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Macarena, Palo Alto, CA

Macarena

4.5 (145)
$31 to $50
Traditional Spanish
420 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301-1707

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 52 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
  • Hot spot
The Art of Celebration in Palo Alto

Macarena 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.​​

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Traditional Spanish, Contemporary European, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed 11:30 am–9:30 pm Thu, Fri 11:30 am–10:30 pm Sat 11:00 am–10:30 pm Sun 11:00 am–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Toni Santanach / Sergio Box
  • Private party facilities
    Certainly! Here’s a refined version of your text:---Group ReservationsFor parties of 9 or more, we offer curated set menus designed to experience Macarena 'The Spanish wayEl Salón de Macarena – Private RoomA warm, intimate space with a fireplace, reminiscent of a vintage European living room — perfect for private gatherings.
  • Neighborhood
    Palo Alto
  • Cross street
    Lytton Avenue
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Lytton Avenue & Ramona Street: This intersection is served by SamTrans Route 397, providing connections to various parts of the city. Hamilton Avenue & Ramona Street: Located just a short walk away, this stop is served by VTA Route 21, offering additional transit options.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Experiences

  • The Sarao Menu *Only at Lunch

    $55.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Rooted in the art of celebration, our group dining experience brings people together over generous, family-style meals that honor the joy of sharing. Available exclusively for lunch, the Sarao Menu is our most accessible group offering—designed for parties of nine or more. It features a vibrant selection of seasonal tapas, a signature paella, and a sweet finish with house-made desserts. Ideal for casual gatherings or daytime celebrations, the Sarao Menu delivers a delicious taste of Spain in a warm, convivial setting. To complement your meal, we offer optional beverage packages—ranging from expertly paired wines and cava to our signature G\&T Cart or a full open bar experience. Once your reservation is confirmed, a member of our team will be in touch to help tailor the experience, accommodate dietary preferences, and ensure every detail is just right. Celebrate lunch with us at Macarena—where the Sarao Menu turns a midday gathering into a meaningful moment. *Please note: A 20% service charge for large parties and applicable sales taxes will be added to your final bill.*
  • The Alegría Menu

    $75.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Rooted in the art of celebration, our group dining experience brings people together over generous, family-style meals that honor the joy of sharing. Designed for parties of nine or more, the Alegria Menu offers a vibrant, prix-fixe journey through some of Spain’s most beloved flavors—beginning with seasonal tapas, followed by a signature paella, and ending with indulgent house-made desserts. To enhance your gathering, optional beverage packages are available upon request—from expertly selected wine pairings and our signature G&T Cart to a full open bar. Once your reservation is confirmed, a member of our team will personally reach out to finalize your menu, note any dietary preferences, and ensure every detail is taken care of. Celebrate with us at Macarena—where every meal is a shared story, every toast a tribute to togetherness. *Please note: A 20% service charge for large parties and applicable sales taxes will be added to your final bill.
  • The Rumba Menu

    $90.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Rooted in the art of celebration, our group dining experience brings people together over generous, family-style meals that honor the joy of sharing. Designed for parties of nine or more, the Rumba Menu offers an elevated take on traditional Spanish dining—featuring a vibrant selection of seasonal tapas, signature paellas, and indulgent house-made desserts. To enhance your gathering, curated beverage packages are available upon request—from expertly paired wines and cava to our signature G&T Cart or full open bar. Once your reservation is confirmed, a member of our team will be in touch to finalize details, accommodate dietary preferences, and help tailor the experience to your group. Celebrate with us at Macarena—where the Rumba Menu sets the stage for unforgettable moments, shared plates, and spirited toasts. *Please note: A 20% service charge for large parties and applicable sales taxes will be added to your final bill.

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What 145 people are saying

Macarena 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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Peninsula

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Macarena in Palo Alto delivers "authentic Spanish cuisine" with a vibrant ambiance and attentive service. Guests rave about the "best paella in the Bay Area" and a "fantastic tapas" selection. The decor is inviting, making it ideal for celebrations or date nights. Despite some service hiccups, the overall dining experience is "truly special" and "highly recommended."
145 Reviews
  1. Rowe VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area106 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a very enjoyable experience: service (Oscar) was fabulous and made great recommendations. The calamari and octopus tapas were so good. Seabass as a main dish was lovely. The highlight was the dessert! Saquetes Creme!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Jessica VIP

    Greater Boston2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    servers were very attentive - great place to celebrate your birthday!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Jessica

    Los Angeles8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and service were great! We started with the Churros Bravos, Pan con Tomate, broccolini, and meatballs and split the Paella de Presa Ibérica as our main. For two people that was plenty of food! The Paella was excellent. They also did a great job with the decor and styling of the restaurant, making it great for a date night.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Eva VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    From the moment you walk into Macarena, you know you’re in for something special. This restaurant strikes the perfect balance between inviting ambiance, exceptional service, and truly unforgettable cuisine. Whether you’re here for a romantic dinner, a celebration, or a casual night out, Macarena delivers an elevated experience that feels both warm and refined. The menu is a celebration of bold flavors and thoughtful pairings. Each dish is clearly crafted with care—both in presentation and taste. The tapas-style selections allow you to explore a wide range of flavors, and every bite feels like a discovery. Highlights included the octopus, the breath taking truffle bikini, and the show-stopping paella, which was rich, deeply flavored, and generously portioned. What truly sets Macarena apart, though, is the attention to detail. The staff is gracious, and genuinely passionate about the food and the guest experience. From pairing recommendations to pacing the courses, everything felt personalized and smooth. The atmosphere itself is a perfect mix of cozy and vibrant—subtle lighting, tasteful decor, and just the right energy. You can tell the space was designed to make you linger and savor the moment. Macarena is not just a meal—it’s an experience. One that stays with you and calls you back. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates inspired cooking and hospitality done right. This restaurant has a special place in my heart.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Diane VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area14 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on July 8, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    There was no need for nackgrounf music. The food was mediocre at best

    Is this helpful?

  6. JULIE

    San Francisco Bay Area5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on July 7, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely restaurant to celebrate our anniversary. We'll be coming back .

    Is this helpful?

  7. Rachel VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fresh, bright, flavorful food and a good variety of drinks, including mocktails that are just as fun as their cocktails. Great service that was also patient with questions, which is very appreciated. The paella negra con vieiras was phenomenally good.

    1 person found this helpful

  8. Kristine

    Los Angeles1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best paella in the Bay area! Ambience was trendy Service excellent

    1 person found this helpful

  9. Brian

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Good food and service. Attention to detail 👏🏼 Dishes can be on the heavier side or better with wine.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Kathy

    Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore21 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food in a lovely space. Very pleasant evening
    MacarenaResponded on July 3, 2025
    Dear Kathy, Thank you for visiting us and for taking the time to leave a review. We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed the food and space. Please come visit us again soon :) Warmly, The Macarena Team

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Macarena is rated 4.5 stars by 145 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 52 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Macarena

420 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301-1707

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Lytton Avenue
  • Neighborhood
    Palo Alto
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Wed 11:30 am–9:30 pm Thu, Fri 11:30 am–10:30 pm Sat 11:00 am–10:30 pm Sun 11:00 am–9:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Traditional Spanish, Contemporary European, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Lytton Avenue & Ramona Street: This intersection is served by SamTrans Route 397, providing connections to various parts of the city. Hamilton Avenue & Ramona Street: Located just a short walk away, this stop is served by VTA Route 21, offering additional transit options.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Toni Santanach / Sergio Box
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    Certainly! Here’s a refined version of your text:---Group ReservationsFor parties of 9 or more, we offer curated set menus designed to experience Macarena 'The Spanish wayEl Salón de Macarena – Private RoomA warm, intimate space with a fireplace, reminiscent of a vintage European living room — perfect for private gatherings.
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