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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Palo Alto

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60 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Nobu Palo Alto restaurant
1. Nobu Palo Alto
4.5
Awesome(1655)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Palo Alto
Booked 56 times today
Nobu Restaurants' now classic and seamless blend of Japanese and Peruvian food has officially made it’s way to the Bay Area. Here you may divulge in some of our signature world famous dishes like our Alaskan Black Cod, Yellowtail Sashimi Jalapeño, and Salmon Sashimi New Style just to name of few. Situated at the lobby floor of the Nobu Hotel, Epiphany we offer indoor and outdoor seating right in the heart of Palo Alto. Dine with us, stay with us.
A photo of Arya Steakhouse - Palo Alto restaurant
2. Arya Steakhouse - Palo Alto
4.7
Exceptional(1235)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Palo Alto
Booked 26 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 Ethel's Fancy restaurant
3. Ethel's Fancy
4.9
Exceptional(558)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Palo Alto
Booked 26 times today
A hip and fun restaurant with chef's counter dining, serving thoughtful American cuisine, with an emphasis on local seasonal products.Ethel's Fancy is open at 5 PM Tuesday - Saturday.We have a small dining room with a limited amount of reservable tables. We do keep our Bar seats and a table in the restaurant open for people to walk-ins. Walk-ins are on a first come basis. Please do not make multiple reservations with the intention of combining reservations to increase party size.All guests must be present before your party will be seated.To help provide a seamless experience for all our guests, we have allocated 2-hours for your group of 2 to 4 people.
A photo of Reposado Restaurant restaurant
4. Reposado Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2866)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Palo Alto
Booked 13 times today
Reposado offers a unique experience with exceptional Mexican cuisine which will challenge the imagination and seduce the palate.Born from a rich tradition of regional Mexican specialties and contemporary culinary influences, it promises to be not only memorable but also enjoyable.Please come enjoy a richly satisfying and fun Mexican dining experience.Eat. Drink. Relax
A photo of Il Fornaio - Palo Alto restaurant
5. Il Fornaio - Palo Alto
4.7
Exceptional(2775)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Palo Alto
Booked 36 times today
Step inside Il Fornaio and take an award-winning culinary journey through Italy. Specialties include house made pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Il Fornaio offers a wide variety of premium-quality Italian food paired with great cocktails and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list.
A photo of MacArthur Park - Palo Alto restaurant
6. MacArthur Park - Palo Alto
4.2
Awesome(1676)
Price: Moderate
• American • Palo Alto
Booked 5 times today
MacArthur Park - An American ExperienceFor decades, MacArthur Park has been about bringing people together around outstanding California BBQ and comfort food in a casual yet elegant setting. You’ll find us nestled in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, and walk back in time in to the simple elegance of a bygone era in a dining room designed by Julia Morgan in 1918. We take traditional BBQ on a ride with the richness of California’s bounty, offering our signature Baby Back Ribs, fresh fish, meats and chicken, steak, unique salads and comfort food using local farm fresh produce. Portions are large, and there is something for every taste including vegan and vegetarian choices. Join us for cocktails and dining on our garden patio, nightly.
A photo of RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Palo Alto restaurant
7. RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Palo Alto
4.4
Awesome(606)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Palo Alto
Booked 255 times today
The RH Rooftop Restaurant is located on the third floor of RH Palo Alto, The Gallery at Stanford. Enjoy a reimagined menu of enduring classics, along with a curated selection of exceptional Champagnes and wines. Dine in a year-round skylit garden escape with heritage olive trees, sparkling chandeliers and a cascading center fountain sculpted of solid Biancone limestone.
A photo of Sundance The Steakhouse restaurant
8. Sundance The Steakhouse
4.8
Exceptional(5584)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Palo Alto
Booked 81 times today
Since its opening in 1974, prime steaks and martinis have never gone out of style at this Palo Alto institution. The atmosphere is very clubby with fireplaces, dark wood, sports memorabilia and plush leather booths tucked into the many nooks throughout the dining room. Famous for their slow-roasted prime rib & hand-cut U.S.D.A Prime Steaks, they also offer fresh seafood, cold water lobster tail & succulent shellfish. The 20 oz. Bone-In Rib eye Steak is the Boss’ Favorite while the Double Cut Filet Mignon runs a close second. Sundance is respected for serving the best food money can buy coupled with value & simplicity – a welcome relief for serious food & steak aficionados. The menu is supported by an award-winning wine list that features over 400 selections focusing on highly allocated Napa Valley Cabernets. Exceptional ratings & numerous restaurant awards rank Sundance the Steakhouse as a true dining destination.
A photo of Che Fico Parco Menlo restaurant
9. Che Fico Parco Menlo
4.4
Awesome(436)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Menlo Park
Booked 54 times today
From Back Home Hospitality comes Che Fico Parco Menlo, an evolution of Che Fico specifically created for the Peninsula located at Springline in Menlo Park. Che Fico Parco Menlo takes inspiration from its critically acclaimed sister restaurant in San Francisco while adding new creations to its menu of Italian fare with California influences. Dishes of hand-rolled pasta, naturally fermented sourdough pizza, antipasti, meat, and fish celebrate the team’s’ passion for Italian cuisine and their dedication to using the best seasonal products from farmers and purveyors in the Bay area.With a vibrant design by Jon De La Cruz, Che Fico Parco Menlo will be the premier destination for both business and social events with private dining options for up to 70 guests. In addition to the dining room, there is an all-season outdoor patio covered by a custom-built pergola with fans for summer nights and heaters for Menlo park 'winters'.
A photo of Selby's restaurant
10. Selby's
4.6
Exceptional(992)
Price: Moderate
• American • Menlo Park
Booked 22 times today
## Selby's: Where Culinary Artistry Meets Timeless Elegance Step into Selby's, a haven of culinary artistry and timeless elegance in Redwood City. Here, Michelin-starred Chef Mark Sullivan orchestrates a symphony of flavors, blending modern American cuisine with classic European influences. The opulent ambiance transports you to a bygone era. Plush velvet seating, glistening chandeliers, and rich mahogany accents create an atmosphere of sophisticated comfort. As you settle in, prepare to be captivated by the meticulous presentation of each dish, a testament to the chef's dedication to detail. Indulge in Selby's signature dishes, like the melt-in-your-mouth Beef Wellington or the delicate Dover sole meunière. Each bite is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, expertly prepared to showcase their natural flavors. Complement your meal with a selection from the extensive wine list, curated to enhance the flavors of the cuisine. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through the options, ensuring a harmonious pairing for every palate. Selby's is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. It's a place to celebrate special occasions, savor exquisite cuisine, and create lasting memories. So, come and discover the magic of Selby's, where every detail is

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JumanaB
    San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    We had great time! Love the respectful service and the early seating !
    More info
    Arya Steakhouse - Palo AltoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Palo Alto
    •
    4.7
  • Jonathan
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I had Gilberto as a Server tonight and couldn't be more delighted. My guest and I enjoyed a wine flight and a variety of dishes. Thank you Gilberto for giving a great experience. We enjoyed a nice wine flight, gnocci starter (so freaking good), salad, pizza, salmon and dessert. Loved those shots of tequila too! If you go here, ask for Gilberto, Luis or Karen. Each will take great care of you and shout out to the bartender, i forget his name but he has glasses and is awesome! Great experience at Il Fornaio, l can't wait to go back!
    More info
    Il Fornaio - Palo AltoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Palo Alto
    •
    4.7
  • Abdullah
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great food, great music, great people. Had a lovely time, called ahead of time with Amanda and she set us up with Jordan to surprise us with our 4-course meal for the day. Definitely recommend it if you are unsure of what to get. Not my first time here, but after today, definitely felt that a review was needed. Thank you everyone!
    More info
    Nobu Palo AltoPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Palo Alto
    •
    4.5
  • AmirVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •72 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I'm a fan of this restaurant. Food is always consistently excellent. The cocktails are great and they can make a special one for you if you describe your likes. Very good wine list, too. Service is always solid, very friendly and they work as a team to ensure a good experience. We enjoy everything on the menu. Our top favorites: sesame pancakes w/ smoked fish, charred snap peas, charred cabbage, sashimi over rice, fish katsu, and the steak. And of course, dessert, we love the caramel choc. tart. Menu changes seasonally, the main ingredient may continue on the menu but the sauces and sides will be different, pending what's in season. We look forward to returning soon.
    More info
    Ethel's FancyPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Palo Alto
    •
    4.9
  • WarrenVIP
    California Central Coast •19 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Feb 22, 2025
    Went for Saturday brunch. Every staff was nice and attentive. Food was decent.
    More info
    Reposado RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Palo Alto
    •
    4.6

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Palo Alto

Discover the perfect venues for celebrating special occasions in the vibrant dining scene of Palo Alto, located in the San Francisco Bay Area's Peninsula. Whether you're planning a family gathering, a romantic dinner, or a milestone celebration, the restaurants in this locale cater to every desire with impeccable service, elegant ambiance, and creative cuisine. From the fresh and unique flavors of local seafood to the rich, indulgent delights of prime steaks and authentic Italian dishes, each establishment ensures a memorable dining experience. Emphasizing a commitment to quality and a warm, inviting atmosphere, these restaurants excel in making every occasion special. Palo Alto's dining scene is characterized by its diversity and the high standard of culinary offerings, making it an ideal destination for those looking to celebrate life’s important moments. Indulge in the pleasure of dining where every meal is crafted with love, attention to detail, and an aim to satisfy and impress. Whether it's the outdoor courtyards, the vibrant flavors, or the sophisticated decor, each restaurant promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

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