Seemor
Tamarine Restaurant & GalleryAMust Try
546 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
· Vietnamese restaurant, Bar, Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1638 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Polished, contemporary Vietnamese with creative twists, excellent cocktails, and strong service in an upscale setting—pricey, sweet-leaning flavors, and noise/crowding at peak times.
Why it gets an A for overall quality
Tamarine Restaurant & Gallery ranks among Palo Alto's finest dining establishments through exceptional food quality anchored by signature dishes like clay pot cod and shaking beef, paired with polished, attentive service. The striking gallery-inspired setting with contemporary design elevates the experience, though occasional sweetness in sauces and tight table spacing prevent perfection. Upscale Vietnamese fusion executed with consistent excellence and destination appeal.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels sleek and artful, a gallery-like space where orchids and canvases frame polished service. Guests describe dishes arriving like little sculptures and note, "We could talk easily until a large party raised the volume." At peak, it can feel lively and compressed, but staff usually keep things moving with professional grace. The culinary approach leans contemporary and fusion-minded: Vietnamese foundations with creative accents like miso tahini, blue crab nori tacos, and Parmesan-laced noodles. Fans rave about clay pot cod, shaking beef, and tiger prawns with garlic noodles, while detractors cite sweet-leaning sauces or occasional texture misses. If you enjoy modern twists and a premium feel, this is an upscale fit. For families, there are approachable options like jasmine rice, coconut rice, garlic noodles, and milder chicken curries, but the menu skews adventurous and rich. There is no explicit kids menu, portions are refined, and prices are high—great for special family nights but picky eaters may prefer simpler spots. Consider earlier seatings for a calmer room and to keep choices kid-friendly.
At a Glance
- Elegant gallery ambiance with polished service
- Standouts include clay pot cod, shaking beef, and garlic noodles
- Sweet-leaning sauces may not suit all palates
- Tight table spacing and louder peak periods
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- gallery-integrated dining room
- contemporary Vietnamese with fusion flourishes
- strong cocktail program
What People Love
- Refined Vietnamese flavors with modern flair
- Signature clay pot cod and tiger prawns noodles
- Sophisticated cocktails and attentive bar team
- Art-lined dining room that feels special
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely high (mains $28-$50) and surcharges apply
- Some dishes skew sweet; a few texture/seasoning inconsistencies
- Tables can feel tightly spaced; noise rises with large parties
- Group policies may require prix fixe; confirm when booking
- Review patterns show signs of polished language in a few posts but no strong manipulation indicators
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$72-98 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For spice-averse diners, choose Five Spice Chicken with coconut rice
- Vegetarians: Seared King Mushrooms or Harvest Salad pair well with Empress Rice
- Seafood lovers: Lemongrass Sea Bass or Crab & Glass Noodles
Perfect For
- Client lunches and executive dinners
- Date nights with craft cocktails
- Celebrations where ambiance matters
- Team tasting menus and pre-fixe group events
Location Insights
Area: Affluent tech-and-student downtown with boutiques and venture/office traffic; business lunches and celebratory dinners common.
Safety: Well-lit, busy, generally safe with steady evening foot traffic.
Nearby: Near Stanford, offices, galleries, and bars; garages and street parking within short walk.
Downtown Palo AltoThe dining scene in Downtown Palo Alto is diverse and upscale, featuring a mix of trendy cafes, fine dining restaurants, and casual eateries. The area is lively with a mix of business lunches, casual dinners, and weekend brunch crowds, reflecting the affluent and educated demographic. It is safe, walkable, and well-served by public transit.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:00
Tuesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:00
Wednesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:00
Thursday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:00
Friday11:30–14:30, 17:00–21:30
Saturday17:00–21:30
Sunday17:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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