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Cafe Pro Bono, Palo Alto, CA

Cafe Pro Bono

4.9
4.9
1420 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 15 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for business meals
Cafe Pro Bono stands as Palo Alto's premier destination for exquisite Italian cuisine. With a legacy spanning over 30 years, we take pride in offering a diverse array of authentic and reasonably priced Italian and European dishes, each crafted with a dedication to freshness that is evident in every bite.

Whether you seek a romantic evening or a casual dinner, our menu features a wide selection of traditional dishes at accesible prices. From beautifully presented appetizers to homemade pastas, daily fresh seafood, quality meats, and indulgent desserts, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails we strive to ensure every visit is a memorable culinary experience.

Consider our Private Event Room for your next rehearsal dinner, birthday celebration, baby shower, family gathering or business meeting. Our full bar offers a variety of cocktails, including alongside domestic and international wines.

We look forward to welcoming you soon to Cafe Pro Bono.

Buon Appetito!!!

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, European, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Sun 5:00 pm–8:45 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
  • Phone number
    (650) 326-1626
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Ignacio Cortez
  • Private party facilities
    To reserve our private room (or the entire restaurant!) for your next business meeting or party, call us at 650/326.1626 - or fill out our inquiry form at https://cafeprobono.com/private-dining-special-events and we will contact you right away Stop by our web site to view our ‘Events Menus’ too - we have a variety of menus/pricing to choose from.
  • Neighbourhood
    Palo Alto
  • Cross Street
    California Ave. / Sherman Ave. Garage: handicap/charging stations
  • Parking details
    New four-level parking garage directly across the street.
  • Public transit
    Cal Train - California Avenue stop, VTA
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Liquor, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,420 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    Neighbourhood gem

  • San Francisco Bay Area

    Italian

  • Peninsula

    Best Overall

  • Peninsula

    Best Food

  • Peninsula

    Best Value

  • Peninsula

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Peninsula

    Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Cafe Pro Bono in Palo Alto is a "go-to" spot for upscale Italian dining, offering "outstanding food" and a "very warm welcome" from a friendly and attentive staff. Known for its excellent veal, fresh seafood, and signature dishes like "Susan's Downfall," it provides a "quiet setting" perfect for special occasions.

1,420 Reviews
  1. Joseph

    San Francisco

    39 reviews

    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Wonderful food and service, but nolise level a bit too loud inside. Outside tables are close to the road and there is traffic. Food is so good it is worth tolerating the noise inside.

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  2. Barry

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 3, 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Apparently Monday night isn’t a good night to go to Cafe ProBono. Three of our four entrees were substandard. Seafood pasta was tasteless and mushy. Veal Picata was limited to two tiny pieces of veal. Clam liquini had burn garlic throughout it. We had a 530pm reservation and the place was empty. I ordered a draft beer and got a glass of warm beer that wasn’t carbonated. They brought a second different kind and it was the same. Maybe the chef had the night off? Maybe the. Bartender had never tended bar. Very disappointing.

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  3. Karlette

    San Francisco

    51 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    51 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    I had grilled prawns with polenta. He had risotto with smoked duck. Both vey good. Service was efficient; waiter very personable. Will be back.

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  4. Allen

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Always a favorite when we visit. Owner and staff are amazing. Great bar and the food is always delicious. Will continue to return!

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  5. Jared

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We did outdoor dining with our dog. The last time I’ve visited this place was over a decade ago, not they’ve occupied the suite next door and added outdoor dining. Food still the same, but as expected, the process has increased significantly. I’ve always loved the Susan’s downfall ravioli- this dish is what makes this place memorable for me. We also had the Tagliatelle alla Pro Bono which was also very good. Since the prices has significantly increased, we had to limit our food options to only an entree. No appetizers, drinks, or dessert.

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  6. Diane

    San Francisco

    59 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    59 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We love Cafe Pro Bono!! The specials are always enticing and the menu has so many yummy options! It is cozy and you can hear your table conversations! Great wine list too! A lovely evening every time

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  7. Sandra

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful food, impeccable service as always. Great environment - noise level is very low and the staff is very attentive.

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  8. Pat

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 24, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We are regulars. There are many restaurants to choose from, but Pro Bono always fits the bill.

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  9. Tim

    San Francisco

    82 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    82 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding service as always food is excellent ambience just great for the neighborhood. Plenty of parking across the street. They treat you like family. You fed like mamas in the kitchen.

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  10. Gary

    Hawaii

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everybody was very friendly. We felt welcomed. Our main server was funny. He was an older gentleman with a ponytail. I didn’t catch his name. The food was excellent. Atmosphere was nice. Parking was free and in a new parking structure. It was across the street and very convenient.

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FAQs

Cafe Pro Bono offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (650) 326-1626.

Cafe Pro Bono is rated 4.9 stars by 1420 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cafe Pro Bono

2437 Birch Street, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    California Ave. / Sherman Ave. Garage: handicap/charging stations
  • Neighbourhood
    Palo Alto
  • Hours of Operation
    Sun 5:00 pm–8:45 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:00 pm–9:45 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, European, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    New four-level parking garage directly across the street.
  • Public transit
    Cal Train - California Avenue stop, VTA
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Ignacio Cortez
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Liquor, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (650) 326-1626
  • Private party facilities
    To reserve our private room (or the entire restaurant!) for your next business meeting or party, call us at 650/326.1626 - or fill out our inquiry form at https://cafeprobono.com/private-dining-special-events and we will contact you right away Stop by our web site to view our ‘Events Menus’ too - we have a variety of menus/pricing to choose from.
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