With school just starting and friends reuniting, savor the moment by trying some new restaurants. Japanese? Italian? Whatever you desire, be sure to check out the restaurants that Palo Alto High School students voted* as their favorites of 2015.
Categories:
Best American Restaurant
Best Chinese Restaurant
Best Coffee/Tea Restaurant
Best Indian Restaurant
Best Israeli/Mediterranean Restaurant
Best Italian Restaurant
Best Japanese Restaurant
Best Mexican Restaurant
Best Pizza Restaurant
Best Town & Country Restaurant
Best American Restaurant: Peninsula Creamery
Since 1923, the Peninsula Creamery, now in its third generation of owners, has been serving well-priced and good food, according to owner James Santana.
When asked what he wants people to leave the Peninsula Creamery feeling, Santana succinctly said, “happy and with a full stomach.”
In addition to the food, students also enjoy the atmosphere of the creamery.
“They have a classic homey diner feel, like I’m back in the Midwest,” sophomore Raj Lele said. “My favorite is the turkey lunch. It’s too bad they don’t serve it all day.”
http://peninsulacreamery.com/ 900 High St.
Best Chinese Restaurant: Su Hong
Su Hong provides students with traditional Chinese foods conveniently and quickly.
“Su Hong serves authentic Chinese food that’s on the heavier side in terms of taste,” senior Tiffany Cai said. “There are quite a few dishes in particular that my family and I really like.”
“The price is reasonable, and they’re relatively fast too,” junior Ethan Teo added.
4256 El Camino Real
Many students have wanted a pearl milk tea store in Palo Alto, and the recently opened T4 fills those desires.
“T4 is something that Palo Alto has needed for a long time,” sophomore Frances Zhuang said. “The cherry on top is that it’s really close to Paly and is a great place to hang out with friends. T4’s drinks are also great because of the large variety and customizability of drinks. They also have really good, soft pearls.”
T4 manager Kevin Oyang believes that people like PMT because of its unique tastes and flavors.
“We brew every order as they come, so it’s fresh,” Oyang said. “PMT is also more convenient and lighter compared to other drinks like coffee, plus there are so many options.”
165 University Ave.
Best Indian Restaurant: TAVA Indian Kitchen
What makes TAVA stand out from other Indian restaurants is its customizability and speed, according to co-founder Hasnain Zaid. “It’s exciting and an honor to be chosen as a favorite,” Zaid, said. “We started TAVA three and a half years ago and our first supporters were the students. What you chose to eat is a statement of who you are and TAVA’s quick, wholesome and exactly how you want it.”
For many students, TAVA also provides an easy window into trying great, unique flavors.
“The price is good and the food is tasty,” sophomore Andrew Shieh said. “They’re really fast in and out, which is unique, and their flavors are ones that I don’t have too much of at home.”
http://www.tavaindian.com/ 855 El Camino Real
For hummus lovers, Oren’s Hummus Shop is worth a visit.
“They have all–natural ingredients,” sophomore Vivian Young said. “It’s a small business, welcoming, has large proportions and they make their own hummus. They also have friendly waiters and are really professional.”
http://orenshummus.com/ 261 University Ave.
Best Italian Restaurant: Buca Di Bepo
Buca di Bepo aims to capture both the taste of Italian food and friendly atmosphere.
“We want Buca to be the best at celebratory dinning,” Paisano Partner Anthony Benedetti said. “People gather, have fun, can be loud, and the pictures help with the feel.”
Students especially enjoy the large and sharable portions.
“Buca is a really good place for gatherings with friends and family because the atmosphere always feels really comforting and warm,” senior Carissa Zou said. “The food is meant to be shared because the serving sizes are inherently larger, so the general environment is one that really brings people together.”
http://www.bucadibeppo.com/restaurants/ca/palo-alto/ 643 Emerson St.
Best Japanese Restaurant: Sushi House
When Sushi House opened in 1988, the owners looked to incorporate their Japanese heritage into their American costumers.
“I’m Japanese and live in America,” co-founder Ken Ueki said. “But by introducing Japanese foods to Americans, we can make friends and help each other out. [Sushi House has] good Japanese food, for a reasonable price, and we’re 50% take out, so you don’t have to sit in.”
Either way, take-out or sit-in, students enjoy what Sushi House has to offer.
“The fried chicken is just cooked perfectly,” senior Andrew Lee said. “The chicken karaage bento box is definitely the best thing you can get at Town and Country.”
http://www.sushihousepaloalto.com/ 158 El Camino Real
Best Mexican Restaurant: Sancho’s
Sancho’s strives to provide its costumers with great tastes and feels.
“We want costumers to feel good inside,” co-owner Jose Prado said. “We have fresh ingredients, great customer service and friendly atmosphere. I’d recommend the burrito and fish tacos.” Prado’s statements are reflected in student opinion.
“The seasoning is tasty and the tacos have a unique crunch,” sophomore Barry He said. “They have a cool decorated interior and their ingredients are all natural.”
http://sanchostaqueria.com/ 2723 Middlefield Rd. & 491 Lytton Ave.
When it comes to pizza, Spot Pizza] has the flavors, authenticity and speed. “[Spot has] Great pizza, great value,” co-owners Kelly and Peggy Marik said. “We make everything here and try to be involved in the community as much as possible. It’s a huge honor that students chose us.”
For people who aren’t able to go to the restaurants, they can always order delivery Spot delivers.
“Spot pizza is the go-to place for delivery pizza in Palo Alto,” senior Griffin Carlson said. “You get delicious pizza to your house fast.”
http://www.spotpizza.com/ 115 Hamilton Ave.
Best Restaurant at Town and Country: Mayfield Bakery and Café
For many students, Mayfield is a staple when it comes to a place to stop for a snack or lunch.
“When I go into Mayfield and I’m having a bad day, when their banana bread goes into my mouth, everything is okay,” sophomore Jaiveer Sandhu said. “They’re really consistent and you can never go wrong with their banana bread.”
Mayfield’s mission statement is for everyone to leave happier than when then they came in, according to restaurant manager Chris Cuneo.
“Mayfield is healthy, fresh and local, and we’re part of the community and work to make people happy,” Cuneo said.
http://www.mayfieldbakery.com/ 855 El Camino Real
*Voting was conducted in from May 5, 2015 -June 15, 2015 through a survey that was posted on the Voice’s social media channels. Students were able to chose restaurants from a list predetermined by the staff or write in their own choices. We received 235 votes from Palo Alto High School students.