While Palo Alto’s University Avenue draws crowds for its trendy ramen-ramen burgers and kimchi tacos, the Bay Area’s most inventive Asian fusion cuisine often hides in plain sight. That is, if you know where to look. A sleek California Avenue spot blending Japanese kaiseki with local produce, a downtown gem reimagining Thai curries through French technique, and a Midtown institution perfecting the Korean-Mexican taco—Palo Alto’s essential Asian fusion destinations are all here.
Thaiphoon Restaurant
$$ | (650) 323-7700 | WEBSITE
The bright, clean space with both indoor and outdoor seating makes this University Avenue spot feel like a sunny retreat, only the main attraction is a Thai menu full of fresh, cook-to-order dishes that keep you feeling healthy. Their Red Bamboo Curry with chicken is great, served over fragrant Jasmine Coconut Rice with perfectly balanced spices. And the Pad See Ew or drunken noodles are equally delicious, with decent portion sizes that satisfy without weighing you down.
Those entrees are enough to warrant repeat visits, but their out-of-this-world cashew and papaya salad or must-try Tom Kha soup and mango with sticky rice are other reasons Thaiphoon is usually busy with flavor devotees.
Rangoon Ruby Burmese Cuisine
$$ | (650) 323-6543 | WEBSITE
From the vibrant tea leaf salad to the symphony of flavors in dishes like Garlic Eggplant and Rangoon Noodles, our heads make an Exorcist-like turn whenever we hear someone talking about the fantastic Burmese cuisine at this Palo Alto restaurant. We like to alternate between the mango chicken, served with fragrant coconut jasmine rice, or the Veggi Kebat, made with perfectly spiced vegetables.
Both get plenty of flavor from traditional Burmese seasonings, fresh ingredients, and sauces that transport diners to the heart of Burma. And both are around $18.
Onigilly Japanese Kitchen – Palo Alto
$ | (650) 313-2104 | WEBSITE
Onigilly Japanese Kitchen has many reasons to visit, like savory onigiri or karaage served with a side of dipping sauce. But it’s their poke bowl, a Japanese-inspired staple, that made us a regular at this casual Palo Alto spot. Each bowl has fresh, signature poke and sesame dressing with mixed rice and greens (crisp lettuce, shredded carrots, and edamame are just a few members of the all-star lineup), sitting in a generous portion.
It’s topped with avocado, cucumber, seaweed, plus a sprinkle of sesame seeds that gives it a little texture.
Asian Box
$ | (650) 391-9305 | WEBSITE
Nearly everyone at this Palo Alto spot is ordering a rice and protein bowl, so take that as a sign to follow suit—no visit to Asian Box is complete without it. But there are other tasty options worthy of your attention, like their gluten-free dishes that the knowledgeable staff can confirm are also dairy-free. And like its reliable and tasty menu, the convenient dining space has a welcoming feel. Even when it’s busy, the friendly service and perfectly made food will keep you satisfied.
P.F. Chang’s
$$ | (650) 330-1782 | WEBSITE
Some Asian fusion spots are best known for specializing in certain dishes, but this Palo Alto restaurant specializes in doing everything well. P.F. Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps or crispy honey shrimp are excellent starters. Their Sweet and Sour Chicken or Teriyaki Beef could go for plate-to-plate with some of the area’s best entrees. And for anyone who has a “rice is mandatory at every meal” mindset, pairing it with combo fried rice or perfectly steamed rice is a wise move. P.F.
Chang’s can get busy with a rotation of regulars during dinner, but it’s never so packed that grabbing a seat is impossible, thanks to their friendly waitstaff and front desk staff. Tatum, the best bartender, creates special drinks not on the menu, adding to the positive dining experience.
Jin Sho
$$$ | (650) 321-3454 | WEBSITE
Whenever we’re craving something that perfectly balances authentic Japanese cuisine with upscale dining, our destination is Jin Sho in Palo Alto. They have an excellent omakase 10-piece selection that changes regularly, featuring buttery soft otoro and creamy sweet uni. But we also love their à la carte dishes, like the miso marinated black cod or the El Camino roll with unagi and crab.
Add in comfortable outdoor seating with heaters and a hidden gem atmosphere, and it’s the ideal spot for a special occasion dinner or one where you want to impress with exceptional quality.
Sweet Maple
$$ | (650) 521-0764 | WEBSITE
Considering Sweet Maple looks like a cozy breakfast nook and serves bowls of Thai soup, it’s a fitting spot for Asian fusion. The namesake soup comes with tender ingredients, has a satisfyingly rich flavor with a subtle sweetness. And if you want to experience their signature dish in a different form, the Millionaire item with a side of Candied Bacon is also excellent.
But their non-soup-related dishes are also worth checking out, like the flavorful Ahi salad, comforting egg fried rice, or unique Matcha Moffle.
Roost & Roast
$ | (650) 485-2395 | WEBSITE
This Palo Alto spot is another one of our favorite Asian fusion joints in the area, but it truly stands out with its vegetarian and vegan options. The pad thai filled with crispy tofu and noodles, punched up with fresh veggies, is great. And as you wait at the kiosk to order, the sight of their famous fried chicken will probably catch your eye. Don’t be surprised if the popcorn chicken or Hat Yai chicken also makes it into your final order.
RARA
$$ | (650) 485-1055 | WEBSITE
Sometimes a menu with authentic Indo-Nepalese dishes can feel like a treasure hunt, but at RARA, it’s an excuse to keep returning for more of their delicious food. Some of our favorites are the rich Chicken Curry with flaky Paratha, sweet Gulab Jamun with its syrup-soaked goodness, and Masala Chiya: a warming, spiced tea that energizes. The goat taas with crispy kara pori and vegetarian Cauliflower and Veg chowmein are also standout choices.
With generous portions and a chill, unique atmosphere inside, the slightly longer food prep time is well worth the wait for such freshly made, flavorful fare.
Sushirrito
$ | (650) 600-9696 | WEBSITE
Aside from a few colorful murals of sushi ingredients dancing across the walls, the decor is pretty minimal at Sushirrito. But this Palo Alto spot’s food is anything but basic. Their Satori sushirrito is fresh yet flavorful, with hints of zesty sauces complementing cuts of delicious fish, and the shrimp tempura handroll is a fantastic crispy delight. But any visit should start with the customizable sauces.
The DIY sauce station is loaded with spicy mayo or tangy ponzu, and is perfect for experimenting with friends while talking about those dancing avocados.