TAVERNA

I really like this place, I found it completely by accident while walking around Palo Alto and tried Greek cuisine for the first time and was absolutely delighted. It is very tasty and healthier than American cuisine. The pros are the nice staff, the owner who is in the hall and controls the situation and will answer your questions and the food is prepared very quickly, even on weekends! Usually in Palo Alto there are problems with this 😞 and there are many seats inside and outside tables with heating. They also have a large wine menu and delicious dessert with ice cream

This is the Cadillac of Greek restaurants. No plain ol' gyros here, no sir. I don't know that I could have navigated the menu on my own. Thankfully I ate in a big party with a regular. Pro tip: if your party is big enough, just order the prix fixe family menu. I don't think you can go wrong. Need to come back with the family.

Ambience of the place is very nice. Reservation is recommended. We ordered Lamb chops, beetroot salad, tzatziki, feta with olives and Moussaka. All the dishes we ordered were very good. Especially the Lamb chops and Moussaka were amazing. Although the service was very good, the person taking order seemed a little unfriendly and rude. Overall we had a very good experience and would definitely recommend the place.

I recently visited this Greek restaurant and had a fantastic experience! We ordered a variety of appetizers and small bites, and every dish was delicious. The potato wedges were the highlight for me—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and the sauce that accompanied them was absolutely divine, adding a special touch to the dish. The meatball was also very tasty and perfectly seasoned. The ambience of the restaurant is really nice, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor and interior design are well thought out, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. Overall, I highly recommend this place for anyone looking to enjoy some great Greek food in a lovely setting. Feel free to tweak it to better match your experience!

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.

Dropped in for a lunch for two. First things First, the service is impecable. They will go above and beyond to make you feel pampered. Quaint and picturesque establishment. Food was incredible (please don't order the lamb riblets, I want those all to myself). Friendly staff/owner, great food, picturesque, good price (60pp w 1 beer).

We were so surprised by how great Taverna was! The food was fresh, tasty, and full of flavor. We tried the feta cheese, moussaka, spanakopita, and some Greek wine—all were amazing. The staff was really welcoming and even opened up for us as Greek cousins, which made it feel even more special. We've saved this place as one of our go-to spots for dinner. If you're craving Greek food, this is the place to be!

DO NOT RESERVE FOR VALENTINES DAY We had a terrible experience after reserving for their Valentine’s Day special featuring a prix fixe menu. They were over booked and we had to wait in the cold as part of a large crowd outside the restaurant. The staff was unapologetic and continued being sloppy in checking in / responding to those who were waiting. The crowd grew restless and angry. The staff had the audacity to explain to the waiting crowd that people were taking longer to eat than expected. While in reality, the inefficiency of the restaurant was to blame. When we were finally seated, we were waiting to be attended to and served food for longer than we actually ate. Not to forget, while this whole drama was playing out and they were severely overbooked, they continued to show reservations slots as available online. The food was ok, not worth the unpleasant hassle we had been through on what was supposed to be a special evening.

ORDER THE CHICKEN GYRO. Best thing I've ever had from Taverna and best thing I've eaten in Palo Alto. I'm not joking. I had to take a break while I was eating to reflect on how amazing the flavors were in my mouth. I felt like the rat from ratatouille. 10/10. I would eat it every day if I could.....

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!

On Valentines Day, a brazen attempt by Taverna's management to maximize their profits at the expense of their customers was largely successful. Taverna triple over-booked their ridiculously priced Valentines Day dinner. They were easily an hour behind schedule for everyone with reservations, leaving a constant stream of 40ish people outside waiting in the cold for their table. Of course, at that point, at 8.30pm on a Friday night, it was too late to find any other restaurant with availability - believe me tried calling several. Thus, all these people were forced to just wait in the cold to eventually get a table and eat at Taverna. A few (smart ones) we talked to ended up calling it quits and went home hungry. The staff was so overwhelmed, they didn't know what to do. They were unfairly seating people out of order, losing reservations, and, even after getting seated, were super slow with service. The food tasted decent, some better than others, although obviously made in bulk and took forever to come out. Different staff would come and dump things on our table... it really felt like we were on an assembly line receiving the next dish. We were seated outdoors despite having a reservation for inside. We took the outdoor table because we got tired of waiting for an hour in the cold. Despite having "2 sets of heaters", it was still freezing. The ground heaters were purely for show - I actually went up and put my hand on the actual metal of the heater and could barely feel warmth even though I har them turn it up to full blast. Finally, as other reviewers mentioned, the chairs are horrible. After 10 mins, your butt will start to hurt. Lucky for us, we were distracted by our frozen feet. Our actual waiter was nice enough, but he can't make up for the rest of the experience. The worst part after all this? A "required" 20% tip. What a joke. One guess whether you to think I'll be back...

Disappointing. Look elsewhere. We've been a fan of Taverna since they first opened...looking for an Evvia alternative, but it's clear that things have really gone downhill. Our most recent visit was a major disappointment. During our meal, a server accidentally spilled an entire glass of red wine on me--completely drenching my shirt, pants, and jacket. I understand that accidents happen, but it's how a place handles them that matters. Instead of a sincere apology or a meaningful effort to make things right (like offering to cover cleaning costs, waive corkage, etc), we were offered a dessert we didn't even want. The gesture felt dismissive and halfhearted. Food has also been meh... nothing to rave about. Latest menu change has really limited their entree options. Chicken souvlaki, lamb chops are pretty much the only worthy meat entrees for dinner. It's disheartening to see a place we once enjoyed become so careless with customer experience. There are plenty of other great dining options in the area, and I'd recommend exploring those instead. Taverna needs to seriously reconsider their approach to service if they want to win back loyal customers.

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

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

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.

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.

Best Greek Cuisine in the Bay Area (SF not included). The food is very good - Greek tradition, but adjusted to local tastes. Our favorites are the steak (ask the chef for it, as it's not on the menu) and octopus. Saganaki and spanakopita are authentic. The desserts are mind-blowing, so don't skip them! Try the BOUGATSA with pistachio ice cream and SOKOLATINA--a combination of flavors and textures! I've never had anything as great, even in Greece. The wine list is diverse but too long (out of curiosity - 11 pages!). The team is very friendly and resourceful. The place is kid-friendly, and the guests are great, all together creating a cozy atmosphere that's close to a fine-dining experience. My "two cents" for a perfect 5-star experience would be to include a classic meze plate to share on the menu and to redesign the wine list. It could benefit from a more thoughtful selection--perhaps shorter but more sophisticated--along with an expanded choice of bubbles!

The food at this restaurant was fresh and well-prepared, but the service left much to be desired. Our experience began with the sharing cutlery, which we mistakenly assumed were for personal use and distributed them among ourselves accordingly. When the server returned, we asked for a photo, but our request was completely ignored, and he walked away with a visibly displeased expression. He later returned with our food and another set of cutlery, but rather than offering any clarification, he silently replaced the existing sets and even removed one from a member of our party. His demeanor remained curt, and there was no explanation for his previous reaction. Only after he had finished placing the new cutlery did we realize the original sets were not meant for individual use, creating an unnecessary and avoidable sense of awkwardness. Our request for a photo continued to be disregarded, forcing us to ask a different staff member, who also ignored it. We ultimately had to ask our original server again before he finally took the picture. Another issue arose when we received the bill and noticed an unexpected charge of over $20 for water. Throughout our meal, the staff frequently refilled our glasses and brought out additional bottles without ever asking if we wanted more or informing us of the extra cost. The level of refilling felt excessive, and at no point was the charge disclosed, making it feel misleading. That being said, the food was enjoyable. I would recommend the octopus salad and grilled prawns. The saganaki, while visually impressive with its flaming presentation, was tough and lacked impact. The gyro had flavorful, well-seasoned meat, but the fries inside were soggy, and the bread was hard. Overall, while the food was quite good (albeit inconsistent in quality compared to the price), the dining experience was well-overshadowed by inconsistent and unaccommodating service. With clearer communication and a more considerate attitude from the staff, this restaurant could offer a much more pleasant experience. However, I will not be coming back as there are higher-quality options for Greek food in the area.

Came on Thursday night with reservation, however they only had outside table (which was okay as heater kept us warm). Even tho it was on weekday, the restaurant was p busy and service was slow. We had to ask to get a waiter assigned & even after that, our wine wasn't served till after they gave us food (food alters the taste of wine..) The best dish here is prob octopus. The portion is bigger than other restaurants I tried, and it was cooked right amount and seasoning was good (a bit salty on some part). Tzatziki is very thick and creamy and served with generous amount of pita. Greek salad was also good but more like appetizer than salad. However the fish was disappointing especially its texture. It was mushy and wasn't flaky at all. Fish itself is bland so you need to pour the sauce which is creamy lemon taste. Overall 3 stars, but if the service wasn't as slow and more attentive, I would haven given 4 stars.

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.

Amazing food! Wonderful atmosphere! The service was very thoughtful, attentive and fantastic. I would go back on a regular basis.

I've been wanting to try this restaurant as I used to work within walking distance of this place but it is pricey so I wanted to wait for an occasion. I took my Dad and Mom here for a birthday lunch and it was good. Service was great and our Greek waiter was so funny. We ordered the octopus and calamari (couldn't choose). Both were good but the octopus still doesn't beat the one I had in Astoria (hard to beat, admittedly). The chicken gyro was good and massive-- I could only finish half and brought the rest home. My Mom had the Greek burger and my Dad had the pork gyro. Very pretty on the inside. I would come here again but for another occasion. Because of the price, I would not come here regularly.

The service was great and the restaurant was very cozy and welcoming Food was well made and delicious I went there for lunch on a Friday without reservations which they accommodated us, but I'd recommend reserving a table if you're going for dinner.

Lovely ambiance and fantastic service! The food in my opinion is bland. The quality of the ingredients was very good just not much flavor. The baklava was outstanding! The filo dough custard dessert was also very good

Spanakopitakia 4 spinach, feta, herbs, crispy, medium flavorful Roasted Eggplant Spread 3 garlic, herbs, slightly sour Grilled Lamb Riblets 4 slightly dry, smoked paprika purée Oktapodaki / Octopus 5 tender, not flavorful Saganaki / Flamed Cheese 5 caramelized outside, soft inside, sweet melting fig, flavorful Monterey Bay Calamari 3 small, not meaty, lightly breaded, plain Moussaka 4 minced beef & lamb, eggplant, covered w/ mashed potatoes, baked, medium flavorful Pork Chop 4 dense meat, not greasy, sautéed pear, creamy slightly sweet refreshing pear purée Psaraki / grilled whole fish 4 a bit too salty, smoky Loukaniko / pork sausage 4 smoky, flavorful so so Bougatsa / phyllo & pistachio ice cream 4 spongy custard, crispy flaky crust on top, slightly sweet Miden Mocktail 3 sour cherry, berries, ginger, mint, smoked cinnamon stick, red, sour

We have dined at Taverna a few times for lunch. I enjoyed the meal every time, and look forward to returning in the future! They created a lovely atmosphere, both outside and inside the restaurant. The outdoor space is kept warm, even on a rainy day. It is nicely decorated and very pleasant. I found the waiters to be polite and attentive. For food, I recommend the Horiatiki salata, halloumi, ora king salmon, and lamb chops. The fresh olive bread is also delicious. Overall, a very nice Greek restaurant and a cute date spot!

Was disappointed by every aspect of this restaurant. Starting with the service, our server had this weird, pretentious/ snobbish attitude. He kept rushing us to order even though we had just sat down and were taking our time to look through the menu. When we asked questions about the menu, he rolled his eyes, and his responses were very snarky. The layout of the seating inside was also not enjoyable. There was a table seated behind us, and servers kept bumping into my chair to reach their table. As for the food, we started with the spicy feta dip, and there was still a decent amount of dip on both of our plates before they scooped it up. Despite me saying wait, they took them away. Their excuse was that there was still dip left in the original serving plate that they left on the table??? In terms of the food I only really enjoyed the dips. We ordered the spicy feta and tzatziki. The pita on the gyro wrap was extremely hard, and I couldn't bite it, so I ate everything wrapped on the inside. Overall, I feel like there's so much potential for this restaurant, especially since it is located in such a good area. However, after this experience, it's not worth the time or the money to dine here.

We went here for team lunch and it was during the holidays. It has a nice chill vibe and they had set up the outdoor table beautifully and had kept it super warm as well. The service was efficient and the waiter made some great recommendations. The Halloumi and the Zucchini cakes were pretty delicious. we had ordered the Spanakopitas but they forgot to bring it out. I had the Plaki for the main course which was hearty and filling. It was truly soul food for a cold day. I wish they had more vegetarian entree options though. However it's not bad for greek food. For the dessert we had the Baklava which was good but not the best, however the Sokolatina was excellent. It's a must try at this restaurant.

Service is nice, Espresso martini and the dessert were good We did the "family style" order, the grill fish and chicken are SO over cooked they taste the same, dry and plain.

A restaurant nearby completely botched our reservation and thought we were a table of 2 instead of 5 and there were no more seating available so we called up Taverna. Luckily they had seating so we headed over and were able to get seated quickly. It's a small space inside, but it's comfortable enough. Service is what stands out for me also and provides great service. Prices are up there, but it is Palo Alto and most restaurants here can be overpriced. I think Taverna is able to back it up with their quality. I looked at the prices of the entrees and my eyes got wide. I seeked the cheapest option and it was the Taverna Burger ($22). Maybe a strange choice to get a burger here, but it was pretty solid. The best part was their fries. They are so crispy and perfectly seasoned. They taste very similar to Five Guys fries which is probably why I like them so much even though I have trauma working there as my first job as a teen back in the day. There was some confusion with the burger because someone in my table ordered medium and I ordered medium rare and the employees serving the dishes were confused on which was which and I believe our burgers got mixed up. The waitress was nice enough to offer a replacement if it didn't meet our standards. Definitely something that is appreciated. It was a good burger with a thick patty. It doesn't blow me away, but the fries are some of the best restaurant fries I have had in a while. It was a nice experience going to an aestheticically pleasing Greek restaurant like this especially after some previous plans went down hill. The customer service was the best part of the experience to me and I'd keep this as an option for when I have a special occassion in Palo Alto.

When thinking about quality eats think of Taverna. We were in the neighborhood and looking for lunch. Taverna did not disappoint. A bit swanky but worth every penny. The food was outstanding. We started with the chicken wings and grilled octopus. Needless to say it was delectable. The wings weren't particularly different form any other buffalo style wings, they were just great quality. Super plump and juicy wings with great homemade ranch. The grilled octopus was succulent and meaty. I try octopus at most restaurants offering but this was by far my favorite in texture and flavor. I'm not a big day drinker however, my boyfriend tried their most known Greek beer and said it was crisp and refreshing. We were indecisive on what to order. Everyones food going passed looked so delectable. The appetizers were such nice portions we decided to share our main. The Lamb chops, steep in price, but totally worth it. They were super sized! The pictures did them no justice. You can choose 2 or 3 in a portion. They were epic. Superior flavor and char. A bit fatty but I like that. The fava bean sauce and grilled potato wedges were the perfect addition. I had to compose myself from not eating them like a barbarian. They were cooked to perfection. The staff were so nice and welcoming. Even without a reservation we were seated immediately and served promptly. Definitely a great date destination. Parking was everywhere on the street with lots of great places to visit neighboring.

This is a Palo Alto hidden gem. If you appreciate true Greek cuisine, you will fully enjoy this restaurant. First, it is cozy inside, offers plenty of outdoor seating if you want a bit more elbow room. Outside heaters make your dining experience comfortable. The food choices may be limited, but plenty of offerings for even the picky palate. Service was amazing. The staff was very attentive. I am a self proclaimed food snob and was delighted with our choices. Food arrived hot and amazingly flavorful. The lamb shank was perfectly prepared. The moussaka, the best I have ever eaten. Dessert was light and a perfect finish. Recommend reservations. Will go back again soon!

Taverna, you pretty. Whoever did the decorating in this place deserves a raise. It's a great spot for a date. The food will also make you popular with your teammates. The dishes showcase simplicity at its best. They're great examples of how fresh ingredients don't need to do anything extra to shine. Our first visit we did find that some dishes could have benefitted from more seasoning, other visits the flavors were spot on. Greek fries were a favorite. Their tzatziki is a gift from the Greek gods. Service is really friendly. They are not the fastest, which you might want to take into account if you need to schedule this into a busy or tight schedule. It's more of a relaxing, no rush type dining experience. They had one of the best deserts I've eaten in a long time: the Sokolatina. You should get it!

It's hard to stand out in a place like Palo Alto, but I'll give my vote for 5 stars. the location is perfect, couple of blocks away from the rush of University Ave, easy to find parking nearby most days. Has very cozy and Mediterranean feel both inside and outside the restaurant. Ended up choosing the salmon salad, which was perfect.

ADORBS place, GREAT service, & YUMMY food. The Restaurant is a cute and quaint spot on the corner that's a bit unique, as it's broken into different seating rooms and options. There is an cute outdoor area, main dining room, and then another (more intimate) side dining room - both with a casual/coastal/cottage like vibe. Menu had a variety of Greek dishes that I was super excited to try (hoping it lived up to my memories in Greece) + good cocktail menu as well. Service was def. an amazing experience for us...with reservations already made - we were seated in the center/smaller table but actually asked to be moved to a corner wall area that looked more comfy and larger (given we were going to order quite a bit of food). They were happy to move some things around and accommodate, which we really appreciated. Service was quick and our server provided great recommendations throughout our meal as well! Let's Dig In: (1) Comp. Amuse Bouche - this was tasty! Great puffed pastry and light cheese filling. (2) Eggplant with Pita - this was also very tasty! The bread was nice and warm while the eggplant dip was rich in flavor, but still light/refreshing. (3) Greek Fries - sooooooo GOOODDD!! Super crispy, hot, + the perfect amount of seasoning! I ate like 80% of this (LOL) - make sure you order double if you're a French Fry addict like me. (4) Grilled Spanish Octopus - this was tasty overall, not the best I've had but still good. It was cooked tender, just not super charred (which is my fave) - but the sauces/flavors were very refreshing and nicely changed up each bite. (6) Shrimp - YUMMM!! The shrimps were large and juicy, perfectly cooked and had a tasty light herb seasoning/sauce + blistered shishito peppers added a nice bite when eaten together. (6) Lamb riblets - I'm usually not a lamb fan (bc it's too gamey) BUT HOT DAMN, these were AMAZING. They were cooked oh so juicy and tender, had a yummy sauce, and did not have an ounce of gamey-ness to them. (7) Branzino - a bit underwhelming and why I couldn't opt perfect ratings overall. Usually one of my fave Greek dishes & had high hopes - but felt like this lacked seasoning and def. some kind of house sauce to make it stand out. The fish skin also wasn't as crispy as I've had at other places. (8) Moussaka - BOMB & the closest I've had to Greece thus far! Super rich but one of my fave Greek comfort dishes - this came out perfectly piping hot, with a flavorful beef/lamb meat filling + tasty potato and eggplant base + rich/creamy sauce to top it off. (9) Drinks: NYC "Old Fashion" was OH SO BOOZY - the hubby and FIL got this but I had quite an enjoyable sip (or 2). CDMX was my drink and soooo worth it the Mezcal was boozy enough, while the Honey + Chili added the right amount of sugar & spice. (10) Desserts: The Bougatsa was DELISH...the phyllo pastry was nice and thin, while the vanilla crème and pistachio ice cream was perfect and not too sweet. We also got the Sokolatina Valrhona chocolate mousse which was just OK for me, it was really decadent which I liked - but texture was a bit too thick for me.

Excellent food but it will hurt your wallet. We enjoyed all the appetizers we tasted. My preference was the octopus while my wife preferred the fresh feta. The saffron infused dressing for the fish added a nice savory/umami flavor. Finally, the "Bougatsa" for dessert was the cherry on top for a wonderful meal. The ambiance is nice but not the best (4/5). Very prompt and professional service.

I went on a date to Taverna last night and was blown away by the wonderful experience! I shop at the Whole Foods across the street every week, so I've seen how cute Taverna looks from the outside, but had never dined there before last night. The aesthetic of the restaurant is VERY cute and has a very old-school Greek feel about it. I went on vacation to Greece last summer and it totally brought me back! It's a pretty small space inside, so I'd recommend making a reservation if you can. The service was also incredible- the staff was very attentive, friendly, prompt to refill water glasses and helpful with any questions we had. The food absolutely blew our minds! We ordered several plates to share, including the souvlaki salad (YUM!), the spanakopitakia, delicious house-made pita, oktapodaki, and the star of the show for us- the saganaki! Everything was absolutely delicious, fresh, and flavorful, but they light the saganaki on fire right at your table, and the flavor is incredible! There wasn't one dish we ordered that we didn't enjoy. We also had the very delicious bougatsa for dessert which we both enjoyed, but I could only have a few bites as I was so full from enjoying the rest of the meal. I wish I had tried Taverna sooner! This is my new favorite restaurant in Palo Alto!

Great food, great service. Just make sure you are not seated by the door in winter. Good modern interpretations of Greek classics like. Chicken lemon soup, moussaka etc

We experienced this restaurant today after it was recommended by a friend . Firstly the ambiance feels very authentic as if you were wandering the streets of a town in Greece and came upon this quaint restaurant . Our waiter, "Moose" was very charming. He made wonderful conversation and great recommendations.. The octopus was amazing . Moose explained that is was both poached then grilled giving it a very tender and juicy texture . The purée upon which it was served was fantastique!! So delicious with a smoked caper flavor . I will be back for this alone; not to mention that the whole fish was delicious and the Lamb chops from California were very good as well and served with amazing Greek potatoes . We finished with a Frappe and Bougatsa dessert . An excellent meal with excellent service. We will definitely be back!

We were in the mood for Spanish tapas but the one we went too was packed! So we diverted to this place. I'll have to say, this place exceeded our expectations. The service was phenomenal. The manager and staff were very accommodating. Constantly refilled our water and asked if we needed anything. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. We sat inside as it was a bit warm outside. The food here is spectacular. We all shared a bunch if appetizers and a few entrees. We started off with the Calamari, Tzatziki, KOLOKITHOKEFTEDES crispy zucchini cakes, HORIATIKI SALATA Greek village salad, PLEVRAKIA grilled Superior Farms lamb riblets, GARIDES SKARAS grilled wild Gulf Shrimp. Besides the crispy zucchini, everything was delicious. For entrees, we got ARNAKI grilled Superior Farms lamb rib chops / crispy potatoes, MOUSSAKA braised beef & lamb / eggplant / potatoes, PSARAKI deboned ouzo steamed whole fish. The lamb was one of the best I've had. The Moussaka was cooked perfectly. The fish was okay, the sauce was a bit much. We ended with the BOUGATSA folded phyllo / vanilla crema / pistachio ice cream and YIAOURTI Greek yogurt. Both of these were a great end to our meal. I would highly recommend checking this place if you're in the area. We'll definitely be back.

The simplest way to put this review: TAVERNA is a true gem. I love walking here and picking up my regular order (tzatziki and a chicken gyro) for lunch! Every time I've come in I've been met with the absolute best service - truly spectacular - from every single employee I have come across. I had the pleasure of meeting Mus (Mustafa) and Afiran when I went last, who treated me with welcome arms and talked to me about their restaurant and its beginnings. Food is always hot and ready whenever I come in for pickup, with lots of flavor. Made very, very well. In terms of ambience, this is an absolutely beautiful restaurant. The inside is gorgeous! I would love to bring my friends and family over one night and have them experience the same.

Right opposite WholeFoods is Taverna, so we stopped by. The portions are smaller than other Greek restaurants, chicken skewers were greasy, the Greek potatoes were dry, the Greek salad and tsatsiki is like two-three scoops

Overpriced. Parking difficult. Skip the moussaka. Our reserved table given away and stick us in the middle of a tight space...

One of my favorite Greek restaurants in the Bay Area is the Taverna in Palo Alto. The atmosphere reminds me of my favorite town in Greece -Molivos. I really like the octopus although the chicken and other dishes are excellent.

We came for lunch and the food was excellent, the service was terrible. We have eaten here before and the service was great but today might have been an off day. It was not busy. We made a reservation and were seated. It took 20 minutes before we were offered water or greeted by our server. When ordering, the server asked if we wanted everything to come out at once, we said yes. We ordered a few small plates to share, including chicken wings with pepper and lemon. It took 20 minutes for the food to arrive and it all arrived at once (and the appetizers were cold). Also the chicken wings were spicy not lemon and black pepper. When the waiter finally came to check o us, we told him that the wings were spicy not lemon and pepper. He apologized and took the wings away and put in an order for the right ones. It took 20 minutes (they do cook things from scratch) and they were piping hot(unlike the previous I correct ones). When we got our check, the waiter came back after a minute and we had not had time to put our credit card down (it was only a few minutes and it was not busy). We waited a long time for the waiter to return, so we took the bill and credit card inside. Also, we were charged for the second order of wings.

Ambience of the place is very nice. Reservation is recommended. We ordered Lamb chops, beetroot salad, tzatziki, feta with olives and Moussaka. All the dishes we ordered were very good. Especially the Lamb chops and Moussaka were amazing. Although the service was very good, the person taking order seemed a little unfriendly and rude. Overall we had a very good experience and would definitely recommend the place.

I came to Taverna with my family celebrating an overdue get together. Our servers were excellent and very attentive. All the dishes were presented beautifully and very tasty. We had 2 bottles of Paul Hobbs wine, started with the octopus appetizer, dolmas appetizer, Tzatziki dip, Spanakopita, Zucchini cakes, and calamari. If you like octopus tentacles, this is the place to get it. The tentacles are so tender, you can even use your fork to divide it! For entrees, our group had the King salmon fillet, chicken skewers over butter lettuce salad, Plaki baked gigante beans stew, Mousakka, and Arnaki lamb rib chops. We each enjoyed our dishes and tasted each other's dishes as well. For dessert, we shared the Bougatsa folded phyllo with pistacio ice crem, Baklava, and also the Sokolatina chocolate mousse. All were excellent. A few of us had coffee, cappuccino, and fresh mint tea. The tea was excellent - steeped from fresh spearmint leaves! I highly recommend this establishment for date night, a family meal, or any occasion. I can't wait to go back!

Good service Authentic Greek food and a amazing wine list Is just a place to remember

Took myself to a working lunch here today and it was gorgeous!!! It happened to be a sunny, 75-degree, perfect day in Palo Alto, and the beautiful ambiance at Taverna was the ideal place to enjoy it. The service was great-- everyone that I spoke with was so kind and helpful. I had the octopus and a butter lettuce salad. Both were so delicious, fresh, and flavorful. My server also recommended a phenomenal Greek wine (wish I remembered the name...). Overall lovely experience. I'll be back!!

I ordered a take out of the Octopus and lamb chops. The octopus was under cooked for my taste but the chops were delicious. Ambiance looked classy and cozy!

Be ware! My friend and I went yesterday and we paid $72 for a two meal item. One of the items was even from the small menu item. $49 for some mediocre hand sized portion of salmon $20 for a terrible pasta that was soggy They offered an appetizer two little pieces of cheese the size of a finger I rather leave Palo Alto to eat out next time that o want to go some place. For such tiny portion of salmon and less than mediocre pasta honestly shocked at the overall experience. 5% living expense for staff which is automatically added to bill which is NUtS u are charging me $50 for salmon piece and can't pay ur staff? Oh also the pasta with the salmon is hard don't bite into it! Overall just a negative experience with the cost of the food and taste. I will add that all the waiters were very nice and professional I would give them 4 stars. The 1 star is based solely on taste and cost of food that didn't meet my expectations.

Overall great food, with outdoor sitting as well. We love the food, helps if you don't go at the rush hour or if you have a reservation

We had a work lunch at Taverna with 6 people, so it was a good opportunity to try many of the appetizers. Appetizers, for the table: - TZATZIKI: sheep milk yogurt. cucumber, dill, pita - PITA: homemade pita bread, Aegean Sea salt - PATATES TIS YIAYIAS: crispy potato wedges, olive oil, lemon,wild oregano - GREEK FRIES: hand cut potatoes, wild oregano, Graviera cheese aioli - HALLOUMI TIGANITO: crispy halloumi cheese, roasted wild mushrooms - KALAMARAKIA TIGANITA: Monterey Bay calamari. Gilroy garlic, skordalia / citrus supremes And for entree, I ordered - TAVERNA BIFTEKI: 8oz steak burger, Kasseri cheese, fries, homemade brioche bun Most of the appetizers were very good: - the potato wedges were huge, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a good flavor - crispy halloumi cheese was something I had never tried before, and it was delicious - and you really can't go wrong with fries and calamari However, the entree was disappointing - it was completely lacking in any beefy flavor or seasoning. But maybe that was my bad, since I probably shouldn't have ordered a burger at a Greek restaurant!

4.5 stars Taverna is a brightly-decorated, modern Greek restaurant with beautifully presented dishes. The small plates and entrees are all meant to be shared, and we started with a trio of dips: the creamy Tzatziki served with slices of thick pita bread grilled with olive oil; the slightly spicy Tirokafteri (spicy feta dip) served with cucumbers; and my favorite, the creamy, smooth, seafoody Taramosalata (cod roe spread) served with potato chips. All three dips had amazing flavors, but my one complaint was that there weren't enough of any of the dipping items (pita, cucumbers, potato chips) for the amount of spreads that came with each order. However, we also got a side of the Horiatiko Psomi (housemade village style bread), which had a soft, crusty texture and had caramelized onions and Kalamata olives mixed into the dough. My favorite course consisted of the seafood small plates. Our selections included the Garides Skaras, six huge grilled wild Gulf prawns served with shishito peppers; and the Oktapodaki, two massive grilled Spanish octopus tentacles served over a Santorini fava bean puree and Aegean capers. But the most creative small plate was the Kalamarakia Tiganita, or Monterey Bay calamari rings and tentacles, which were deep-fried (though not battered), dusted with a spicy chili powder, and served over skordalia (garlic mashed potatoes) and wedges of citrus supremes, which balanced out the crispy calamari with a bright, acidic flavor. And finally came our entrees. The Plaki was a hearty stew made with baked gigante beans, tomatoes, and onions, topped with crumbled feta cheese, scallions, and cilantro, and the stew had a delicious, natural flavor from all the different fresh vegetables. Finally, we had the highly recommended Arnaki, three massive Superior Farms lamb chops grilled to medium and served with fried patates (potato wedges), potato puree, and finished with lamb jus. To go with the entrees, we also got a side of Horta, or steamed local chard mixed with a flavorful combination of lemon, garlic, and bukovo red peppers for a hint of spice. Overall, everything we had here was high quality, flavorful, and beautifully presented! That said, the menu prices were high, even for Palo Alto, but the beautiful atmosphere and delicious food still made for a great dining experience.

5 stars for the food and 3 stars for the service. The decor is very cute / inviting as well. The highlight of our meal was the lamb chop dish - this is a MUST! Other highlights were the fries and the saganaki. The tzatziki was also fantastic. Our server was super nice, but he got distracted by another table (seemed like friends?) at the end our meal so we waited 30-45 minutes for the check. Since we had a 3 year old with us and it was fast-approaching bedtime, that wait got pretty frustrating. We will definitely go back at some point for the delicious lamb!

Food is as authentic as it gets for Greek cuisine locally. Staff is so warm and inviting, from the host to support staff. Even without reservations I was accommodated quickly. Ambiance is great, the busyness of the restaurant brings this warmth to the place, what really made it exceptional was the attentiveness and curiosity to each customer, I noticed all staff treating their customers like true guest. Wine selection is fantastic, local and international are great. Special thank you to Fotis and Santiago for making my evening feel so special, felt like I was at a friends home enjoying dinner.

Awesome outdoor seating and good food, though not my favorite Mediterranean/Greek in the city. Good service and drinks - can't complain about the experiences I've had here.