Ethels Fancy - Palo Alto (CA)

5 /5 Bruce S.: I dont leave a lot of 5 star reviews, but Ethels Fancy deserves it imo! We went to celebrate our anniversary. Though the reservations were all taken, we were able to sit at the bar, which was fine with us. I have to say that all the staff were friendly and attentive. Diane, the bartender, was really nice, and she made cocktails at an amazing speed, and she was smiling the whole time. We drank Lambrusco di Sorbara with our meal that was really good! Wow, our dinner was absolutely amazing! The way the food is plated is beautiful!Everything that we ate was unique, cooked & flavored perfectly, and delicious! We had the Warm Sesame Pancakes, Coconut Fritters, Crispy Pork Belly, "Salt & Pepper" Spanish Octopus, and Grilled Local Black Cod, "Teriyaki ". We like that everything is shareable. For dessert, we were given a delicate corn pudding for our anniversary that was so good! Mickey, the GM, came over and greeted us, and he was so friendly. We were also lucky enough to meet Chef Scott, and briefly chat, hes extremely nice. Since Chef Scott is from Maui, we could see that his staff is treated like Ohana. We will definitely be back soon!

5 /5 Vicente Baamonde: This restaurant is a true standout for anyone who appreciates creative cuisine in a stylish, welcoming setting. The ambience is modern yet cozy, with a warm atmosphere that makes it perfect for a relaxed evening or a special occasion. Every detail, from the decor to the plating, feels carefully thought out. The food was impressive across the board. The oysters were incredibly fresh and bright, and the swordfish was a real star, perfectly cooked with flavors that felt both bold and balanced. The Salt and Pepper Spanish Octopus deserves special mention. It was beautifully presented and cooked to perfection, tender, flavorful, and paired with unique elements like persimmon and fermented napa cabbage that added depth and complexity. It’s clear the kitchen puts a lot of care into crafting dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious. If you’re looking for a place that combines high-quality ingredients, inventive flavors, and a great vibe, this is absolutely worth a visit. I’d recommend it without hesitation, you’ll leave impressed and wanting to come back.

5 /5 Scarlet Esho: A Truly Exceptional Dining Experience at Ethel’s Fancy! Our group had an absolutely incredible evening at Ethel’s Fancy in Palo Alto! None of us are local to the area, and it was our first time dining here, but it certainly won’t be our last. From the moment we arrived, the general manager, Mickey, went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. He graciously accommodated a few of our last-minute requests and took the time to recommend wine pairings that turned out to be spot on. My clients were thoroughly impressed! The food was nothing short of outstanding. The milk bread is an absolute must! We shared a variety of dishes, including the crudo, pork belly, sesame pancakes, duck, and striploin. Each dish was beautifully presented and we reordered additional plates….yes, they were that good! We couldn’t resist trying every dessert on the menu, and every bite was a showstopper. The service was exceptional and that’s truly an understatement. The team anticipated our needs at every turn, bringing fresh plates and utensils with each round of dishes. The ambiance was spectacular and comfortable, with an energy that’s welcoming. If you’re anywhere near Palo Alto, do yourself a favor and dine at Ethel’s Fancy! It’s a gem in every way, and we’ll be coming back every opportunity we get!

5 /5 Elizabeth Yeh: Ethels Fancy was one of my absolute favorite dining experiences in 2025. My girlfriends and I went there on a summer evening, and the meal was full of delight, creativity, and just the right touch of elegance. We tried a variety of dishes to share Milk Bread with Creamy Butter & Sea Salt - Such a simple but perfect start. The bread was soft and pillowy, and the butter + salty finish made it irresistible. Warm Sesame Pancakes - These were delightful. It tasted like a warm hug. They paired beautifully with halibut and a spicy chili spread. Yellowfin Tuna on Koshihikari Rice - The rice instantly transported me back to Kyoto. The tuna and smoked ikura were so fresh. Kampachi Crudo - Refreshing and delicate. The radish added brightness, and the crunchy cracker underneath gave a lovely contrast in texture. Coconut Fritter with Salmon - Such a creative twist, almost like a nigiri but playful and indulgent. Crispy Pork Belly - Rich and seared to perfection with a great balance of fat and meat. Unique pairing with burrata. Note that this dish is on a richer side. Yuzu Kosho Glazed North Pacific Halibut - One of my favorite bites of the night. The halibut was so delicate, it practically melted in my mouth, and the yuzu kosho glaze added just the right zing. Corn Ice Cream - A little on the sweet side, but I appreciated how unique it was. You could really taste the corn. Overall, I had a great experience and I cant wait to visit again!

5 /5 Susie Wang: We came here to celebrate my birthday, and we both agreed it’s hands down the best restaurant in the South Bay. Everything was exquisite—especially the octopus and swordfish—but truly, every dish was outstanding. The staff were warm, attentive, and made the entire experience memorable. We’ll definitely be back soon.