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Hours
| Friday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 550 Waverley St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone: (650) 561-4860
Website: https://www.ethelsfancypa.com/
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Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
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Ethel’s Fancy | Reserve Your Table Today
Discover Ethel’s Fancy in Palo Alto. Reserve a table, learn about our upcoming menus, and join our events for a refined dining experience.
Ethel’s Fancy – Palo Alto – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant
Honoring the shared name of his mother and grandmother, Chef/owner Scott Nishiyama has taken off his fine-dining toque to don more casual garb at this Palo …
Reviews
Nina V
We went on a Friday night and we specified on Open Table that we were celebrating a birthday. We were seated in the special birthday dining area. (I’m calling it that, they didn’t) I say this because the 3 tables that had customers in there all were celebrating birthdays. The room itself was nice and quiet and with it’s pale green walls it felt a bit like a nursery. I am appreciative, though, that we were seated there because when I passed through the restaurant I noticed the heavy smell of food lingering in the large main dining room. The portion sizes for both the starters and plates are all on the small side. Upside is that you get to try a lot of things. Downside is that it can cost a lot to enjoy your meal here. The cocktails and wine selection were interesting. The food was good but I was expecting more based on the reviews. The desserts were okay.
… moreSam
This Hawaiian Japanese restaurant has a beautiful open space with an open kitchen. There is a private dining room in the back. We started off with the Birds of a Feather (great) and Shisp Lemonade (good). Then we ordered the Milk Bread (good), Hokkaido Scallop Tartare (good), Coconut Fritters (interesting and good), Crispy Sweetbread Skewers (skewers were good, but the passion fruit sauce was a bad pairing IMHO), Kampachi Crudo (visually stunning, hard to eat, good), Crispy Pork Belly (Great), and Salt and Pepper Spanish Octopus (good and perfectly cooked). WWE ended the meal with the Milk Jam Soft Serve (Great) and the Chocolate Caramel Tart (Great). Very good meal overall, recommended if your in the area
… moreJoann Kuo
We went here to celebrate a birthday. Sat at the bar. Our friend recommended this place. We were really excited to try it out. We sat at the bar because we wanted to watch the kitchen prepare the food.
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to see very much because there’s a giant ledge in front and stacks of plates on top of it.
Which makes sense because you don’t want people talking in front of prepared food.
Oh well c’est la vie.
I started off with the cloud cocktail and we got half bottle of Pinot. The menu was broken down by plate size, extra small to biggish.
For two people she recommended two to three small to medium plates and when entree to share.
I liked the the fried sweetbreads on the stick but it’s only one sweet bread per order. We also got a coconut nigiri thing which was also one piece but that was okay because only one of us like coconut.
I liked the fact that they brought out plates as we finished them. I don’t like all my food out at once but prefer them in courses so this was great
Next we got our milk bread which was amazing. I especially love the butter and salt that came with it. I thought the flavors worked really really well and I would go back just for this. In fact, that was my favorite thing we got that night.
Then we got a smoked trout and avocado thing with some puffed bread with toasted sesame seeds on the side. That was my partner’s favorite dish but I thought it was pretty easy to make so I can make it at home.
We also got an octopus dish. This was also all right. Nothing special I didn’t think it had these things that looked like sausage bits but it was really yam or sweet potato and I was a bit disappointed about that since it looked like Chinese sausage and I guess we tend to get disappointed when expectations do not meet reality. Also, the texture was completely different than sausage would have been. Now that I think about it, I think it was sweet potato because it was a little squidgy.
The desserts are pretty good.
No complaints about the service. That was fine.
It seemed very popular as the restaurant was full and the only reservation we could get was at 9:30 a week in advance.
There were a few seats outside and we normally like sitting outside but thought it might be cold. They had heat lamps which would be fine but I don’t like sitting and eating right in front of parked cars. Just a personal preference of mine.
Would recommend to try if you’re in the area and looking for a nice place to take a date or for business.
… moreUnfortunately, we weren’t able to see very much because there’s a giant ledge in front and stacks of plates on top of it.
Which makes sense because you don’t want people talking in front of prepared food.
Oh well c’est la vie.
I started off with the cloud cocktail and we got half bottle of Pinot. The menu was broken down by plate size, extra small to biggish.
For two people she recommended two to three small to medium plates and when entree to share.
I liked the the fried sweetbreads on the stick but it’s only one sweet bread per order. We also got a coconut nigiri thing which was also one piece but that was okay because only one of us like coconut.
I liked the fact that they brought out plates as we finished them. I don’t like all my food out at once but prefer them in courses so this was great
Next we got our milk bread which was amazing. I especially love the butter and salt that came with it. I thought the flavors worked really really well and I would go back just for this. In fact, that was my favorite thing we got that night.
Then we got a smoked trout and avocado thing with some puffed bread with toasted sesame seeds on the side. That was my partner’s favorite dish but I thought it was pretty easy to make so I can make it at home.
We also got an octopus dish. This was also all right. Nothing special I didn’t think it had these things that looked like sausage bits but it was really yam or sweet potato and I was a bit disappointed about that since it looked like Chinese sausage and I guess we tend to get disappointed when expectations do not meet reality. Also, the texture was completely different than sausage would have been. Now that I think about it, I think it was sweet potato because it was a little squidgy.
The desserts are pretty good.
No complaints about the service. That was fine.
It seemed very popular as the restaurant was full and the only reservation we could get was at 9:30 a week in advance.
There were a few seats outside and we normally like sitting outside but thought it might be cold. They had heat lamps which would be fine but I don’t like sitting and eating right in front of parked cars. Just a personal preference of mine.
Would recommend to try if you’re in the area and looking for a nice place to take a date or for business.
Bruce S.
I don’t leave a lot of 5 star reviews, but Ethel’s Fancy deserves it imo! We went to celebrate our anniversary. Though the reservations were all taken, we were able to sit at the bar, which was fine with us. I have to say that all the staff were friendly and attentive. Diane, the bartender, was really nice, and she made cocktails at an amazing speed, and she was smiling the whole time.
We drank Lambrusco di Sorbara with our meal that was really good!
Wow, our dinner was absolutely amazing! The way the food is plated is beautiful!Everything that we ate was unique, cooked & flavored perfectly, and delicious!
We had the Warm Sesame Pancakes, Coconut Fritters, Crispy Pork Belly, “Salt & Pepper” Spanish Octopus, and Grilled Local Black Cod, “Teriyaki “. We like that everything is shareable.
For dessert, we were given a delicate corn pudding for our anniversary that was so good!
Mickey, the GM, came over and greeted us, and he was so friendly. We were also lucky enough to meet Chef Scott, and briefly chat, he’s extremely nice.
Since Chef Scott is from Maui, we could see that his staff is treated like Ohana.
We will definitely be back soon!
… moreWe drank Lambrusco di Sorbara with our meal that was really good!
Wow, our dinner was absolutely amazing! The way the food is plated is beautiful!Everything that we ate was unique, cooked & flavored perfectly, and delicious!
We had the Warm Sesame Pancakes, Coconut Fritters, Crispy Pork Belly, “Salt & Pepper” Spanish Octopus, and Grilled Local Black Cod, “Teriyaki “. We like that everything is shareable.
For dessert, we were given a delicate corn pudding for our anniversary that was so good!
Mickey, the GM, came over and greeted us, and he was so friendly. We were also lucky enough to meet Chef Scott, and briefly chat, he’s extremely nice.
Since Chef Scott is from Maui, we could see that his staff is treated like Ohana.
We will definitely be back soon!
Scarlet Esho
A Truly Exceptional Dining Experience at Ethel’s Fancy!
Our group had an absolutely incredible evening at Ethel’s Fancy in Palo Alto! None of us are local to the area, and it was our first time dining here, but it certainly won’t be our last.
From the moment we arrived, the general manager, Mickey, went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. He graciously accommodated a few of our last-minute requests and took the time to recommend wine pairings that turned out to be spot on. My clients were thoroughly impressed!
The food was nothing short of outstanding. The milk bread is an absolute must! We shared a variety of dishes, including the crudo, pork belly, sesame pancakes, duck, and striploin. Each dish was beautifully presented and we reordered additional plates….yes, they were that good! We couldn’t resist trying every dessert on the menu, and every bite was a showstopper.
The service was exceptional and that’s truly an understatement. The team anticipated our needs at every turn, bringing fresh plates and utensils with each round of dishes.
The ambiance was spectacular and comfortable, with an energy that’s welcoming.
If you’re anywhere near Palo Alto, do yourself a favor and dine at Ethel’s Fancy! It’s a gem in every way, and we’ll be coming back every opportunity we get!
… moreOur group had an absolutely incredible evening at Ethel’s Fancy in Palo Alto! None of us are local to the area, and it was our first time dining here, but it certainly won’t be our last.
From the moment we arrived, the general manager, Mickey, went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. He graciously accommodated a few of our last-minute requests and took the time to recommend wine pairings that turned out to be spot on. My clients were thoroughly impressed!
The food was nothing short of outstanding. The milk bread is an absolute must! We shared a variety of dishes, including the crudo, pork belly, sesame pancakes, duck, and striploin. Each dish was beautifully presented and we reordered additional plates….yes, they were that good! We couldn’t resist trying every dessert on the menu, and every bite was a showstopper.
The service was exceptional and that’s truly an understatement. The team anticipated our needs at every turn, bringing fresh plates and utensils with each round of dishes.
The ambiance was spectacular and comfortable, with an energy that’s welcoming.
If you’re anywhere near Palo Alto, do yourself a favor and dine at Ethel’s Fancy! It’s a gem in every way, and we’ll be coming back every opportunity we get!
Elizabeth Yeh
Ethel’s Fancy was one of my absolute favorite dining experiences in 2025. My girlfriends and I went there on a summer evening, and the meal was full of delight, creativity, and just the right touch of elegance.
We tried a variety of dishes to share
Milk Bread with Creamy Butter & Sea Salt – Such a simple but perfect start. The bread was soft and pillowy, and the butter + salty finish made it irresistible.
Warm Sesame Pancakes – These were delightful. It tasted like a warm hug. They paired beautifully with halibut and a spicy chili spread.
Yellowfin Tuna on Koshihikari Rice – The rice instantly transported me back to Kyoto. The tuna and smoked ikura were so fresh.
Kampachi Crudo – Refreshing and delicate. The radish added brightness, and the crunchy cracker underneath gave a lovely contrast in texture.
Coconut Fritter with Salmon – Such a creative twist, almost like a nigiri but playful and indulgent.
Crispy Pork Belly – Rich and seared to perfection with a great balance of fat and meat. Unique pairing with burrata. Note that this dish is on a richer side.
Yuzu Kosho Glazed North Pacific Halibut – One of my favorite bites of the night. The halibut was so delicate, it practically melted in my mouth, and the yuzu kosho glaze added just the right zing.
Corn Ice Cream – A little on the sweet side, but I appreciated how unique it was. You could really taste the corn.
Overall, I had a great experience and I can’t wait to visit again!
… moreWe tried a variety of dishes to share
Milk Bread with Creamy Butter & Sea Salt – Such a simple but perfect start. The bread was soft and pillowy, and the butter + salty finish made it irresistible.
Warm Sesame Pancakes – These were delightful. It tasted like a warm hug. They paired beautifully with halibut and a spicy chili spread.
Yellowfin Tuna on Koshihikari Rice – The rice instantly transported me back to Kyoto. The tuna and smoked ikura were so fresh.
Kampachi Crudo – Refreshing and delicate. The radish added brightness, and the crunchy cracker underneath gave a lovely contrast in texture.
Coconut Fritter with Salmon – Such a creative twist, almost like a nigiri but playful and indulgent.
Crispy Pork Belly – Rich and seared to perfection with a great balance of fat and meat. Unique pairing with burrata. Note that this dish is on a richer side.
Yuzu Kosho Glazed North Pacific Halibut – One of my favorite bites of the night. The halibut was so delicate, it practically melted in my mouth, and the yuzu kosho glaze added just the right zing.
Corn Ice Cream – A little on the sweet side, but I appreciated how unique it was. You could really taste the corn.
Overall, I had a great experience and I can’t wait to visit again!
Susie Wang
We came here to celebrate my birthday, and we both agreed it’s hands down the best restaurant in the South Bay. Everything was exquisite—especially the octopus and swordfish—but truly, every dish was outstanding. The staff were warm, attentive, and made the entire experience memorable. We’ll definitely be back soon.
… moreMark Liu
Sesame pancakes – doughy, great dip. Interesting combo with smoked fish and avocado.
Coconut critters – Quite coconut-y, the chili on top gave a little kick. Lots of coconuts.
Octopus – it’s deep fried and was very tender. It’s very different from grill. I thought the grilled green onion was very good
Yellow fin tuna – It’s like poke. Probably the least impressive dish.
Duck – Interesting crispy skin and perfectly tender.
… moreCoconut critters – Quite coconut-y, the chili on top gave a little kick. Lots of coconuts.
Octopus – it’s deep fried and was very tender. It’s very different from grill. I thought the grilled green onion was very good
Yellow fin tuna – It’s like poke. Probably the least impressive dish.
Duck – Interesting crispy skin and perfectly tender.
H D
What a great gem in Palo Alto! We were lucky to be seated at the bar area where we could see what the kitchen was making. We could see all the dishes that were heading out. It was pretty near. Chef Scott was making sure each dish was perfect. You could even ask him questions!
The food was delicious! I wish we could dinner there all the time! You really can’t go wrong with any of the items.
… moreThe food was delicious! I wish we could dinner there all the time! You really can’t go wrong with any of the items.
Karen Rosenthal
Lovely and charming special occasion place. As noted by other reviewers, it is spendy, be prepared to spend about $100 per person. The food was delicious, and creative, and not too heavy. The milk bread was wonderful. But my absolute favorite was the strawberry cheesecake at the end wow that was absolutely amazing. Service was very friendly and professional. Also very nice presentation. We all loved our cocktails! Also they are very accommodating of vegetarians, we had a mixed group, some vegetarians and some carnivores. And they were able to alter the dishes accordingly.
… more