Protégé

250 California Ave, Palo Alto - 94306
257 reviews
New American American Cocktail Bar
(650) 494-4181

Amazing firsts each was a real delight.They have an amazing combination of tastes and are also beautiful.We had- Spanish octopus that was good and beautiful.- ricotta dumplings that are just amazing.- spring greens that are very good.- YellowTail aguachile that was excellent.- crab and caviar that was amazing in both taste and presentation.The mains are good but after the firsts you set your expectations high and they just can't make it.We had- brick chicken that was nice.- bone-in Berkshire pork chop that was good.For dessert we had a blueberry pie that was also good.The drinks were excellent.

My hubby and I dined at Protege recently and it was a mixed experience for us. Food and service started off well, and then turned sideways toward maybe the 3rd or 4th course of the tasting menu. The food became heavier and less well-balanced with not much to offset the richness. The dessert was also supposed to resemble strawberry shortcake, but lacked the crumble (or had very little) that matches its namesake. We also noticed the service became slower toward the 5th entree course and definitely the last 7th dessert course, where one table received their dessert, finished their dishes, AND had their plates picked up before we even got our desserts.We had hoped to enjoy this, since my husband and I typically don’t spend this kind of money eating out. When we do, we try to focus on places that are worth it. This did not meet that expectation for us.

First visit since last July. Downgraded to a 4, considered the price and execution. The stuffed churros were an experience of flavors and textures! Totally worth getting. The salmon poke was delicious again. Enjoyed the caviar and crab - particularly the caviar. Drinks were really good. Miss the pretzel though; the focaccia was amazing but didn’t hit the spot the way the pretzel did. The sugar snap pea salad was nice and fresh but I wouldn’t bother getting it again. Similar for the yellowtail appetizer. The pork chop was a tad over cooked this time; fairly disappointing considering how perfect it was the first time.July 21, 2021:I would definitely prioritize a visit here if you’re in the area. Creative and delicious food. Amazing, and not that expensive when you look at Bay Area restaurant prices.Got the à la carte menu on the outside patio. Pleasant to sit outside but you may be distracted by foot traffic; maybe it’s just me.The snacks and the pork chop were amazing.Got a second pretzel instead of dessert. Light and chewy with delicious salty honey butter.Hamachi crudo wasn’t as flavorful or interesting as the “fish and chips” snack.Was a little underwhelmed by the brick chicken - wonderfully crispy but not as tasty as the tender pork chop. My spouse and I both preferred the pork chop.Can’t wait to go back! Maybe we’ll have room for dessert this time, but I bet we’ll fill up on bread again.

After 1st and 2nd visits, I gave a 5 star review: "Michelin star food and service while allows you to order on menu in an expensive neighborhood. 2nd time here and will come back again."Then we did come back for a 3rd visit, unfortunately I have to change to an 1-star. Yes you can say it is our problem showing up with 3 people (sister visiting from out of country) with a 2 people reservation on a "busy" Friday night. We were told by the owner/sommelier that they cannot add a seat or accommodate my wife and I sitting on the bench side with the other sit on the chair on 2 people table. so he presented us two options, one person go eat somewhere else, or we will forfeit our $200 deposit and they will not refund. When I say I really liked your store and even wrote a 5 star review but this experience doesn't live up to it. I got the answer "we don't care online review. we don't even read them".What makes even worse is my wife noticed during the meal, they sat two people in a four people bench. Not sure if that group has someone bailed out last minute or what.So if you want to go eat there, make sure to book the exact number of people, they won't refund or accommodate extra person from my experience. and i don't know if they will hold your deposit if you have one less person.

I had an amazing dinner experience here with three friends. Protege had a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food. Everything was quite tasty but if I had to pick a favorite from each course it would be the crab and caviar, ricotta dumplings, brick chicken, and espresso cookies. We’ll definitely be back!

There's something about Protégé that comes across modern while not too haughty. It is absolutely chic but welcoming. It is not daunting yet you know you are about to be have a special experience.Reading about the chef's being French Laundry alumns, we went in with excitement. And we were not disappointed.The pretzels were wonderful, the sweet potato churros were innovative (but somewhat on the bland side). The oysters and the crab+caviar were definitely eye openers. The sea bass was wonderful and the octopus was served with a twist of Thai soup. The food definitely does not come across pretentious or overly decorative. They genuinely feel like the chef's pushed culinary innovation and experimentation and it works. You will be treated to something you haven't tasted before, and that will put a pleasant smile on your face.Protégé is a special place, but very approachable. It is local. It is chic ans proper. And it will create an amazing date night for anyone.

Great food and service. Thanks to the team and Chef for making our Friday night memorable.We had a 5 course meal and the entire meal felt like a carefully orchestrated melody for the palette.

Check your receipt before paying! They add more to your total amount! When I review the receipt, I found that the subtotal and tax add up should not be the amount shown on their receipt. They add nearly $90 to the amount without telling you!! The photo attached is only for the alcohol and drinks we ordered. I've already paid the tasting menu and 5% surcharge + 20% tips online!!Very disappointed about them. You should be focus on serving best food not playing with the number to steal from your customer!

Wonderful. We had the chef’s tasting menu. One highlight was our server, who was delightfully attentive and gave us great suggestions on wine and cheese selections.I’ve had quite a few tasting menu meals before, and this ranks so highly both in terms of food and service quality.The salmon was inCREDible - a smoky sensation but with buttery soft texture. I don’t know how they prepared it, but I’ve never quite had salmon like that. The dish with caviar and horseradish was also wonderful.Hope to be back! Great for special occasions.

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