To show appreciation for the local business community, readers cast 10,123 votes for their favorite places to eat, shop, workout or spend time with family and friends in 84 categories for the Palo Alto Weekly's annual Best Of edition.
In this issue, find out which restaurant hosts Cuban social hours in an outdoor cantina, what favorite outdoor escape provides sweeping views of the Midpeninsula, who to call for home laundry pickup and which neighborhood ice cream shop menu features Fruit-Loops-flavored ice cream along with more than 48 other specialty flavors.
Also, discover which stand-out businesses have won their categories five years in row and have been inducted into our Hall of Fame.
Here's your crowd-sourced guide to the very best of Palo Alto.
Enjoy your ride!
Services
Best Auto Care
Advanced Motor Works
Founded in 2008, Advanced Motor Works provides everything from basic maintenance and smog checks to complicated repairs. The shop offers EcoPower engine oil and recycles all used fluid, parts and new-parts packaging.
830 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto, 650-328-6537; advancedmotorworks.com
Chiropractor
Stanford Chiropractic Center
Stanford Chiropractic Center provides non-invasive pain relief and pain prevention programs aimed at helping patients boost their immune system and achieve physical strength. The center uses a variety of wellness methods, including nutritional advice and corrective exercise programs.
489 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-326-7000; stanfordchiropractic.com
Best Community Services Resource
Second Harvest Foodbank
Founded in 1974, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley is one of the largest food banks in the nation. The organization works with a network of partners in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties to distribute food at 900-plus drive-thru and walk-up sites. Due to the economic crisis created by the pandemic, the agency is now serving 450,000 people every month, an 80% increase over pre-pandemic levels.
Mailing address for donations: 4001 N. First St., San Jose, 408-266-8866; shfb.org
Best Day Spa
Watercourse Way
Inspired by the natural hot springs of Tassajara, Watercourse Way offers facials, spa treatments and hot tub service as well as massages in private indoor rooms or in an outdoor setting.
What's new: "We also now offer outdoor massages in our gazebo garden."
165 Channing Ave., Palo Alto, 650-462-2000; watercourseway.com
Best Dentist
Christine Hansen DDS & Roberta Jurash DDS
Going to Christine Hansen, DDS & Roberta Jurash DDS is like going to a spa for your teeth. This dental practice offers private consultation rooms, blankets, your favorite music, as well as expert advice on how to solve your dental problems. This dental practice offers state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry treatments including porcelain veneers, teeth whitening and implants, among its services.
416 Waverley St. Suite A, Palo Alto, 650-326-3290; denstistpaloalto.com
Best Dry Cleaner
AJ's Green Cleaners
Established in 1962, AJ's Green Cleaners provides eco-friendly cleaning for everything from shirts and shoes to draperies, bedding and carpets. The family-operated business offers door-to-door pickup and delivery service. Same day service is available for items dropped off by 10 a.m.
3175 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-494-1550; ajscleaners.com
Best Gym
Best Personal Trainers
Oshman Family JCC
The Oshman Family JCC offers a wide menu of heart-pumping options to anyone looking to shed pounds, firm up or simply bask in the post-workout buzz. The center offers around 100 exercise classes, from zumba and pilates to cycling and cardio workouts, including group classes and personal training sessions outdoors at the center's outdoor training area at Freidenrich Community Park .
What's new: The outdoor fitness center that opened in response to COVID-19 safety protocols will remain open long term, essentially doubling the center's workout options. Outdoor exercise options include a strength and conditioning gym, group exercise classes and a lap pool.
3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, 650-223-8700; paloaltojcc.org
Best Hair Salon
Hair International
The crew at Hair International is a diverse team of stylists experienced in working with all hair types. The salon matches each client with the most appropriate stylist who will provide the best style for a particular hair type. The salon specializes in precision haircuts, color and touch-ups, highlights, eyebrow threading and shaping, and facial threading.
232 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650-324-2007; hairintl.com
Best Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley
Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley provides a five-star escape for those who want to feel pampered. Located on the East Palo Alto-Palo Alto border, the property offers luxury accommodations, creative events, seasonal pop-ups and contemporary fine dining at its Quattro Restaurant, which serves homemade pastas, pizzas and flatbreads.
What's new in 2022: Weekend garden brunch at Quattro Restaurant and Soulful Saturdays at QBar.
2050 University Ave., East Palo Alto, 650-566-1200; fourseasons.com/siliconvalley
Best Manicure/Pedicure
La Jolie Nail Spa
La Jolie Nail Spa offers a wide range of mani/pedi options, from the quick "express mani" (clean, shape, buff and polish) to the ultra-luxurious "Rose & Champagne" pedi (a moisturizing foot bath with a splash of champagne and fresh rose). In addition, the salon has more than 1,000 gel nail colors and 600 dip colors and provides door-to-door service for groups of 10 to 20 people.
364 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-322-8882; la-jolie-nail-spa.business.site/
Best Massage
Massage Therapy Center
As one of the largest and oldest massage bodywork facilities in California, Massage Therapy Center provides clients a variety of massage therapies, including Swedish, clinical deep tissue and sports trigger point therapy. Its 16 therapists are professionally trained and certified. Since 2011,readers have selected the center as a Best Of winner.
368 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-328-9400; massagetherapypaloalto.com
Best Men's Haircut
The President Barbershop
From the striped barber pole out front to the television in the corner tuned in to news or ESPN, the independently owned President Barbershop has maintained its old-school vibe for multiple decades, drawing customers from throughout the region. Although the shop has temporarily relocated from its longtime home at the President Hotel at 480 University Ave. While the building undergoes renovations, customers can expect the same service and ambiance at the shop's temporary location on Hamilton Avenue.
486 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, 650-325-5229;
Best Orthodontist
Mid Peninsula Orthodontics/Stacey Quo
—Mid Peninsula Orthodontics has provided state-of-the-art orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics services to the community for more than two decades. Dr. Stacey Quo and her team incorporate SureSmile technology into the process, programming wire adjustments into an off-site robot that can bend wire more precisely than a human hand. From the first consultation to the final day of braces, Quo and her team maintain an upbeat, supportive atmosphere with contests and a kids' club for young patients and a family care program. 965 High St., Palo Alto, 650-328-1600; orthoquo.com
Best Plumber
Guy Plumbing & Heating
Guy Plumbing & Heating is a fourth-generation family-owned business that provides a wide range of services and operates a full-service showroom specializing in the sales and installation of Toto washlet bidet seats, as well as parts for Hansgrohe, Kohler and House of Rohl.1265 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 650-323-8415; guyplumbing.com
Best Shoe Repair
Midtown Shoe Repair
Midtown Shoe Repair has been a Palo Alto fixture for 40 years. Since 1979, Robert Babekian has meticulously restored shoes, suitcases, purses, zippers — and practically anything made out of leather — in his quaint Midtown workshop.
2796 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-329-8171; midtownshoerepair.com
Best Skin Care
LaBelle Day Spas & Salons
For decades, LaBelle Day Spas & Salons has helped Silicon Valley clients to look and feel their best from head to toe. Moisturizers, serums and oils; treatments for problematic skin conditions such as rosacea; scrubs, toners and eye care — everything for the face and body is available here with a one-on-one approach. LaBelle's custom-designed facials that are created from ingredients from the salon's own Bella Schneider Beauty Skincare line are a customer favorite.
What's new: LaBelle has remodeled, expanded and opened a new location in Town & Country Village, where all of its services are now located.
Town & Country Village #33 & #95, Palo Alto, 650-327-6964; labelledayspas.com
Best Veterinarian
Adobe Animal Hospital
Adobe Animal Hospital provides pets of all varieties a wide range of quality services. The facility, which has a 24-hour intensive care unit, is equipped with an in-house diagnostic laboratory and endoscope and ultrasound machines, among other essential tools to help your exotic and furry friends to stay healthy and happy. Pet owners also are often allowed to stay with their pets for many treatments.
What's new: Adobe has expanded its LiveChat and TeleVet services to remotely assist with prescriptions, appointments and health questions seven days a week.
4470 El Camino Real, Los Altos, 650-948-9661; adobe-animal.com
Best WiFi Hot Spot
Coupa Cafe
See Restaurants, Best Coffee House/ Best Solo Dining
Best Yoga Studio
YogaSource
YogaSource Palo Alto offers more than 70 remote and in-person classes a week, including Vinyasa, Power Yoga, Hot Pilates, Hot Yoga, Barre and Restorative and Sound Healing. Students of all levels are welcome. The studio attributes its success over the past few challenging years to its loyal clients, brilliant staff and management team, and phenomenal instructors.
158 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-328-9642; yogasource.com
Retail
Best Beauty Supply
LaBelle Day Spas & Salons
See Services, Best Manicure/Pedicure
Best Bike Shop
Palo Alto Bicycles
With an array of bicycles, dependable repair and exemplary customer service, Palo Alto Bicycles is homegrown and staffed by people who love bikes just as much as their customers. Since its founding in 1930, generations of the same family have operated the shop. Palo Alto Bicycles also sells clothing and other accessories, as well as electric bikes at its E-Bike Annex at 365 Alma St.
171 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-328-7411; paloaltobicycles.com
Best Bookstore
Books Inc.
Books Inc. offers an array of joys for local bookworms: old classics, new hardcovers, newspapers, magazines and gift ideas galore. Founded in 1851, Books Inc. has weathered wars, depressions, earthquakes and more than one pandemic. In addition to in-store services, the bookseller offers online ordering and virtual author events.
What's new: The shop is hosting in-store author visits again following a two-year interruption due to COVID-19.
Town & Country Village, #74, 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-321-0600; booksinc.net
Best Boutique
Best Gift Shop
Shady Lane
At Shady Lane, customers can browse jewelry, artisan glass sculptures, ceramics, wood carvings, textile art and more. The shop specializes in local artisan creations but also showcases offerings from around the globe. A local artisan is always on staff.
What's new: Shady Lane now offers a "Shop" tab on its website to make it easier for customers to make online purchases, as well as preview store items prior to visiting the store in person.
325 Sharon Park Drive, Sharon Heights Shopping Center, Menlo Park, 650-321-1099; shadylanegallery.com
Best Children's Store
Cheeky Monkey Toys
Cheeky Monkey Toys is a family-owned shop that specializes in finding "just the right toy" for each customer. Since opening its doors in Menlo Park in 1999, the shop has provided interactive toys designed to stimulate children's minds to generations of local families. The shop offers in-store shopping, onsite pickup and local delivery.
640 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 650-328-7975; cheekymonkeytoys.com
Best Eyewear
Cambridge Optometry
From eye exams to the treatment of ocular disease to contact lens evaluations and fittings, Cambridge Optometry provides full-service eye care. The facility has state-of-the-art equipment, and offers more than 1,000 designer frames.
250 Cambridge Ave. #102, Palo Alto, 650-323-6772; cambridgeoptometry.com.
Best Flower Shop
Mills Florist
Mills Florist is a longtime family-owned shop that has offered unique floral and garden arrangements, plants and gifts for all sorts of special events since opening its doors in Palo Alto in 1903. The shop's bouquets are "fresh and lovely" and "always perfect for whatever occasion," according to customer reviews on Yelp.
What's new: "We are working hard to cater to all different types of demographics in Palo Alto by increasing our social media presence ... and expanding our event repertoire."
235 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-326-3443; millsflorist.com
Best Frame Shop
Richard Sumner Frames
Richard Sumner Frames has been serving Palo Alto from its downtown location for more than 30 years. The shop offers a full range of framing services, including hand-painted and closed corner frames. Visiting the showroom is like a trip to a museum — the shop also features hand-selected framed vintage posters and antique artifacts from Turkey, Thailand, Morocco and India, among others.
628 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650-322-3330; sumnerframes.com
Best Hardware Store
Hassett ACE Hardware
From hardware, tools, key cutting and knife sharpening to phone repair, paint color matching, garden supplies and barbecues, Hassett ACE Hardware in Palo Alto has it all. Family-owned since 1957, Hassett is a Palo Alto institution known for its focus on customer service.
What's new: "Our outdoor power equipment department in Half Moon Bay is so well known for its excellent small engine repair team, we moved the entire shop to its own location across the street, called Powered by Hassett. We take any small engine a customer can bring in — from anywhere in the Bay Area. If customers aren't in Half Moon Bay, they can just bring it to their local Hassett Hardware and we'll take care of it."
875 Alma St., Palo Alto, 650-327-7222; hassetthardware.com
Best Jewelry Store
Gleim the Jeweler
Gleim the Jeweler is a family-owned, independent jeweler that has been providing one-of-kind pieces of jewelry to generations of customers since 1931. Their collection includes pieces under $100 to those well into five figures. Gleim is noted for its own collection of fine diamond and gemstone jewelry made specifically for the shop.
111 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650-325-3533; gleimjewelers.com
Best Nursery/Garden Supplies
SummerWinds
SummerWinds has everything you'll need to make your garden pop, including compost, potting mix, outdoor decor and tools (like trowels and gloves), bare-root fruit trees, native grasses, veggie plants and flower hats. The center also offers home delivery and curbside pickup. 725 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, 650-493-5136; summerwindsnursery.com
Best Shoe Store
Footwear Etc.
Footwear Etc. has been helping customers find comfortable yet stylish shoes since 1986. The shop offers a wide selection of boots, sneakers, shoes and sandals as well Vionic, a podiatrist-created brand for men and women that includes built-in arch supports in all of its shoes. Shopping is available in-store and online.
463 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-328-1122; footwearetc.com
Best Stationery Store
Letter Perfect
Letter Perfect has made personalized customer service its trademark. The store, which has been independently owned and operated since 1982, offers greeting cards and stationery for all needs, from modest to lavish. But that's not all. The store offers games, leather goods, journals, writing instruments and other special gifts.
384 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-321-3700; letterperfect.com
Best Women's Apparel
Cassis
From vacation wardrobes to date night outfits, Cassis has offered customers a wide selection of carefully curated women's clothing, jewelry, footwear and accessories since 1996. The staff is known for its attention to detail and great customer service, according to Yelp reviewers. The shop also offers online shopping.
206 Homer Ave., Palo Alto; 650-327-2997; lpetal.com
Food & Drink
Best Bagels
Izzy's Brooklyn Bagels
Izzy's Brooklyn Bagels offers a wide selection of pastries and challah. The stars of the show here, however, are the bagels, which are made fresh every day from a family recipe imported from Eastern Europe. Locals know that it's important to come in early so that popular flavors are still available.
477 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-329-0700; 2220-B University Ave., East Palo Alto, 650-322-5700; izzysbrooklynbagels.com
Best Bakery/Desserts
Ada's Cafe
Ada's may serve up delicious artisan drinks, baked goods, panini and salads all made with organic ingredients, but it is not a typical cafe. It's a nonprofit that trains and employs people with developmental disabilities, giving them space to both work and belong. Since opening in 2014, Ada's has been working to change the face of retail and create meaningful connections between the community and its employees.
What's new: "We just started making empanadas, they are so delicious and we serve them with our chimichurri sauce and chipotle a?oli."
Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650- 327-2327; adascafe.org
Best BBQ
Armadillo Willy's
Nearly all of the Texas-inspired grub at Armadillo Willy's is cooked over an oak-wood fire. This locally owned barbecue joint offers traditional items like ribs and brisket, as well as a variety of salads and homemade soups, including chicken tortilla soup. The restaurant is open for in-person dining, takeout and delivery. 1031 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, 650-941-2922; armadillowillys.com
Best Boba Tea
Boba Guys
Boba Guys' milk tea — made in small batches using real tea leaves instead of powders, Straus Family Creamery organic milk and a housemade, all-natural sweetener — has drawn a major following since its start as a pop-up in San Francisco in 2011. The shop is best-known for its Strawberry Matcha Latte.
What's new:The company recently launched "Airplane Mode," its latest menu collection, signaling that it's time to get back out there and go places and look at the world with hope and optimism.
Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #120, Palo Alto; [email protected], bobaguys.com
Best Breakfast
Joanie's Cafe
Breakfast is so good at Joanie's Cafe that the California Avenue restaurant offers it at lunch, too. Favorite brunch items include pancakes, waffles, French toast and omelets, crepes, scrambles or just plain eggs — all served with hash browns, home fries or fruit. The restaurant is open for takeout and dine-in service.405 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-326-6505; joaniescafepaloalto.com
Best Burgers
Kirk's Steakburgers
Kirk's Steakburgers has been satisfying generations of Palo Alto residents with its famous massive steakburgers grilled over a charcoal flame the same way since the restaurant was founded in 1948. Kirk's still uses the same butcher as the original founders and several second- and third-generation employees work at the popular Stanford-student hangout.
Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #75, Palo Alto, 650-326-6159; kirks-steakburgers.com
Best Burrito
LuLu's Mexican Food
Whether it's a shrimp, veggie, chicken or steak fajita wrapped in a gluten-free tortilla, the burritos -- like everything else at Lulu's -- are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Since opening its doors 17 years ago, the family-owned taqueria has built a following with its authentic Mexican food rooted in home-style preparation.
Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real # 49, Palo Alto, 650-327-8226; lulusmexicanfood.com
Best Deli Sandwiches
Grocery Store
Produce
Piazza's Fine Foods
With its blend of old-world charm (founder John Piazza immigrated from Sicily in 1933) and the convenience and amenities of modern supermarkets, Piazza's Fine Foods has been a community favorite in the grocery scene since 1979. The still-family-owned store has a commitment to organic seasonal produce and natural foods, and patrons love its scrumptious deli.
Charleston Shopping Center, 3922 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-325-5933; piazzasfinefoods.com
Best Dim Sum
Thai Pan
The menu at Tai Pan boasts more than 80 different kinds of Hong Kong-style dim sum and specialty rice-noodle rolls as well as other specialty dishes. According to the restaurant's owners, a "tai pan" is an individual who excels above all others in their field — and through thoughtful preparation and presentation, that's exactly how they strive to treat all of their patrons. The restaurant is open for dine in, takeout and delivery.
560 Waverley St., Palo Alto, 650-329-9168; taipanpaloalto.com
Happy Hour
Calave
Happy hour on the patio at Calave has become a tradition in Palo Alto ever since the wine bar opened on the corner of California Avenue and Birch Street in 2015. From 4-6 p.m., Monday-Friday, patrons can grab a seat inside or outside and enjoy happy hour bar bites along with a wine flight, craft beer or signature cocktail while mellowing out with friends.
299 California Ave. #115, Palo Alto, 650-521-0443; calave.com
Best Ice Cream/Gelato
Rick's Rather Rich Ice Cream
For more than 40 years, Rick's Rather Rich Ice Cream has been churning out small-batch ice cream handmade daily at the back of the shop. The menu boasts more than 48 flavors, including creations such as coffee-molasses chip and rose, white chocolate ginger, cotton candy and "Blue Moon," which tastes like Fruit Loops cereal.
What's new: Rick's has added more seasonal flavors, such as butter beer and lychee sorbet, to the menu and is working on vegan ice cream flavor.
3946 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-493-6553; ricksicecream.com
Best Milkshake
Palo Alto Creamery Fountain & Grill
Palo Alto Creamery Fountain & Grill is an old-school diner that has been serving shakes since 1923. Everything here is made from scratch, including the 20-plus milkshake flavors on the menu, which are all served the old-fashioned way in metal mixing cups.
566 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650-323-3131; paloaltocreamery.com
Best New Food/Drink Establishment
Telef?ric Barcelona
From paella and pintxos to Iberico ham, Telef?ric Barcelona is a temple to Spanish cuisine. Operated by siblings Xavi and Maria Padrosa, Teleferic Barcelona is an authentic Spanish tapas and paella dining destination that offers seven different types of paellas served alongside a wide selection of tapas. The menu also offers a diverse cocktail menu that includes Sangria flights, Turkish gin and craft cocktails, such as the Barcelona mule.
Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #130, Palo Alto, 650-321-0712; telefericbarcelona.com
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Best Pizza
Terun
With Neapolitan-style pies baked in a wood-fired oven, Terun provides diners a slice of Italy in Palo Alto. The pizzeria offers a virtually endless choice of creative combinations with toppings like burrata, zucchini, grilled eggplant, artichokes and pears. Terun also offers a takeout menu and live music on Mondays,448 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-600-8310; terunpizza.com
Best Salad
Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen combines a fast-casual service concept with seasonal dining. Its farm-to-table salads include locally sourced lettuce, vegetables, fruit, meat and other toppings. The menu changes five times each year, with the supplying farmers and vendors posted on a list inside the downtown restaurant. Diners can take their pick from signature salads and seasonal combinations or customize their own.
581 Ramona St., Palo Alto, 415-212-7385; sweetgreen.com
Best Takeout
Oren's Hummus
Famous for its fresh, direct-from-Israel hummus, flavorful meat skewers and stuffed-to-the-gill pita sandwiches, the menu at Oren's Hummus is full of Israeli staples. Oren's bakes the pita and cuts produce for dishes on-site every morning. Items also are served at Oren's Hummus Express, which focuses on quick, grab-and-go service.
261 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-752-6492; orenshummus.com | Oren's Hummus Express, 855 El Camino Real, #162, Palo Alto; 650-563-6736; orenshummusexpress.com
Best Yogurt
Pinkberry
Loyal customers attribute Pinkberry to reigniting the phenomenon for frozen yogurt after the chain made its debut in southern California in 2005. The menu at the Stanford shop features a wide selection of local fresh ingredients served in its yogurt and smoothies. All fresh fruit is hand cut at the store daily. Its long list of frozen yogurt flavors includes pomegranate, pineapple colada, island mango, raspberry white chocolate, strawberry vanilla, peanut butter, peppermint.
Stanford Shopping Center, 180 El Camino Real #14, Palo Alto, 650-322-6030; pinkberry.com
Restaurants
Best Ambiance
Bar/Lounge
Best Latin American Restaurant
Best Outdoor Dining
Romantic
La Bodeguita del Medio
With its Cuban-influenced menu, elegant dining room and heated patio, La Bodeguita del Medio has been a Best Of winner in various categories year after year. The restaurant offers robust meat dishes, fresh seafood, flavorful vegetarian entrees and specialty cocktails inspired by the legendary La Bodeguita in Havana.
What's new: The restaurant hosts Cuban Social Hours "CSH" ("our version of Happy Hour") in its outdoor cantina from 3-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday.
463 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-326-7762; labodeguita.com
Best California Cuisine
Saint Michael's Alley
Originally founded as a coffeehouse with a bohemian vibe when it opened in 1959, Saint Michael's Alley has since developed into a refined restaurant with upscale ambiance and a menu rooted in local, fresh ingredients that includes entrees such as roasted sea bass, red curry roasted duck breast and pan-roasted halibut.
140 Homer Ave., Palo Alto, 650-326-2530; stmikes.com
Best Chinese Restaurant
Chef Chu's
Since opening in 1970, Chef Chu's specialty dishes, including its homemade potstickers and Beijing duck cooked in a cast-iron Chinese oven, have attracted a who's who list of diners from near and far, including Serena Williams, Steve Young, Justin Bieber and JFK Jr.
What's new: The restaurant has expanded its services to include takeout and no-contact delivery ?
1067 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, 650-948-2696; chefchu.com
Best Coffeehouse
Best Solo Dining
Coupa Cafe
With its free Wi-Fi and casual setting, Coupa Cafe is more than a place that serves organic fair-trade coffee and food. Since opening in 2004, the family-owned business has evolved into a landmark destination for entrepreneurs looking for an informal sit down outside the office: The cafe has served as a testing ground for more than 20 products from local startups. (It is even referenced in the 2010 film "The Social Network".) The cafe offers tableside ordering, curbside pickup and outdoor dining.
What's new: "We will keep pedestrian-friendly outdoor dining on Ramona Street that so many of our customers enjoy while taking advantage of our great California weather."
538 Ramona St., Palo Alto, 650-322-6872;coupacafe.com
Best French Restaurant
Left Bank
Left Bank serves classic French dishes, such as onion soup, escargot, and steak frites and mussels in the atmosphere of a true French brasserie. The Menlo Park restaurant's fried-in-duck-fat french fries were named as one of the country's top 15 fries by People magazine in 2014. Every July, the restaurant celebrates Bastille Day with a special menu and entertainment.
635 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 650-473-6543; leftbank.com
Best Fusion Restaurant
Tamarine Restaurant
From ginger-beef pho and wok-flashed rice noodles to steamed wild snapper in banana leaves, Tamarine Restaurant serves thoughtfully crafted Vietnamese cuisine that makes every dish a work of art in this fine dining establishment. Takeout, delivery and indoor and outdoor dining are available.
546 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-325-8500; tamarinerestaurant.com
Best Indian Restaurant
Zareen's
Zareen's is a Michelin Guide restaurant that serves traditional and fusion-style Pakistani and Indian food, including samosas, kebabs and a Punjabi chicken burger with spicy fries made in small batches around the clock.
365 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-600-8438; zareensrestaurant.com
Best Italian Restaurant
Cafe Pro Bono
With its authentic Italian dishes (grilled polenta, veal piccata, rigatoni mancini), white tablecloths and casual setting, Cafe Pro Bono has been a favorite local dining destination for more than 27 years, even attracting notable guests such as Secretary of State George Shultz and Condoleezza Rice. Dine-in, curbside pickup and delivery are available.
What's new: "Now that the pandemic crisis is mostly behind us, we're hoping to have some wine tastings and special events."
2437 Birch St, Palo Alto, 650-326-1626;
cafeprobono.com
Best Kids Menu
Hobee's
After opening in the 1970s, Hobee's quickly evolved into an iconic Silicon Valley chain known for its funky vibe, healthy menu items and ample breakfasts — including its legendary blueberry coffee cake with crumbly streusel topping. The Kids menu, which doubles as a coloring page, includes an array of fun and healthy items, including the cheesy scramble, smiley potatoes, chicken dunkers, fruit dippers and a peanut butter & jelly sandwich. Kids eat free on Wednesdays.
What's new: "We just rolled out out a new menu, and are working with our landlords to create a more inviting patio area for al fresco dining."
4224 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-856-6124; hobees.com
Best Meal Under $20
Ada's Cafe
See Food & Drink, Best Bakery/Desserts
Best Mediterranean Restaurant
Best Restaurant to Splurge
Evvia Estiatorio
Evvia Estiatorio offers classic Greek dishes in a lively surrounding. The longtime restaurant manages to combine fine dining with comfort as an open kitchen with a wood-burning oven turns out traditional Greek fare. Be prepared to be treated not as a diner but more like a long-lost relative when you walk through the doors.
420 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650-326-0983; evvia.net
Best Mexican Restaurant
Reposado
Reposado is much more than tacos and cerveza. The eatery offers specialty dishes like marinated pork that's slowly been braised in banana leaves as well as a fabulous array of appetizers, including a plate of four different street tacos. Full plates come with house-made tortillas and offer inventive twists on vegetables, chicken, seafood, steak, pork and tofu. The restaurant also offers dozens of artisanal tequilas and specialty cocktails. Food is available for pickup and on-site dining.
236 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-833-3151; reposadorestaurant.com
Best New Restaurant
Telef?ric Barcelona
See Food & Drink, Best New Food/Drink Establishment
Best Seafood Restaurant
The Fish Market
For more than four decades, The Fish Market has been an El Camino Real mainstay serving up traditional fare to satisfy the hardiest of sea-faring souls — fish and chips, dungeness crab cioppino and clam chowder — as well as dishes for the edgier palate. The restaurant also features a retail market showcasing the same fresh seafood served on its menu.
What's new: Jeremy Loomis joined the restaurant as corporate chef in 2021 and introduced new seasonal menu items, such as the Nashville Hot Halibut sandwich, Peruvian-inspired Rockfish Ceviche and Salmon Crudo. He is set to introduce more items to the menu in coming months. 3150 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-493-9188; thefishmarket.com
Best Steakhouse
Sundance The Steakhouse
Sundance The Steakhouse has been a culinary constant in Palo Alto since 1974. The family-owned restaurant exudes old-school charm, both in feel and food. Don't miss the house specialty, prime rib slow roasted for eight hours, or any of the prime-graded steaks. Fresh seafood, chicken or appetizers meet Sundance standards. Wash it all down with your drink of choice at the lively bar.
Staying power: "Our recipe for success is consistency paired with quality at a fair price. We pivoted to takeout and outdoor dining to keep us going through the pandemic. We are now stronger than ever."
1921 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-312-6798; sundancethesteakhouse.com
Best Sunday Brunch
Joanie's Cafe
See Food & Drink, Best Breakfast
Best Sushi/Japanese Restaurant
Fuki Sushi
With chefs trained in Japan, Fuki Sushi executes delicately crafted sushi rolls with well-cooked rice and fresh seafood. Entrees include Japanese comfort food like chawanmushi, noodle dishes, sukiyaki, tempura and gluten-free dishes. The restaurant features private tatami rooms and offers takeout and delivery.
What's new: The restaurant recently removed red meat from its menu as part of its longtime focus on sustainability. For decades, it has provided sustainable options, such as offering only biodynamic/sustainably farmed wines that are local and compostable takeout packaging.
4119 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-494-9383; fukisushi.com
Best Thai Restaurant
Lotus Thai Bistro
Lotus Thai Bistro is a family owned and operated restaurant that boasts an impressive lunch and dinner menu with everything from pad thai to crispy duck to pumpkin curry and spicy stir fry to Thai barbecue. In addition to serving patrons in the restaurant, the owners also make monthly meal donations to those in need at the WeHOPE shelter in East Palo Alto.The restaurant is open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout and catering.
What's new: The restaurant introduced a street food menu that includes many Thai favorites, such as khao soi noodle, crab omelet over rice, barbecue chicken and papaya salad.
425 California Ave, Palo Alto, 650-289-0907; lotusthaibistro.com
Best Vegetarian/Vegan Cuisine
True Food Kitchen
The menu at True Food Kitchen draws from an anti-inflammatory diet that emphasizes fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, whole grains, seafood, healthy fats and other items, which are sourced locally and regularly rotated on the menu with the seasons. 180 El Camino Real, #1140, Palo Alto, 650-272-5157; truefoodkitchen.com
Arts & Entertainment
Best classes/lecture series
Kepler's Literary Foundation
Kepler's Literary Foundation is dedicated to enriching and inspiring the community through literary and cultural programs. The arts organization has hosted hundreds of community workshops, writing classes, online discussions and author events featuring notable guest speakers, such as Dolly Parton, virtually and in person since forming as the nonprofit arm of the independently owned Kepler's Books in 2017.
1047 El Camino Real, Suite 201. Menlo Park;.keplers.org
Best Concerts/Theater Performances
TheatreWorks
TheatreWorks has provided audiences with innovative dramatic and musical productions every season for the past 51 years. Even during the pandemic shutdown in 2020, it never went completely dark: The Tony Award-winning nonprofit theater pivoted to online programming, creating new works with creative teams across the country. This season, audiences have the opportunity to enjoy performances in person or remotely.
500 Castro St., Mountain View, 650.463.1960; [email protected]
Best Gallery
Palo Alto Art Center
Over the past five decades, Palo Alto Art Center has become a hub for Palo Alto's cultural community, serving thousands of users each year. With its expansive gallery spaces and fully equipped studios where adults and children can learn how to paint, draw and make ceramics. The center is considered the place to see and create art. During the pandemic, the center turned to pottery wheel rental programs, curbside fire and glaze programs, outdoor classes, virtual classes, and more.
What's new: A series of exhibitions and public programs focused on the climate. 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto, 650-329-2366; cityofpaloalto.org (search "Palo Alto Art Center")
Best Museum
Cantor Arts Center
From in-person exhibits to online classes and tours, Cantor Arts Center provides a variety of opportunities to appreciate art. The museum houses the largest collection of work by French sculptor Auguste Rodin in an American museum, as well as collections and special exhibitions from different cultures and time periods. During the pandemic, the museum used new technology to put 3D renderings of its extensive art collection on its website, enabling viewers to virtually walk through much of the center's 130,000-square-foot campus, and with the click of a button, zoom in on each piece of art. The museum also pushed out new exhibitions online and offered a large library of artist talks, learning guides and tours virtually led by docents. And now that the museum is fully open, these digital programs have become part of its regular offerings.
328 Lomita Drive, Stanford, 650-723-4177;museum.stanford.edu
Best Outdoor Escape
Foothills Nature Preserve
Since opening its gates to the general public in December 2020, Palo Alto's Foothills Nature Preserve has attracted visitors near and far — and for good reason. Located in the Santa Cruz foothills about 7 miles from downtown Palo Alto, the city-owned park provides easy access to 1,400 acres of open space and access to trails connecting to green spaces throughout the greater region. It's also home to three ecosystems, redwood groves, streams and a variety of wildlife, including bobcats and wild turkeys. There are campgrounds, picnic areas, an artificial turf recreation area and a man-made lake for fishing and non-motorized boating.
11799 Page Mill Road, Los Altos Hills, 650-329-2423; cityofpaloalto.org (search "Foothills Nature Preserve")
All information was obtained from business owners, company websites and past Weekly coverage.
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