Tal Palo

I was intrigued by Tal Palo after reading about it on a couple food sites. It was an unconventional restaurant concept that had me very curious. So a few days after returning from an overseas trip, I made a lunch reservation with a friend. Apparently, reservations are required if you want a proper meal experience. At $35 per person for lunch, including tip but excluding drinks and additions, it still seemed like good value. Finding parking during lunch time in downtown Los Altos was surprisingly difficult. There were no spots available on the Main Street, so I had to park in the lot behind the buildings. As I walked inside, I admired the high ceilings, curved alcoves and glass-enclosed dining room by the entrance. The entire space seemed to be illuminated by a central skylight. Aaron is a co-owner of Tal Palo along with his partner, Chef Adriana. He greeted and complimented me on my Mikkeller Taipei t-shirt. Aaron told us he was once the co-owner of an Oakland bar specializing in Belgian ale called The Trappist and subsequently knew Mikkel's brother, Jeppe, who founded Evil Twin Brewery quite well. It was cool to meet a fellow artist and Renaissance man. Fittingly, the beautiful space was largely designed by Aaron. We had our choice of seating. It didn't seem as if there were any two tables and chairs that were alike. Each part of the dining room was unique. There's a really nice patio in the back with a cool huge mural on the wall that is undoubtedly popular during warmer months. We chose a nice broad two top table near the entrance, lit brightly by the skylight above it. Chef Adriana introduced herself and brought by what was essentially an elote muffin, and offered it as an optional appetizer. We took her up on it. It was delicious and buttery with the texture of corn kernels, not simply pureed into a batter. I also ordered a Cafe de Olla, which was pleasantly sweet and blended with cinnamon and spices. She then brought a plate with skillfully prepared green salad. It was then clear that each dish was meant to be shared family-style. The portion-size of each dish is about the size of an individual portion, but there were three dishes included in the lunch course. I could see how this might be an issue for those who eat larger portions, leaving them unsatisfied. Me and my friend don't generally eat a ton, so this was perfectly fine for us. Next up was the highlight of the meal, Chilaquiles Verde. The egg was perfectly fried atop tortilla chips that still had a bit of crispness to them. The tomatillo salsa was a perfect balance of flavor, tanginess, spice and temperature. It was a superb dish that outpaces any chilaquiles that I've been able to find locally, and I've certainly been trying out many for the past six months in search of the best one. I think Chef Adriana's version at Tal Palo may be the winner. There was one more interesting dish remaining: fried quesadillas served with a creamy red beet mole sauce. The quesadillas were light and fluffy, made from masa rather than flour. The beet mole sauce had pine nuts and sesame seeds and several other ingredients blended into it. Very unique and creative rendition unlike any mole I had ever tried. The overall experience at Tal Palo was very unique. There is no set menu, and you are served whatever Chef Adriana has prepared that day. So one needs to approach this restaurant with an open mind and leave preconceptions at the door. As I mentioned earlier, the shared portions might not be enough for people with a higher caloric intake. If these are showstoppers, this is probably not the right place for you. I personally really enjoyed the concept and experience. I look forward to trying their dinner course and going to their workshops for things like making tamales.

I'm obsessed with this place! 🤩 The decor is stunning and the owner is super sweet. Their Cafe de Olla is a MUST-TRY. Food portions were a bit small, and it was a tad pricey, but totally worth it. If you're in the area, don't miss out 😊

Super super super disappointed! DO NOT VISIT! We two spent $110 only got: two small cups of granola yogurt, one small corn cake, one bowl of corn chips, a small plate of tomatoes, a drip coffee and a watermelon juice.🤯🤯🤯 Well when the set menu was finished, I am surprised there is no protein other than one egg for 2 people, I asked the waitress if the meal is vegetarian. To my surprise, she told me yes! She never mentioned it when she walks us in and introducing the restaurant. She said the chef does not cook meat because it is too much of work.🤯🤯🤯 20% forced tips is ridiculous. We were set to a table in the backyard where they are preparing a big party for a baby. The waitress never asked us if we are okay sitting here. With this sort of service, I guess if they don’t force people to pay 20% service fee, no one will pay a penny! Save your money for much better food and services elsewhere! Don’t come!

Atmosphere is good, taste OK. We’ve been told they are no Menu restaurant, which is Okay, so we asked what can we order. She told us: A la cate from $9 to $35 Or the set menu, $35/ person and plus 20% tips. We have 3 people, so we decided to go with the set menu. But somehow the food comes with 2 people portion, we have to share two corn bread and ONE cup of pudding. We did raised our concerns, but she kept telling us- the food is scaled in the kitchen, we are family style so you gotta share. I mean, I don’t mind to share, but this is so confusing. I’d rather you charge more and give me three of each dishes, or make it smaller. And we are still hungry after this.

We joined the mailing list for this amazing cafe, so we can plan to visit because we do not live or work close by. It was worth it. They organized a special dinner open to those on the mailing list. Signing up on a first-come-first-serve basis, the 4-course fixed menu was prepared with love, in keeping with the Valentine's Day season. It was incredible! Gracious, delicious and so worth the trek. Thank you, Tal Palo and Chef "Mama", for a magical experience! We will try to make it for your normal cafe hours sometime soon.

No joke the BEST restaurant I’ve been in this country. Everything was perfectly portioned, incredibly well crafted, and surprisingly affordable. I’ve never seen friendlier and more attentive staff. Michelin restaurants got nothing on Tal Palo, we’ll be coming back many times over.

Beautiful food in a beautiful space. There is no menu so each dish is a surprise and everything is absolutely delicious. The flavors are incredible and I love that almost everything is vegetarian. Perfectly portioned and beautifully plated—you can see that each dish is made with care and high quality ingredients. The cafe de olla is to die for as are the quesadillas, papas, and chilaquiles. There hasn’t been a dish I disliked! Everything is so delicious. Eat here. You’ll be so happy you did!

I have to say. Tal Palo, was the best dining experience I have ever had in the Bay Area. The food was excellent. The hospitality was even better. I have never had a conversation with a chef where they were genuinely interested in what we could and couldn’t eat due to food allergies. And they built the menu around that for the day for us. It was the first time We ever went into a restaurant and had 1 of everything. The chilaquiles were fried to the write amount of crisp with a sauce that was balanced well with the black beans. The fried quesadillas were built to perfection with cheese for me and a Yerba Buena for my wife who eats dairy free. The papas were purple and not too sweet but paired beautifully with this avacado salsa purée. The salad came late but was a nice break from the bigger foods and had the right amount of leaves with cucumber. And to top it off. That chicken apricot mole with nopales was the cherry on top to a perfect meal. I had an iced latte. And my wife had the Jamaica and we left without a single bad thing. To say. And planning our next to trips back. Absolutely amazing.

Loved our brunch here! I had Tal Palo bookmarked for a while but finally made it out for Saturday brunch. The space is fairly small so be mindful i'll likely be a wait, we waited about ~20 min for a table for 2. They recently changed the menu to a chef's choice course menu made for sharing and the courses were vegetarian on the day we came. We started with a corn cake which was super moist and then had their famous chilaquiles (loved the salsa!) followed by an amazing tomato/plum salad and perfectly crispy potatoes. Finally we ended with these small fried cheese filled taco pockets. The flavors were on point and we loved the friendly and homey service. It really feels like a great neighborhood spot and the ambiance is very modern yet relaxed.

The food was tasty and original. But we only got two things with prix fixe lunch menu and the servings were tiny. We split a dessert because we were still so hungry. That and two non-alcoholic drinks ended costing almost $100!! Right after we left, we went down the street and got a bean burrito to fill up.

Gorgeous space and fantastic chilaquiles. Detailed breakdown below: **Service, 5/5** There's no menu posted, but the staff was really friendly, happy to answer questions, and check in to make sure you have everything you need. **Decor & cleanliness, 5/5** Such a beautiful space! I definitely want to come back and check out the back patio. **Price & portion, 4/5** Prices are a bit high, but items are meant to be shared so you can try a few different dishes if you bring a friend. **Presentation of the food, 5/5** Feels rustic and homey! **Taste of the food, 5/5** This was some of the best chilaquiles I've had -- thick tortilla chips that hold up well and absorb the delicious salsa, not spicy, lots of fresh herbs and onion, and a perfectly cooked over-easy egg that coats everything in a luscious yolk. So satisfying!! The corn cake felt like an elevated corn bread -- dense, with entire pieces of corn, and just a touch of sweetness to round out the salty and savory chilaquiles.

Need to get away? Tal Palo will transport you. It's both an escape and a haven. Did you know it was here? It's got a muted presence from the outside, so you might miss it. But that's what I liked about it. 2:30 pm on a Tuesday and once we stepped through the arched doorway, we knew needed an excuse to stay. It has just a little bit of a few delicious, thoughtfully selected things. There is an espresso machine and food in the kitchen that changes depending on the chef's whim that day. Try not to fall in love as I did with the tres leches cake because who knows when it will be back again. Tal Palo is part boutique with curated Mexican products and a few East Bay goods (I like how it's paying homage to both places, being from Berkeley myself) and part cafe. The design of the place is calming, cozy and each seating area is unique. The back patio is stunning as well with a vibrant blue mural that shines when it's sunny. If the coffee weren't top notch, I wouldn't be so quick to recommend it the day after my first visit. But I am cautiously sharing what may be my new favorite place.

I've had more dishes at Tal Palo that I've never seen offered anywhere else. This past week we had a beef stew, Carne en su jugo. Really a deeply flavored beef and bean stew. Our daughter, who is not a meat eater, loved it. Most dishes don't feature meat, but are so flavorful that I don't miss it at all, and I'm very much a carnivore. Now set menu, so you could get almost anything, but I guarantee it will be good.

Ummmmmm just flat out NO!!! Over priced little spot. All show & tiny portions. Definitely not a restaurant more like a small bite/appetizer with a cup of coffee kind of place. 20% dine in fee is a joke. You have been warned. Will not return!

When I first walked into Tal Palo I felt as if I was visiting a friend at her home. Adriana showed me around and told me all about her vision of sharing food from her Mexico. Amazing food .

My new favorite place for lunch with the husband is Tal Palo. This is such an unassuming little restaurant in Downtown Los Altos that you could easily walk by and not even realize it. It's a mom and pop operation with a changing daily menu of 4-5 items. They seem to always have their famous chilaquiles ($20) which are always worth ordering. The chilaquiles vary very (homophones!) slightly each time - on one visit they had red salsa and the next green. The fingerling potatoes ($13) might be the best thing on the menu. Once they were served with dill and labneh sauce. While the menu does change every day, there seem to always be riffs on chilaquiles, fingerlings, and broccolini (once served with mole). The tres leches cake was a generous slab. The Mexican hot chocolate was a whopping $9 but a very large drink. While it was good I have had better, and didn't feel like it warranted the price. The patio was closed on the rainy day of our first visit. We wanted to eat outside to stay COVID safe, and the owner was kind and moved us to the front and gave us a nice blanket to sit on over the concrete bench outside. The one thing I would change here is that I would have menus! I often want to find out what they're serving that day. Plus, my husband can be picky so I want to know ahead what to expect so I know if it's a good day to go, but I can't without calling. But I can't do that either because they don't list their phone number on their website. (Since I originally wrote this several months ago I see that it's now on Google Maps but it should be more easily accessible.) Anyway, I like reading menus - instead of the server telling me the menu, especially since I might forget the ingredients by the time I eat and want to know what I'm eating. And I think it would really help business if they posted their menu outside and on their website. I get that the dishes change each day but at THE VERY LEAST they should post a sample menu on their website. It is literally nowhere. If I want to tell someone they should come here I can't link to a menu, which is the first thing I'd want to see to get an idea of prices and whether I'd like the food. I recommend getting on their mailing list to get information on their brunches. (Which again, don't list a menu!) We just want to get an idea of what we get for the set price.

Pro tip: check their IG/ website before heading over as their hours vary. For best experiences: Come on a week day/ night with a small party of less than 3 or wait for a special ticketed event. Family owned and helmed by Adriana and supported by husband Aaron, this place is one of my favorite restaurants. It has a relaxed cool vibe lacking pretense. As is the charm of a small town there are some idiosyncrasies to expect here. Hours are inconsistent, there is no set menu (it's all verbal), no reservations*, and ideal only for small groups. If you can be flexible, make time, and can make it work you'll find that it's worth it. Supportive of little ones, this is a nice place to bring them to while enjoying a simple (fresh and delicious) meal, snack, or even a cafe de olla (It's so good that they sell them by the jugs if you are so inclined-24 hr notice by the way). They usually have chilaquiles and it is one of my favorites. I have also attended special events where you can make a reservation and have a set menu. (Subscribe to their newsletter to stay informed). I appreciate that the price you pay for the events are inclusive of tax/ gratuity. I feel the pricing is fair and good value for the quality. If there are any dietary considerations, they are very relaxed about this and are able to work it if they can given the food is made to order. Considering these factors, this place may not be for everyone so please manage your expectations. Family comes first and what works for them hopefully works for you.

Tal Palo has no menus. Their dishes change weekly and possibly hourly. The restaurant is an upscale Mexican with a twist of American possibly?The style of the restaurant is very unique, modern kinda vanilla and clean. The waiter/hostess is very sweet and informative We did family style Chicquelles: outstanding, green salsa sauce with the egg on top was a perfect combo. 8.5/10 Potatoes: delish! I am a big potato lover. But these potatoes were super over the top. I've never had vibrant purple potatoes, it had a cheese olive oil truffle taste. Crispy on the outside nice and soft on the inside 12/10 Salad: it was alright in my opinion, I'm kinda picky with my salad. The pumkin seeds were a nice touch, sauce was vinegar with a hint of mustard. 5/10 For drinks we got their sparkling juice, something jalapeno & something blood orange. Only 20 calories, and not too sweet but very carbonated! Be careful, do not gulp it down. 7/10 I would definitely come back and try a new mystery.

Overly priced for a menu you don't even know beforehand. We expected something healthy and light but got some deep fried food with lots of starchy food like potatoes and tortillas. The steak portion in the tocas is tiny. The hosts are also super defensive about my comments and clearly not interested in empathizing or providing better experience. They talked over me and asked me if I had Mexican food?! What a joke. Pretentious much?

Exactly what we needed. Exceptional and exceptionally fresh modern Mexican cuisine paired with a very relaxed low key vibe in a cute and modern space. We had lunch on the back patio which is nicely decorated and very quiet. The pan de elote we started with was unbelievable, I could have eaten the entire tray but managed to restrain myself to see what else was in store for us. The chilaquiles and salad that were the suggested items that day were also amazing, and after how good everything had been we couldn't help but order both desserts which were likewise amazing. It's a (very very friendly) family owned restaurant with no written menu where they tell you a few items they are making then based on what ingredients are fresh and on hand. That's not for everyone, but for us it meant we don't have to worry about endless menu choices, we can just put our faith in them that the food will be excellent, and get on to the good part, the eating! We had a newborn with us and they readily accommodated our giant stroller and were very nice about it. On top of that, the prices are quite reasonable, especially compared to other peninsula restaurants where you'd likely get a lot less, have it not taste nearly as good, for quite a bit more money. We'll be going back here for sure next time we're in the area. Don't even think twice, just go and you won't be disappointed.

Great food, amazing ambience and service. We were walking by looking for a coffee shop and found this hidden gem. Transported us back to Mexico. Flavors were on point and just the right amount of portions. We love it here.

Love this beautiful new cafe in downtown Los Altos. The ambiance is perfect- it's peaceful, tables are spaced well apart and some are in lovely little nooks. The tables are nice and the stoneware used is gorgeous. The menu is limited but each item has so much care and thought put into it. I had the chilaquiles+ egg + avocado. The particular day it was made with salsa verde and mashed black beans, but that varies by the day. I had the cafe de olla which is coffee made daily in a pot with orange peel and a few other spices. It was delightful (though a tad too sweet for my taste). The service is very attentive and friendly. Water is constantly being topped off. You are well taken care of. Almost as if you were visiting their home and having a home cooked meal served by a friend that cares that you are comfortable and nourished. It's the perfect spot to catch up with brunch/lunch with a friend or a mid afternoon coffee and a book. Highly recommend!!

I didn't like the way they charge dinning fees on top of ur foods drinks & taxes tips, what's dinning fees And the coffee was ok food was ok,but the store is pretty cute

Tal Palo is one of the best cafes I have ever been too. Literally because it felt like I was in someone's home eating a delicious home-cooked meal. There is no menu, what they serve is based on the ingredients they have that day. Everything we ate was extremely delicious. The owner was extremely kind and generous. Her along with the server treated us with the up most empathy and care. Will definitely be back for more!! The cafe itself was also very beautiful decorated and has a calm atmosphere.

TLDR: long wait, okay food, good service, extremely high price tag. Tal Palo showed up when we looked for good brunch options in the area. Intrigued by their story on the website and the praise of "authentic homemade Mexican food", we stopped by for Saturday brunch. We arrived a little before 12PM, saw the sign of "please wait to be seated", so patiently waited at the entrance. The only staff in the front came to put our name down on the paper waitlist at 12:20PM. We were told there was another 20 minutes of wait. We got seated at ~12:50PM, after nearly an hour of wait. During our wait, we observed several issues - 1) understaffed servers: we saw at most two front staff the entire time, serving all 8+ tables plus addressing the guests waiting in the front. Once we got seated in the yard, we saw 3+ empty tables, with 4+ groups on the waitlist. This confirmed that the long wait time was caused by understaff, not limited space. 2) understaffed kitchen: several tables in the front only got their food after quite a while when we were waiting for our table. The kitchen seemed very understaffed - only one back staff when we passed by the kitchen. 3) confusing space arrangement: the space was a mix of shopping, waiting area, dining area, and coffee bar. The arrangement can be confusing for customers who come for different needs. Also interrupts staff's workflow. Our dining experience was disappointing. Their menu rotates daily, so there was no hard copy. Our waiter described all the available options to us, and we tried most of them. The Market Salad was fresh and unique, but overpriced. It was an extremely lightweight green mix for $20. The portion size barely qualified for an appetizer. The Chilaquiles was more substantial but not quite there yet, for a price of $20. Its quality (ingredients, flavor, uniqueness), compared to the Market Salad, stood out less. Still hungry, we added a quesadilla w/ cheese and cactus, a bad decision. It was our least favorite dish for this meal - bland and overpriced ($15), even the green salsa didn't add much flavor. While waiting for the entrees, we got a chocolate chip cookie from the coffee bar. It was delicious, and possibly the most substantial and reasonably-priced item ($5.5) of our meal. Their cantaloupe Fresca drink was delicious. The basil sprinkle gave it unique flavor. $7 makes it one of the only two reasonably priced items of our brunch. Both front staff were very friendly and personable. We likely would've tipped them 20% anyway, even without the mandatory 20% dine-in fee. However, I still found the mandatory 20% service charge ridiculous. Most restaurants, even in San Francisco or New York, don't force that charge until the party reaches a certain size. Overall, the interior decor was beautiful, the food was alright with small portions and high price tags, and the wait was too long. There are too many other good restaurants in the area that are at similar price point but offer way better food. We won't return.

What a fun experience. New menu everyday. Patio was so fun. They took so much consideration for the toddlers in the group as well. Excited to go back and try more!

This restaurant has been catching our eyes. We tried so many times to experience it because every time we went there, it was always closed. But finally, we were able to try their food. This is a mom-and-pop restaurant, so they don't really have a lot of staff. My suggestion would be to go there early to get a table and quick service. The design of this restaurant is so unique. They used neutral color paint, and the ambiance makes you feel like you are eating at home. It feels so welcoming. We acknowledged that they change the menus often, so you may not be able to get the food that you saw on Yelp. We went on the day of the owner couple's wedding anniversary, so they made special steak tacos, which were sooo delicious. We ordered a few drinks, and they were so good too. The owner, who is also a server, was welcoming and nice. We will come back again!

All I can say about this beautiful cafe is that the owners have no care and respect for customers! I worked with Adriana to plan my birthday with my friends at their cafe! Unfortunately, she was not available over the phone and she preferred email. If you go to their website there is no phone number! She started an email adding Aaron and Kristin! After she asked for pre payment through Zelle I told her that I need to confirm the exact number of guests. I did that over the weekend and immediately informed Adriana and others in the email chain on Monday morning and she responded that they can't accommodate! I called her! (She shared phone number in one of the emails) She disrespectfully talked to me and said that she doesn't have time to hear me but she rather to read my email. And she was very judgmental without even remembering that I was at her place more than 5 times in the last year! Disappointing customer service! I can never trust a service at this level of communication!

I feel bad that I cannot recommend this place because I did not have a welcomed experience here and neither did a few people waiting in line. We were told that it would be a 10 minute wait and then other people came in and they took them ahead of us so we had to wait 45 minutes. It wasn't worth it. We have eaten there a couple of times and again the wait was long and the food was just OK . The portion sizes are on the smaller side, and it is a bit pretentious more than flavorful Not going to highly recommend

Loved Tal! This is such a cute space and we just loved the outdoor patio space! Perfect spot for a casual hangout that feels intimate and cozy. I only wish this place was also open weekends for food!

Amazing upscale, tasty, homely Mexican vegetarian food in a very cozy setting in Los Altos downtown.

Look at this endive salad on the menu today. So tasty. Each dish is flavored well. Also had the roasted, then fried, purple potatoes with their special chili sauce. They brought a mini tamarind drink over to try. All is very special and delicious.

Customer service needs attention... as soon as you walk in there isn't a friendly vibe. Chef and server are very rude ....

We eat at Tal Palo probably twice a month. It's a superb authentic Mexican cafe. It's a very relaxed and unrushed atmosphere. There is no printed menu, but rather daily dishes that are described by the hostess. The food is fresh and healthy, and always very well prepared by Aaron and Adriana . It's a favorite spot for us and we always enjoy it!!

What a lovely and aesthetic spot for high quality Mexican! Tal Palo is such a refreshing change from the normal cafes and it's truly a great addition to Los Altos. Upon entering the space, there is a small shop for home/lifestyle goods on the right side set apart from the rest of the cafe. The cafe itself has beautiful light streaming in, and the interior is beautifully decorated and inviting. The food: I had the breakfast taco which was AMAZING - so much flavor packed into a delicious taco. The Cafe de Olla was also a favorite. I love that the ambiance of the place is very small-businessy, local, AND cultural. I can't wait to come back and visit!

I was blown away by the quality and accuracy of the food here, this is actual Mexican food with accurate flavors. The menu is quite simple and I was told changes every visit. I had a torta ahogada, which is a carnitas sandwich dipped in tomato sauce, a nopales taco which is cactus and it was just perfect and my favorites the Chilaquiles which are tortilla chips covered in a spicy sauce and topped with a fried egg. Everything was delicious. Looking forward to visit again.

Small place but cozy and very warm staff. Home feel, menu mostly vegetarian but it's a great food experience.

Tal Palo is an expression of Mexican culture. It's a retail sho and soon to be cafe/restaurant. It is also a space for private events. It's hard to describe. I've experienced the retail shop at this point and it's various goods. Do you need a metate? Or furniture? Clothing? Chocolate? Decorations? Those things are all available from various artisans in Mexico. I'm excited for the upcoming food program/bar/cafe but it looks like Ill have to wait a few weeks before that gets enacted. Especially after the closure of El Alto, there needs to be a new expression of Mexican culture in sleepy Los Altos

Nestled in downtown Los Altos is Tal Palo. This Mexican restaurant that looks little at first glance is very quaint and makes you feel at home once you are greeted by the always smiling Adriana. This is different from other Mexican restaurants that we are use to in the bay area. The food is seasonal and made with every attention to detail. From the first bite to the last you are submerged in a Mexican aura that transports you back to the little Mexican towns I use to eat in. We started with some Mexican beer called Loba that was excellent. First was the agua chile. It was perfectly balanced between the savory and spicy. Freshness throughout every bite. The left over juices were gone as we drank them down with some chips. Next we had some exquisite Mole. The tortillas were freshly made and just transported me to a happy time in Oaxca. We had some red wine with it that worked wonderfully with the dish. Chef Gloria came out to say Hola to everyone and we enjoyed talking to her for a bit. The last thing was a tamale de chocolate. It was so rich and dense it was literally left me flabbergasted. What a relaxing and fun dinner with our best friends. We all left happy and full. We all will be back soon.

Adriana and her family have created something truly unique at Tal Palo. Every visit feels like an invitation into their home. The food is delicious and their rotating seasonal menu means you never get bored. I've had different dishes every time and they've all been fresh, flavorful, and delicious. The restaurant itself is gorgeous, from the tiles and retro TV sign inside to the beautiful modern mural overlooking the patio. It's a great place to grab lunch or a drink with friends. So happy this is in our neighborhood!

Very nice family business but extremely random. I was really hoping to live this place because it reminded me of Mexico City and downtown Los Altos desperately needs more flavor! We ordered cheese and mushroom empanadas and chilaquiles. Chilaquiles were just a bowl of chips with some green salsa and a little creama. So bland, not even spicy. No avocado or guac, literally just chips for $20. The empanadas were a couple bites of fried dough with cheese (it was supposed to be oaxacan cheese- but it was not delicious and stringy, it was some other kind of cheap jack cheese) super disappointing. Oaxacan cheese should have been the highlight! I was expecting a cheese pull and instead I got a glob. Didn't order anything else. It was probably around $60 with tax and tip. Didn't take a picture because it didn't look good. I don't think this place will be around.

Wonderful comforting and delicious Saturday brunch! Definitely make reservations in advance on the weekend. The payment system is unique, you pay in advance for your meal and service charge and drinks are paid for when you visit. The owner is highly knowledgeable and the dishes are authentic Mexican. She not only runs a delicious restaurant she also offers cooking classes which are excellent. We came for lunch around 1pm and were seated immediately. The agua fresca was perfect and not too sweet. Beer options are interesting and authentic. We asked for no beans due to a nut/legume allergy and our dishes were created accordingly, carefully. There is not really a menu, you eat what they are making that day. The owner treats the restaurant like her home and the customers like family. We could not eat only one order of potatoes...we had to get a second one. They were purple, cooked to perfection and seasoned so well. Service was absolutely excellent. There is a large table, you may sit there or at one of the smaller spaces if you have a small party. We will be back for more brunch and for sure more cooking classes. I cannot remember the last time I've had such a nice meal in a more comforting or beautiful environment. Go eat here, you will leave with a big smile on your face!

For a long time, I had seen their Coming Soon sign, and Tal Palo is finally operating in downtown Los Altos. It's a small shop and cafe opened by a family who had spent years in Guadalajara. The decor is super cute and is unlike most things you'll find anywhere in the US. The retail section has household goods, kids' clothing hecho en Mexico, special chocolate bars, and beautiful stoneware. The indoor dining space is cozy, and they have a beautiful patio out back (though not a lot of shade depending on the time of day). According to their website, the goal is for you to feel like you're being welcomed into the owner's home. The menu at lunch changes frequently, but they usually have chilaquiles. After lunch hour, they have wine and snacks until closing. - Chilaquiles: just the right amount of sauce, super flavorful, great texture on the chips (still crunchy!). Definitely add the egg - Tostada de cochinita: a very generous amount of pork, super well seasoned - Molletes: a spread of beans and melted cheese topped with fresh diced tomatoes on a toasted country baguette Prices are surprisingly reasonable. 20% service is automatically added. The staff are very kind and friendly, and service was excellent. Tal Palo is definitely a very special and unique addition to not only downtown Los Altos but the Bay Area overall. With the beautiful tiles and decor, I felt transformed to a small cafe in CDMX or Lisbon. My only complaint is the limited hours, which are currently Tuesday to Friday 11am-5pm. I was lucky to be able to sneak out for a random weekday lunch, but I do hope they expand their hours!

i was lucky enough to score a shaded back patio seat at tal palo on a beautiful, warm saturday. based on prior visits i already knew that whatever was on the menu would be amazing, but i was truly blown away by the subtle power of this meal. on this particular day, they offered a prix fixe lunch. the first course, farmers market salad, contained flavors i'd never tasted before, & i was both delighted and awe-struck with every bite of the crisp, fresh greens and zesty dressing. second was the main course, chilaquiles (or "chilakillers") rojo y verde - a near-perfect collaboration of flavors (i say near only because, is anything really "perfect"? this dish comes close). adding sausage was a solid move - the flavorful, copper-colored link sopped up every last bit of the delicious salsa and black beans. finally, the panna cotta, a harmonious blend of creamy, jammy and fennel-y (for lack of more "descriptive" words, though that really nails it). when you visit, you will probably (hopefully) notice that each ingredient is chosen with clear intention, and a deep passion for making really, really good food. if you are a fan of light beer, try the lobita on tap. it is pretty, refreshing and unique. not only are the food and drinks outstanding, but so is the hospitality (owners adriana & aaron call tal palo an extension of their home - "antecomedor"). the vibes are immaculate - sit on the patio & take in the stunning blue mural, which must reach at least 20 feet up the wall. it is an essential piece of the back space, which also boasts reddish pink tiles hecho a mano en mexico, and pale stone benches with woven mats to sit on for your comfort. if you want to experience a top-notch homemade meal and exceptional service that feels like hanging out in your loved one's home, come to tal palo. five enthusiastic stars, always!

I had been so drawn by the interior decor of this place and got to finally meet the owners, Adriana and Aaron, today - Incredibly warm and kind couple! I was invited to tour this beautiful space - cozy indoor area with natural light from the ceiling and spacious outdoor seating at the back. Loved this minimalistic and modern feel to it. My kids also loved hanging out and playing with the toys there. Tried their oat milk latte - incredible taste and aroma! I would love to come back for food next time :)

Tal Palo uses simple and amazing ingredients to prepare authentic Mexican delicacies. Anyone who calls their chilaquiles 'nachos' should try elevating their palate. Every time I visit I feel like I am transported back to my abuelitas kitchen - where only the best was served to her loved ones. A true gem for this community.

I love, love, loved Tal Palo the one time I was in the area and had the chance to go! It's my #1 recommendation for homey vibes, great bites and warm hospitality in the South Bay. I went with a group of friends and ordered almost everything on their lunch menu to share, which is definitely the move. Get the chilaquiles. Order a drink. I'll be back ASAP!

Wow! This place is a true gem. Had the opportunity to try their small menu and let me say it's memorable. Cafe de Olla - AMAZING. Tacos - AMAZING. Carrot juice - Fresh and AMAZING. In addition to their fresh and truly authentic food, Tal Palo's decor and architecture is high class. Sleek and calming. Perfect place for a solo date, if you want to finish up some work, or catch up with friends. Their shop also has fashion and goods imported from small towns in Mexico. You definitely have to try this place if you value great tasting food and architecture/design.

No menu, different daily specials, auto 20% gratuity added, great service, cute place, no dogs allowed

these mini chicken tostadas were amazing! great attention to detail in food, service, ambiance, everything! very relaxing, feels like a mini vacation!

Adorable cafe with kind, attentive staff, gorgeous, cozy ambiance, and delicious food! Tal Palo has done the difficult job of bringing soul and warmth to an otherwise sterile downtown Los Altos.

What a beautiful place! The wait staff is so friendly and the food is just delicious! Definitely returning for another visit soon :-)

Food here is delicious and service is fantastic. The place is small but beautifully designed. The menu changes daily but is very authentic. We had quesadillas, a soup and chorizo with eggs, all very good!

I am so happy that Tal Palo opened up in Los Altos! I absolutely love Mexican food and this place is after my own heart. I had the chilaquiles with an egg, an oat milk chiquito (similar to a Gibraltar - two espresso shots and less milk than a latte - exactly the way I like it), and my friend had the soup of the day (chayote, leek and chili flakes). Everything was fresh, delicious, and served with a warm smile. It was the perfect breakfast. The restaurant's concept is that it is an extension of the owner's home and that's what you feel immediately when you walk in the door - like you're going to a friend's house and they're making you a warm, home cooked meal. It's still the soft opening so it's a limited menu and I can't want to see what else they come out with in the near future! Also, be sure to visit the Tienda in the front - it's stocked with beautiful goods made by Mexican artisans!

Being of Latin American decent myself, I struggle to like Latin cuisine in the area because my bar is so high, ie.,"if it's not better than my home cooking, I'm not paying for it." And boy...it's so exciting to finally have a real taste of fresh Mexican cooking in the area. Home made tortillas, delicious chilaquiles. Thanks for opening in Los Altos!

If you like really over-priced tiny portions of food, then this is your place. They don't have a menu. When you come, they tell you what they are cooking, and that's that. No menu, no price, no descriptions, you eat, you are given a bill, then you find out their soft drinks are $9, the small plate of nachos with some sauce and a few black beans and a fried egg is $20. A small salad with one small avocado and a few green shoots is $20. The food is minimally cooked, nothing special. And so little of it, using seemingly cheap ingredients. Nachos, however dressed up and given a fancy name, is just unhealthy fried food by another name. That they put small flower petals and thin shavings of beets (turnips?) just add on to the insincerity of it all. On the whole, not a good place to eat if you're hungry or just don't want to feel foolish.

I have been 5 or so times. Always a delicious menu and friendly staff. I buy flour tortillas and hot chocolate to go when I visit. Lovely shop with home decor, clothes, purses, and wine. Great for gift shopping. Can't wait to go back!