Best Restaurants in Palo Alto

I go to school right in the area and have become very good at finding great restaurants for relatively cheap. We always have a list ready for whenever parents come into town, with all sorts of different food.

1
Pluto's Restaurant
Pluto's is a build your own salad restaurant that offers a wide variety of fresh toppings. They also have chicken and steak if you're looking for a little protein. The restaurant is space-themed with the back wall covered in famous people involved with outerspace, from Buzz Lightyear to the Jettsons to Neil Armstrong. Its a great and relatively cheap place to go with a big group of people.
2
Miyake Sushi
Most sushi places in California are pretty good, what sets Miyake apart from the rest is the sushi boats! They not only have great sushi, but the sushi bar has a sort of moat around it and the sushi is placed in small boats that go in circles around it. Although its a little cheesy, its a lot of fun. Also, stay late and you'll see Miyake turned into a nightclub!
3
Fraiche Frozen Yogurt
Although not technically a restaurant, Fraiche can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or even an after dinner treat. Fraiche has both regular and frozen unsweetened yogurt, as well as chocolate and pomegranate flavors. They have a huge number of toppings that are perfect to sweeten the natural flavored yogurt, and have all the probiotic culture inside so its even healthier than it sounds!
4
The Counter
The Counter is a make your own burger restaurant that offers a huge variety of toppings. They offer lettuce wraps instead of buns and any sort of topping you can imagine. They also have a burger and shake of the month that are both creative and delicious. The building itself is designed to be a kind of metro-skating park, which is a refreshing change from other burger joints.
5
Bella Luna
Bella Luna offers great Italian food at a great price. Its a perfect place for big gatherings or even small romantic dates. The seafood pasta is the best in town! It is decorated to be an outdoor Italian patio with columns and the ceiling is painted dark with little lights to resemble the stars. This is where I always bring my family because there is something for everyone to eat and enjoy.
6
Sushi Tomo
Sushi Tomo is great and really fresh sushi for very cheap. Their California rolls are huge for a very low price. They also have a huge variety of different and original rolls that wont hurt your wallet. They also offer outdoor seating on University Ave as well as window seating, so you can people watch as you enjoy whatever roll you order.
7
Joya
Although Joya is a little expensive, their ceviche is definitely worth it. They also have amazing Sangria with all sorts of different twists, including white wine with peaches! Pork Chops are not really something I'd think to order in a restaurant, but make sure at least someone gets them because they're amazing. The Ahi tuna tartar is also unbelievable.
8
Patxi's Chicago Pizza
You will enjoy anything off this menu, but make sure you at least try the California pizza. Patxi's has fresh ingredients, great beer, and very friendly service. The place is a little small, but there is a whole bar side that is pretty nice to get a seat at as well. The price is reasonable, and it is a pretty good atmosphere for a date. They also offer take out, so you can enjoy the pizza anywhere!
9
Sundance Steakhouse
Sundance has not only been ranked one of the best in Palo Alto or even California. Sundance Steakhouse has been ranked one of the best steak restaurants in the entire US. The steaks all come with a generous serving of potatoes and vegetables, unlike some other places that have small somewhat "naked" dishes. The service is also great and everyone there is really friendly.
10
Pasta?
Pasta? is the college students dream with great food and a casual atmosphere. The restaurant has open seating in the front and huge flat screen TV's in the back that constantly have some sports game on. The antipasta bar is really good, but you should definitely try the seafood pasta. The mussels and clams with pasta is the best that I've ever had. They also sometimes have fun offers in secret envelopes that they'll give you at the end of the meal.