Cafe Pro Bono

4.9

1426 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

22 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 13 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
Website
http://www.cafeprobono.com/
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.

Location
2437 Birch Street, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Grilled PolentaUS$15.95
Roasted Portobello Mushroom Sauce
Sauteed Gulf PrawnsUS$17.95
Parsley, Garlic, Lemon, White Wine
CarpaccioUS$24.95
Thin Sliced Raw Beef, Bermuda Onions, Capers, Parmigiano Reggiano, Drizzled Dijon Mustard Truffle Oil
Susan's DownfallUS$18.95
Cheese & Herb Ravioli, Gorgonzola Sauce, Toasted Almonds

Starters

Organic Baby SpringUS$12.95
Mixed Greens, Roma Tomato, Cucumber, and Fresh Citrus Vinaigrette
Wild ArugulaUS$15.95
Candied Walnuts, Poached Bosc Pear, and Balsamic Dressing
Caesar SaladUS$14.95
Organic Hearts of Romaine Lettuce, Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano

Panini

all our sandwiches are served with salad

Grilled PortobelloUS$19.95
Mushrooms, Roasted Bell Peppers, Caramelized Onions, Tapenade
Steak PaniniUS$28.95
Black Angus Filet Mignon, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, Butter Gorgonzola Cheese
Chicken ConfitUS$22.95
Mary's Free Range Chicken Confit, Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions, Roasted Garlic Aioli, Provolone Cheese
Smoked SalmonUS$26.95
Norwegian Smoked Salmon, Bermuda Onions, Arugula, Lemon Caper Aioli

Luncheon Salads

Yabo SaladUS$32.95
King Salmon, Hearts of Romaine Lettuce, Roasted Red Bell Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Olives, Feta Cheese, Citrus Vinaigrette
Duck Confit SaladUS$19.95
Organic Baby Spinach, Mushrooms, Sun Dried Cranberries, Granny Smith Apple
Grilled Chicken SaladUS$24.95
Pro Bono Bistro Salad, Mushrooms, Roma Tomatoes, Citrus Fresh Herbs

Pasta

CapelliniUS$22.95
Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic, Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Spaghetti Bolognese (homemade)US$25.95
(Beef & Veal Top Sirloin) Classic Bolognese Sauce
TortiglioneUS$25.95
Organic Whole Grain Buckwheat Pasta, Portobello Mushrooms, Green Peas, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Broccoli Crown, Light Marinara
GnocchiUS$25.95
(homemade) Basil Pesto, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Pine Nuts
Susan's DownfallUS$28.95
(homemade) Cheese & Herb Ravioli, Gorgonzola Sauce, Toasted Almonds
RigatoniUS$26.95
(homemade) Spicy Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce
Tagliatelle alla Pro BonoUS$27.95
(homemade) Pasta with Smoked Free Range Chicken, Roasted Shitake Mushrooms, Light Alfredo
Linguini alla VongoleUS$29.95
Fresh Manilla Clams, Calabria Pepper, Basil, Lemon, Vermentino
Squid SpaghettiUS$32.95
(homemade) Gulf Prawns, King Salmon, Manila Clams, Roasted Tomato Sauce

Lunch Entrees

all entrees served with starch and vegetables

Pollo alla Pro BonoUS$29.95
Free Range Chicken Breast, Pine Nuts, Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
Loch Duarte SalmonUS$33.95
Orzo Pasta, Dill, Lemon Chardonnay Sauce
Veal ScaloppineUS$37.95
Lemon Capers Pinot Grigio Sauce

What 1,426 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

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

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.

1,426 Reviews

J
Joyce
VIP
San Francisco
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Once again, we had an excellent experience at Cafe ProBono. Service was superb, food delicious and timely, and ambiance delightful. My favorite is the gorgonzola pear salad and horseradish salmon, but all our appetizers, entrees, and deserts were wonderful. Strongly recommend Cafe Pro Bono!!!
Is this helpful?
P
Peter
VIP
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love Cafe Pro Bono! The food, service, and ambience are wonderful every time we visit! The staff are especially outstanding.
Is this helpful?
B
Brian
VIP
San Francisco
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
As busy as it usually is Friday night, service and food were wonderful! It’s one of our feel good, favorite restaurants!
Is this helpful?
G
Gia
San Francisco
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on 12 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Had a reservation for 5 for indoors. Added one more attendee and was booted outside. A table for 5 could have accommodated a 6th chair. Was moved to Outdoor patio and it was extremely uncomfortable and cold. Beyond just freezing, appetizers and food also got cold quite rapidly. I do not recommend outdoor seating at this restaurant in the winter time.
2 people found this helpful
C
Christopher
San Francisco
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 11 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
I had the rigatoni with boar sausage it was very flavorful. The burrata was quite tasty and tender with nicely oiled tostini. Desserts were perfectly sized and flavorful. Outdoor heating was adequate at 53° but below 50° you need a coat to sit outside even with two heaters going full blast.
Is this helpful?
J
Joseph
San Francisco
39 reviews
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on 6 December 2024
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.
Is this helpful?
B
Barry
San Francisco
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 3 December 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.
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 2 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience! Our first time trying this restaurant based on a friend's recommendation. It was a great experience and the staff were so welcoming. Our dinners were excellent and we will return the next time we are in town.
Is this helpful?
K
Karlette
VIP
San Francisco
51 reviews
4.0
51 reviews
Dined on 16 November 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.
Is this helpful?
A
Allen
VIP
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 5 November 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!
Is this helpful?

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 1426 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

22 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

2437 Birch Street, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Additional information

Cross Street
California Ave. / Sherman Ave. Garage: handicap/charging stations
Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://www.cafeprobono.com/
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.

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Cafe Pro Bono

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Rigatoni

Gnocchi

Cappellini

Appetizers

Grilled PolentaUS$15.95

Sauteed Gulf PrawnsUS$17.95

CarpaccioUS$24.95

Susan's DownfallUS$18.95

Starters

Organic Baby SpringUS$12.95

Wild ArugulaUS$15.95

Caesar SaladUS$14.95

Panini

Grilled PortobelloUS$19.95

Steak PaniniUS$28.95

Chicken ConfitUS$22.95

Smoked SalmonUS$26.95

Luncheon Salads

Yabo SaladUS$32.95

Duck Confit SaladUS$19.95

Grilled Chicken SaladUS$24.95

Pasta

CapelliniUS$22.95

Spaghetti Bolognese (homemade)US$25.95

TortiglioneUS$25.95

GnocchiUS$25.95

Susan's DownfallUS$28.95

RigatoniUS$26.95

Tagliatelle alla Pro BonoUS$27.95

Linguini alla VongoleUS$29.95

Squid SpaghettiUS$32.95

Lunch Entrees

Pollo alla Pro BonoUS$29.95

Loch Duarte SalmonUS$33.95

Veal ScaloppineUS$37.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does Cafe Pro Bono offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Cafe Pro Bono restaurant rated?

Is Cafe Pro Bono currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day