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Cafe Pro Bono, Palo Alto, CA

Cafe Pro Bono

4.9
4.9
1425 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 11 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

Menu

Appetizers

  • 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

                                                      Last updated: 3 January 2024

                                                      What 1,425 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.

                                                      1,425 Reviews

                                                      1. 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?

                                                      2. 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!

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                                                      3. 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

                                                      4. 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.

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                                                      5. 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.

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                                                      6. 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.

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                                                      7. 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?

                                                      8. 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.

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                                                      9. 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!

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                                                      10. Jared

                                                        San Francisco

                                                        2 reviews

                                                        5.0

                                                        2 reviews

                                                        Dined on 2 November 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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                                                      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 1425 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                      Make a booking

                                                      2 people
                                                      19:00
                                                      Booked 11 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
                                                      • 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.

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