1. Urban Plates

Casual Healthy Dining in Santana Row

Located inside Santana Row, Urban Plates is one of the most accessible and versatile dining options in the area. Santana Row itself is an open-air lifestyle shopping district filled with mid-to-high-end retail stores, restaurants, and cafes. Urban Plates fits seamlessly into this setting with its outdoor seating that overlooks the lively, sunlit park in the mall.

Urban Plates Menu

Urban Plates operates on a “build-your-own plate” concept. You choose a main protein and pair it with two sides, which makes it easy to customize your meal depending on your mood or dietary preference. The menu is quite extensive, ranging from steak and seafood to plant-based options, along with soups, sandwiches and burgers.

Chimichurri Grass-Fed Steak Plate
(with Caesar Salad, Mac&Cheese)

The thinly sliced steak was cooked to medium-well doneness, with a smoky char on the outside that added both texture and depth. The chimichurri sauce brought a bright, herbaceous contrast, cutting through the richness of the meat with notes of parsley and garlic.

Grilled Organic Tofu with Chili Glaze
(with Harissa Lime Cauliflower & Herb Roasted Marble Potatoes)

The grilled tofu was coated in a sweet and spicy gochujang-based chili glaze. The balanced mix of sweet, savory, and spicy flavor was addictive. On the side, the harissa lime cauliflower had a soft roasted texture, while the harissa added a smoky, curry-like spice that was lifted by a hint of citrus.

Seafood Chowder

The seafood chowder was a creamy soup filled with shrimp, sea bass, bacon, potatoes, and vegetables. The base was rich and comforting while the seafood and the bacon added extra depth and savor.

2. Olive Garden

Classic American-Italian Comfort Food at Great Mall

Olive Garden is located inside Great Mall, one of the largest outlet-style shopping centers in the area. Compared to Santana Row, Great Mall feels more practical and budget-friendly, and Olive Garden fits perfectly into that environment as a casual, value-driven family restaurant.

Olive Garden Menu

The menu is extensive, covering everything from appetizers and soups to pasta, entrées, and desserts. One of the most distinctive features is that all entrées come with a never-ending first course of soup or salad, along with their signature breadsticks. Another memorable touch is the tableside grated cheese service, where servers generously shave parmesan over your dish until you say stop.

Shrimp Scampi

The shrimp scampi had a rich garlic flavor, and the combination of shrimp with angel hair pasta created a light yet savory dish. The asparagus added a subtle crunch along with a fresh herbaceous note that helped balance the richness.

Cheese Ravioli (Lighter Portion)

The ravioli itself was soft and filled with a creamy cheese mixture, and the marinara sauce brought a fresh, slightly tangy flavor that balanced the richness of the cheese. Choosing the lighter portion turned out to be a good decision, especially considering that even the ligher portion comes with a generous first course.

3. Oren’s Hummus

Mediterranean Food in Cupertino

The next spot is located in Main Street Cupertino, a shopping and dining complex that feels organized and slightly quieter compared to Santana Row. Oren’s Hummus is a reliable dining spot within the complex, with plenty of seating both indoor and outdoor. When I visited during a weekday lunch, it was surprisingly quiet, which made for a relaxed dining experience.

Oren’s Hummus Menu

Originally founded in Palo Alto, Oren’s Hummus has since expanded across the bay Area. The restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, with a strong focus on hummus-based dishes, pita, and vegetable-forward plates. Their menu offers a good mix of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, making it a great choice for health-conscious diners.

Hummus Cauliflower

The hummus options ranged from classic to more unique variations like eggplant, chicken and beef, but I decided to go with the cauliflower version. The hummus itself was exceptionally smooth and rich, with a deep nutty flavor while the roasted cauliflower added a soft texture. The hummus paired especially well with the warm pita bread, which was soft and slightly chewy.

One unique element was the addition of raisins, which introduced occasional bursts of sweetness. While it added contrast in both flavor and texture, I personally would’ve preferred it without them.

Pita Falafel Sandwich

Wrapped in warm pita, the sandwich is layered with freshly made crispy falafel, vegetables, along with creamy sauces that bring everything together. Of course the hummus plays a central role, adding a smooth, rich base that contrasts nicely with the crisp falafel.

4. Pacific Catch

Casual Seafood at Santa Clara Square

Pacific Catch focuses on seafood bowls, tacos, and seafood plates, often with Asian and Hawaiian influences. I went to a branch in Santa Clara Square, a relatively new mall with a mix of offices, apartments and restaurants, giving it a more casual and local feel. When I visited at around 6pm on a weekday, I noticed a lot of after-work diners gathered in groups. I walked in without a reservation and the indoor tables were already full, showing the restaurant’s popularity.

Pacific Catch Menu

Cabo Calamari

The lightly battered calamari was crispy and well-seasoned, with the chipotle aioli adding a subtle smoky kick. It was a solid appetizer to share.

Japanese Wasabi Poke Bowl (Regular Size)

I chose the regular size for the poke bowl, which turned out to be much larger than expected so I think the small size would’ve been sufficient for me. The bowl itself was fresh and well-balanced, with fresh avocado & tuna, wakame, and a soy-wasabi dressing that added a nice punch.

5. True Food Kitchen

Healthy Dining at Stanford Shopping Center

True Food Kitchen is located inside Stanford Shopping Center, an upscale open-air mall known for its luxury brands and beautifully maintained environment. The dishes here focus on globally inspired brunch dishes using fresh seasonal ingredients. The overall concept feels quite similar to Urban Plates as both focus on Cali-style healthy dining, but I personally found True Food Kitchen to be more refined in both flavor and ambiance.

True Food Kitchen Menu

Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl

Built on a base of quinoa and brown rice, the vegetables (broccoli, rainbow carrots, bok choy, and snap peas) add both color and a range of textures while the pickled shiitake mushrooms introduce a gentle tang. The teriyaki sauce offers just enough sweetness and umami to tie everything together without covering the natural flavors.

Ancient Grain Bowl

This dish was particularly impressive, combining a variety of textures and ingredients in a way that felt both nourishing and satisfying. The miso sesame-glazed sweet potatoes introduce a subtle sweetness with a slightly savory edge. And what really ties everything together is the pistachio pesto, coating the grains and vegetables with a nutty depth.

Grass-Fed Burger

The grass-fed burger leans more indulgent but still reflects the brand’s healthy identity. The juicy patty pairs well with roasted wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, parmesan and arugula. There’s a depth of flavor from the mushrooms and umami sauce, while the freshness of the greens makes it feel lighter than a traditional burger.

6. Telefèric Barcelona Palo Alto

Spanish Tapas & Paella in Palo Alto

Located in Town & Country Village near Stanford University, Telefèric Barcelona offers a more upscale and lively dining experience centered around Spanish tapas and paella. The restaurant has a vibrant atmosphere, making it a great choice for dinner especially if you’re looking for something a bit more special during your trip.

Telefèric Barcelona Menu

Wagyu Empanadas

The delicate leaf-shaped parmesan crackers on top add both a savory crispness and an artistic touch. The filling is built around slow-cooked wagyu beef with a deep richness, but what really stands out is the addition of beef tartare that introduces a soft & chewy texture.

Crab Croquetas

The crab croquetas also has a modern, layered presentation. The interior is creamy and rich with a delicate crab flavor, while the outer shell provides just enough crispness. The addition of tuna sashimi and a lightly spicy sauce on top introduces a combination of warm and cool elements that gives the dish a more unique touch.

Cali-Flower

This was my favorite dish of the day. The cauliflower is fried until deeply crisp, to the point where it takes on a texture that feels more like tater tots. Paired with romesco sauce which brings a smoky & creamy depth, the dish becomes far more complex than expected. It was a comforting yet unexpectedly addictive dish ideal for sharing.

Paella Negra

The squid ink gives the rice a deep, briny richness, while the seafood adds layers of texture and sweetness. The rice itself is well-executed, with a slight firmness and a crisp layer at the bottom. Paellas are definitely a must-try at Teleferic; while it does take longer to prepare, the depth of flavor makes it worth the wait 👍👍