Palo Alto may be known for tech, but its seafood scene is quietly making waves. From sustainable sushi spots to waterfront oyster bars, we’ve navigated the Bay Area’s bounty to bring you the definitive list. Whether you crave buttery lobster rolls after a Stanford game or delicate crudo with venture capital talk, these restaurants deliver the catch of the day—and then some.
Poke House – Palo Alto
$ | (650) 752-6000 | WEBSITE
The team behind Poke House opened this casual spot in Palo Alto, offering a variety of poke bowls to choose from, including the option to build your own. Poke House is full of pleasant indoor and outdoor seating where you can snack on high-quality salmon and tuna, eat several rounds of crab salad, and take in some great views of the neighborhood with friends. You can also choose a bowl from their generous menu—full of creative proteins and toppings—to enjoy at their clean and convenient location.
Ettan
$$$ | (650) 752-6281 | WEBSITE
Ettan is a perpetually-chic restaurant full of vibrant energy and modern decor, and the last time you were here, you were on a date night. Probably. We highly recommend this stylish, relatively pricey spot for any special occasions, and the stylish modern atmosphere is a great spot to relax and socialize for an hour or two when you’re celebrating.
Pacific Catch
$$ | (650) 384-6430 | WEBSITE
If you want seafood, go to Pacific Catch. This is the restaurant with the lovely outdoor patio, and it’s the best place in Palo Alto to eat good fish and enjoy that perfect blend of indoors and outdoors vibes. It feels a little more like a coastal retreat than Silicon Valley, however, so expect a crowd of happy diners and a wait for patio seating at peak times. (If you want to avoid that, make a reservation.) Bring a friend who’s craving something satisfying.
They’ll be impressed by the flavorful fried calamari, the tasty guacamole and chips, and that beautiful Grilled Shrimp Bowl.
Hong Kong Restaurant
$$ | (650) 251-9062 | WEBSITE
It isn’t just a name. They actually serve authentic Cantonese food here. So if you love Hong Kong-style cuisine, but you can’t make it overseas, or if you want to treat yourself to something special, check this place out. Hong Kong Restaurant is a local favorite in Palo Alto where you’ll pretty much always find hot, fresh dishes. The food is not bland, however. Most people just come here for the outstanding service, the reasonable prices, and the flavorful experience.
Da Sichuan Bistro
$$ | (650) 849-2000 | WEBSITE
Finding authentic Sichuan food in Palo Alto can be tricky. Many spots miss the mark—but Da Sichuan Bistro gets it right. The food here (especially dishes like the Garlic Eggplant and Kung Pao Chicken) is consistently delicious, and it creates the feeling that you’ve discovered a hidden gem in an unassuming strip mall. More reasons why we love this place: friendly service from the owner, easy parking in the back, and excellent vegetarian options on their separate green menu.
Il Fornaio
$$ | (650) 853-3888 | WEBSITE
Il Fornaio is an Italian seafood restaurant, and it’s where you go to sit down and enjoy delicious food with friends. They also have valet parking available, so take advantage of that if you’re visiting downtown Palo Alto. Expect this place to be quite loud at peak hours, however, and take note of the attentive waitstaff providing recommendations. These include the minestrone soup, caprese, and bruschetta. Order them.
Sancho’s Taqueria
$ | (650) 324-8226 | WEBSITE
Walking into Sancho’s Taqueria in Palo Alto feels like stepping into your favorite cousin’s kitchen—if that cousin happened to master mole sauces and perfect carne asada. There’s technically no fussy ordering process here. Instead, all you need to do is tell the kind staff whether you’re craving something grilled, something fried, or something smothered in sauce.
Whether you’re grabbing a $12 burrito, a $15 mole chicken plate, or just some chips and salsa while you figure it out, the people at Sancho’s are going to bring you something flavorful every time.
Thaiphoon Restaurant
$$ | (650) 323-7700 | WEBSITE
On any given weeknight, almost every single table at Thaiphoon is a group of friends. And all those tables have at least one fresh young coconut, a sweet and refreshing drink that makes us dream of tropical islands with gentle waves. Make sure you order one, and bonus points if you order it sitting in their bright outdoor patio.
The restaurant works best for a casual dinner (as mentioned), or for a relaxed meal with a few standout dishes, like the cashew and papaya salad, or the Tom Kha soup with its creamy coconut broth.
The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse
$$$$ | (650) 213-1111 | WEBSITE
The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse has all the refined parts of an upscale seafood restaurant (impeccable service, beautifully presented dishes) without the stuffy parts of fine dining (pretentiousness and tiny portions). Like many Palo Alto destinations, The Sea is also classy and refined, so it’s a perfect place to come for a special occasion.
Savor the generous filet mignon, enjoy the expertly suggested wine pairings, and stick around for the decadent tropical sunset dessert if you want to experience culinary excellence.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
$$$$ | (650) 329-8457 | WEBSITE
With dark wood paneling and classic leather banquettes, this steakhouse from the Fleming’s team feels like a celebration you’ve been anticipating all year. Consider the prime dry aged ribeye mandatory, especially if it’s their lush, satisfyingly marbled cut. Or for the lighter appetite, try the filet mignon. This tender, expertly prepared steak is served with classic sides, and finished with a rich sauce—substantial as any comfort meal, but five times as elegant.
Fleming’s is also great for a special occasion dinner, ideally with someone who’s up for splitting the gorgeously decadent chocolate butter cake.
Tender Greens
There are dozens of healthy dining options in Palo Alto, but Tender Greens might be the best (top three, at the very least). It’s unpretentious, but the food is top-of-the-line, and every staff member knows what they’re doing. So even if you’re not sure what to order, they’ll help you figure it out with a few suggestions. Swing by with a few friends, and claim one of the ample tables. Or stop by for a quick solo meal.
This place gets busy, so be prepared for a short wait if you come here on a weekday evening.