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Protégé is an upscale casual restaurant featuring New American cuisine and a comprehensive wine & spirits program. The vision of Master Sommelier, Dennis Kelly and Chef Anthony Secviar, Protégé brings the attention to detail found in the finest restaurants to a casual setting in Palo Alto, California.
French Laundry vets present pre-fixe New American cuisine & wine at this upscale dinner destination.
Hours
| Friday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9:30 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 250 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Website: http://www.protegepaloalto.com/
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Protege | Palo Alto, California
Protégé is an upscale casual restaurant featuring New American cuisine and a comprehensive wine & spirits program. The vision of Master Sommelier, …
Menus | Protege | Palo Alto, California
Menus · Lounge Menu · Dining Room Menu · Wine & Beverage Menu. Michelin 2024 | 50 Best Discovery | Reservations | Gift Cards | Contact |. 250 California Avenue, …
Protégé – Palo Alto – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant
Protégé. 250 California Ave., Palo Alto, CA, 94306, USA. $$$$ · Contemporary, Californian. Notes. Visited. Save. Favorite. Reserve a table. Book. Protégé.
Reviews
Yvonne Chen
I love the special, which was a Focaccia with persimmon, prosciutto, and ricotta. The chef really put thoughts into this. Highly recommended, and we each got two pieces of it. We also enjoyed the desserts, which were a slice of pistachios cake and a slice of fig soufra. The fig soufra was paired an ice cream we thought was almond or saffron. The only thing I’m not quite getting was the cauliflower entree, which was a little too sweet for me. The rice on the cauliflower dish was great though. Overall, a really positive experience.
… moreLo
I chose Protégé for our anniversary dinner on a Tuesday evening, booking the last available time slot. When we arrived at 6:30 pm, the restaurant was already lively with patrons, yet street parking was plentiful. We were warmly greeted by the host and seated in the main dining room near the bar. The atmosphere struck a balance between intimate and vibrant—cozy lighting, a view of the open kitchen, a large glass wall looking outside, and a playlist mixing old classics with current pop hits created a welcoming ambiance.
Our server, Patrick, was attentive and took time to explain the menu and share thoughtful recommendations. We began with oysters, milk bread with butter, and the crab & caviar. Each starter was brought out promptly and plated beautifully. The oysters were incredibly fresh, and the milk bread—soft, warm, and paired with rich butter—was an instant favorite.
The stone fruit salad and the octopus were highlights of the night, both recommended by Patrick. The salad was a surprisingly delight, perfectly balancing sweet and savory with a deep, cured flavor I wouldn’t have thought to order myself. The octopus was tender and artfully presented with olive oil foam and a bright, flavorful sauce.
For mains, we shared the brick chicken and halibut. The chicken was juicy with crispy skin, served over a well-seasoned fideuà that paired beautifully without overpowering the dish. The halibut was equally impressive, accented by crunchy toppings that added texture and flavor.
Dessert was both playful and refined, the 18-layer Dubai chocolate cake and the mushroom cap cookie. The cake was stunning, with layers of nutty pistachio and just enough bitterness from dark chocolate to balance the sweetness. The mushroom cookie, subtly fragrant with maple and served alongside ice cream, was whimsical and memorable.
We also sampled three cocktails, all well-crafted. The Match Made in Honey was a highlight, while the Old Fashioned was perfectly balanced.
Overall, the dinner and service were excellent. The only touch I felt was missing—given it was a special occasion—was a small gesture such as a card, something I enjoy collecting from restaurants each year. That said, Protégé may not be that kind of establishment, and the experience itself was more than enough to make the evening special. I’d happily return to explore more of their seasonal offerings.
… moreOur server, Patrick, was attentive and took time to explain the menu and share thoughtful recommendations. We began with oysters, milk bread with butter, and the crab & caviar. Each starter was brought out promptly and plated beautifully. The oysters were incredibly fresh, and the milk bread—soft, warm, and paired with rich butter—was an instant favorite.
The stone fruit salad and the octopus were highlights of the night, both recommended by Patrick. The salad was a surprisingly delight, perfectly balancing sweet and savory with a deep, cured flavor I wouldn’t have thought to order myself. The octopus was tender and artfully presented with olive oil foam and a bright, flavorful sauce.
For mains, we shared the brick chicken and halibut. The chicken was juicy with crispy skin, served over a well-seasoned fideuà that paired beautifully without overpowering the dish. The halibut was equally impressive, accented by crunchy toppings that added texture and flavor.
Dessert was both playful and refined, the 18-layer Dubai chocolate cake and the mushroom cap cookie. The cake was stunning, with layers of nutty pistachio and just enough bitterness from dark chocolate to balance the sweetness. The mushroom cookie, subtly fragrant with maple and served alongside ice cream, was whimsical and memorable.
We also sampled three cocktails, all well-crafted. The Match Made in Honey was a highlight, while the Old Fashioned was perfectly balanced.
Overall, the dinner and service were excellent. The only touch I felt was missing—given it was a special occasion—was a small gesture such as a card, something I enjoy collecting from restaurants each year. That said, Protégé may not be that kind of establishment, and the experience itself was more than enough to make the evening special. I’d happily return to explore more of their seasonal offerings.
Anthony Giang
What a time. We had booked a reservation for 7:45 on a calm Tuesday evening. After being greeted by the host we were walked over to our table for 2 in the lounge area for the a la carte menu. Immediately the attention to detail caught me as the host brought out water and poured some into our glasses. Afterwards, our server Annie greeted us and offered a very detailed description of each dish. She said that normally people order 1 item from each category on their menu: “snack”, “appetizer”, “entree”. I suppose, abnormally, my partner and I opted for 2 snacks, 2 appetizers, and 1 entree. The two snacks we chose were the Lobster Chips and the Crab and Caviar. Lobster Chips were subtle in flavor with really nice balance and texture. The Crab and Caviar, is super hyped up, and it was good, but I think the hype was too much. It was really delicious with really punchy flavors all balanced together nicely, but at the end of the day it is just egg, crab, and caviar for 35 dollars. For appetizers, we chose the Spanish Octopus and the special of the night, the Mochiko Fried Softshell Crab. The Spanish Octopus was by far the best bite we had that night. Incredibly tender, while crispy and charred, the octopus left me confused. I couldn’t understand how it was possible to have octopus be that texture. The Softshell Crab was indeed quite special as well. It had a ton of bright flavors from the subtle spice to the sweet and sour grape tomatoes. Everything in that dish was great, but when compared to the octopus, it simply couldn’t compete. Eventually, our Brick Chicken arrived. With perfectly crispy skin and juicy chicken, this was quite a delightful dish. It left me savoring every bite in awe of everything we had to eat thus far. After the savory items were completed, the server rolled over the dessert display to explain each option. We opted for the Layered Pistachio Cake as it seemed the most complex, and it definitely did not disappoint. The flavors were subtle, but they included wafers to create contrasting textures. The ice cream on top was also perfection. We also received a complimentary Vietnamese Coffee Ice Cream which had really nice strong coffee flavor, however the texture was rather ice-y.
Beyond the food, the thing that makes this restaurant really special are the people and the service they offer. Whether it is noticing the small details like topping up your water or just crumbing between the dishes, they maintain a very clean aesthetic. The attitude of everyone working there also adds a lot to the experience. During this meal, I actually made plans to ask my partner to be my girlfriend. All I had done was make a short note on the reservation, but they took it and ran. They wrote a little note, and gave us a free dessert. Shortly after, I saw some of the chefs peaking over at our table with a thumbs up. Essentially inquiring whether my question was successful or not. After replying with my own thumbs up, I saw them pumping their fists and cheering for me. The whole experience at Protégé was perfect!
Update: After my first meal at Protégé it quickly became one of my favorite Michelin star restaurants in the bay. After a second visit, it struck again with how great everything is. This time, my partner and I tried out the 7 course tasting menu which comes with a complimentary foie gras starter from the kitchen followed by each of the predetermined courses on their menu. Each dish excelled in flavor and nuance. The knowledge of the servers is also unparalleled. Another really fun aspect is that since the team is so small, almost every member of their team plays a role in dropping off food for you. For instance, we even had the bartender come over and drop off one of our courses. Our server Andy was also a definite highlight of the experience. His sense of humor paired with his knowledge and stories for the dishes made this meal much more memorable. Though I would definitely come back for the a la carte menu rather than the tasting menu(much more worth it), I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
… moreBeyond the food, the thing that makes this restaurant really special are the people and the service they offer. Whether it is noticing the small details like topping up your water or just crumbing between the dishes, they maintain a very clean aesthetic. The attitude of everyone working there also adds a lot to the experience. During this meal, I actually made plans to ask my partner to be my girlfriend. All I had done was make a short note on the reservation, but they took it and ran. They wrote a little note, and gave us a free dessert. Shortly after, I saw some of the chefs peaking over at our table with a thumbs up. Essentially inquiring whether my question was successful or not. After replying with my own thumbs up, I saw them pumping their fists and cheering for me. The whole experience at Protégé was perfect!
Update: After my first meal at Protégé it quickly became one of my favorite Michelin star restaurants in the bay. After a second visit, it struck again with how great everything is. This time, my partner and I tried out the 7 course tasting menu which comes with a complimentary foie gras starter from the kitchen followed by each of the predetermined courses on their menu. Each dish excelled in flavor and nuance. The knowledge of the servers is also unparalleled. Another really fun aspect is that since the team is so small, almost every member of their team plays a role in dropping off food for you. For instance, we even had the bartender come over and drop off one of our courses. Our server Andy was also a definite highlight of the experience. His sense of humor paired with his knowledge and stories for the dishes made this meal much more memorable. Though I would definitely come back for the a la carte menu rather than the tasting menu(much more worth it), I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Damian McGee
I have no complaints. Visited Palo Alto for work and decided to give Protege a try and they did not disappoint. The food was really good and the service was GREAT!! Very friendly server and the Sommelier was top notch!! Enjoyed the conversation and exploration into the wine list! Definitely worth the money and I look forward to visiting again.
… moreFraser Street
Had a set meal event for work. Was excellent except the main “brick chicken” was not great. A bone in thigh which was hard to eat. Otherwise very good. Desert was good. Space is nice.
… moreAmelie Sophie Vavrovsky
We love this place so much. We’ve dined at the best restaurants in the world including Oriole, Alinea, and Benu this year and Protégé remains our favorite.
The service is incredible — we are treated like family every time we come, The cocktails are the best we’ve ever had.
We keep coming back—never disappointed.
Pro tip: sit at the bar to watch Linguini work his magic.
… moreThe service is incredible — we are treated like family every time we come, The cocktails are the best we’ve ever had.
We keep coming back—never disappointed.
Pro tip: sit at the bar to watch Linguini work his magic.
Liz P.
We visited this restaurant for Valentine’s Day and had the prix fixe menu paired with wine. It was our first time here, and we wanted to check it off our list. Overall, it was a very nice experience—we enjoyed ourselves, and the food was good.
The restaurant is located in an area with plenty of parking, though it can get crowded in the evenings. The ambiance is refined but not pretentious, and the service reflects the same balance of professionalism and warmth.
We dine out frequently at high-end restaurants, so we appreciate unique and thoughtfully crafted dishes. While this isn’t an everyday spot, it’s a wonderful choice for special occasions. If you enjoy the artistry of food, this place is definitely worth a visit.
… moreThe restaurant is located in an area with plenty of parking, though it can get crowded in the evenings. The ambiance is refined but not pretentious, and the service reflects the same balance of professionalism and warmth.
We dine out frequently at high-end restaurants, so we appreciate unique and thoughtfully crafted dishes. While this isn’t an everyday spot, it’s a wonderful choice for special occasions. If you enjoy the artistry of food, this place is definitely worth a visit.
Mark Hassin
The restaurant lives up to what you’d expect from a Michelin star place: the dishes are beautifully presented, though the portions are a bit small, and the service is excellent. We chose the à la carte menu to have more control over the sides, which we liked. The flavors were generally good. Some dishes were outstanding (like the brick chicken!), while others were just okay (like the lobster chips).
Overall, it was a good experience, though a bit pricey (as expected).
… moreOverall, it was a good experience, though a bit pricey (as expected).
Krystal Davy
An exceptional culinary experience at Protégé in Palo Alto. Every dish showcased masterful technique and impeccable flavors. The A5 Japanese Wagyu Ribeye was perfectly marbled and melted effortlessly, while the Crab and Caviar delivered a luxurious balance of brine and sweetness. The lobster toast was crisp, buttery, and indulgent, and the Black Bass—flawless in execution—was the best I’ve encountered. The Ricotta Dumplings , delicate yet deeply flavorful, rounded out an unforgettable meal. The shigoku oysters with whipped ponzu were indescribably fresh and flavorful. The sunflower Caesar, with its preserved tomato jam, was a unique and unforgettable twist on a classic. As for the brick chicken that we took to go, it was so delicious that it barely made it home before being devoured.
The experience was elevated even further by the outstanding service—every person was kind, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to creating a memorable evening. A true showcase of precision, creativity, and hospitality
… moreThe experience was elevated even further by the outstanding service—every person was kind, attentive, and genuinely dedicated to creating a memorable evening. A true showcase of precision, creativity, and hospitality
Hyemee Yang
By far, the best restaurant in the Bay Area!
I loved every food we ordered from appetizers to desserts. They were so delicious and every detail and flavor of the dishes were more than perfect.
They have a special menu, which was soft-shell crabs when I was visiting. And it turned out to be my favorite dish that day. And you have to try their Spanish octopus. I love Spanish octopus and it was one of the best I’ve had.
The servers are very professional and attentive. They are well aware of what or what not to recommend if you have a certain dietary restrictions. Personally, as a pregnant person, I was very impressed by their explanations and kindness to serve us in the right way.
The ambiance is great as well. Not too noisy or crowded at all so it is a perfect to dine on a special night!
I would definitely visit this restaurant again and next time, I will try tasting courses!
… moreI loved every food we ordered from appetizers to desserts. They were so delicious and every detail and flavor of the dishes were more than perfect.
They have a special menu, which was soft-shell crabs when I was visiting. And it turned out to be my favorite dish that day. And you have to try their Spanish octopus. I love Spanish octopus and it was one of the best I’ve had.
The servers are very professional and attentive. They are well aware of what or what not to recommend if you have a certain dietary restrictions. Personally, as a pregnant person, I was very impressed by their explanations and kindness to serve us in the right way.
The ambiance is great as well. Not too noisy or crowded at all so it is a perfect to dine on a special night!
I would definitely visit this restaurant again and next time, I will try tasting courses!