Had a lovely meal here, servers were very attentive and respectful, and I loved getting lots of shared plates to try lots of dishes. This is a nice spot so prices reflect that, and everything has a cost, including bread and "still water" so make sure to specify tap if that's what you want. I particularly enjoyed the fresh Greek cheeses. Enjoyed all the small plates, though I thought the octopus was a little over-tenderized, I wish there was still some bounce! read more

TAVERNA - Octopus, saganaki, and calamari - Greek Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Lovely Greek restaurant, beautiful ambiance, feels like you are on vacation! The food was delicious, and the service was wonderful. Our server was very kind and helpful when we had questions about the menu. The food portions are a good size, we enjoyed the Gyro, Greek Salad (easy to share with two people), the feta and olives, dolmas, spanakopita and moussaka. The feta cheese was amazing, so creamy - definitely a must to try. There is street parking available in this area. The restaurant has seating inside and outside, great for groups of any size. read more

See all

Taverna feels like much more than just a Greek restaurant--it feels like being invited into a neighbor's home. Every time we come here, it feels warm, welcoming, and genuinely comforting. The food is absolutely delicious. Our favorite is the Lamb Shank--it's truly outstanding. The meat is incredibly tender, and the orzo pilaf underneath is perfectly balanced and full of flavor. What really makes this place special, though, is the people. From the hostess at the entrance to especially Mous and Blue, everyone is amazing at what they do. They create the comfort and experience that make you want to come back again and again. The service is truly top-notch. Thank you for everything--we love this place! read more

See all

Enjoyed a recent work dinner at taverna where we had a bottle of white wine and family style dining. The service was fast and efficient and t foods just kept on coming. Some of the top highlights were the fries, tzatziki, lamb chops and Greek salad. The gigante beans and chicken skewer were decent as well. I would skip the desserts and stick to the apps and main dishes. Will be back again soon! read more

See all

As a proud Greek, I was so excited to try this place. I've been going to Evvia for years and so I wanted a change from our usual greek spot. So when u had family visiting, I didn't hesitate to book here to celebrate our special occasion. Well, after my experience I can say it was nothing special. Service was ok. Food is WAY overpriced. They charge for a bottle of water (!!!) Not even sparking water but REGULAR water. Can you believe it??? And no they never mentioned that we will pay extra for water. Last time I checked water was free!!! That was absolutely ridiculous. The bill ended up being super pricy $$$. I wouldn't say it's worth it for the price. A lot of the dishes were not filling enough so we had to get more which cost us even more $$$ I also did not feel like it was a Greek restaurant. The servers didn't know Greek, there was no Greek music, we were not welcomed into the room at all by a hostess... it was really disappointing. I've been to Greece many times and tavernas are quaint little restaurants where it is usually filled with music, warm service and delicious food, although the food was pretty good, for the price we pay I'd say it really wasn't worth it. Unfortunately I'd say if you want to come here, just be mindful of the high prices. I personally would not come back here again after this experience. read more

See all

This is a decent place for casual meet ups. Went here on a Saturday for brunch with my girlfriends . Let's start with service . Our waiter came and explained to us all the dishes which was nice . We ordered crispy calamari, grilled halloumi cheese , steamed Horta greens , omelette , orange juice and grilled octopus salad. Grilled halloumi cheese was really delicious . Omelette was also really good . Rest of the dishes were pretty standard in taste , nothing mind blowing so I felt place is a little over priced . We were not in mood for having dessert so we skipped it . Parking can be little difficult if you try to find one right in front of the restaurant however there were planting parking just 2 blocks away . All in all it was good but I may not return here . read more

See all

It was a vibe! Enjoyed a special cocktail,eggplant spread with olive bread, lamb chops and the spring lamb special sourced locally from Dixon, CA + enjoyed a gratuitous pour of delicious wine read more

See all

As long-time patrons, we are thoroughly appalled and upset by our recent experience celebrating my birthday. The service was unacceptable from the start--we were greeted by a surprisingly rude hostess, orders were repeatedly botched or completely forgotten, and we waited half an hour for dessert after our coffee had already arrived. To make matters worse, counting two toddlers to justify an automatic 20% service fee was completely unreasonable given the poor service. The most frustrating part, however, was being billed for a 'complimentary' birthday dessert we didn't even ask for. And for all this, we paid about $700. What should have been a special celebration was completely ruined, and after this appalling visit, we will not be back read more

A friend recommended this place to us, and it is definitely worth trying! We ordered the lamb chops, salmon, and octopus. I don't like lamb, but my partner devoured the lamb chops, so I'm assuming they are pretty good. I loved the octopus - it's probably the best I've had in the bay! The pairing with hummus and fresh herbs was perfection. The salmon was a bit on the small side but they gave a generous portion of vegetables. Relative to the other dishes, this one was pretty forgettable for me. We came here on a Friday night with a reservation at around 5:30 and it was pretty light, though it quickly filled up. The decor is very charming and the vibe was cozy. This place is a bit on the smaller side but there's also plenty of outdoor seating The staff was attentive and personable. Though there were some hiccups in ordering they quickly rectified the situation, which we appreciated. read more

TAVERNA - GRILLED OCTOPUS (10/10) - Greek Near Me - Palo Alto, California

See all

I can not say enough about Taverna! From the moment I walked in, the hospitality was top tier. Everyone was so kind, friendly, and welcoming. I haven't come across too many Greek spots on the west coast so Taverna was an absolute treat! The space itself is beautiful, big tables, comfortable seating, doesn't feel like you're on top of the table next to you. Every dish was thoughtfully explained to my friends who aren't Greek and you could taste the love put into everything we tried. Now to the food: Tzatziki - perfect, thick, tangy, really delicious and the pita was outstanding, tastes homemade like your yiayia made it. Avgolemono - I love this soup, there's zest yet comfort, I never pass up a bowl of Avgolemono and this was is a definite order! Keftedakia - so so so so good! Juicy, flavorful, I honestly could've had so many more of these. Horiatiki - I'm partial to my own, yet this was so much better than mine I have to say! Always a must-order. Braised Lamb - it was a special, it's been a few days and I'm still thinking about it. The lamb fell right off the bone, the orzo had nutmeg and cinnamon I loved it what a treat! Next time I'd love to get some spanakopitakia, I haven't had any since my yiayia passed away and I miss hers! Everyone was so lovely and they brought us a pre-dinner treat from the chef which was like a piperakia tiganita and then an amazing shot of mastiha with lime and fresh pepper (insanely delicious)! I would absolutely recommend Taverna to anyone in Palo Alto and I'll definitely be back when I'm in town. The hospitality really went a long way, , Taverna! read more

See all

Service was impeccable, but the food was extremely disappointing especially the octopus.

Huge restaurant divided across smaller rooms, which each have a nice ambiance. Beautiful interior with flowers and white/blue Mediterranean coloring. The zucchini fritters were the best app, the meatballs and trio of drips were also good except the pita was too dense and eggplant dip was too chunky. The mains were massive: the lamb shank with orzo was a standout. I thought the salmon was a bit overcooked but the veggies were good. Service was attentive. Would go back! read more

The host was a bit icy upon our arrival/first impression, but it seemed she was perhaps managing numerous tables/an event. The ambiance -- 5 stars. Taverna is *beautiful.* The paintings adorning the restaurant's exterior disguise its entryways, giving it a bit of a speakeasy feel. Once inside, the lighting and artwork create cozy yet upscale feel as you dine. The food -- 4 stars. I had the moussaka, which arrived more lukewarm than hot despite it being an oven baked dish. We had the fava/tzatziki/eggplant platter with bread, and it was good but nothing spectacular (perhaps it could've benefitted from more seasoning?). The service -- 5 stars. Our servers were lovely -- extremely accommodating and helpful as we navigated the menu. read more

I hadn't had moussaka in a long time and was really craving it, so we came to Taverna. The outdoor ambiance was beautiful, I honestly felt like I was in Greece . Our server, Vicente, was very attentive and recommended we try the tzatziki as an appetizer. It was creamy and refreshing, made with yogurt, but at times it felt like cream cheese, just not as salty. I loved it, and the pita bread was delicious too. For our main dishes, we had the lamb chops, which were super tender and juicy, so good! We also shared the moussaka, and it was spectacular. Definitely coming back to try more! read more

See all

We came here to celebrate a birthday just to try a different Greek cuisine in the area. The vibe is so much better than the rest and it was like being in a small village in the countryside. It's very cozy and warm with a bit of a rustic feel. All of the food that we had was delicious and tasty. Their portion was very good in comparison with the other restaurants in the area. The staff were friendly and attentive. The only thing was when we arrived there was nobody to greet us although we had a reservation. They seemed to be scrambling around next door with an event going on. They also need to have a friendlier concierge greeting the incoming guests. Otherwise our visit was very eventful. Our server even sang to the celebrant which was very appreciative. read more

See all

Not only did I have the opportunity to dine here, but I also had a great experience booking the small private dining room for a work event. Derya was so efficient in helping me not only book, but also was on site to make sure we went through the run of show to confirm the dinner would go off without a hitch. Hospitality truly shines bright here, as we originally booked for 20 people and ended up with 30...oops! Most establishments would have made a fuss, but she handled it with finesse and said, "No problem!" While that was going on, I was having dinner on the side with a good friend. Moose extended the hospitality by being our server. Great recommendations, great story teller, and even better service. How lucky were we to be able to dine outside on such a gorgeous night in Palo Alto? One of my favorite parts of the parklet is that they have adjustable windows, so you don't feel confined to the space. The fish and lamb shank were the winners in my book for food. Absolutely delish!!! read more

The food was very good and the outdoor seating is lovely! Highlights for us were definitely the whipped feta dip and chicken skewers. A little pricey but still very delicious and nice atmosphere. read more

TAVERNA - CHICKEN SOUVLAKI (2 pieces) - Greek Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Best place and experience. The staff is incredibly friendly, attentive, and welcoming. The people are warm. We hosted a company event here for 25+ people and TAVERNA exceeded every expectation. The food was excellent, the ambiance was perfect, and Derya, the manager (taverna queen) made everything feel seamless and special. If you're planning an event, this is the place to do it. Highly recommend the lamb chops, octopus, and potatoes...all were exceptional. I would come back every night if I could. This restaurant deserves its own TV show. read more

TAVERNA - Greek Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Over multiple visits, I've been lucky enough to try just about everything on the menu. My thoughts: Dolmathakia: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and fresh herbs. These pack plenty of flavor, especially compared to entry level places. Greek meatballs: Seared in a cast iron and served with Greek yogurt & red onion. Comes with three but we usually ask for four. A crowd favorite. Spanish octopus: hit or miss. It's been excellent and only ok. Salmon: Served several ways over the years. Most recently sauced with a chickpea ratatouille. Solid. Moussaka: If you've never had this dish, think mashed potatoes stuffed with ground beef (and lamb) and eggplant bakes in a casserole. Comfort food done right the Greek way. Lamp chops: VERY tasty but I need three to feel full and that's quite pricey. The Greek fries are surprisingly excellent; ask for the spicy sauce on the side. A wide variety of premier wine at Palo Alto prices. Service is almost always impeccable. It's a cozy environment in all of the rooms; on a nice night, you can eat outside. Some of the tables are a little cramped and multiple dining companions have complained the chairs are uncomfortable. I really like Taverna and will keep coming back. A few tweaks would make it outstanding. read more

See all

We just ordered small plates, brunch, and sides. So I can't speak to any of the main dishes. Having said that, below is what I can speak to on the restaurant. Dip - We ordered the tzatziki which came with delicious grilled pita. The dip was really creamy and the pita had sea salt which brought out the grilled flavor. French toast - I hadn't seen anyone mention the French toast. However, it deserves a mention because it was delicious! So light and fluffy with a cinnamon whipped sort of topping. So good! Fries - The fries were also really good. They came with ketchup and an interesting white sauce that tasted of basil, parmesan, and a tiny kick of spice. Whenever I go to a restaurant, I tend to like items that other people don't focus on...so just know I evaluate restaurants on pita and fries. LOL. But that's what makes me happy. The service here is attentive and the feeling is fancy. We sat outdoors with the heat lamps which was nice. We arrived for brunch at 12:30, and it started to get busy right about 1:30. TLDR; Dip & pita, french toast, and fries are worth a visit read more

See all

The food was great. Enjoyed the dishes ordered. They started us off with complimentary chunks of cheese. Ordered a tzaziki dip which came with bread. Serving was generous and the dip had a thicker consistency. It was quite delicious. The wild salmon with roasted vegetables was fresh, good and better than expected. The Greek fries were so so, just like regular fries. The dessert was good. We sat outside and it was very comfortable. Ambiance and service were great. Thank you. read more

See all

The stars are mostly for the excellent service and ambiance! The decor was beautiful - simple, charming and gave you the sensation you traveled to a small town in Greece for the night! The food itself was good and there was a large wine selection but the flavor profile is what ultimately cost the last star! The burger was quite simple, moussaka was too creamy in my opinion but the fish was well cooked! Wines were just ok. Overall would come again but might order differently. Great place for family or date night. read more

See all

As I visited Palo Alto on a warm sunny Monday, I came across this cute greek restaurant. We started with a few appetizers like the Spanakopita, Tzatziki, and Spicy Feta Spread. All 3 were great and served fresh. We split all of this among 3 people and had the right amount. Then we got the veggie gyros which was pretty heavy and came with fries. The greek salad was lovely and the cheese on top was so delicious. We also got the zucchini fritters which were good but also on the heavier side after eating so many other dishes. Overall, super cute spot and great quality of food. Service was also good and we were continuously checked on. It's definitely on a pricey range for lunch, but worth the try once! read more

See all

They gave us a very nice table by the window, which made the dining experience even more enjoyable. The food and service were both very good overall. I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 because the waiter kept trying to upsell us while we were ordering. For example, instead of offering tap water, he immediately suggested bottled water. He also encouraged us to order extra dishes and more expensive wine options. Other than that, we had a pleasant experience and enjoyed the meal. read more

We went there for the Mother's Day brunch. While we fully expected that we wouldn't get the best benefit for cost (considering it was the Mother's Day and they were doing a set prix fix menu), it went below the expectations. First, when we arrived a bit before the reservation time, even though my reservation clearly shows outdoor table, they tried to seat us next to the door saying that my reservation showed up as inside in their system and they could only give us that crappy table. When we complained, they immediately moved us to a better outdoor table. Then, it took ~15 minutes for the waiter to take our orders. Then it took another ~15 minutes to get the amuse bouche, each time only after we complained. Food was sub par. Their "supposedly" famous lamb chops were full of fat and not much meat. And we could see that the food was not directly from the kitchen as they were all lukewarm when they came out. Then they had the "automatic" 20% service charge on top of it. No wonder they didn't have to work hard. They already earned their tips. All in all, it was a disappointing experience in every aspects. The only good part of the brunch was the good weather. read more

What a wonderful restaurant! We had a company party and reserved a private room. It was perfect for 50 people. The food was outstanding. I enjoyed the lamb and I normally don't care for food with the game taste. The wine (the Greek Cab) was delicious. Service was amazing, very attentive. I hope to be back soon! read more

A much needed trip to Taverna got accomplished and we were delighted with the experience. Parking is usually not a problem as there happen to be ample spots that can be picked from around the restaurant. Ambiance: Taverna exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere that transports diners to a charming Mediterranean village. The decor is elegant yet cozy, with rustic wooden tables, soft lighting, and tasteful Mediterranean accents. The outdoor patio is particularly delightful, offering a pleasant al fresco dining experience under twinkling lights. Whether for a romantic dinner or a casual meal with friends, the ambiance at Taverna is both relaxed and sophisticated. Food: The food at Taverna is a culinary delight, focusing on authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The mezze platter is a perfect starter, with hummus, tzatziki, and dolmades that are full of flavor. The grilled octopus is tender and beautifully charred, while the lamb chops are succulent and perfectly seasoned. Vegetarian options, like the spanakopita and Greek salad, are equally impressive. The desserts, especially the baklava and loukoumades, are a sweet ending to a fantastic meal. For our dinner we ordered, a Sashimi (yellowfin Tuna) and Halloumi cheese (crispy with Honey drizzle) to begin with along with Spanakopitakia. We followed that goodness with a couple orders of the Psaraki which turned out to be extremely well cooked. We wrapped that up with an espresso , a greek coffee along with a Sokolatina and Bougatsa for our dessert selection. Service: The service at Taverna is generally excellent, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who are passionate about the menu. They are quick to offer recommendations and ensure that diners have a pleasant experience. During peak times, there can be a slight wait, but the staff's professionalism and friendliness make up for any minor delays. The overall service is warm and hospitable, enhancing the dining experience. Shoutout to Bayron, Fotis and Elo (i might have gotten that name wrong) for making our experience such wonderful. Value: Taverna offers good value for the quality of food and dining experience. The prices are on the higher side, but the portion sizes and the quality of ingredients justify the cost. It's an ideal spot for special occasions or when you're looking to indulge in a memorable meal. The overall experience, from the ambiance to the food and service, makes it worth the price (there is a living wage charge added to the bill which is about 5.00% or so). Overall: Taverna in Palo Alto is a gem for anyone seeking authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a charming and elegant setting. The combination of delicious food, excellent service, and inviting atmosphere makes it a standout choice for dining in the area. Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely lunch, a romantic dinner, or a celebration with friends, Taverna delivers a delightful and memorable experience. read more

See all

Not a fan. Am a Neigbor and been here a few times. Food on par with nick the Greek. Prices on par with a Michelin star. Which they don't have. And they put up America. Flags after Charlie Kirk was killed. Bunch of little bigots. Don't spend your money there. Go to Evvia instead. read more

Staff: friendly staff and they often cleaned up the table and refilled water. Table: super small especially for 4 people. We had to pace ourselves so the dishes could fit. So your starch could be separately served from your main course. Chairs: super unconformable. Nothing more to say. Food: the octopus was subpar and the texture was off. It was overcooked. The fish was bland and the lemon cream sauce made it more flavorful. The meatball was nice and moist as an appetizer. Skip the beef and lamb mashed potatoes casserole. read more

See all

The atmosphere is great, and my guest had been many times, but tonight was an off night. The waiter confused the order so the salmon needed to be prepared again due to adding a sauce instead of having it on the side, and the dressing on the salad that came with the chicken skewers overwhelmed the taste of the lettuce. The dressing dripped off each leaf and left a soup at the bottom of the bowl. The dish was lovely grilled chicken and salad dressing. My comment of too much sauce to the waiter elicited the response that "Greeks love sauce and that's how they cook" had me thinking that this particular Greek chef loves sauces. I'll try it one more time, and hope for the best. read more

See all

The food, service and ambiance were excellent. We have chosen to eat there many times.

What a cute place! I love how the decor feels so homey. Their servers are so welcoming and had really amazing suggestions for our orders. We had a bunch of small plates and appetizers and they were so well seasoned and complimented each other really nicely. Definitely try the shrimp, octopus, and halumi cheese! Bougatsa for dessert is a must- I'll definitely be back! read more

AI Leaders Dinner [Encord]@Taverna PA CA Tue 12/10/24 Private dinner! Talking AI business! High-tech Execs and yours truly discussing what else? The technicalities :-) © Got my invite to Encord's AI Leaders Dinner @ Taverna back in November and got excited! Meant to checkout Taverna dining for awhile, this was a perfect occasion! Arrival & Welcome Drinks after 6pm, and at 7:30pm, our Dinner begins! Our private dining experience was superb! Comforting, collaborative, simple. Taverna is conveniently situated across from Whole Foods market on Emerson in downtown Palo Alto, corner Homer. I've been to a vast variety of cuisines preceding Taverna at this location. It's Greek in this reincarnation! You'll certainly get a quaint neighborhood feeling here, and I find the spot welcoming and somewhat off the grid, given that most popular and crowded downtown restaurants sit on University Ave. The vibe at Taverna is rustic, with modern refinement! With one of its owners, Thanasis P, coming from rich Palo Alto culinary background like Evvia Estiatorio, Mayfield Bakery & Cafe nearby in PA Town & Country Village, to the Michelin-starred Village Pub in Woodside... and another, Hakan B, a world traveler, a Royal Caribbean Cruise head server, refining his kin skills for creating the comforting ambience at Evvia Estiatorio, Taverna has got its start almost 2 years, but now quite, before the dooming years of pandemic. Now in its 7th year of operations! I'm glad it survived and expanded into a neighboring space, Taverna is here to stay and has enough room for private functions! We had a 3 course set menu. Traditional modernized classics! A separate thank-you goes to Jamie S. of Encord for organizing a vibrant environment for AI Leaders to mingle and talk a little bit of business. We had Mezedakia, Entrees, and Desserts, family style! Large Party Menu is available online, all my photos are part of their expansive $125 per person menu. These guys use an abundance of local seasonal ingredients in all dishes, it's called a Hellenic cuisine! The warmth & hospitality of old world Greece makes one feel like you're dining with family! Fine wines and family times! Eat, drink, enjoy life! *When all the world is a hopeless jumble And the raindrops tumble all around Heaven opens a magic lane to a place behind the sun Just a step behind the rain If happy little blue birds fly beyond the rainbow Why, oh why can't I? *Cause I'm no prophet or Messiah You should go looking somewhere higher :-)) [ Review #811 w 14 pics Jan 2, 2025 ] Keep the drinks coming! PSARAKI! Deboned! Our private room table! Heartwarming! Delicious! Exquisite! Mouthwatering! Fresh homecut! Exceptional! Yummerz! ARNAKI! Grilled lamb! Superior Farms! Scrumptious! Cin Cin! Happy Holidays! AI Leaders Dinner [Encord]@Taverna PA CA Tue 12/10/24 read more

See all

We are Greeks, This is not Greek food! We expected something much better, especially for the location, for the price. But these ingredients were not worth the price. The music was good, the wine was also decent. If you see the other pics, you can tell they are insecure about their food because they dump garnish in heaps on everything! Even the garnish has garnish! We had some recommendations that this place was very good, but unfortunately it was not true. (The lady in the front was very sweet and the staff over all was friendly) Bad food! read more

The food was amazing, service was incredible and the ambiance was perfect. The owner was friendly and made our experience memorable. Donna read more

See all

I'm surprised no other reviews mentioned this - their chairs are TERRIBLE! The uncomfortableness was looming over me the whole time and I couldn't relax to enjoy the experience. I probably wouldn't have anyways as it's so loud in the dining room, and they left the door open on a chilly night and we sat right at the door (where it makes more sense to be a check-in area instead of an awkward table for two). The food was not memorable either. The best thing we had was the crispy halloumi with honey. For entrees we ordered the roasted young chicken and moussaka. The chicken meat was fine but the sauce tasted like nothing but salt, and the side vegetables were way too bland and casually positioned when you consider the price point. The moussaka was tasteless; I make better ones at home. I would have ordered at least one more appetizer and dessert, but alas, the chairs made me not want to sit there even one minute longer. read more

See all

We were there for valentines weekend ( party of 2). Ended up paying $380 for 2 drinks and their fixed menu. None of the appetizers felt fresh. It looked like all the foods other than the main course was prepared in advance and non of them gave a freshness feeling. Even charred octopus was look warm and mushy. The main course was ok but nothing wow. I wouldn't go back! read more

The Pizza was okay and felt very soggy. The Calabrian chilis were too salty. The Pizza bread that comes with burrata is too doughy Server was very nice! read more

Taverna is not worth the hype. Solid service but the food is just not that good! Much more better restaurants of this level in Palo Alto. Started off somewhat strong with the halloumi, wings, and mussels, but it went downhill from there. The meat was nothing special and we were just confused by some of the dishes. read more

See all

Taverna (Palo Alto) is hands down my favorite Greek restaurant in the Bay Area. From the moment you walk in, it feels like you've been dropped into a small Greek village where food, hospitality, and tradition actually matter. Everything here feels authentic from the ingredients to the way the staff talks about the food with real pride. My wife and I come here for special date nights, and we almost always order the same way. We start with the Pikilia Dips Platter and Gavros Marinatos, then move on to the Horiatiki Salata and Pantzaria. For our main, we share the Moussaka and the Arnaki (three amazing lamb chops), which are absolutely incredible every single time. And if I'm in the mood for a little show, I always add the Saganaki. You can't go wrong with Saganaki. We love Greek food, and truly authentic options in the Bay Area are limited. Of all of them, Taverna is the most authentic; great food, great drinks, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The servers are friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they serve. Whether it's a date night or a meal with family, this place never disappoints. read more