Posted by Midtown Guy, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Jul 28, 2010 at 9:47 am

As a somewhat irregular customer at the old Mint Leaf and the new Indochine, I can say that I have never had any issues with my kids (now 10 and 13, but much younger when we started going there) at these restaurants. I don't know who has had issues, but go check it out.

Posted by Mom, a member of the Duveneck School community, on Jul 28, 2010 at 10:17 am

Usually when I see postings about places being not child friendly, it's by parents who think their children have the right to scream, bang utensils and be disruptive. As a parent of three, I think such behavior is unacceptable, even if the child is a one year old or younger. And no, I am not a strict disciplinarian with rigid parenting practices. Kids should not be taken to restaurants if they cannot behave quietly. If a child is being disruptive, he/she should be taken outside immediately so the rest of the customers can enjoy their outing.

I have been taking my children to "adult" restaurants since they were young and we have received compliments on their behavior and our family unity. Yes, there have been times where one has been squirmy/hungry and taken outside but when dinner arrives is fine. The only downside is that now they all have refined palates.

Posted by where, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Jul 28, 2010 at 11:31 am

Where was this complaint posted?

Posted by teddy, a resident of Stanford, on Jul 28, 2010 at 11:36 am

There were numerous prior threads about how the owner of the former Mint Leaf (both when it was in Mid-town and the Downtown location) was unwelcoming to children. I ate there only once with my daughter (who is very well behaved in restaurants) and we got out of there as soon as possible to get away from the rude looks, stares and other behaviors. I only wished we had never sat down.

I think it is important that the owners of Indochine are publishing their new ownership and their welcoming of families because the prior treatment of families with children was widely discussed and known by many in the community.

Good luck to Indochine!

Posted by hope the food has improved, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Jul 28, 2010 at 11:43 am

I haven't been to Indochine yet, but I hope the food is better than the Mint Leaf. The food there was very Americanized and bland.

Posted by One Parent, a resident of the South of Midtown neighborhood, on Jul 28, 2010 at 5:16 pm

Don't know how they treat kids but the restaurant at that location used to serve an unbelievable Saigon Crepe. Then they took all the carbs out of it and it was awful. Anyone know if they have a good one now? I haven't been there since the owner told me it was just as good, when it wasn't.

Posted by mmmmMom, a resident of the Downtown North neighborhood, on Jul 30, 2010 at 9:08 am

Yes, the first incarnation of the restaurant (aka Mint Leaf - in both locations) was decidedly not welcoming to children. For that matter, I didn't think they were very friendly to adults, either!

The current restaurant, Indochine, is an incredibly friendly, pleasant place. My family (2 kids) loves the food, the ambiance, the people. The prices are also excellent, & they do not recoil from special orders. GREAT place!!

Posted by MidtownMom, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Aug 13, 2010 at 4:34 pm

We are regulars at Indochine ... it is very child friendly ! The menu has wonderful items for the kids - Chicken Satay rocks!

Posted by Mei Lin, a resident of the Professorville neighborhood, on Feb 28, 2011 at 6:19 pm

Indochine is my favorite restaurant in Mid town Palo Alto and their two mushroom dish is out of this world wonderful. They have wifi, they are always friendly, they look after their guests so warmly. Children are happy. This is a good place. With appreciation, Mei Lin

Posted by kmom, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on Apr 23, 2011 at 12:33 pm

I doubt I will ever return to this restaurant, because they were awfully unfriendly and there are so many other much more welcoming places in Palo Alto, kids or no kids.