful service-- an all-around winner.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Louisville
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We felt like family. It was a lovely and delicious dinner.
Is this helpful?
SQ
SuzyQ
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 2, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
But dinner was excellent. Especially loved the Petrale sole and the Susan’s ravioli. Outstanding!
Is this helpful?
W
Wood1gem
San Francisco
49 reviews
vip
4.0
49 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
The food and service were very good. I’ll definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
CC
CoCo
Hawaii
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Akif and his staff are experts in providing true hospitality and excellent food. Every diner here feels like a special guest. We come here for family celebrations and just because we crave certain things on the menu (Capellini Pomodoro). And their outdoor dining area is really lovely on a warm evening.
Is this helpful?
O
Online101
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is our neighborhood-favorite go-to restaurant. We've consistently had wonderful meals, terrific service and left eager to return and try another of the great choices on the menu. Prices have risen, but remain competitive with other top restaurants in the area. As you look around the room, you'll see tables full of local repeat diners who know what a gem Pro Bono is.
Is this helpful?
TD
TrapperD
San Francisco
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Took three friends there recently. Sat outdoors on a beautiful day. Relaxed not rushed, and all of us thought the food and service was terrific.
Is this helpful?
DJ
DJAnon
San Francisco
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
It's always good to be at Pro Bono! The food and Service are great.
Is this helpful?
ES
ExplorerS
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It’s been good every time! Food is yummy no matter which dish I chooses. Would like to see more seafood options as there are very limited good restaurants serving seafood in the local area.
Is this helpful?
D
Discrimanating
San Francisco
105 reviews
vip
5.0
105 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A true neighborhood gem. Great food, great service and a warm atmosphere.
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Cafe Pro Bono using the Order Online button. Cafe Pro Bono also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 326-1626.

Cafe Pro Bono is rated 4.7 stars by 1293 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 28, 2023

9:30 PM

Booked 14 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
Cuisines
Italian, Mediterranean, 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
Owned/operated by
Middle Eastern
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

Website
http://www.cafeprobono.com/
Phone number
(650) 326-1626
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 ‘Events Menus’ too - we have a variety of menus/pricing to choose from.
Private party contact
Akif Aydin: (650) 326-1626

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Cafe Pro Bono

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Veal Picatta

Smoked Salmon

Caesar Salad

Appetizers

Grilled Polenta$15.95

Sauteed Gulf Prawns$18.95

Carpaccio$21.95

Susan's Downfall$18.95

Starters

Organic Baby Spring$12.95

Wild Arugula$14.95

Caesar Salad$13.95

Panini

Grilled Portobello$18.95

Panino con Bisteca$28.95

Chicken Confit$18.95

Smoked Salmon$25.95

Luncheon Salads

Yabo Salad$30.95

Duck Confit Salad$19.95

Grilled Chicken Salad$18.95

Pasta

Capellini$21.95

Mancini Spaghetti$23.95

Tortiglione$22.95

Gnocchi$24.95

Susan's Downfall$26.95

Rigatoni$25.95

Tagliatelle alla Pro Bono$26.95

Linguini alla Vongole$27.95

Squid Spaghetti$32.95

Lunch Entrees

Pollo alla Pro Bono$27.95

Grilled Wild Boar Sausage$28.95

Loch Duarte Salmon$32.95

Pork Shank$34.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

Does Cafe Pro Bono offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Cafe Pro Bono restaurant rated?

Is Cafe Pro Bono currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day