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Italian restaurant in Palo Alto, California
What should I order at Cafe Pro Bono?
What to order
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🥇
Chocolate Cake
Recommended multiple times for being rich, chocolatey, and memorable enough to make one reviewer say it felt like heaven.
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🥈
Tiramisu
Mentioned as a delicious dessert and a perfect end to the meal.
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🥉
Pesto Gnocchi
Highlighted as superb, with a very delicious sauce that one reviewer said may have been the best they had ever had.
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4
Burrata Cheese
Included in a vegetarian meal that was described as heavenly and a real delicacy.
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5
Rigatoni
Called out as looking really good when ordered by a dining companion.
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6
Black Ink Pasta
Mentioned as a favorite dish by a regular diner.
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7
Polenta
Praised as a perfect appetizer with crisp edges and excellent texture.
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8
Shrimp
Recommended as part of the appetizer course for being tasty and perfectly cooked.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 to 9:45 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 to 9:45 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 to 9:45 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 to 9:45 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 to 9:45 PM |
| Saturday | 5 to 9:45 PM |
| Sunday | 5 to 9 PM |
About Cafe Pro Bono
This relaxed Italian eatery with a long wine list serves traditional dishes on white tablecloths.
Amenities
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking garage
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked
What is Cafe Pro Bono known for?
It is especially known for its homemade pasta, including fresh gnocchi, rigatoni, and tagliatelle alla Pro Bono. Reviewers also frequently mention the braised short ribs and desserts like tiramisu and the warm apple & pistachio torta, along with consistently strong service and a long wine list.
What dishes are most recommended at Cafe Pro Bono?
The most often recommended dishes include the rigatoni, pesto gnocchi, Tagliatelle alla Pro Bono, and braised short ribs. Reviews also call out the beef carpaccio, polenta and shrimp appetizer, chocolate cake, panna cotta, and warm apple & pistachio torta as standouts.
What is the atmosphere like at Cafe Pro Bono?
The atmosphere is cozy, quiet, and classic, with white tablecloths, a romantic and upscale feel, and outdoor seating available. Reviewers say it suits business lunches, casual friend meetups, special dates, and larger groups because the service is attentive and the dining room feels relaxed rather than rushed.
Is Cafe Pro Bono good value, and what is the price range?
Cafe Pro Bono is priced at $30 to $80, and reviewers describe it as a bit pricey but worth it for the food, service, and atmosphere. People specifically mention that the pasta, desserts, and wine pairings make the meal feel worthwhile, especially for special lunches or dinners in Palo Alto.
When is the best time to visit Cafe Pro Bono?
Reviews suggest it is a reliable choice for both lunch and dinner, with some diners returning multiple times in the same week because the quality stays consistent. Dinner reservations are recommended, and the outdoor parklet and spaced indoor seating make it a practical option when the restaurant is busy.
Is parking available at Cafe Pro Bono?
Yes. Free parking garage, Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Cafe Pro Bono have vegetarian options?
Yes, Cafe Pro Bono offers vegetarian options.
