Best Lunch Places in Palo Alto for a Nice Date
By Cassindy Chao | Elite Matchmaker & Founder of AWM Love
Not every great date happens over candlelight. In fact, lunch dates can be the perfect balance of connection and ease—especially for busy professionals who don’t want to wait until Friday night to see if there’s chemistry.
Palo Alto, the heart of Silicon Valley, is full of casual-chic spots that strike just the right tone. Whether it’s a first meeting over salads and conversation, or a low-pressure second date that happens to include oysters, these are lunch places we actually recommend to clients.
1. Tamarine – Sophisticated Vietnamese with a Sunny Vibe
📍 546 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA
🌐 tamarinerestaurant.com
Tamarine delivers bright, bold Vietnamese flavors in an airy, modern space just steps from the tech corridor. With its white-tablecloth polish and sleek design, it’s elevated but never stiff.
Why we love it: It strikes a rare balance—chic enough to impress, relaxed enough to stay grounded.
Client Tip: Order the Tamarine Prawn Rolls and the Shaking Beef. For something light but shareable, go with the Green Papaya Salad and Seared Ahi Tuna. Pro move: split the Banana Beignets if you’ve got time to linger.
2. Oren’s Hummus – Casual, Flavorful, and Crowd-Pleasing
📍 261 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA
🌐 orenshummus.com
Oren’s is vibrant, casual, and full of Mediterranean soul. With warm service and big, fresh flavors, it’s the ideal lunch spot when you want something low-key, healthy, and delicious.
Why we love it: The food is satisfying, the pace is quick but never rushed, and the vibe is bright and friendly—perfect for a first date that feels more natural than formal.
Client Tip: The Chicken Hummus Bowl is a winner, and the Pita Combo is fun to share. Don’t sleep on the crispy Cauliflower or house-made Lemonade with mint.
3. Evvia Estiatorio – Refined Greek for a Memorable Midday Escape
📍 420 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA
🌐 evvia.net
Evvia is the kind of place that makes you forget you’re at lunch. With whitewashed wood, flickering candlelight (even during the day), and a Mediterranean warmth that feels timeless, it’s an instant transport.
Why we love it: It’s a great second or third date choice—refined, romantic, and deeply satisfying without ever being pretentious.
Client Tip: The Lamb Burger and Grilled Octopus are local favorites. For a lighter option, try the Horiatiki salad and the Zucchini Cakes. Always say yes to the Baklava with a Greek coffee.
4. Zareen’s – Bold, Playful, and Full of Flavor
📍 365 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA
🌐 zareensrestaurant.com
Zareen’s offers Pakistani and Indian street food in a cozy, fast-casual setting. It’s colorful, bold, and brimming with personality—a great match for a midday date that’s all about trying something new together.
Why we love it: It’s approachable and authentic, with just the right amount of heat. Plus, it sparks fun conversation, especially if you’re both foodies.
Client Tip: Try the Chicken Tikka Roll, Masala Fries, or Lamb Samosas. Their Mango Lassi is excellent, and if you want to make it a longer lunch, order a chai and share a Gulab Jamun for dessert.
5. Il Fornaio – Italian Comfort with a Stanford-Sidewalk Feel
📍 520 Cowper St, Palo Alto, CA
🌐 ilfornaio.com
Il Fornaio offers reliable, classic Italian in a bright, breezy setting just off the main strip. With its long lunch hours and outdoor seating, it’s an easy choice when you want something that feels just a little elevated—but never too much.
Why we love it: Familiar, flavorful, and flexible. Ideal for a no-pressure first date or a last-minute midweek meetup.
Client Tip: The Caprese Salad and House-Made Lasagna are consistently solid. Pair your meal with a glass of Pinot Grigio, and if conversation is flowing, stretch it out with a scoop of Gelato or an Affogato.
Final Thought
Lunch dates offer something unique: a natural time constraint that keeps things light, and just enough opportunity for meaningful connection. When done right, a mid-day meal can be exactly the right kind of spark.
Whether you’re reconnecting after a morning meeting or stealing time between Zooms, these Palo Alto spots set the stage for something real.
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