TAVERNA - Palo Alto

4.7 (1569)

$31 to $50

Greek

800 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301-2412

Make a reservation

2 people

May 21, 2025

May 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 54 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Charming
Neighborhood gem

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

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 1,569 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

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Greek

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Taverna in Palo Alto promises a delightful Greek dining experience with "amazing food and lovely, welcoming service." The restaurant is praised for its "fantastic service and food," along with "delicious takes on traditional dishes." The ambiance is "beautiful" and the staff "attentive and gracious." A must-visit for an "exceptionally nice meal."

1,569 Reviews

C
Christine
San Francisco1 review
5.0
Dined on May 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We went for the Mother's special. It's a family style menu for everyone to share. Good price value and great service.
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M
Michael
San Francisco27 reviews
3.0
Dined on May 10, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Very nice neighborhood restaurant on corner in residential neighborhood. The food is *very* good (especially the tzatziki, the home-made pita, the calamari, the shrimp, the lamb), but some things miss (e.g. the gyro). The staff is usually quite good, competent and welcoming, one of the best things about Taverna. Unfortunately, on our last visit, the hostess was not on top of things and she was distracted and decidedly unfriendly. (All three of us independently noticed this.)
Is this helpful?
R
Rosemarie
San Francisco2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The three of us had an amazing experience today at taverna the food was top-notch. The octopus was excellent and service was outstanding. Can't wait for our next experience at taverna. Thank you for such a nice experience for lunch.
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N
Noopur
San Francisco2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It’s our most beloved restaurant in PA. Delicious food warm hospitality!
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O
Olga VIP
New York City15 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 28, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent food and service. Very knowledgeable servers.
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C
Catherine VIP
San Francisco52 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Brought my hubby here after our 5K run at Stanford. We were a little early and though they were not officially open yet they let us in. We had the pitas and the gavros - so good. We had the Arnaki, the best! I don’t eat lamb but I will eat Arnaki at Taverna’s only. Service from Musse was impeccable. The rest of the staff are nice. Place is clean and beautifully decorated. My hubby love the place too so can’t wait to go back.
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J
Jerry VIP
San Francisco106 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The quality of the ingredients is what sets Taverna apart from many other restaurants. Our cocktails, wine, appetizers, salads, main courses, and desserts were superb. This was a special evening.
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D
Donna
San Francisco2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful ambiance and service. food was excellent.
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R
Rocky
San Francisco4 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 21, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outdoor experience is much quieter than inside. Service is old school and impeccable.
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R
Renee
Philadelphia County1 review
5.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic restaurant and experience. The staff was attentive and gracious. Highly recommend.
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FAQs

TAVERNA - Palo Alto is rated 4.7 stars by 1569 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Booked 54 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

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat

TAVERNA - Palo Alto

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Taverna PDR

Custom inquiry

Moussaka

Saganaki

Arnaki

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