On a budget in Palo Alto….Buca Di Beppo(on Emerson) has a great atmosphere and family sized portions…..Also Italian, Osteria (on Hamilton) is a bit more classy, but still relatively inexpense…call ahead because of very limited seating.

For something a bit different…. Straits Cafe on El Camino is Singaporean Asian fusion is great, classy, and not terribly expensive ....Bill Clinton has eaten there…. Splurge on the Chili Crab… it is one of my favorite dishes worldwide.

Also, great Cuban food at La Bodegguita del Medio (also ~$15/per person) on California Ave….my favorite resturant in PA.

Some chains are not that bad either…. Cheesecake Factory (on University), PF Changs (near the Stanford Shopping Centre).