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Welcome to Cafe 220

**OUR STORY**

Nestled in Palo Alto, Cafe 220 embodies the heart of Mediterranean cuisine, offering a warm, family-friendly atmosphere perfect for casual dining. With a menu rich in vibrant flavors, their standout dishes like the hummus and gyros highlight the chef's passion for authentic recipes. Guests rave about the welcoming service and accommodating staff, making it an ideal spot for families and groups alike. Whether enjoying a light lunch on the outdoor patio or a comforting dinner before a concert, Cafe 220 promises quick service and generous portions, making it a cherished gem in the community.

Cafe 220: Reviews & Ratings

Damian M.
Damian M.

I'm not surprised this page is unclaimed. It is a gem. An old school family spot with good food, recipes seem dependent on which brother is cooking and how the guest is. We stopped in tonight during the regional internet page when no one could take card payments. Unlike other spots, there was a simple "no worries, get back later" with full trust and faith in humanity. But we didn't come in here for that. S had several dietary restrictions that he was able to work with, the food was quick tasted great and the service just put it over the top. Not my best review, but really just a good experience. Thank you

Pierre H.
Pierre H.

Went there for lunch on a Saturday with a friend. The place was fairly empty. No wait! They have the classic dishes and their falafels were some of the best I have had in the bay. Welcoming folks

Casey C.
Casey C.

Casual dining spot close to Stanford campus. Food was light and refreshing. Walked in to a nearly empty diner on a Saturday afternoon. I got the beef/lamb plate while my friend got a wrap. Ordered at the counter, sat outside, and food came out within 15 minutes or so. The plate seems to have more food than the wrap as reflected in price. The meat was ok, the shreds were smaller than expected. The cucumber salad was nice and refreshing though. Overall I would say it's an alright spot. If you're not feeling like waiting in line at nearby restaurants, cafe 220 is a casual space to fill that spot.

Andrea S.
Andrea S.

Hassan knocks it out of the park every single time. I love coming here and he is very considerate of my gluten allergy. This is the best food in Palo Alto!

Madeleine Y.
Madeleine Y.

Came here for an early dinner before a concert at Frost Amphitheater and loved it! The service was fast and they were all super kind. We ordered 2 plates + an appetizer. The chicken gyro plate was great and super flavorful. The prices are pretty steep though but at least the portion was great!

Gretel V.
Gretel V.

Food was filling and portions large. No wait time as it was empty inside during middle of the day weekend.

Mike M.
Mike M.

A good place to get a meal before a show at the Stanford Theatre (which is across the street). My wife and I, along with two friends, ate at Cafe 220 for dinner before a movie. We enjoyed our tasty meal which was prepared quickly. The person who took our order was friendly and helpful describing the various offerings. When it was ready, he brought it to our table. Later, he brought each of us a glass of complementary Turkish Tea. This place has a basic decor, suitable for a quick meal. The open kitchen is right next to the tables in the small dining room. The food was good and filling. My wife had the Mousaka plate ($19.95) which included rice, some pita bread slices, and salad. She enjoyed it. I had the Lamb Shish-Kebab plate ($21.95) with a low carb substitute: instead of rice and pita, I had Baba Ganoush (an extra $2.50 after removing the rice and pita), which also included salad. The lamb was very good and the Baba Ganoush was a different color and taste from what I'm used to, but while it was different, it was still very tasty.

Cecile B.
Cecile B.

I've walked by this place a hundred times and only just tried it now, in part because of some less than stellar reviews, but i was overall pleasantly surprised. I shared the CHICKEN GYROS PLATE ($18.95) and COMBO MIXED GRILL ($23.95), both of which came with rice, salad, and pita bread, and a side of hummus ($8.50). The chicken gyros plate was very solid, though I found the salad a little overdressed. There was a very generous amount of rice that was actually really nicely flavored and fluffy. The combo plate was also a great way to sample all the other meats. Both the chicken and lamb shish kebabs were a bit dry, but the minced lamb adana kebab was good, and the beef and lamb gyros in particular was super flavorful. Next time I'd just get a plate of that -- you could see then carving the gyros from the spit, which looked super fresh. At this price point, I do wish the plates also came with hummus, as they do at most other Mediterranean restaurants I've been to, but the hummus app we bought was solid, if not particularly memorable. Similarly, the pita was of the thinner variety and pretty mid, although maybe I was unfairly comparing both of these to Oren's Hummus right across the street. Overall though, Cafe 220 definitely offers a nice variety of Mediterranean options, but I'd recommend sticking to either type of gyros over the kebabs.

Location

  • Cafe 220
    220 University Ave Ste B Palo Alto, CA 94301 United States Hotline: (650) 853-8182

Welcome to the charming Cafe 220, nestled in the heart of Palo Alto at 220 University Ave Ste B. This hidden gem is a Mediterranean haven, unclaimed yet brimming with culinary delights that reflect the essence of comfort food. With a welcoming ambiance, it’s a casual spot that caters to groups, families, and individuals, making it a perfect choice for lunch or a laid-back dinner.

Cafe 220 stands out for its dedication to fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, which seem to carry a familial touch, as noted by many satisfied customers. The restaurant offers a cozy outdoor seating area, allowing you to enjoy your meal al fresco while absorbing the vibrant Palo Alto atmosphere.

Signature Dishes to Savor:

  • Hummus: A creamy concoction of garbanzo beans, tahini, and olive oil, served with warm pita bread – a perfect starter at just $10.
  • Baba Ghanouj: A smoky eggplant dip that embodies Mediterranean flavors, also accompanied by pita for $11.
  • Chicken Gyro Wrap: Marinated chicken wrapped in lavash, bursting with flavor, priced at $15.95.
  • Nutella Crepe: For dessert, indulge in this sweet delight for just $11.

Customer reviews reveal a consistent thread of satisfaction, highlighting the impeccable service at Cafe 220. Visitors like Damian M. praise the personal touch and understanding nature of the staff, even when unexpected situations arise. Other patrons, like Andrea S., commend the chef's attentiveness to allergies and dietary restrictions, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for everyone.

Moreover, the restaurant offers options like takeout and catering, making it versatile for both quick meals and special occasions. While the prices may lean towards the moderate side, customers like Madeleine Y. assure that the portion sizes and quality justify the cost. The delightful combination of fast service and friendly faces enhances the overall experience, making you feel at home.

In conclusion, if you're seeking a peaceful dining experience loaded with Mediterranean flavors, Cafe 220 is the place to be. With a vibrant menu, accommodating staff, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a culinary destination that captures the heart of Palo Alto.

Contact: For reservations and inquiries, feel free to call (650) 853-8182.