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✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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A true mom-and-pop shop. Tal Palo is a take on an ever-welcoming experience influenced by the nostalgic flavors and memories of México. Tal Palo is a cafe – a casual eatery with a focused beer and wine beverage program. Our tiny kitchen feeds your soul, offering limited bites that showcase Mexican tradition and local ingredients. There are NO MENUS. Our space is created to make you feel like you are a guest in our home. * Kitchen hours are 11AM – 2PM Tues – Sat & 5PM -8PM on Fridays. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR FULL DINING EXPERIENCE. Walk-ins welcomed (limited offerings)
Hours
| Saturday | 11 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–8 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 149 Main St, Los Altos, CA 94022
Phone: (650) 935-4070
Website: https://www.talpalo.com/
Order and Reservations
Reservations: talpalo.com
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Reviews
Danny K (DSKO)
I was intrigued by Tal Palo after reading about it on a couple food sites. It was an unconventional restaurant concept that had me very curious. So a few days after returning from an overseas trip, I made a lunch reservation with a friend. Apparently, reservations are required if you want a proper meal experience. At $35 per person for lunch, including tip but excluding drinks and additions, it still seemed like good value.
Finding parking during lunch time in downtown Los Altos was surprisingly difficult. There were no spots available on the Main Street, so I had to park in the lot behind the buildings. As I walked inside, I admired the high ceilings, curved alcoves and glass-enclosed dining room by the entrance. The entire space seemed to be illuminated by a central skylight.
Aaron is a co-owner of Tal Palo along with his partner, Chef Adriana. He greeted and complimented me on my Mikkeller Taipei t-shirt. Aaron told us he was once the co-owner of an Oakland bar specializing in Belgian ale called The Trappist and subsequently knew Mikkel’s brother, Jeppe, who founded Evil Twin Brewery quite well. It was cool to meet a fellow artist and Renaissance man. Fittingly, the beautiful space was largely designed by Aaron.
We had our choice of seating. It didn’t seem as if there were any two tables and chairs that were alike. Each part of the dining room was unique. There’s a really nice patio in the back with a cool huge mural on the wall that is undoubtedly popular during warmer months. We chose a nice broad two top table near the entrance, lit brightly by the skylight above it. Chef Adriana introduced herself and brought by what was essentially an elote muffin, and offered it as an optional appetizer. We took her up on it. It was delicious and buttery with the texture of corn kernels, not simply pureed into a batter. I also ordered a Cafe de Olla, which was pleasantly sweet and blended with cinnamon and spices.
She then brought a plate with skillfully prepared green salad. It was then clear that each dish was meant to be shared family-style. The portion-size of each dish is about the size of an individual portion, but there were three dishes included in the lunch course. I could see how this might be an issue for those who eat larger portions, leaving them unsatisfied. Me and my friend don’t generally eat a ton, so this was perfectly fine for us.
Next up was the highlight of the meal, Chilaquiles Verde. The egg was perfectly fried atop tortilla chips that still had a bit of crispness to them. The tomatillo salsa was a perfect balance of flavor, tanginess, spice and temperature. It was a superb dish that outpaces any chilaquiles that I’ve been able to find locally, and I’ve certainly been trying out many for the past six months in search of the best one. I think Chef Adriana’s version at Tal Palo may be the winner.
There was one more interesting dish remaining: fried quesadillas served with a creamy red beet mole sauce. The quesadillas were light and fluffy, made from masa rather than flour. The beet mole sauce had pine nuts and sesame seeds and several other ingredients blended into it. Very unique and creative rendition unlike any mole I had ever tried.
The overall experience at Tal Palo was very unique. There is no set menu, and you are served whatever Chef Adriana has prepared that day. So one needs to approach this restaurant with an open mind and leave preconceptions at the door. As I mentioned earlier, the shared portions might not be enough for people with a higher caloric intake. If these are showstoppers, this is probably not the right place for you. I personally really enjoyed the concept and experience. I look forward to trying their dinner course and going to their workshops for things like making tamales.
… moreFinding parking during lunch time in downtown Los Altos was surprisingly difficult. There were no spots available on the Main Street, so I had to park in the lot behind the buildings. As I walked inside, I admired the high ceilings, curved alcoves and glass-enclosed dining room by the entrance. The entire space seemed to be illuminated by a central skylight.
Aaron is a co-owner of Tal Palo along with his partner, Chef Adriana. He greeted and complimented me on my Mikkeller Taipei t-shirt. Aaron told us he was once the co-owner of an Oakland bar specializing in Belgian ale called The Trappist and subsequently knew Mikkel’s brother, Jeppe, who founded Evil Twin Brewery quite well. It was cool to meet a fellow artist and Renaissance man. Fittingly, the beautiful space was largely designed by Aaron.
We had our choice of seating. It didn’t seem as if there were any two tables and chairs that were alike. Each part of the dining room was unique. There’s a really nice patio in the back with a cool huge mural on the wall that is undoubtedly popular during warmer months. We chose a nice broad two top table near the entrance, lit brightly by the skylight above it. Chef Adriana introduced herself and brought by what was essentially an elote muffin, and offered it as an optional appetizer. We took her up on it. It was delicious and buttery with the texture of corn kernels, not simply pureed into a batter. I also ordered a Cafe de Olla, which was pleasantly sweet and blended with cinnamon and spices.
She then brought a plate with skillfully prepared green salad. It was then clear that each dish was meant to be shared family-style. The portion-size of each dish is about the size of an individual portion, but there were three dishes included in the lunch course. I could see how this might be an issue for those who eat larger portions, leaving them unsatisfied. Me and my friend don’t generally eat a ton, so this was perfectly fine for us.
Next up was the highlight of the meal, Chilaquiles Verde. The egg was perfectly fried atop tortilla chips that still had a bit of crispness to them. The tomatillo salsa was a perfect balance of flavor, tanginess, spice and temperature. It was a superb dish that outpaces any chilaquiles that I’ve been able to find locally, and I’ve certainly been trying out many for the past six months in search of the best one. I think Chef Adriana’s version at Tal Palo may be the winner.
There was one more interesting dish remaining: fried quesadillas served with a creamy red beet mole sauce. The quesadillas were light and fluffy, made from masa rather than flour. The beet mole sauce had pine nuts and sesame seeds and several other ingredients blended into it. Very unique and creative rendition unlike any mole I had ever tried.
The overall experience at Tal Palo was very unique. There is no set menu, and you are served whatever Chef Adriana has prepared that day. So one needs to approach this restaurant with an open mind and leave preconceptions at the door. As I mentioned earlier, the shared portions might not be enough for people with a higher caloric intake. If these are showstoppers, this is probably not the right place for you. I personally really enjoyed the concept and experience. I look forward to trying their dinner course and going to their workshops for things like making tamales.
Coral Morales
I’m obsessed with this place! The decor is stunning and the owner is super sweet. Their Cafe de Olla is a MUST-TRY. Food portions were a bit small, and it was a tad pricey, but totally worth it. If you’re in the area, don’t miss out
… moreC. L.
Super super super disappointed!
DO NOT VISIT!
We two spent $110 only got: two small cups of granola yogurt, one small corn cake, one bowl of corn chips, a small plate of tomatoes, a drip coffee and a watermelon juice.
Well when the set menu was finished, I am surprised there is no protein other than one egg for 2 people, I asked the waitress if the meal is vegetarian. To my surprise, she told me yes! She never mentioned it when she walks us in and introducing the restaurant.
She said the chef does not cook meat because it is too much of work.
20% forced tips is ridiculous. We were set to a table in the backyard where they are preparing a big party for a baby. The waitress never asked us if we are okay sitting here.
With this sort of service, I guess if they don’t force people to pay 20% service fee, no one will pay a penny!
Save your money for much better food and services elsewhere!
Don’t come!
… moreDO NOT VISIT!
We two spent $110 only got: two small cups of granola yogurt, one small corn cake, one bowl of corn chips, a small plate of tomatoes, a drip coffee and a watermelon juice.
Well when the set menu was finished, I am surprised there is no protein other than one egg for 2 people, I asked the waitress if the meal is vegetarian. To my surprise, she told me yes! She never mentioned it when she walks us in and introducing the restaurant.
She said the chef does not cook meat because it is too much of work.
20% forced tips is ridiculous. We were set to a table in the backyard where they are preparing a big party for a baby. The waitress never asked us if we are okay sitting here.
With this sort of service, I guess if they don’t force people to pay 20% service fee, no one will pay a penny!
Save your money for much better food and services elsewhere!
Don’t come!
Amber Hung
Atmosphere is good, taste OK.
We’ve been told they are no Menu restaurant, which is Okay, so we asked what can we order.
She told us: A la cate from $9 to $35
Or the set menu, $35/ person and plus 20% tips.
We have 3 people, so we decided to go with the set menu. But somehow the food comes with 2 people portion, we have to share two corn bread and ONE cup of pudding.
We did raised our concerns, but she kept telling us- the food is scaled in the kitchen, we are family style so you gotta share.
I mean, I don’t mind to share, but this is so confusing. I’d rather you charge more and give me three of each dishes, or make it smaller.
And we are still hungry after this.
… moreWe’ve been told they are no Menu restaurant, which is Okay, so we asked what can we order.
She told us: A la cate from $9 to $35
Or the set menu, $35/ person and plus 20% tips.
We have 3 people, so we decided to go with the set menu. But somehow the food comes with 2 people portion, we have to share two corn bread and ONE cup of pudding.
We did raised our concerns, but she kept telling us- the food is scaled in the kitchen, we are family style so you gotta share.
I mean, I don’t mind to share, but this is so confusing. I’d rather you charge more and give me three of each dishes, or make it smaller.
And we are still hungry after this.
Terie Scerbo
We joined the mailing list for this amazing cafe, so we can plan to visit because we do not live or work close by. It was worth it. They organized a special dinner open to those on the mailing list. Signing up on a first-come-first-serve basis, the 4-course fixed menu was prepared with love, in keeping with the Valentine’s Day season. It was incredible! Gracious, delicious and so worth the trek. Thank you, Tal Palo and Chef “Mama”, for a magical experience!
We will try to make it for your normal cafe hours sometime soon.
… moreWe will try to make it for your normal cafe hours sometime soon.
Pedro Villar
No joke the BEST restaurant I’ve been in this country. Everything was perfectly portioned, incredibly well crafted, and surprisingly affordable. I’ve never seen friendlier and more attentive staff. Michelin restaurants got nothing on Tal Palo, we’ll be coming back many times over.
… moreMichelle Piasecki
Beautiful food in a beautiful space. There is no menu so each dish is a surprise and everything is absolutely delicious. The flavors are incredible and I love that almost everything is vegetarian. Perfectly portioned and beautifully plated—you can see that each dish is made with care and high quality ingredients. The cafe de olla is to die for as are the quesadillas, papas, and chilaquiles. There hasn’t been a dish I disliked! Everything is so delicious. Eat here. You’ll be so happy you did!
… moreMiguel Ozuna
I have to say.
Tal Palo, was the best dining experience I have ever had in the Bay Area.
The food was excellent.
The hospitality was even better. I have never had a conversation with a chef where they were genuinely interested in what we could and couldn’t eat due to food allergies. And they built the menu around that for the day for us.
It was the first time We ever went into a restaurant and had 1 of everything.
The chilaquiles were fried to the write amount of crisp with a sauce that was balanced well with the black beans.
The fried quesadillas were built to perfection with cheese for me and a Yerba Buena for my wife who eats dairy free.
The papas were purple and not too sweet but paired beautifully with this avacado salsa purée.
The salad came late but was a nice break from the bigger foods and had the right amount of leaves with cucumber.
And to top it off. That chicken apricot mole with nopales was the cherry on top to a perfect meal.
I had an iced latte. And my wife had the Jamaica and we left without a single bad thing. To say. And planning our next to trips back.
Absolutely amazing.
… moreTal Palo, was the best dining experience I have ever had in the Bay Area.
The food was excellent.
The hospitality was even better. I have never had a conversation with a chef where they were genuinely interested in what we could and couldn’t eat due to food allergies. And they built the menu around that for the day for us.
It was the first time We ever went into a restaurant and had 1 of everything.
The chilaquiles were fried to the write amount of crisp with a sauce that was balanced well with the black beans.
The fried quesadillas were built to perfection with cheese for me and a Yerba Buena for my wife who eats dairy free.
The papas were purple and not too sweet but paired beautifully with this avacado salsa purée.
The salad came late but was a nice break from the bigger foods and had the right amount of leaves with cucumber.
And to top it off. That chicken apricot mole with nopales was the cherry on top to a perfect meal.
I had an iced latte. And my wife had the Jamaica and we left without a single bad thing. To say. And planning our next to trips back.
Absolutely amazing.
Irene “MJ” Kim
[ Tal Palo has a very nice Green Beef Stew with small tortilla! ]
The restaurant charges a 20% extra meal fee to every table!
Beef stew makes a great meal, but the cactus salad is a little size. Of course, it’s the best choice if you’re on a diet. The cactus salad was refreshing in both texture and taste! (Salad 20.00USD, Stew 30.00USD)
There is no menu as it is a home kitchen where the menu changes all the time, but they are friendly and explain things well. Nice mood!
… moreThe restaurant charges a 20% extra meal fee to every table!
Beef stew makes a great meal, but the cactus salad is a little size. Of course, it’s the best choice if you’re on a diet. The cactus salad was refreshing in both texture and taste! (Salad 20.00USD, Stew 30.00USD)
There is no menu as it is a home kitchen where the menu changes all the time, but they are friendly and explain things well. Nice mood!
Dulce Garcia
Visited during soft opening…
Food: Just wow! Chilakillers (loaded chilaquiles) and sonoran tacos were perfection! The tamales were already sold out when we arrived around 1:30pm on Wednesday, otherwise we would have ordered those as well. That was all that was available food wise.
Drinks: Americano and oat latte frio were also great! Not a big drink menu, but I think just enough for someone to find something.
Ambiance/decor: Lovely! Great lighting, art, greenery etc. Not a lot of seating, so maybe think twice about bringing a large group. The community table we shared with another group maybe sat 6. Otherwise, I think just 2 person seatings.
Tienda: Not a lot, but some Mexican chocolate tablets, cool molcajetes, a few articles of cute kids clothing, from what I remember.
Really looking forward to visiting again! I’ll make sure to get there early, so I don’t miss out on any of the food, because it’s sure to all be delicious!
… moreFood: Just wow! Chilakillers (loaded chilaquiles) and sonoran tacos were perfection! The tamales were already sold out when we arrived around 1:30pm on Wednesday, otherwise we would have ordered those as well. That was all that was available food wise.
Drinks: Americano and oat latte frio were also great! Not a big drink menu, but I think just enough for someone to find something.
Ambiance/decor: Lovely! Great lighting, art, greenery etc. Not a lot of seating, so maybe think twice about bringing a large group. The community table we shared with another group maybe sat 6. Otherwise, I think just 2 person seatings.
Tienda: Not a lot, but some Mexican chocolate tablets, cool molcajetes, a few articles of cute kids clothing, from what I remember.
Really looking forward to visiting again! I’ll make sure to get there early, so I don’t miss out on any of the food, because it’s sure to all be delicious!