Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. Peninsula
  5. Palo Alto
Cafe Pro Bono, Palo Alto, CA

Cafe Pro Bono

4.8
4.8
1457 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian

Make a booking

2 people
19:00

Select a time

Booked 19 times today
Additional seating options
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
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 1,457 people are saying

                                                      Overall ratings and reviews

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

                                                      4.8
                                                      4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                      • 4.9Food
                                                      • 4.8Service
                                                      • 4.6Ambience
                                                      • 4.5Value

                                                      Noise • Moderate

                                                      Diners' Choice Awards

                                                      • San Francisco Bay Area

                                                        Italian

                                                      • Peninsula

                                                        Best Overall

                                                      • Peninsula

                                                        Best Food

                                                      • Peninsula

                                                        Best Service

                                                      • Peninsula

                                                        Best Value

                                                      • Peninsula

                                                        Italian

                                                      Review summary

                                                      AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                      Cafe Pro Bono in Palo Alto is a beloved Italian restaurant known for its "outstanding service" and "delicious food." Patrons praise its "relaxing ambiance" and "attentive staff," with special mention of dishes like Susan's Downfall and Veal Piccata. Regulars appreciate the "friendly family-run" vibe and consistently enjoyable dining experiences.
                                                      1,457 Reviews

                                                      1. Rial

                                                        San Francisco

                                                        31 reviews

                                                        5.0

                                                        31 reviews

                                                        Dined 2 days ago

                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                        Our dinners were absolutely delicious. I highly recommend the salmon. I can’t say enough about the service - I felt totally spoiled.

                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                      2. Vini

                                                        VIP

                                                        San Francisco

                                                        43 reviews

                                                        5.0

                                                        43 reviews

                                                        Dined 3 days ago

                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                        Lamb entree was Very delicious, wild boar sausage n beans were good. My friends enjoyed the halibut and spicy rigatoni as well.

                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                      3. Sandra

                                                        VIP

                                                        San Francisco

                                                        213 reviews

                                                        4.0

                                                        213 reviews

                                                        Dined 3 days ago

                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 3
                                                        Food great, as usual, but I will pass on dining in on Saturday night. Noise so loud I ended up with headache. No one could hear each other talking.

                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                      4. Elaine

                                                        San Francisco

                                                        12 reviews

                                                        5.0

                                                        12 reviews

                                                        Dined 4 days ago

                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                        Felt really special. Food, wine, service was great.

                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                      5. Lucile

                                                        VIP

                                                        San Francisco

                                                        10 reviews

                                                        4.0

                                                        10 reviews

                                                        Dined 5 days ago

                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                        2. Food 4
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                        One plate had a small dark spot but overall was pretty pleasant.

                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                      6. OpenTable Diner

                                                        New York City

                                                        1 review

                                                        3.0

                                                        1 review

                                                        Dined 5 days ago

                                                        1. Overall 3
                                                        2. Food 1
                                                        3. Service 1
                                                        4. Ambience 2
                                                        Said they had a hh but they canceled it but didn’t take it off the website.

                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                      7. Frank

                                                        San Francisco

                                                        31 reviews

                                                        5.0

                                                        31 reviews

                                                        Dined on 24 February 2025

                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                        I always enjoy dining at this restaurant. Pleasant and attentive staff and excellent food. Definitely my first choice for Italian food in Palo Alto. Among numerous Italian restaurants in town, Cafe Pro Bono stands out for me. Simply outstanding pasta, including one of their signature dishes, Susan’s Downfall, which is not to be missed.

                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                      8. Lynne

                                                        VIP

                                                        San Francisco

                                                        27 reviews

                                                        5.0

                                                        27 reviews

                                                        Dined on 21 February 2025

                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                        As always, our experience at Pro Bono was delightful. We were greeted warmly and service was attentive without being intrusive. The pasta was simply perfect and the duck confit salad was a rare treat. Desserts and coffees finished off our special outing, all at a very reasonable price. Pro Bono is a true gem!

                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                      9. Chisato

                                                        Greater Boston

                                                        4 reviews

                                                        5.0

                                                        4 reviews

                                                        Dined on 18 February 2025

                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                        My husband and I ate there for my birthday. Everybody was attentive and energetic. Food was great and we enjoyed what they offered. Pro Bono will be one of our favorite restaurants in Palo Alto.

                                                        Is this helpful?

                                                      10. Wanda

                                                        Unspecified

                                                        1 review

                                                        5.0

                                                        1 review

                                                        Dined on 16 February 2025

                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                        2. Food 5
                                                        3. Service 5
                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                        Our first visit. Taste and service justified the cost. Unfortunately, neither of us slept well afterwards. Could be the rich food?

                                                        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 4.8 stars by 1457 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

                                                      Select a time

                                                      Booked 19 times today
                                                      Additional seating options

                                                      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.

                                                      Featured in

                                                      Discover
                                                      OpenTable
                                                      • About Us
                                                      • Blog
                                                      • Careers
                                                      More
                                                      Our sites
                                                      Businesses
                                                      • Delight more diners
                                                      • Restaurant Blog
                                                      Join us on
                                                      • Privacy policy
                                                      • Terms of Use
                                                      • Impressum
                                                      • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
                                                      • Cookie Preferences
                                                      Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
                                                      OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
                                                      Booking Logo
                                                      Priceline Logo
                                                      KAYAK Logo
                                                      Agoda Logo
                                                      OpenTable Logo