TAVERNA - Palo Alto

Name: TAVERNA - Palo Alto
Address: 800 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA, United States, 94301-2412
Telephone: (650) 304-3840
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

1505 Reviews

$31 to $50

Greek

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2 people

27 Dec 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 26 times today

Good for special occasions
Charming
Great for outdoor dining

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.

Private dining

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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 Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 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
Area
Palo Alto
Cross Street
Homer Ave
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

GAVROS MARINATOS USD 5.95
Marinated Spanish white anchovies / house fermented toursi
TAVERNA CAVIAR USD 99.00
Two ounces Royal Kaluga caviar / yogurt creme fraiche / potato chips
SASHIMI USD 29.75
Pacific yellowfin tuna sashimi / avocado mousseline / allium
DIPS choice of TZATZIKI, MELITZANOSALATA, FAVA, SPICY FETA, TARAMA (each 11.75)
DOLMATHAKIAUSD 10.75
Stuffed Napa Valley grape leaves / diced local vegetables / soft herbs
HALLOUMI USD 18.95
Crispy halloumi cheese / spiced Athenian honey drizzle
SPANAKOPITAKIAUSD 12.50
Savoy spinach / feta / leeks / dill & aromatic herbs / phyllo
KOLOKITHOKEFTEDES USD 19.75
Crispy zucchini cakes / Epirus feta / mint yogurt
KEFTEDAKIAUSD 12.50
Cast iron fried Greek meatballs / Greek yogurt / red onions
FTEROUGES USD 12.95
Crispy chicken wings / choice of lemon pepper or spicy / creamy feta dip

SMALL PLATES

AVGOLEMONO SOUPAUSD 10.75
Classic Greek egg lemon soup / Sonoma chicken broth
HORIATIKI SALATAUSD 19.95
Greek village salad / local tomatoes / cucumbers / Epirus feta / olives
PANTZARIΑUSD 12.50
Chilled roasted baby beets / Gilroy garlic / soft herbs
KALAMARAKIA TIGANITA USD 19.95
Crispy Monterey Bay calamari / citrus / herb aioli
OKTAPODAKI USD 22.95
Grilled Spanish octopus / Santorini fava / Aegean capers
SAGANAKIUSD 19.50
Flamed Kefalograviera / fig marmelada / sunflower seeds / Metaxa
GARIDES SKARASUSD 27.95
Grilled wild Gulf prawns / blistered shishito peppers / skordolado
MAKARONAKIAUSD 15.50
Rigatoni pasta / tomato / tsipouro / graviera cheese
PLEVRAKIA USD 18.95
Local Superior Farms lamb riblets / smoked paprika puree

ENTREES

SOLOMOSUSD 36.50
Ora King salmon fillet / chickpea rataouille / sauce vierge
PSARAKI USD 45.95
Deboned ouzo steamed whole fish / capers / tomatoes / saffron / ladolemono
SOUVLAKI SALATA USD 28.95
Grilled Sonoma chicken skewers / butter lettuce / avocado / mizithra
KOTOPOULAKI USD 32.50
Roasted Sonoma young chicken / mashed potatoes / brassicas / sage
PLAKI USD 29.75
Baked gigante beans stew / tomato & onion sofrito / herbed feta / Cretan dakos
GYROUSD 22.50
Choice of grilled Sonoma chicken, marinated pork or veggie gyro sandwich / fries
TAVERNA BURGER USD 22.50
½ pound Prime steak burger / Kasseri / fries / homemade brioche
MOUSSAKAUSD 39.75
Braised beef & lamb casserole / eggplant / potatoes / Graviera mornay
ARNAKI
Local Superior Farms lamb rib chops / potatoes
- two chops USD 39.50
- three chops USD 59.25

DRINKS

GREEK MINERAL WATER USD 6.95
MYTHOS GREEK BEER USD 5.00
200ML TSIPOURO IDONIKO USD 15.00
200ML OUZO OF PLOMARI USD 15.00
50ML DON JULIO 1942 USD 19.42

SIDES

FETA & OLIVES USD 6.50
KASSERI CHEESE USD 5.50
HOUSEMADE PITA BREAD USD 2.50
VILLAGE BREAD ROLL USD 4.50
GREEK FRIES USD 5.50
POTATO WEDGES USD 5.50
HOUSEMADE CHIPS USD 3.50
GREEK SPICY PEPPERS USD 5.50
STEAMED HORTA GREENS USD 6.50
MASHED POTATOES USD 5.50
ORZO PASTA USD 5.50

What 1,505 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Greek

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Taverna in Palo Alto offers a charming Greek dining experience with consistently "amazing food and service." Guests rave about the "exceptional" lamb, octopus, and tzatziki, complemented by a "nice wine list." The outdoor seating is perfect for special occasions, and the ambiance makes you feel "transported" to Greece.

1,505 Reviews

L
Leslie
San Francisco
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 19 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding food and attentive service. We’ll be going back to this place.
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P
Priscilla
VIP
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 16 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Always good food & generally good service tho’ too busy today
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h
heather
San Francisco
16 reviews
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on 15 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Starters are delicious. Dolmades and spanakopita and tzatziki with pita were a good way to start. Two of us had the lamb chops option - and 2 chops per person was a very generous portion. The other guests had the lamb riblets as their main course, and these were succulent. Dessert - we shared a baklava. Enough for 4 person.Service was attentive and knowledgeable. Not intrusive. We weren't rushed, but given enough time to dine in a relaxed fashion. Only caveat - noise level is high and this makes it hard to have a 4 wasy conversation.
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B
Bedros
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 15 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food is excuisity prepared. Staff very responsive. It’s like family.
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J
Jose
VIP
San Diego
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our first time at Taverna to celebrate our mother’s 25th work anniversary at Stanford. Manuel & Byron were amazing, they ensured every need was met, and guided us in making sure we had just the right amount of food. We loved the experience and hope to be back. Derya helped me with the details for the group of 13 and was kind, flexible & thoughtful. Highly recommend - ask for Manuel and Byron!
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k
konstantinos
San Francisco
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 13 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As a Greek, I avoid "Greek" restaurants like the plague. Their food has "Greek names " but tastes anything but Greek. The "Greek" restaurant has familiar food but tastes slightly off because the owner and chef are Turkish. Those restaurants have the same relationship to Greek food, that Orange Chicken has to Chinese food. Taverna is excellent Greek food. The ownership group is a Greek family from Northern Greece. And of all the people in Greece, the Northern Greeks understand good food. Are the dishes authentic? No, and you wouldn't want the authentic dishes. What you want is food that has the flavor profile of Greek food. A Horiatiki only has tomatoes, olives, peppers and onions and FETA in a single block. I could go on. I love the place, and it's my go to place.
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P
Pooja
Dallas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a wonderful time catching up with friends after many years. We spent 4 hours in the restaurant and did not feel rushed at all.
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V
Vicky
VIP
San Francisco
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on 6 December 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
Service was so slow. We arrived on time for our reservation and while we were seated promptly, getting waters/orders taken took a long while. Food was tasty: salads are especially fresh and flavorful. Once the meal got going, service improved re: topping off our glasses and clearing plates. Ambience is so nice, that I'd return but be sure to allot more than 90 minutes for the meal.
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C
Carissa
Des Moines
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 6 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
the food and service were amazing! would definitely recommend!
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A
Alis
VIP
Atlanta Metro
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 4 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
THIS restaurant was an incredible experience from start to finish. Best service, best food, and a great ambiance.
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FAQs

TAVERNA - Palo Alto is rated 4.8 stars by 1505 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

27 Dec 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 26 times today

800 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301-2412

Additional information

Cross Street
Homer Ave
Area
Palo Alto
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:30 am–3:45 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3:45 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 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, 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

TAVERNA - Palo Alto

Make a booking

Private dining

Additional information

Moussaka

Saganaki

Arnaki

BITES

GAVROS MARINATOS USD 5.95

TAVERNA CAVIAR USD 99.00

SASHIMI USD 29.75

DIPS choice of TZATZIKI, MELITZANOSALATA, FAVA, SPICY FETA, TARAMA (each 11.75)

DOLMATHAKIAUSD 10.75

HALLOUMI USD 18.95

SPANAKOPITAKIAUSD 12.50

KOLOKITHOKEFTEDES USD 19.75

KEFTEDAKIAUSD 12.50

FTEROUGES USD 12.95

SMALL PLATES

AVGOLEMONO SOUPAUSD 10.75

HORIATIKI SALATAUSD 19.95

PANTZARIΑUSD 12.50

KALAMARAKIA TIGANITA USD 19.95

OKTAPODAKI USD 22.95

SAGANAKIUSD 19.50

GARIDES SKARASUSD 27.95

MAKARONAKIAUSD 15.50

PLEVRAKIA USD 18.95

ENTREES

SOLOMOSUSD 36.50

PSARAKI USD 45.95

SOUVLAKI SALATA USD 28.95

KOTOPOULAKI USD 32.50

PLAKI USD 29.75

GYROUSD 22.50

TAVERNA BURGER USD 22.50

MOUSSAKAUSD 39.75

ARNAKI

DRINKS

GREEK MINERAL WATER USD 6.95

MYTHOS GREEK BEER USD 5.00

200ML TSIPOURO IDONIKO USD 15.00

200ML OUZO OF PLOMARI USD 15.00

50ML DON JULIO 1942 USD 19.42

SIDES

FETA & OLIVES USD 6.50

KASSERI CHEESE USD 5.50

HOUSEMADE PITA BREAD USD 2.50

VILLAGE BREAD ROLL USD 4.50

GREEK FRIES USD 5.50

POTATO WEDGES USD 5.50

HOUSEMADE CHIPS USD 3.50

GREEK SPICY PEPPERS USD 5.50

STEAMED HORTA GREENS USD 6.50

MASHED POTATOES USD 5.50

ORZO PASTA USD 5.50

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is TAVERNA - Palo Alto restaurant rated?

Is TAVERNA - Palo Alto currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information