Ettan
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Finally came here with the kids for our 10th anniversary. This place looks like a palace, both indoor and outdoor areas look appealing. We were seared outdoors. The menu seems to have changed quite a bit from 2 years ago as I could not find most of the items old reviews on Yelp were referring to lol. So I had to mostly go with my gut feeling: the fried chicken (which is one of this place's signatures), the lamb shank and brisket (shocking to find beef in an Indian restaurant). By the way the manager dropped by and took our order: very patient, very kind, and knowledgeable (you bet) about the menu. The brisket was ordered per manager's recommendation. The starch that comes with the main dishes can be swapped out to your liking. Lamb shank: 5/5. Perfectly cooked, interestingly flavored. I particularly enjoyed the sauce. Finished it all. Fried chicken: 4.5/5. Tasty, flavorful, pairs well with the yogurt sauce that comes with it. Portion is on the small side so beware if you are sharing with over 4 people. Brisket: 2.5/5. The flavor is on point. The sauce that comes with it is good too. But the meat is a bit too dry or stringy for my taste. Perhaps I was too hyped and it did not live up to my expectations. Portion is pretty decent though. Overall I really enjoyed the environment and service here. Seems like a perfect place for business gatherings or special events. At this price point my bar for 5 star would be higher and unfortunately this place did not meet that bar this time. By the way, the waiter kindly offered to provide kid's menu options that are non-spicy as most of the items on the regular menu are spicy to some extent. We liked it hot but the little ones not so much.
This restaurant has been so popular, especially after featuring in the Michelin Guide! The ambiance is gorgeous, with a mix of blue and white that is super pleasing to the eyes, almost like a Moroccan-inspired decor. We ordered a few dishes, starting with the raw oysters with fermented chili sauce and curry leaf ponzu sauce. The shellfish was extremely fresh, and the condiments were refreshing and complemented it perfectly. I particularly loved the ponzu sauce, it was so zesty! We also ordered the jackfruit sliders, and they honestly gave major Mumbai Vada Pav vibes. They were spicy and extremely flavorful; I almost forgot it was jackfruit! The ananas (Pineapple) pani puri was a refreshing flavor bomb! For mains, we got the black truffle cheese naan with cultured butter. I loved the butter; the naan was filled with cheese, and the truffles weren't prominently earthy; hence, they added a touch of umami. We also got the Kali Miri paneer with garlic naan, along with the lamb and squash with quinoa pulao. The paneer and naan were probably the most classic-tasting dish on the table and were deliciously prepared. The lamb and squash were equally good, but the quinoa pulao was the real star, a little spicy and super minty. We also got the dosa, which was good, but it got a bit overshadowed by the other fantastic dishes. The little diner with us got the French toast with jaggery syrup and passion fruit ricotta ice cream, which he totally devoured. While I did not taste the French toast, I did sample the ricotta ice cream, and it was light, fruity, sweet, and slightly tart, but delicious nonetheless. The presentation wasn't performative or chaotic; it was stunning and minimalist. Also, shoutout to Chef Srijith Gopinathan for his distinct take on modern contemporary Indian Cuisine. Service was surprisingly fast even though the restaurant was packed. Dining at Ettan made our family weekend lunch truly memorable.
We had a special bridal shower event here that was beautifully set up. We were seated outside which was lovely until it got hot and it was really hot. Service was quick and smooth. The food was pre-fixed and every dish was fun to try. First time trying pani puri which was fun. salad, shrimp, cod, and butter chicken were tasty. Didn't love the samosa and I think by the time we got the lamp chop everyone was too full so I took some home. I think my husband enjoyed it? we got to try a lot of their cocktails and they were okay. definitely a great spot for lovely photos and special events. It was fun, but I think some hole in the walls back home hit the spot just as well.
IMO Eylan is sooo much better than Ettan. Updating after going through additional restaurants.The main issues I had were more emphasized. The lack of seasoning is really unacceptable for a fine dining style Indian Restaurant especially the one the likes of Ettan. The rushed service again is not acceptable, especially if you are characterized as a Fine Dining Restaurant.
5/5 for food, service and ambiance! We celebrated a friends milestone birthday and everything worked perfectly. The food and drinks are made with fresh ingredients. The dishes have a twist to it. The servers are so attentive and helped with our guest who had allergies as well. The decor is out of this world! So classy and gives you a glimpse of India with the artwork displays - whether it's a Vespa Scooter or a hand cart at the entrance. Go there for your milestone celebrations for a multi course meal or cocktail and appetizers. They have sister restaurants in Menlo Park called Eylan and Copra in SF city - all of them are incredible!
Loved the taste of every dish at Ettan!! Very rich in flavors and beautifully presented. I just wish they were a bit more generous with the portions. I never understand why some places cut quantity down in the name of fine dining. Plenty of amazing fine dining spots manage reasonable servings. Here, the portions felt noticeably small.
The restaurant is beautiful; I enjoyed sitting upstairs and appreciating the decor of both the interior and exterior dining areas. The Ettan salad, I could eat a million times. It is one of the best salads I've ever had, and it's visually stunning. All the textures of each item complement each other, and it was such a delicious, refreshing dish among all the other rich, heavier dishes. The drinks here are pre-batched, which I dislike because I can't have certain alcohols, so I couldn't order the drink I wanted from their current seasonal menu. I did order a mezcal cocktail, and it was very strong, smoky, and had beautiful ice that said "Ettan". The fried chicken was very good, and I loved the dip that came with it. I would have preferred the chicken tikka in smaller pieces, but it was also very good with some of their homemade butter in the center that was delicious. The chicken was small and came with only a few pieces, given the amount of sauce. I would have either had the sauce in a small pouring container on the side, like the curry accompanying the black cod, or used a different dish because there was so much more sauce than the chicken. The entrees came with 2 half pieces of whey naan and coconut rice. I think it should come with 4 pieces of naan, especially with dishes that come with a lot of sauce. The black cod was tender and delicious- it came wrapped in a banana leaf and a side of really delicious curry sauce. The service is great here and I had a good time and a good experience. I do think it is pricey for Indian food, though they do a great job of plating each dish and making it is visually appealing, but it didn't feel like traditional indian food I've had at other places. Its just more colorful and a little fancier and more done up for like a "fine dining restaurant". I wish they had other options of naan to order like other indian places I've visited- I was really looking forward to that, so I was disappointed I didn't see a butter or garlic or cheese naan on the menu to order. The whey naan was good but not as soft and chewy as other naan I've had. it was more crunchy.
Despite the restaurant being mostly empty when we got there at 5:30 on Sunday we were told there were only a few tables available, no problem, but then throughout the meal and as we left all those other tables were also still available. That bit aside, food was excellent. Sometimes I am skeptical of elevated Indian or fusion but this was phenomenal. My favorite was the seasonal asparagus kofta which was sooooooooo good. The curry was rich and flavorful and the asparagus was a perfect spring choice. We also loved the paneer. The setting was very cute and service was fairly prompt. There was an extensive cocktail list but I was not willing to waste space on anything but curry.
Ettan was a lovely experience for our friends' wedding reception! We enjoyed the cali-indian courses throughout the night as the dishes were packed with refreshing flavor combinations that worked well together. My husband's favorite was the sesame leaf as it was a blend of mango, yogurt, and chaat on a crispy sesame leaf. I particularly liked the kale chutney and the pani puri. My husband said the lamb loin was tough in some areas because of the cut. The menu was confusing as it labeled "g" as in containing gluten instead of "gf" for gluten-free as most menus do. Our server was highly attentive and for every dish, he would let our friend with a gluten allergy know if she could have it our not. The drinks feel heavy-handed and I enjoyed the Dawa (vodka, lime, honey, and demarara) the most. The Kokam and Smoke ( sweet water, mezcal, and orange) felt as smokey as a forest fire to me but other friends who enjoy a good smokey flavor liked it. The atmosphere of the restaurant feels like a nice summer night and we enjoyed the mezzanine.
We came here for lunch on a weekday. We ordered the Ananas Pani Puri, the Kerala Fried Chicken, a mushroom main dish, and naan. I can't find the mushroom dish on their menu online, but it was delicious! It looked, tasted and felt alot like meat but it was entirely vegetarian and made of mushroom. It was great. The pani puri is really sour and refreshing and great as an appetizer! I'd get that again for sure. The kerala chicken was alright, it was good but I'd probably order something else next time. The naan was really soft and fluffy I was so impressed. It was the best Naan I've had in a while. The place was pretty empty since we came for lunch which isn't too busy. It was quiet and service was especially good since we were one of the only parties there. The food was really good but I can't lie and say it wasn't expensive. Feels like alot to pay $50 per person for a lunch so I'm probably not coming back again for lunch.
Good service.. food taste is average. Black truffle kulcha is not suitable for my taste. Worth trying it. Ambiance is great .
Visited again after about a year, and while much of the menu has changed, the quality and flavors are still consistently impressive. We thoroughly enjoyed all the dishes we tried, and it's great to see the restaurant continue experimenting with creative vegetarian options. The Mamu Kabab Saffron Korma, with mushroom as the main ingredient, was rich and flavorful. The Homemade Paneer Kalimirch was incredibly creamy and comforting. "I Dream of Tahini" stood out as a unique non-alcoholic sesame-based drink--very thick, nutty, and definitely tahini-forward. The Methi Matar Shami Kebab is a must-try for vegetarians, and the Tender Jackfruit Slider continues to be one of their best appetizers and a dish that has clearly stood the test of time. The only downside was the service, which felt quite slow even for a Sunday evening, that's the main reason for 4 stars but the food quality and creative menu made the visit worthwhile.
I came here with a friend on a weekday evening with no reservation, we were seated promptly. The ambiance is 10/10, so gorgeous with beautiful details. We shared the chicken tikka, veg coconut curry, fried chicken and monkey buns. The fried chicken and coconut curry with lentils were the highlights. The chicken tikka was a bit underwhelming and monkey buns were fine but standard. The portions were generous, we left extremely stuffed. The service was a bit slow, I would come back for the ambiance but the food wasnt the best.
Came here with the fam to celebrate my bday - and what a celebration it was. First impression - what a beautiful space - LOVED it - so beautiful with the different hanging chandeliers and plants - and the wall paper added more charm. And they have sofa type seating mixed in - so very comfy - like having family over! First thing I do want to mention however - is it's a LONG dinner experience. They tend to do a dish at a time - they don't load up the table with a bunch of dishes. At most you'd have two dishes so given we ordered so much food - it was pretty much a little over 2 hour dining experience. So just be warned. So we started off with fresh oysters - and the reason was due to 1) we love fresh oysters but 2) the sauce sounded interesting - with fermented chilis and curry leaf ponzu. It was a flavor bomb!! Made a huge difference with the difference sauce and a great surprise!! The other ABSOLUTE FAVORITE is their Sesame Leaf appetizer. We opted to share (you get 2 per order and there was 4 of us) because we had the oysters - but now I know the next time - EVERYONE gets their own! It was one of the BEST BITES ever! It's a leaf in a batter that is topped with pomegranate, chickpeas, yogurt, sesame chikki, and cilantro. The texture, flavors, was AMAZING and so unexpected. I love when it's not just the flavors but the textures too!! highly recommend as a starter... And our last appetizer was the Pani Puri (a semolina puff). This is actually one of my favorite dishes and I try to get it if the restaurant offers it. Here's where I think I have a bit of bias. The place I usually go to - offers it with a tamarind juice - here you get it with pineapple-mint and kokum chutney. I don't think I'm a fan of this flavor profile for my pani puri - but I'm glad we tried it... overall it's a delicious bite. We also decided to try their cast iron money bun - and it came with their homemade butter and eggplant chutney. I'm not sure what they cover their bread rolls with but it gave it a nice texture. It was tasty and I'm glad we tried it!! Especially with their soft creamy butter and that eggplant chutney! Perfect vehicle for them!! For our main course we got the Black Cod and Lamb Shank. The Black Cod - WOWZA... It's black cod wrapped in a banana leaf, with spinach & mango masiya. There's a delicious sauce they top the black cod with and it comes with coconut rice!! This was SO GOOD and I could eat the whole thing myself. The Black Cod had the tender decadent texture but those flavors was so different and amazing together. That sauce was very good - the call it "malabar sauce" - went well on top of the coconut rice. And the Lamb Shank was AMAZING as well. That sauce - the nalli nihari sauce, ginger-green apple kachumber was so different and the lamb was tender but the flavor with the sauce was very good. It's served with whey naan. I love that they can take an ingredient and really elevate and make it sing with unique and different flavors and textures!! We were so stuffed we skipped dessert but we ate up everything and I'm so happy we got to try everything we wanted. There's still more on the menu so for round two - next time!! read more
Visited on a Saturday night around 6pm with a friend, I was able to quickly grab a seat at the bar for full service. Restaurant was a little busy but still lots of open tables but these filled up as the meal progressed so would suggest a reservation if you do plan to visit. Drinks: Rosa - sweet with a touch of bubbly, slight passion fruit flavor with subtle floral notes Steady Rain balanced and refreshing with a nice creamy foam, slight punch from the ginger Food: Chutney sampler- good, came with 3 types of chutney and eggplant one which was flavorful and more of a spiced stew served chilled, kale was vegetal with a nice creamy note, tomatillo was bright and refreshing the papadam were crispy with a toasty nutty note were great for dipping Ananas pani puri - great, light, tangy and refreshing with a vibrant pineapple water to fill the crispy puri shells really set this apart from others I've tried, tamarind chutney added a bit of sweetness, great contrast with f textures and flavors Lamb Galouti Kebab- good comes with four bite sized canapé, lamb was more of a kofta griddled with a lovely blend of curried spices on top of a small saffron bread with a bit of a creamy cashew sauce and a touch of mint well balanced and worth a try Paneer Kalimirch - solid- very rich and indulgent, house made paneer was a great hearty squeaky texture, yogurt sauce was creamy rich and lightly spiced with a subtle sweetness from the onion, whey naan bread was great for scooping up and soaking up the sauce Service was okay, quick and efficient upfront but getting the check took a bit of time. Water was refilled periodically. Staff seemed knowledgeable about the menu with solid recommendations. Overall enjoyed Ettan, great spot for elevated Indian cuisine, with a nice variety of small and large plates along with solid cocktails as well. read more
18 days ago
The food was great and the staff were nice. The restaurant had really nice aesthetic. We went on a Friday night with a reservation, so it was pretty busy, and it took a while for us to order and for the food to come out. The menu was only one page, which was a little limited for someone picky like myself. We were seated outside next to some big flower pots with plants, and since it was pretty dark, I noticed an insect crawling near our food. I should've taken a picture but didn't. As for the food, everything we ordered was good. We got the lamb shank, biryani (which came with a drumstick and a small piece of chicken breast), and lamb galouti kebab. My favorite was the kebab, it was very tasty and tender. The sauce/curry that came with the lamb shank was also really flavorful. The biryani was good but tasted pretty similar to other biryanis I've had. read more
Finally came here with the kids for our 10th anniversary. This place looks like a palace, both indoor and outdoor areas look appealing. We were seared outdoors. The menu seems to have changed quite a bit from 2 years ago as I could not find most of the items old reviews on Yelp were referring to lol. So I had to mostly go with my gut feeling: the fried chicken (which is one of this place's signatures), the lamb shank and brisket (shocking to find beef in an Indian restaurant). By the way the manager dropped by and took our order: very patient, very kind, and knowledgeable (you bet) about the menu. The brisket was ordered per manager's recommendation. The starch that comes with the main dishes can be swapped out to your liking. Lamb shank: 5/5. Perfectly cooked, interestingly flavored. I particularly enjoyed the sauce. Finished it all. Fried chicken: 4.5/5. Tasty, flavorful, pairs well with the yogurt sauce that comes with it. Portion is on the small side so beware if you are sharing with over 4 people. Brisket: 2.5/5. The flavor is on point. The sauce that comes with it is good too. But the meat is a bit too dry or stringy for my taste. Perhaps I was too hyped and it did not live up to my expectations. Portion is pretty decent though. Overall I really enjoyed the environment and service here. Seems like a perfect place for business gatherings or special events. At this price point my bar for 5 star would be higher and unfortunately this place did not meet that bar this time. By the way, the waiter kindly offered to provide kid's menu options that are non-spicy as most of the items on the regular menu are spicy to some extent. We liked it hot but the little ones not so much. read more
1 month ago
This restaurant has been so popular, especially after featuring in the Michelin Guide! The ambiance is gorgeous, with a mix of blue and white that is super pleasing to the eyes, almost like a Moroccan-inspired decor. We ordered a few dishes, starting with the raw oysters with fermented chili sauce and curry leaf ponzu sauce. The shellfish was extremely fresh, and the condiments were refreshing and complemented it perfectly. I particularly loved the ponzu sauce, it was so zesty! We also ordered the jackfruit sliders, and they honestly gave major Mumbai Vada Pav vibes. They were spicy and extremely flavorful; I almost forgot it was jackfruit! The ananas (Pineapple) pani puri was a refreshing flavor bomb! For mains, we got the black truffle cheese naan with cultured butter. I loved the butter; the naan was filled with cheese, and the truffles weren't prominently earthy; hence, they added a touch of umami. We also got the Kali Miri paneer with garlic naan, along with the lamb and squash with quinoa pulao. The paneer and naan were probably the most classic-tasting dish on the table and were deliciously prepared. The lamb and squash were equally good, but the quinoa pulao was the real star, a little spicy and super minty. We also got the dosa, which was good, but it got a bit overshadowed by the other fantastic dishes. The little diner with us got the French toast with jaggery syrup and passion fruit ricotta ice cream, which he totally devoured. While I did not taste the French toast, I did sample the ricotta ice cream, and it was light, fruity, sweet, and slightly tart, but delicious nonetheless. The presentation wasn't performative or chaotic; it was stunning and minimalist. Also, shoutout to Chef Srijith Gopinathan for his distinct take on modern contemporary Indian Cuisine. Service was surprisingly fast even though the restaurant was packed. Dining at Ettan made our family weekend lunch truly memorable. read more
2 months ago
We had a special bridal shower event here that was beautifully set up. We were seated outside which was lovely until it got hot and it was really hot. Service was quick and smooth. The food was pre-fixed and every dish was fun to try. First time trying pani puri which was fun. salad, shrimp, cod, and butter chicken were tasty. Didn't love the samosa and I think by the time we got the lamp chop everyone was too full so I took some home. I think my husband enjoyed it? we got to try a lot of their cocktails and they were okay. definitely a great spot for lovely photos and special events. It was fun, but I think some hole in the walls back home hit the spot just as well. read more
IMO Eylan is sooo much better than Ettan. Updating after going through additional restaurants.The main issues I had were more emphasized. The lack of seasoning is really unacceptable for a fine dining style Indian Restaurant especially the one the likes of Ettan. The rushed service again is not acceptable, especially if you are characterized as a Fine Dining Restaurant. read more
5/5 for food, service and ambiance! We celebrated a friends milestone birthday and everything worked perfectly. The food and drinks are made with fresh ingredients. The dishes have a twist to it. The servers are so attentive and helped with our guest who had allergies as well. The decor is out of this world! So classy and gives you a glimpse of India with the artwork displays - whether it's a Vespa Scooter or a hand cart at the entrance. Go there for your milestone celebrations for a multi course meal or cocktail and appetizers. They have sister restaurants in Menlo Park called Eylan and Copra in SF city - all of them are incredible! read more
Loved the taste of every dish at Ettan!! Very rich in flavors and beautifully presented. I just wish they were a bit more generous with the portions. I never understand why some places cut quantity down in the name of fine dining. Plenty of amazing fine dining spots manage reasonable servings. Here, the portions felt noticeably small. read more
4 months ago
The restaurant is beautiful; I enjoyed sitting upstairs and appreciating the decor of both the interior and exterior dining areas. The Ettan salad, I could eat a million times. It is one of the best salads I've ever had, and it's visually stunning. All the textures of each item complement each other, and it was such a delicious, refreshing dish among all the other rich, heavier dishes. The drinks here are pre-batched, which I dislike because I can't have certain alcohols, so I couldn't order the drink I wanted from their current seasonal menu. I did order a mezcal cocktail, and it was very strong, smoky, and had beautiful ice that said "Ettan". The fried chicken was very good, and I loved the dip that came with it. I would have preferred the chicken tikka in smaller pieces, but it was also very good with some of their homemade butter in the center that was delicious. The chicken was small and came with only a few pieces, given the amount of sauce. I would have either had the sauce in a small pouring container on the side, like the curry accompanying the black cod, or used a different dish because there was so much more sauce than the chicken. The entrees came with 2 half pieces of whey naan and coconut rice. I think it should come with 4 pieces of naan, especially with dishes that come with a lot of sauce. The black cod was tender and delicious- it came wrapped in a banana leaf and a side of really delicious curry sauce. The service is great here and I had a good time and a good experience. I do think it is pricey for Indian food, though they do a great job of plating each dish and making it is visually appealing, but it didn't feel like traditional indian food I've had at other places. Its just more colorful and a little fancier and more done up for like a "fine dining restaurant". I wish they had other options of naan to order like other indian places I've visited- I was really looking forward to that, so I was disappointed I didn't see a butter or garlic or cheese naan on the menu to order. The whey naan was good but not as soft and chewy as other naan I've had. it was more crunchy. read more
4 months ago
Despite the restaurant being mostly empty when we got there at 5:30 on Sunday we were told there were only a few tables available, no problem, but then throughout the meal and as we left all those other tables were also still available. That bit aside, food was excellent. Sometimes I am skeptical of elevated Indian or fusion but this was phenomenal. My favorite was the seasonal asparagus kofta which was sooooooooo good. The curry was rich and flavorful and the asparagus was a perfect spring choice. We also loved the paneer. The setting was very cute and service was fairly prompt. There was an extensive cocktail list but I was not willing to waste space on anything but curry. read more
4 months ago
Ettan was a lovely experience for our friends' wedding reception! We enjoyed the cali-indian courses throughout the night as the dishes were packed with refreshing flavor combinations that worked well together. My husband's favorite was the sesame leaf as it was a blend of mango, yogurt, and chaat on a crispy sesame leaf. I particularly liked the kale chutney and the pani puri. My husband said the lamb loin was tough in some areas because of the cut. The menu was confusing as it labeled "g" as in containing gluten instead of "gf" for gluten-free as most menus do. Our server was highly attentive and for every dish, he would let our friend with a gluten allergy know if she could have it our not. The drinks feel heavy-handed and I enjoyed the Dawa (vodka, lime, honey, and demarara) the most. The Kokam and Smoke ( sweet water, mezcal, and orange) felt as smokey as a forest fire to me but other friends who enjoy a good smokey flavor liked it. The atmosphere of the restaurant feels like a nice summer night and we enjoyed the mezzanine. read more
We came here for lunch on a weekday. We ordered the Ananas Pani Puri, the Kerala Fried Chicken, a mushroom main dish, and naan. I can't find the mushroom dish on their menu online, but it was delicious! It looked, tasted and felt alot like meat but it was entirely vegetarian and made of mushroom. It was great. The pani puri is really sour and refreshing and great as an appetizer! I'd get that again for sure. The kerala chicken was alright, it was good but I'd probably order something else next time. The naan was really soft and fluffy I was so impressed. It was the best Naan I've had in a while. The place was pretty empty since we came for lunch which isn't too busy. It was quiet and service was especially good since we were one of the only parties there. The food was really good but I can't lie and say it wasn't expensive. Feels like alot to pay $50 per person for a lunch so I'm probably not coming back again for lunch. read more
1 month ago
Good service.. food taste is average. Black truffle kulcha is not suitable for my taste. Worth trying it. Ambiance is great . read more
Visited again after about a year, and while much of the menu has changed, the quality and flavors are still consistently impressive. We thoroughly enjoyed all the dishes we tried, and it's great to see the restaurant continue experimenting with creative vegetarian options. The Mamu Kabab Saffron Korma, with mushroom as the main ingredient, was rich and flavorful. The Homemade Paneer Kalimirch was incredibly creamy and comforting. "I Dream of Tahini" stood out as a unique non-alcoholic sesame-based drink--very thick, nutty, and definitely tahini-forward. The Methi Matar Shami Kebab is a must-try for vegetarians, and the Tender Jackfruit Slider continues to be one of their best appetizers and a dish that has clearly stood the test of time. The only downside was the service, which felt quite slow even for a Sunday evening, that's the main reason for 4 stars but the food quality and creative menu made the visit worthwhile. read more
5 months ago
I came here with a friend on a weekday evening with no reservation, we were seated promptly. The ambiance is 10/10, so gorgeous with beautiful details. We shared the chicken tikka, veg coconut curry, fried chicken and monkey buns. The fried chicken and coconut curry with lentils were the highlights. The chicken tikka was a bit underwhelming and monkey buns were fine but standard. The portions were generous, we left extremely stuffed. The service was a bit slow, I would come back for the ambiance but the food wasnt the best. read more
Beautiful interior and outdoor space with hanging umbrellas, attentive staff, and tasty food. The sesame leaf chaat had the perfect amount of crunch with well-balanced flavors, and the jackfruit vada pav was perfectly spicy. The samosa pies weren't oily at all, which was great. The chili cheese toast was tasty (the paneer is made in-house so it was especially fresh) but felt overpriced for the portion size. The Rosa cocktail was on the lighter side sweetness-wise, and the passionfruit flavor came through nicely, though I wished it was a touch stronger. For entrées, the paneer dish was flavorful and fresh, with the house-made paneer pairing really well with the chili naan. The jaggery French toast was a standout -- fluffy, rich, and packed with flavor even in just one bite. It came drizzled with jaggery (giving it an Indian twist), maple syrup on the side, and a passionfruit cream to dollop on top, which made for a really fun and indulgent combination. The one letdown was the drip coffee -- $5 each, not bottomless, and it didn't come out fully hot. Skip it and stick to the cocktails and mocktails. Overall a wonderful experience, especially for a Mother's Day outing. Would definitely come back for a special occasion! read more
It's been awhile since ive been here! Was obsessed when it first opened, came for lunch on Sunday. Tried the chicken biriyani, comes with some chicken curry, and fish curry and cheppati. Fish was nice. Thin, crispy skin and soft with light curry flavor. Chicken biriyani has plenty of protein, cheppati hot and buttery. Overall was fine, wish there was raitha that came with the biriyani. It was good but no big standouts. Service was prompt and we enjoyed the seating outside on the patio. read more
3 months ago
We planned to go here for our anniversary celebration. We booked a table for lunch and although many tables were empty, we were given a small table for 2 near the far wall. The table was pretty small and constantly required moving dishes to adjust space. Now coming to the food: 1. Ananas pani puri: Was ok and had little taste of pineapple(ananas). 2. Kofta: was good, very soft and flavorful gravy. Disappointing that the kofta seemed to be made of potatoes (not vegetables) 3. Vegetable biryani: was served with gravy(sad that it was same as kofta gravy!!) and raita(yogurt). Biryani itself was good, topped with fried onions. 4. Naan: This was the best dish, surprisingly! Very soft and fluffy. It paired well with the gravy. The server did not give us a menu of accompaniments to choose from. Even upon asking what would go well with the kofta, we were recited a short list of garlic naan. So we went with that. Although the ambience is pretty, the tables are so closely spaced that we could hear conversations happening on both the tables next to ours. The guests on the adjacent tables had to excuse themselves to be able to get off their tables and move in or out (once almost toppling my bag kept next to me!). Underwhelming considering the hype and popularity! read more
Beautiful restaurant. The staff was friendly and attentive. We went for a birthday brunch (they didn't make it anything special ) just a nice simple meal. They had a dedicated brunch menu with good options. Each dish and drink we ordered had its own unique and distinct flavor, which I appreciated. Just note--if you're looking for a typical Indian restaurant, this isn't that. It leans more toward a modern, Western-style take on Indian food, which is also reflected in the ambiance and overall vibe. read more
6 months ago
Ettan is known for their beautiful ambiance -- the decor is stunning both inside and outside, which makes it the perfect spot for date night or special occasions. However, I think there's only one standout dish for me: -- the fried chicken was amazing (super tender) the other dishes I tried that didn't standout to me: -- chicken biriyani (chicken was tender but rice was a bit plain) -- pani puri -- saffron korma (mushroom dish but also too simple) -- Rosa cocktail (was okay but not worth the $) the ones I'll definitely skip next time: -- oysters (mine wasn't cleaned well) I wish I tried the trout, octopus, homemade paneer & mango lassi instead. I will acknowledge that I came with a group to celebrate a birthday dinner and the dishes selected were more based on the taste profile of my friends than of my personal preference -- perhaps if I got to choose more of what I wanted to try, I would have been able to give a higher rating But I will mention we had very attentive service throughout the night-- the servers were great about switching out our plates and cleaning off the table between rounds. I think this is a restaurant that's definitely with a higher price tag, so next time I think I'll stick to the standout dishes I know I love to make it more worth it read more
Very pretty ambiance. The food was delicious and had nice presentation. The pani puri was a pretty fun and yummy appetizer, as you poured a sauce into these crispy shells. Fried chicken was delicious with crispy onion and a yogurt cream. The chutney sampler was strong, with one of the green chutneys being quite spicy. The monkey buns were a solid bread starter. Mains were pretty good: we got the chicken tikka and kale, chard part, chicken biryani, and saffron korma. I made a reservation in advance and I wish they had given me the option to book inside, since we were placed outside instead. They also forgot to turn on the heater as requested. Service was very attentive throughout the meal and food came out in a timely manner. There's a nearby free public parking lot one block away. We decided to pass on dessert, since they only had a few options. Solid modern Indian! read more
1 month ago
This is not a new spot it is just tucked in the alley behind salt and straw. The food was good we started with the trio of dips and this flaky pita bread. Fried chicken was a winner and the Tiger shrimp were equally delicious. Service was great and the decor is photo worthy. read more
Hands down, the BEST Indian food I've ever had. I ordered the trout Curry and also for an appetizer. We had the grilled shrimp. All the flavors were over the top. Amazing. I think the one that stood out from the most also was the coconut rice that was served with the fish. The moment I plated it onto my plate, I can smell the aroma of the coconut. The flavors were absolutely amazing. The ambiance is very gorgeous. And the service was phenomenal. It was rather busy when I came. There was actually a birthday party nearby, so that mildly killed the ambiance for me. But really nothing anybody can do about that. This place is is a little pricey. But for the price we spent, the food translated. I would love to come back again and try some more. read more
8 months ago
Reservations required! Decor to drool over. You want to copy it for your house. Good/attentive service. Asking for menu recommendations lead to the most expensive items but still worth it and delicious. Been there multiple times now over two years and the menu has only slightly changed. Cocktails really good too. read more
I visited a modern Indian fusion restaurant and was immediately drawn in by the interior and overall atmosphere. Everything--from the design to the vibe--made it feel like stepping into a thoughtfully reimagined slice of India. I came around 8 p.m. on a Thursday, and even then there was a short wait. Without a reservation, seating is limited to the counter, so I'd recommend booking at least two weeks in advance if you want a proper table. I had checked the menu on Yelp beforehand, but when I visited, I was told they had recently updated it. As a result, many of the dishes I had been hoping to try were no longer available. The prices are definitely on the higher side, and the portions are relatively small for the price, which may feel a bit underwhelming for some. That said, it's a great choice for a date night or a special occasion where ambiance matters just as much as the food. Ananas Pani Puri: 5/5. Mangalore Bun: 4.5/5. Railway Patti Samosa: 4.5/5 Sesame Leaf: 4/5. Naan: 4/5. Rat with the Tikka & Kale 4. Roti: 3/5. Ambiance: 5/5. Service: 5/5. read more
I have to agree with the reviews saying that Ettan is overhyped. There were some positives, of course, but I can't say that the value:cost ratio is sitting right for me. I walked in with a friend, and the place was totally busy. The wait staff were kind enough to offer us seats at the bar for 15 minutes until some tables freed up. We waited for well over the 15 minutes for someone to come and bring us to a table, but that never happened. We were famished, so we wished that the promise was never made so that we could have just ordered at the bar from the get-go. While that gap in service was a bit disappointing, I feel the food was really the biggest miss. Here's what we ordered: Tender Jack Vada ($10): this was a good vada pav. My main feedback for this dish is that there should be two pieces. It just doesn't make sense for one small vada pav to be an appetizer, especially for $10. Railway Patti Samosa ($16): these were tasty samosas, but again, my main feedback is the portion. For $16, I expect more than three very small samosas. Mangalore Bun ($16): this was the best food item in terms of its flavors and textures and also just being an interesting dish. $16 still feels overpriced for it, but in the larger context of Ettan, it's not outrageous. Goan Tora Tiger Shrimp Curry ($39): at this price point for a curry, I need to be blown away. Unfortunately, I was not. There wasn't anything outstanding about the flavors, and there were only a few pieces of shrimp. I was pretty disappointed. Asparagus Kofta ($30): I also expected to be wowed by a curry with this price tag, but this one was similar to the tiger shrimp one. It was very salty, both the curry and the accompanying bread, and I'm someone who typically likes more salt. Pear Cake (~$14): this was a small, well-presented cake, but there was more pear than cake, and the flavors weren't particularly exciting. The consistent theme was high prices with flavors and portions that comparatively fall flat. Now, I don't want this to be all doom and gloom. I could recommend going to Ettan for drinks and possibly some overpriced apps. I Dream of Tahini ($15): this N/A drink is effectively a smoothie, but it's very tasty, interesting, and well-executed. I loved the amount of salt they put in here. We also got this coconut N/A drink with chia seeds that was around the $13 - 15 price point that was very tasty and refreshing. If you got these drinks and maybe the Mangalore Bun and some other app, yes, everything is still pricey, but it fits with the ambiance of the place, and what you're getting is not falling so flat. With all that said, I would highly recommend trying Ettan's sister restaurant, Rooh, in SF. The value:cost ratio feels right, and the space is just as beautiful! read more
Came by for dinner the other night and it was a phenomenal experience. Made a reservation and our table was ready upon arrival. Parking is available on nearby surface streets or in city-owned surface and/or parking garages. Dining is available outdoors on the heated patio, indoors on the street level or the mezzanaine. The interior of the restaurant is stunning. Ettan is featured in the latest Michelin guide. Our server throughout the evening was fantastic. Super energetic in providing suggestions and checking up on us. Provided a fantastic farewell as well! The food itself changes throughout my numerous visits. The biggest highlight this visit was the short rib which was super tender, flavorful and definitely the highlight of dinner! The desserts also cannot be missed! read more
Business owner information
Ayesha T.
So glad to see you again. Your loyalty is much appreciated.
Came here for a friend's bday dinner! Made a reservation for a party of 5 for Thursday at 8:30pm. Parking was a bit difficult since it was evening time, but we eventually managed to find street parking in front of the restaurant. Very nicely decorated and I appreciated the heaters on the patio. One person in our group has a gluten allergy and the waiter was very friendly and helped us select items. For drinks, I ordered the I Dream of Tahini and my friends got the Bangalore Days. Then we shared the Methi Mattar Shami Kebab, Tender Jack Kizhi Biryani, and Homemade Paneer Kalimirch with roti and paratha on the side Methi Mattar Shami Kebab (3/5): Very similar to a ragada patty. Could have been more flavorful as I only really tasted potato. For the price, it was very simple Homemade Paneer Kalimirch with Paratha and Roti (4.5/5): This was delicious! The paratha was nice and flakey and roti was very soft. Paneer was seasoned perfectly! All of us agreed this was the best dish. The ratio of bread to curry was off so would have been nice if they could provided more paneer Tender Jack Kizhi Biryani (2.5/5): Very cool presentation! It came wrapped in a banana leaf which is something i haven't seen often. The biryani was a bit bland though - it was mostly just white rice. There were some chutneys provided on the side which helped a bit Friends gave the Vellore Chicken Curry a 3/5 and said it could have been more flavorful All of us liked our drinks! The I Dream of Tahini mocktail was very creamy and sweet which I enjoyed Considering this is a high-end restaurant, we were all a bit disappointed they didn't provide a complimentary dessert for the birthday girl. We ordered the Malai Carrot Kulfi which was pretty average. The malai flavor was a bit strong Overall, nice ambiance and good service - staff was very accommodating with all our dietary restrictions. However, I am not sure if I would return as it is $$$ and the portion sizes/flavors could have been better read more
17 days ago
I came to Ettan for my birthday, and having been here about three times before, I've always loved the experience. This visit was still enjoyable overall, but the service didn't feel as warm or engaging as it usually is. Our server seemed a bit disconnected -- he took our order and then disappeared for long stretches. In past visits, our servers were energetic, passionate, and really added to the dining experience, so this definitely felt like a noticeable difference. We ordered plenty of food: three appetizers, several mains, desserts, and one cocktail. Our bill came to around $350, which is expected here -- especially when the food hits the mark like it usually does. Appetizers (all excellent!) Mangalore Bun - Puffy, warm, soft, and absolutely delicious with the dips. Kerala Fried Chicken - Crispy, flavorful, generous portion. Truly mouthwatering. Lamb Kebab - Tender lamb patties on soft bread. Another major hit. Main Courses Lamb Biryani - Tasted like a classic biryani (in a good way). Really delicious and not spicy. Homemade Paneer Kalimirch - Spicy, but honestly phenomenal. So much flavor, one of the winners of the night. Vellore Chicken Curry - On the spicier side, but rich, tasty, and well balanced. Sides: Porotta - Absolutely delicious, flaky, soft, and flavorful. Butter Naan - The only real miss. It wasn't puffy or buttery enough -- a bit flat and lacking that warm, pillowy feel. Desserts Chocolate Mousse - Just okay. Not particularly memorable. Kulfi Bar - Very rich, very creamy, and enjoyable. Lychee Coconut Sago - The winner! Bright, flavorful, and so fun -- tons of textures and flavors in one dish. Birthday Experience They did bring out a dessert with a candle, which was sweet (though honestly, my sons prompted them). For a birthday dinner at this price point, it would've been nice if they were a bit more celebratory or offered at least one complimentary dessert. Not a deal-breaker, but it would've elevated the night. Overall The food was delicious, the ambiance is as stunning as always, and Ettan continues to be one of my favorite places for a special occasion. The service just wasn't as strong this time, especially compared to past visits -- and that made the difference between a 5-star and a 4-star experience. But overall, we still had a wonderful evening and I would absolutely return. Ettan is consistently beautiful, creative, and flavorful -- I just hope the service matches the food next time. read more
TLDR: Chic ambience, fancy menu, great atmosphere, okay-ish food Reserved Ettan for a Saturday brunch with friends and we had a good time overall. Their menu has nice fusion Indian customizations of which some work really well but others do not. Their dal makhani and naan is amazing, paneer is delicious and it's gravy is creamy and delicious. The others such as truffle naan, the asparagus koftas don't really hit the spot. Overall a good experience and some nice food in a lovely ambience! read more
Overall, this restaurant was good, but not as amazing as the hype from others has led me to believe. The atmosphere is wonderful and unique, and the overall vibe is great. The service, for us, was just okay. We waited quite a while after being seated to meet our server. After that, there were very few check-ins besides to deliver the food. Perhaps it was because we were upstairs and out of the way (out of mind)? To the star of the evening - the food: The sesame cracker was pretty spectacular, and I would give that a full five stars, no doubt. Super crispy, filled with all the right Indian spices and flavors, and it was something quite unique. Fried chicken is also recommended for me. Flavorful chicken, thigh meat, which meant more flavor and a bit more fat, but really nice use of flavors and textures. The butter chicken was very good; however, for over $30 for a small order of butter chicken, you would expect it to be something unique/special/out of this world. Don't get me wrong, it was really good, but for the price, I would pick something else on the menu as it's pretty standard butter chicken. We also had the lamb. The lamb flavors were also wonderful, lacking a bit of spiciness for us, but that was an overall theme of the night (not a lot of spiciness in any of the dishes they said). Probably because it's tailored to a more Western palate. Out the door for the two of us was $230. That includes 3 cocktails. So - one of the most expensive Indian meals I've had. read more
I stopped by on an afternoon to try the lunch special. Lamb kabob wrap was flavorful. Chicken biryani was good. Kerala fried chicken was nice and flavorful but not really kerala fried chicken. Lunch prices are slightly cheaper than dinner. read more
This is high end innovative, Indian cuisine. As the saying goes, the samosas will be small, but they will be delicious! :-) And indeed they were! Along with the jackfruit slider and the vegetarian kebabs. Our entrées, however, were surprisingly bland. At least compared to our expectations. We had brought my Father here shortly after this place had opened and enjoyed the flavors much more. The non-alcoholic beverages were pretty good. I'm not sure I would have the liquid tahini again, but it was refreshing. Service is what you would expect at a place of this caliber. The staff is well trained and keeps the water glasses filled and clears the dishes promptly and bags your food if you have leftovers (as we did as it turned out). The outdoor seating is cheerful with the inverted umbrellas, and the space is warm during chilly weather from the space heaters and cover, but compared to the inside is a little plain. I like this place better than Rooh, but not as much as Amber. Your view may vary. read more
Rarely do I find a place that has the highest in all aspects in every department in fine dining, making dinner not just "a meal", but "an experience" for sure! Ettan is it. I was WOW-ed from the moment I stood in front of the doorway. I hadn't even walked inside yet! Yup, even the entryway decor was inviting and interesting! I couldn't wait to enter and see what the interior held and what the menu offered. Before I could let out a full gasp, the host greeted us and asked if we'd prefer to sit indoors or outdoors. He helped us choose the best table, given that this was our first time dining with them: a table on their top floor, so we could peer down into the main level. W-O-W! Just wow. I felt like an Indian princess while at Ettan! Everything was meticulously designed and thoughtful: from the dishes and layers of flavors to the lighting and wall decor. Even the table service was on pointe! Our water cups never went below half-way. The only thing to note is most dishes (at least the ones we ordered) were light portions. I highly recommend Ettan, and I can't wait to return. I empathically give Ettan 5 stars all around. read more
Elevated Indian restaurant with amazing service! Came here for lunch and the inside was beautifully decorated. Seared outside with the heater and lots of plants around. Started off with the pani puri and it was splendid. Came with 6 prices and the stuffing had great flavors and spices. The shell was on the harder side but still crispy. The kerla fried chicken was tasty. Topped with fried onions and has flavorful sauce on the chicken. Chicken pieces were thin but tender. The chicken biryani came full of spices. Topped with peanuts and fired onions giving aromatic flavor and slight crunch texture. Lots of rice on the bottom and 2 pieces of chicken. Chicken was soft and slightly dry. The sauces help and give more flavor to rice. The garlic naan was super soft leaning to almost like a piece of bread. Crispy garlic on to. Ended with Malai Carrot Kulfi which looks like a popsicle but very creamy. They have a lunch special which includes appetizer, entree, and dessert for $52. Indoor and outdoor seating. There's a parking garage nearby or street parking here. read more
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More info about Ettan
518 Bryant St
Palo Alto, CA 94301
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(650) 752-6281
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http://www.ettanrestaurant.com
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Ask the Community - Ettan
Do we need reservations for a party of four?
Yes, on most days it's highly likely you will need a reservation
Can we bring cake from outside? We are going to celebrate a friend's birthday. Please let us know what are the options if we want to surprise him with a cake?
I’m pretty sure you can, but I would contact them. Here is their number: (650) 752-6281.
We have a 3+ month old baby. Can we bring a stroller?
A stroller should be fine. Children are welcome.
Is the outdoor seating uncomfortably cold now that it's late October?
They have heating lamps so it should be fine, just make sure to bring a jacket.
I noticed it is pet allow and I selected outdoor seating. Can I bring my dog?
Yup! Dogs are welcome at the outdoor patio seating.
What is the typical wait time for Sat lunch without a reservation for party of 5?
We had to book 1 month in advance just to get a reservation for brunch
Do you guys take walk-ins? On Saturday's for dinner?
Yes, but it. Unlikely to get a table. May be a chair at the bar
Can two people order enough but not too much food, to have a variety of dishes?
We've ordered a bunch of appys before for 2! It worked well to try a variety of dishes but not too much food
Hi, I just wanted to confirm, I called and was told ALL the meat is Halal? However a answer here said only chicken and lamb? If so, you should definitely advertise that on…
Thanks for your feedback. Our halal meat choices may change depending on seasonal variations in the menu. In general you can depend on the lamb and chicken being halal, but always good to check with your server on any dish to be sure there were no…
Do you need reservations for the bar area? We have dinner reservation but want to have a drink prior. Thsnks
The bar does not require reservations. However, since we serve the full menu at the bar, it is often takn up by walk-ins so we suggest arriving as early as possible. Cheers!
Is this place kid friendly?
We pride ourselves on being kid friendly ( well behaved of course) and even offer a kids menu!
Can I walk-in on Thursday?
Not recommended as you might have a longer wait. People usually make reservations ahead as they are always busy.
Do they take walk-ins?
yes, they take walk-ins. I have never had a problem getting a table just walking off the street. If you like loud, harsh music coupled with a haughty attitude, you may like this place. If, on the other hand, you prefer a more genteel and refined…
When does the kitchen close on weekdays?
I hope this information helps you: PICK-UP / DELIVERY HOURS…
Are dogs allowed inside?
Doubtful. Dogs are rarely ever allowed inside a restaurant unless they're a real service animal.
Is reservation compulsory?
For weekends or Friday evenings it is very unlikely to get a table without a reservation.
Are the serving sizes big enough to share and eat family-style with 6 people? How many entrees would be a good amount for 6 people?
No, maybe enough for 2-3 to share
What is their corckage fee?
Hi Kirti, Our corkage fee is $35 for a standard 750ml bottle, up to 2 bottles per table. If you…
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65 reviews that are not currently recommended
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