Cafe Pro Bono

4.9

1434 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

5 Jan 2025

19:00

Booked 20 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 1,434 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
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

San Francisco Bay Area
Italian
Peninsula
Best Overall
Peninsula
Best Food
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.

1,434 Reviews

J
James
Las Vegas
63 reviews
5.0
63 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Always a pleasure to dine at Pro Bono … the festive atmosphere was apparent with the balloons dotting the entire restaurant . The staff and of course dear Akif made it a point to greet us with cheery smiles and sometimes a hug too ! Being New Year’s Eve , the service was a bit harried but they tried their best to keep the flow moving and getting the orders out without too long a wait . The holiday menu was varied enough to please palates, so all in all , a big thank you and wishes for continued success to Pro Bone …. Have to come back because I missed having the Diavolo pasta dish … Ha !!
Is this helpful?
J
Jerry & Sandy
VIP
Central Coast
46 reviews
5.0
46 reviews
Dined on 28 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, great service, and great ambiance! The service people are the best!
Is this helpful?
R
Richard
VIP
Jackson Hole
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 28 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
After 30 years on the east coast during which we made occasional visits to Cafe Pro Bono, my wife and I returned to Palo Alto two years ago and quickly adopted this restaurant as our hands-down favorite SF Bay Area favorite. The menu is sufficiently varied that even at 2 or 3 dinners a week, we never get bored. Owner Akif Aydin and his remarkable waitstaff have become like family—always very welcoming and attentive without being obsequious. Especially important to my wife and me: Our frequent requests to split appetizers and entrees are always honored without question or surcharge. Must try dishes: Susan’s Downfall, salads featuring warm goat cheese, Veal Piccata, and Panna cotta.
Is this helpful?
S
Sue
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 27 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Cafe Pro Bono has been a fave of ours for a number of years. Our experience has been consistent over the years. Keep up the good work.
Is this helpful?
MM
MiMoy
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 27 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
After our delicicious meals there we all agreed that this is a very special restaurant enhanced by the staff who were gracious and professional, with a bit of humor. We shared the carpaccio appetizer which was outstanding. My halibut was delicious as were the pasta dishes for my guests. Two of us shared the zabaglione dessert - fabulous! Cafe Pro Bono is actually my favorite restaurant in the entire area.
Is this helpful?
d
dena
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 25 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was great. Staff was attentive but we felt a little rushed. Nice ambiance.
Is this helpful?
K
Karen
VIP
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 23 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always great and delicious! We had a lovely dinner.
Is this helpful?
F
Fred
VIP
San Francisco
141 reviews
5.0
141 reviews
Dined on 22 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Cafe Pro Bono is my favorite restaurant in Palo Alto. Food is OUTSTANDING, service "First Class" and ambience relaxing. I look to repeat many, many times.
Is this helpful?
J
Joyce
VIP
San Francisco
25 reviews
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on 19 December 2024
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 on 15 December 2024
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?

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 1434 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

5 Jan 2025

19:00

Booked 20 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