TAVERNA - Palo Alto

Name: TAVERNA - Palo Alto
Address: 800 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA, United States, 94301-2412
Telephone: (650) 304-3840
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (1591)

$31 to $50

Greek

800 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301-2412

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 5, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 27 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Charming

For centuries, a taverna has been a neighborhood gathering place where friends can meet to eat, drink and enjoy life. Taverna co-founders Thanasis Pashalidis and Hakan Bala were raised with a shared ethical compass, which the Greeks call "philotimo" or "love of honor". Family and friends are their ingredients of life, and they believe that nutrition, happiness and health are all directly correlated. Both partners have been culturally influenced by the remedies of the old world and incorporate them into the lifestyle of Taverna. Both have an "ethos" that drives them and inspires others to live fully, which they consider the flavor of life's success. They understand that life is to be enjoyed and that time is of the essence. They are aware that every day is a gift.

Taverna has been created to make people happy and feel alive.

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Greek, Farm-to-table
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–3:45 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3:45 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(650) 304-3840
Website
http://tavernarestaurant.net/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Thanasis Pashalidis & Hakan Bala
Private party facilities
Taverna Restaurant offers private and large party dining for up to 50 guests in our private event room. Taverna’s event room is ideal for corporate events, birthdays, weddings, and special occasions. Choose between one our three family style menus.
Private party contact
Thanasis Pashalidis or Hakan Bala: (650) 304-3840

Location
800 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301-2412
Neighborhood
Palo Alto
Cross street
Homer Ave
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private dining

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Popular dishes

GAVROS MARINATOS $5.95
Marinated Spanish white anchovies / house fermented toursi
TAVERNA CAVIAR $99.00
Two ounces Royal Kaluga caviar / yogurt creme fraiche / potato chips
SASHIMI $29.75
Pacific yellowfin tuna sashimi / avocado mousseline / allium
DIPS choice of TZATZIKI, MELITZANOSALATA, FAVA, SPICY FETA, TARAMA (each 11.75)
DOLMATHAKIA$10.75
Stuffed Napa Valley grape leaves / diced local vegetables / soft herbs
HALLOUMI $18.95
Crispy halloumi cheese / spiced Athenian honey drizzle
SPANAKOPITAKIA$12.50
Savoy spinach / feta / leeks / dill & aromatic herbs / phyllo
KOLOKITHOKEFTEDES $19.75
Crispy zucchini cakes / Epirus feta / mint yogurt
KEFTEDAKIA$12.50
Cast iron fried Greek meatballs / Greek yogurt / red onions
FTEROUGES $12.95
Crispy chicken wings / choice of lemon pepper or spicy / creamy feta dip

SMALL PLATES

AVGOLEMONO SOUPA$10.75
Classic Greek egg lemon soup / Sonoma chicken broth
HORIATIKI SALATA$19.95
Greek village salad / local tomatoes / cucumbers / Epirus feta / olives
PANTZARIΑ$12.50
Chilled roasted baby beets / Gilroy garlic / soft herbs
KALAMARAKIA TIGANITA $19.95
Crispy Monterey Bay calamari / citrus / herb aioli
OKTAPODAKI $22.95
Grilled Spanish octopus / Santorini fava / Aegean capers
SAGANAKI$19.50
Flamed Kefalograviera / fig marmelada / sunflower seeds / Metaxa
GARIDES SKARAS$27.95
Grilled wild Gulf prawns / blistered shishito peppers / skordolado
MAKARONAKIA$15.50
Rigatoni pasta / tomato / tsipouro / graviera cheese
PLEVRAKIA $18.95
Local Superior Farms lamb riblets / smoked paprika puree

ENTREES

SOLOMOS$36.50
Ora King salmon fillet / chickpea rataouille / sauce vierge
PSARAKI $45.95
Deboned ouzo steamed whole fish / capers / tomatoes / saffron / ladolemono
SOUVLAKI SALATA $28.95
Grilled Sonoma chicken skewers / butter lettuce / avocado / mizithra
KOTOPOULAKI $32.50
Roasted Sonoma young chicken / mashed potatoes / brassicas / sage
PLAKI $29.75
Baked gigante beans stew / tomato & onion sofrito / herbed feta / Cretan dakos
GYRO$22.50
Choice of grilled Sonoma chicken, marinated pork or veggie gyro sandwich / fries
TAVERNA BURGER $22.50
½ pound Prime steak burger / Kasseri / fries / homemade brioche
MOUSSAKA$39.75
Braised beef & lamb casserole / eggplant / potatoes / Graviera mornay
ARNAKI
Local Superior Farms lamb rib chops / potatoes
- two chops $39.50
- three chops $59.25

DRINKS

GREEK MINERAL WATER $6.95
MYTHOS GREEK BEER $5.00
200ML TSIPOURO IDONIKO $15.00
200ML OUZO OF PLOMARI $15.00
50ML DON JULIO 1942 $19.42

SIDES

FETA & OLIVES $6.50
KASSERI CHEESE $5.50
HOUSEMADE PITA BREAD $2.50
VILLAGE BREAD ROLL $4.50
GREEK FRIES $5.50
POTATO WEDGES $5.50
HOUSEMADE CHIPS $3.50
GREEK SPICY PEPPERS $5.50
STEAMED HORTA GREENS $6.50
MASHED POTATOES $5.50
ORZO PASTA $5.50

What 1,591 people are saying

TAVERNA - Palo Alto 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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Greek

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

TAVERNA in Palo Alto offers a "very pleasant experience of Greek dishes," with "incredible food" and "amazing ambiance." Guests rave about "attentive and welcoming" service, "excellent cocktails," and dishes like moussaka and octopus. While some mention noise and service inconsistencies, the "lovely ambiance" and "deliciously crispy" appetizers make it a "hidden gem."

1,591 Reviews

R
Ricky
Pittsburgh / Western PA4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I went for lunch and got the grilled chicken, lamb chops and the lamb special of that day. Along with the Spanish Octopus. Everything was great. I thought it was a little bit on the pricey end for the amount of portion served but it was great food nonetheless.
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D
Diana VIP
San Francisco Bay Area44 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 25, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
We were a party of 4 seated outside for lunch. The food was great, very nicely done - octopus, calamari, halloumi, moussaka, beet salad. However the service was spotty. Forgot our iced teas, then brought only one rather than two. Was almost the end of the meal when the second arrived. The server did check for gluten very well, and many dishes were GF or could be made so. The outside seating was noisier than expected as the enclosure is hard surfaces with nothing to dampen sound. We could hear voices from the furthest table loud and clear - not very pleasant. Music was loud but they did turn it down for us. There used to be nice plant decor but that is mostly gone. Ambience could definitely be better. The outside heaters do work well - it was a chilly day.
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G
Gyuho
San Francisco Bay Area8 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 21, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
very pleasant experience of Greek dishes. Unforgettable Saturday brunch date, it was.
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OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
San Francisco Bay Area2 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 21, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
TAVERNA- wow, what a treat! We had the most beautiful meal, paired with the loveliest wine and champagne and the most incredible service! The caviar, tzatziki sauce, beet salad and king salmon were all excellent! The warm and cozy ambiance and amazing wait staff made for a very special evening! Thank you for a wonderful evening - we can't wait to return!
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B
Brian VIP
San Francisco Bay Area83 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 21, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Second time at Taverna. Service was very uneven. We had to ask several times for my husband's martini, water, salt and pita. My husband's martini finally arrived at the same time as our appetizers. We had to then ask the server to delay our mains. The server delayed firing our mains but when they arrived they were warm not hot. Food was good but not great.
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K
Karen VIP
San Francisco Bay Area219 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 20, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
We enjoyed our lunch here. The only complaint was that the taramasalata tasted way too fishy. Everything else was excellent. The octopus in the octopus salad was very tender and tasty. The dressing on the frisee was a little watery, but at least it was light. My husband said his chicken souvlaki was very good too. The pita and tzatziki were good, and even the iced tea was good (I am very picky about iced tea!). The service was a little slow, but the ambiance was excellent. Nice and quiet so we could catch up with friends.
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V
Valerie
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
5.0
Dined on June 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was delicious and filling . Love their warm and inviting ambience , servers are very attentive , welcoming and super friendly. We ordered octopus and prawns . Tons of flavor… lots of appetizers to choose from. Enjoyed my experience and will return for sure!
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T
Thomas
San Francisco Bay Area12 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great dirty martini to start, exceptional zucchini cakes, octopus outstanding. Sat outdoors on a nice day. Excellent experience.
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C
Cari VIP
San Francisco Bay Area12 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I enjoyed a lovely lunch though it was quite empty. Not sure how quiet it would be with more patrons.
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B
Brandon VIP
Charlotte1 review
5.0
Dined on June 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Small plates were very good with good variety, ingredients felt very fresh.
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FAQs

TAVERNA - Palo Alto is rated 4.7 stars by 1591 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 5, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 27 times today

800 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301-2412

Additional information

Cross street
Homer Ave
Neighborhood
Palo Alto
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–3:45 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3:45 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Greek, Farm-to-table
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Thanasis Pashalidis & Hakan Bala
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://tavernarestaurant.net/
Phone number
(650) 304-3840
Private party facilities
Taverna Restaurant offers private and large party dining for up to 50 guests in our private event room. Taverna’s event room is ideal for corporate events, birthdays, weddings, and special occasions. Choose between one our three family style menus.
Private party contact
Thanasis Pashalidis or Hakan Bala: (650) 304-3840

TAVERNA - Palo Alto

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Taverna PDR

Custom inquiry

Moussaka

Arnaki

Saganaki

BITES

GAVROS MARINATOS $5.95

TAVERNA CAVIAR $99.00

SASHIMI $29.75

DIPS choice of TZATZIKI, MELITZANOSALATA, FAVA, SPICY FETA, TARAMA (each 11.75)

DOLMATHAKIA$10.75

HALLOUMI $18.95

SPANAKOPITAKIA$12.50

KOLOKITHOKEFTEDES $19.75

KEFTEDAKIA$12.50

FTEROUGES $12.95

SMALL PLATES

AVGOLEMONO SOUPA$10.75

HORIATIKI SALATA$19.95

PANTZARIΑ$12.50

KALAMARAKIA TIGANITA $19.95

OKTAPODAKI $22.95

SAGANAKI$19.50

GARIDES SKARAS$27.95

MAKARONAKIA$15.50

PLEVRAKIA $18.95

ENTREES

SOLOMOS$36.50

PSARAKI $45.95

SOUVLAKI SALATA $28.95

KOTOPOULAKI $32.50

PLAKI $29.75

GYRO$22.50

TAVERNA BURGER $22.50

MOUSSAKA$39.75

ARNAKI

DRINKS

GREEK MINERAL WATER $6.95

MYTHOS GREEK BEER $5.00

200ML TSIPOURO IDONIKO $15.00

200ML OUZO OF PLOMARI $15.00

50ML DON JULIO 1942 $19.42

SIDES

FETA & OLIVES $6.50

KASSERI CHEESE $5.50

HOUSEMADE PITA BREAD $2.50

VILLAGE BREAD ROLL $4.50

GREEK FRIES $5.50

POTATO WEDGES $5.50

HOUSEMADE CHIPS $3.50

GREEK SPICY PEPPERS $5.50

STEAMED HORTA GREENS $6.50

MASHED POTATOES $5.50

ORZO PASTA $5.50

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is TAVERNA - Palo Alto restaurant rated?

Is TAVERNA - Palo Alto currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information