Cafe Pro Bono

4.9

1424 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 21, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 18 times today

Neighborhood 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
Neighborhood
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
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Liquor, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

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

Popular dishes

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

Starters

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

Panini

all our sandwiches are served with salad

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

Luncheon Salads

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

Pasta

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

Lunch Entrees

all entrees served with starch and vegetables

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

What 1,424 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

Loved For

San Francisco Bay Area
Neighborhood gem
San Francisco Bay Area
Italian
Peninsula
Best Overall
Peninsula
Best Food
Peninsula
Best Value
Peninsula
Neighborhood 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.

1,424 Reviews

B
Brian
VIP
San Francisco
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
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 December 12, 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 December 11, 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 December 6, 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 December 3, 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 December 2, 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 November 16, 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 November 5, 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?
J
Jared
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 2, 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.
Is this helpful?
D
Diane
VIP
San Francisco
59 reviews
5.0
59 reviews
Dined on October 31, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We love Cafe Pro Bono!! The specials are always enticing and the menu has so many yummy options! It is cozy and you can hear your table conversations! Great wine list too! A lovely evening every time
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 1424 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 21, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 18 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
Neighborhood
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
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Liquor, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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 reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

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

Rigatoni

Gnocchi

Cappellini

Appetizers

Grilled Polenta$15.95

Sauteed Gulf Prawns$17.95

Carpaccio$24.95

Susan's Downfall$18.95

Starters

Organic Baby Spring$12.95

Wild Arugula$15.95

Caesar Salad$14.95

Panini

Grilled Portobello$19.95

Steak Panini$28.95

Chicken Confit$22.95

Smoked Salmon$26.95

Luncheon Salads

Yabo Salad$32.95

Duck Confit Salad$19.95

Grilled Chicken Salad$24.95

Pasta

Capellini$22.95

Spaghetti Bolognese (homemade)$25.95

Tortiglione$25.95

Gnocchi$25.95

Susan's Downfall$28.95

Rigatoni$26.95

Tagliatelle alla Pro Bono$27.95

Linguini alla Vongole$29.95

Squid Spaghetti$32.95

Lunch Entrees

Pollo alla Pro Bono$29.95

Loch Duarte Salmon$33.95

Veal Scaloppine$37.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

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 reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

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