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Best American Restaurants in Palo Alto

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46 restaurants available nearby

A photo of St. Michael's Alley restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(808)
Price: Expensive
• American • Palo Alto
Booked 20 times today
Nestled in the heart of Palo Alto, St. Michael's Alley offers an authentic Californian dining experience that has delighted locals and visitors since 1959. Known for its "exceptional hospitality and delicious food," this restaurant is a true gem that "never disappoints." With a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, the seasonal menu highlights the diverse flavors of Californian cuisine. The intimate wood-paneled dining room, casual bar area, and charming outdoor patio provide the perfect setting for any occasion, from date nights to celebrations. As one diner put it, "A wonderful dining experience," St. Michael's Alley is a must-visit for anyone seeking quality Californian cuisine.
A photo of Zola + BarZola restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1240)
Price: Expensive
• American • Palo Alto
Booked 15 times today
Zola + BarZola in Palo Alto shines as a beacon of exceptional American cuisine, delighting patrons with a harmonious blend of traditional flavors and innovative dishes. Guests consistently rave about the "outstanding food" and "excellent service," appreciating the welcoming atmosphere that feels "like a comfortable dining room in a friend's home." The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in its carefully sourced seasonal ingredients, expertly prepared to perfection. Diners are enamored with the "melt-in-your-mouth short ribs" and "exquisite mushroom crepes," making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Zola + BarZola truly offers an authentic American dining experience.
A photo of Local Union 271 restaurant
4.3
Awesome(555)
Price: Moderate
• American • Palo Alto
Booked 26 times today
Local Union 271 in Palo Alto is a shining example of authentic Farm-to-table cuisine. This family-owned gem emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, creating an experience that is both flavorful and healthy. The restaurant is a "circle of farms, ranches, dairies, hatcheries, bakeries, fisheries, breweries, and wineries," ensuring every dish is crafted with the freshest and most sustainable produce. Diners rave about the "wonderful, great quality food," with standouts like the "perfectly cooked black cod & vegetables" and "delicious meatloaf." The ambiance is comfortable and crafted by local artisans, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.
A photo of MacArthur Park - Palo Alto restaurant
4.3
Awesome(1673)
Price: Moderate
• American • Palo Alto
Booked 2 times today
Nestled in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, MacArthur Park offers a sublime Barbecue experience that seamlessly marries tradition with the richness of California's bounty. Known for its "exceptional" Baby Back Ribs, this iconic spot draws rave reviews for its tender, flavorful meats and generous portions. Guests are consistently delighted by the "outstanding" quality and taste, with many praising the ribs as "classic." The dining room, designed by Julia Morgan in 1918, adds a touch of elegance to the cozy ambiance. With a vibrant garden patio and a menu that caters to all tastes, MacArthur Park ensures a memorable BBQ dining experience.
A photo of RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Palo Alto restaurant
4.4
Awesome(572)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Palo Alto
Booked 166 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 Wildseed Palo Alto restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(133)
Price: Moderate
• American • Palo Alto
Booked 79 times today
Wildseed Palo Alto brings a fresh twist to American cuisine with its vibrant, plant-based menu that promises to delight both vegans and carnivores alike. Nestled in the heart of Palo Alto, this restaurant is celebrated for its “exceptional food” and “creative cocktails,” making it a must-visit spot for diners seeking healthy yet hearty dishes. Using Northern California’s freshest seasonal produce, every meal served is a testament to quality and authenticity. Guests rave about the “delicious vegan dishes” and the “wonderful experience,” noting how Wildseed’s innovative approach “makes you rethink dining” with its flavorful offerings. Enjoy a superb dining experience that’s both satisfying and sustainable.
A photo of Sundance The Steakhouse restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5558)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Palo Alto
Booked 61 times today
Sundance The Steakhouse in Palo Alto is a true gem for lovers of authentic American cuisine. Celebrated for its "consistently terrific steaks and prime rib," this iconic establishment has been a favorite since 1974. Stepping into Sundance feels like a warm embrace, with its nostalgic clubby atmosphere complete with dark wood and sports memorabilia. Diners rave about the "amazing meats and fabulous fish options," all complemented by an award-winning wine list. The attentive and friendly service makes every visit feel special, whether it’s for a casual dinner or a grand celebration. If you're in search of the quintessential American steakhouse experience, Sundance is the place to be!
A photo of True Food Kitchen - Palo Alto restaurant
4.3
Awesome(3591)
Price: Expensive
• American • Palo Alto
Booked 81 times today
True Food Kitchen in Palo Alto brilliantly marries the art of flavor with conscious nutrition, offering an exemplary Vegetarian and Vegan dining experience. Founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, a pioneer in integrative medicine, the restaurant prides itself on providing dishes that are both delicious and health-conscious. Enthusiastic diners rave about the "gloriously healthy" meals, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. The menu is a testament to creativity, with options that delight both the palate and the soul, ensuring every bite is a "culinary masterpiece." True Food Kitchen is the go-to spot for those seeking authentic and flavorful plant-based cuisine.
A photo of Menlo Tavern restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(462)
Price: Expensive
• American • Menlo Park
Booked 13 times today
Menlo Tavern in Menlo Park is a standout in Dining Bar cuisine, offering a delightful blend of atmosphere, service, and culinary excellence. Guests rave about the "beautiful courtyard with shaded tables" and the "warm and luxurious" inside bar, creating an inviting dining experience whether indoors or out. The restaurant is a "hidden gem" known for its exceptional American dishes, including a variety of flavorful options from their seasonal menus. The service consistently garners praise, described as "attentive but not oppressive," making every visit feel special. With live music enhancing the ambiance, Menlo Tavern is a must-visit destination for delightful dining.
A photo of NM Cafe at Neiman Marcus - Palo Alto restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(689)
Price: Moderate
• American • Palo Alto
Booked 6 times today
Nestled in the heart of Palo Alto, NM Cafe at Neiman Marcus offers an exquisite taste of Californian cuisine, celebrated for its fresh and vibrant flavors. This laid-back luxe cafe is known for its "excellent food in an elegant, relaxed environment" and "outstanding" service, as noted by enthusiastic diners. The menu highlights the best of Californian ingredients, exemplified by dishes like the "deconstructed salmon niçoise" and the beloved "popovers with strawberry butter." With a focus on quality and authenticity, NM Cafe ensures each meal is a delightful experience, making it a must-visit culinary destination for those seeking genuine Californian fare.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Nick
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had our appointment at 2 pm on Sunday. We ordered Mini Lobster Rolls, Filet, Branzino, Potato Puree, and two dessert Butterscotch Brulee and Affogato. Foods were really good, but the sad thing was, I wanted to order rib eye, and it was out! The environment was great. Beautiful decoration. Distance between each table was fine, not too crowded. Overall is 4.9 out of 5 (0.1 subtraction for no rib eye)
    More info
    RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Palo AltoPrice: Very Expensive• American• Palo Alto
    4.4
  • Anne
    California Central Coast •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great dining opportunity from appetizers to dessert, especially the profiteroles. A great & reasonably priced wine list. All in all, a definite destination!
    More info
    St. Michael's AlleyPrice: Expensive• American• Palo Alto
    4.6
  • EvelynVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Delicious food in a nice atmosphere! Loved the GF menu options since one in our party needed that. Also that clean oils are used as we try to avoid seed oils. We like the updates (not sure how recently done) and plan to come back more often.
    More info
    Local Union 271Price: Moderate• Contemporary American• Palo Alto
    4.3
  • Nathaniel
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I visited Zola for their Valentine's Day event and had a mixed experience. The ambiance was great, and the service was attentive, making for a nice evening. The appetizer was a highlight—beautifully presented and full of flavor, setting a great tone for the meal. Dessert was equally impressive, with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that made for a satisfying end to the dinner. However, the steak was a letdown. It arrived colder than expected and tasted just okay—nothing special for the price and occasion. I was hoping for a more enjoyable main course, but it didn’t quite meet expectations. Overall, while the event had its strong points, the main course left something to be desired. I’d consider returning for the appetizers and desserts but might opt for a different entrée next time
    More info
    Zola + BarZolaPrice: Expensive• French• Palo Alto
    4.6
  • Mark
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Had the pre fixe Valentine’s dinner. It was a 5 course meal, and the food was quite tasty. We left stuffed. Service was uneven. Long wait times between certain courses and very short between others. My guess is they were short staffed that evening. We left stuffed. Overall, it was an enjoyable dinner, but I just wish the service had been better.
    More info
    MacArthur Park - Palo AltoPrice: Moderate• American• Palo Alto
    4.3

Discover best American restaurants in Palo Alto

Discover the essence of American cuisine in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, Palo Alto, Peninsula, where a diverse array of restaurants proudly showcases their culinary prowess with a focus on American dining. From the historic charm of establishments dating back to the early 20th century to modern spots that blend nutrition with indulgence, Palo Alto offers a rich tapestry of dining experiences catering to every palate. Here, you can enjoy everything from meticulously prepared steaks and seafood to innovative vegan and vegetarian dishes, all accentuated by the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The dining scene in Palo Alto is characterized by its commitment to quality and freshness, attracting both locals and visitors who seek top-tier American meals in a welcoming atmosphere. Each restaurant in the region brings its unique flair, whether through classic comfort foods, sophisticated cocktails, or health-conscious meals, ensuring a memorable culinary journey. Embrace the local culture of excellence and hospitality as you explore the best American cuisine that Palo Alto has to offer.

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