Top Korean Restaurant in Palo Alto
So Gong Dong Tofu House
4127 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
Nice outdoor tented dining area. Weather was warm and perfect.Had 12 noon reservations for large party, pre-ordered individual meals. Food arrived right on time at 12noon, unfortunately not all the guests were prompt.Total chaos ensued as servers just randomly placed items at place settings without asking what was ordered by the people currently seated, dishes were just plopped down without informing guests what they were. We could guess some, but not all. When we asked what the dishes were, they told us dont worry theyd sort it out after all the dishes were on the table.This totally didnt make sense when they could have slowed down and served the respective dishes to the guests present, then place there dishes for the pending guests where they would sit when they arrived. Which was basically what happened afterwards.There was a lot of shuffling of dishes between seats to get everyone the dishes they ordered once a more level headed worker arrived.Despite the initial chaos, the food was excellent and bountiful. Generous servings, delicious flavors, great assortment of dishes.The establishment was very accommodating and patient with our large party, family reunion, lots of picture taking, speeches, and socializing.Thank goodness for the outdoor seating as their inside dining would never have accommodated our group size, 20 guests.
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Cloud9 Coffee
1901 Embarcadero Rd #103, Palo Alto, CA 94303, United States
A cafe located in Palo Alto, California, USA. Palo Alto is a city located in Silicon Valley and is home to Stanford. Although they are separated by address, they are originally in the same neighborhood. It is well known as a very safe and expensive neighborhood along with Atherton, Burlingame, and Usside. Maybe thats why there are a lot of rich people and there is a small airport in the neighborhood. It seems to be mostly used by people who fly light aircraft as a hobby, and businessmen who use private jets also occasionally use it.This cafe is located in a small mall in front of the airport and has a lot to offer in terms of atmosphere and scenery. It is also suitable for a light brunch as it sells coffee and several bakery and salad menus. I tried the flat white and crople, and the coffee taste was solid and good. The heavy darkness and savory milk are well balanced. They sell a variety of ceramic dishes, and Japanese tea is also sold in one corner.There are so many good cafes in the San Jose area on the peninsula on the bay side that there is no need to go out of your way to visit, but if you plan to visit Stanford or visit the Baylands Golf Club right in front, it is a good place to enjoy some leisurely time.
Daigo
2363 Birch St #B, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
Daigo, nestled in the heart (an absolute hole in the wall in case you dont happen to have an intention of eating some amazing Sushi and are standing right outside to be seated) of Palo Alto is a culinary haven for lovers of authentic Japanese cuisine.Parking can definitely be challenging in Palo Alto in general and this wasnt an exception with Daigo, though you can park a couple blocks down in a public parking lot and its a few minutes walkThe restaurants ambiance exudes elegance and tranquility. With its minimalist decor, traditional Japanese aesthetics, and soft lighting, Daigo provides a serene and intimate dining atmosphere.The service at Daigo is impeccable. The staff is not only attentive but also incredibly knowledgeable about Japanese cuisine and the menu offerings. They patiently guided us through the menu, explaining the ingredients and preparation techniques every time they served the Omakase menu.Coming to our food for the night, we order an Omakase UNI and as well WAGYU, wrapping that up with the Cheesecake and ice-cream. The Omakase menu is definitely crafted with fresh sources of seafood and served in a pristine fashion. Each course was filled with flavors and textures that we definitely would crave and expect from authentic Japanese cuisine and as well the presentation was super artful. Every dish was a testament to the chefs dedication to excellence.Daigo falls on the higher end of the price spectrum, but its a place where youre paying for the quality and authenticity of the dining experience. Given the exceptional quality of the food and service, its well worth the occasional splurge for a special occasion.A definite hidden gem that deserves recognition among the finest Japanese restaurants in the Bay Area and an absolute candidate for a Michelin *. From the serene ambiance to the exquisite culinary offerings, its an establishment that caters to those seeking an authentic and memorable dining experience.We are definitely going to go back for more!!!
Ramen Nagi
541 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
Dropped in for a quick dinner five minutes after they opened. Can see why they always have long lines.Looking fwd to going again soon, and trying more things. Service was great, very helpful. When finding it was our first time, a staff member did a run through of the menu and gave us some recs, including telling us about their chicken karaage which isnt listed on the menu.My husband had the original with normal thin noodles, and would try a softer texture next time. I like spicy, and gave their spicy one a try, with firm thin noodles. It delivered on spice and al dente.As a staff member promised, the smoothest pork broth, no unpleasant odors or aftertaste whatsoever.It is very customizable. As someone who usually fishes out all the meat and fishcakes in ramen, I loved that you can just get a plain bowl with green onion (next time will also ask for no mushrooms).We ordered the chicken karaage, which was fried crisp crunchy with lots of nooks and crannies. The toasted sesame oil drizzled on top was aromatic, one piece looked like it got dunked in it, but other pieces had a nice drizzle. The dipping sauce was mayo with chopped hard boiled egg, and some cherry tomatoes on the side were a nice touch.Water pitcher and box of tissues at every table ensures you will not run out of either one.If you need anything else though, rest assured service is attentive, and they check on you to make sure you are doing well. They come by with your check at some point during your meal, and you pay at the entrance on your way out.Update with good to know:as with anywhere, mistakes can be made with ramen order, so for example if you absolutely dont want salt or oil, make sure to double check. One time, despite checking boxes for none, my regular ramen had oil and salt added and I just ate it anyway, it was edible, but I was bloated and chugging water all night.Veggie ramen broth has dairy listed in details, something you might not expect.Also, veggie ramen comes with spinach and mushroom, and because of this, they charge you extra $1.50 for selecting green onion/cabbage as it counts as extra. This is not the case for other ramens so we greatly appreciate the server letting us know (with other non veggie ramens we ordered, unless you check extra, selecting the regular box of green onion/cabbage does not lead to an extra $1.50)We think fried foods could be better.Chicken karaage and gyoza both fill that need for something crispy but chicken can be overwhelmingly oily drenched in toasted sesame oil and mixing with pool of olive oil. We would try to remember to ask for zero added oils next time.Gyoza is super tiny (not the circumference as a whole, but the individual gyoza is tinier than a small Korean mulmandu), the tiniest we have ever seen in any Japanese ramen place, and always burnt black on one side of the circle and white underdone on the other. Wish they would master even golden browning. Also very very greasy, sitting in pools of oil from fryer.The two deep fried potato hash browns that came with veggie ramen tasted stale, like they had been fried much earlier and too long, and were sitting there for awhile. So plenty of greasy crunch, but no hash brown texture or potato flavor. If you like crunchy potato stick potato chips, this could be your jam.
Country Sun Natural Foods
440 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
Great news!!! Country Sun is back and NOT CLOSING.Lets all give them support to keep them local.Aside: And while youre in the neighborhood, did you know that La Boheme (across the street) is both a great restaurant, but ALSO has an AMAZING BREAKFAST!Country Sun is a great local organic health food & produce store that needs YOU!Country Sun has become an endangered treasure in the heart of our 2nd downtown.Please go here more often.They have likely lost shoppers due to the street being closed off during covid. Most days we can park in the currently vacant neighboring building's parking lot, but if not there is fairly convenient parking in all directions.They have an amazing variety of products in a well stocked store with knowledgeable and friendly staff.Admittedly some items may be cheaper elsewhere, but imagine their rent! And the cost to keep their friendly staff coming to work.Help save Country Sun to shine another day.
Stanford Shopping Center
660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
Yes, it has most of the major American/ Californian brands but I dread going here. Something about all the brands here that all clothes look exactly the same, just the brand name changes. The shades grey, white and black dominate each and every store and everyone visiting the mall also looks similarly dressed. I am aware how Californians have a relaxed fashion sense but it makes no sense to me to shell out top dollar for merchandise that looks the color of death. Everyone seems to be selling zombie colors and absolutely no life seems to sprout in any of the brands here. Ive tried Banana republic, Nordstrom, Macys, Eileen Fisher, Kate Spade and many more here but nothing seems enticing.People like it because it shouts sophistication and the whos who of bay area shop from here but everyone looks like the other person next to you. Nothing and no one really stands out. I am a fan of Colombian fashion, Korean fashion, Japanese styles, Parisian wardrobes but this mall is full of dull colors and patterns for me. Id rather go to LA, New York or somewhere outside the country to shop than shop here. :/That being said, the mall is pretty clean, store staff are mostly attentive and smiling and the mall is never full of mad crowd. Always an upscale vibe!
Sweet Maple
150 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States
Hello viewers,I believe this is the same one as the one is San Francisco, they are serving the very famous millionaire bacon. However I feel this one has serve a bit differently than Asian fusion and a bit more of Korean style into it.I like SF sweet maple a lotI was super excited about ordering the foods that I never try before such a loco moco, Asians style fried rice, quesadillas and most importantly million bacons. From the beginning, I made a reservation to go the restaurant, and we get seated fairly quickly. I would say the waiter are very un attentive, and I had asked several times to get a water. The foods are served quickly, the plates are big and table are uncomfortable to sit in when you order more than 3 plates.My overall experience is so so consider this is a higher $$$ restaurant, maybe it’s a new norm after Covid.Paul
Fuki Sushi
4119 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
Food was what you expect for price. Not great not bad. Service is very sub par. Restaurant was only 20% full, took 5 min to get seated. Took 5 min for server to come over. Took another 5 min to get water. Took 20 min to get one udon and one roll of sushi. Hostess seated 3 other parties (no reservations) before us even though they were bigger parties. Hostess seated us in the super loud kids area even though they had plenty of space in the quiet back part of the restaurant. Definitely not coming back; try the Korean tofu house right next door.
Immersion Spa
3990 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
Updated March 2022:Immersion spa remains to be my go-to spa in the area. Love their massages of various styles.But Ive seen more clients talking loudly in the spa. Comments like this in the country easily get associated with racism.. but Ive seen women of different colors - white, yellow, brown - talking in the tub, in the steam room.If you would love to catch up with your friends, may I suggest other venues like a bar or restaurant, or a private spa room? Please try to be a little more conscious about other people around you sharing the same space.======Updated December 2021:This has been my go-to spa in the south bay area. They provide really good massages and Korean scrubs. The Aveda products used here are a highlight.I take one star off mainly for two reasons:- It is not rare to encounter loud clients here. That could be quite annoying when youre trying to relax your nerves. I hope more people learn the basic spa etiquette.- The steam room and dry sauna room are on the smaller end. On weekends they get packed very easily.Overall it is a nice Asian style spa!
True Food Kitchen
180 El Camino Real Ste 1140, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
Fantastic restaurant that offers quite a number of delicious options. We tried the ancient grains bowl and the Korean bowl. The ancient grains bowl was fantastic and had so many flavor profiles. It looked very catchy and every bite was umami.I went to the Palo Alto location on a busy Saturday afternoon for lunch. Though the wait was initially 45 mins, they were able to accommodate me in 20. Its a pretty large restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating area and is quite lively.There are many vegetarian and vegan options as all.The only downside is the cost. The bowls do not come with protein and even a handful of chopped tofu is 5 dollars extra. For this reason alone, this cannot be your regular weekend Haven. It can easily cost you 30 plus per person.