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User Rating: 35 out of 5 stars (30 ratings)

LAVANDA Restaurant and Wine Bar

185 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Get directions Cross Streets: Between Emerson St and High St
37.444578 -122.163154
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About:Located in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, Lavanda invites all that enjoy fine wine and Mediterranean Italian cuisine to come and see this beautifully renovated restaurant. Diners discover simple dishes made with the finest ingredients. Fresh seafood, homemade pastas and an assortment of high-quality poultry and game dishes are easily paired with over 600 wines, including close to 30 selections by the glass. The elegance of the food and wine parallel the charm of Lavanda's open-spaced atmosphere, encouraging a relaxed but exceptional dining experience. Hailed as one of San Francisco Magazine's Top Restaurants in the Bay Area, Lavanda has also been recently awarded Wine Spectator's prestigious Award of Excellence.
Hours:Lunch Mon.-Sat., Dinner nightly
Categories:Continental Restaurants, All Bars, Pubs, & Clubs, Mediterranean Restaurants, Restaurants, Italian Restaurants, Tapas Restaurants
Parking:Street Parking
Payment:MasterCard, Visa, American Express
Wi-Fi Hotspot:AnchorFree Wireless (ssid=AnchorFree, Intel Centrino)
Chef:Clyde Griesbach
Cuisine:Italian, Mediterranean, Tapas
Ambiance:Elegant
Feature:Bar, Private Rooms, Entertainment, Great Wine List, Take Out
Reservations Policy:Suggested
Dress Code:Casual Dress
Price:$10.95
Other Contact Info:Email: lavandarestaurant@sbcglobal.net
Recent Reviews 1-3 of 22 Write a review
  1. User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    by Fr. Michael Callahan
    12/04/2008
    I a word -- Wow!

    I've been to Lavanda twice now for dinner. Each time both the food and service were exceptional.

    Chef Armando (Tiny) Mayes is a culinary genius. This is not the place to go if you are just looking for run-of-the-mill familiar selections. What you will find at Lavanda is ever-changing menus of freshly created selections that are not overly complicated yet tantalize the pallet.

    My current favorite on the menu has to be the sea bass, which was served with a yellow corn sauce. The fish was cooked to perfection. The sauce was bright colored, but the flavor was subtle enough to compliment the entre.

    Our party also shared several "Small Tastes" including the risotto fritters, sardines and heirloom tomatoes. To a person, we each enjoyed our evening fare. All the deserts we shared were extraordinary. From the Chocolate cake to the house-made sorbets you won't be disappointed.

    Chris was an excellent and attentive server, as was BJ the time before. For my money you would be hard pressed to find an establishment in downtown Palo Alto that offers a better dining experience.

    Good eating...
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  2. User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    by lola101010
    10/18/2008
    Very nice restaurant! Perfect for a romantic date, to private parties, to business meetings, and to a fun time at the bar. WONDERFUL selection of wine- that is why you want to go. The food is delicious. I adore all the pastas and seafood from the seasonings to sauces. The deserts are to die for too. This is the place you want to go to. It is casual yet elegant. The service is wonderful too. The servers sure know what they are talking about with the wine and food selection. Atmosphere is very warm and comforting. It is worth the money and you have such a nice and relaxing evening!
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  3. User Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    by alex g
    09/17/2008
    Nice place but really not worth its price. If you dont mind 25$ steak that should be more like 15-20$ then this is your place since the env is really nice and it's located in a great place in uni ave.
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Reviews 1-3 of 22 View 10 at a time Show All

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Palo Alto City Guide > Food & Dining > Restaurants > Continental > LAVANDA Restaurant and Wine Bar