Posted by nola is good, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Sep 25, 2006 at 9:43 am

try Nola's...

Web Link

they have an outdoor area

Posted by Norbert, a resident of the College Terrace neighborhood, on Sep 25, 2006 at 12:09 pm

Try Menlo Park or Mountain View, unless you don't mind exposing your family to the throngs of homeless, indigent folks lining up along University Avenue begging for your change.... oh, that and the smell of urine.

Posted by Amy, a resident of the Old Palo Alto neighborhood, on Sep 25, 2006 at 12:32 pm

I love the patio at Il Fornaio on Cowper Street. They also have a couple of great private rooms.

Posted by Carroll, a resident of the Community Center neighborhood, on Sep 25, 2006 at 4:23 pm

I second Il Fornaio. Check on the Terrace Room upstairs. You might have to get it thru the Garden Court. Excellent food, nice atmosphere, terrific service!

Posted by David Cohen, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Sep 25, 2006 at 7:33 pm

Last year I organized an event at the Tied House in Mountain View - plenty of parking, decent prices and good food, flexible planning, and excellent(!) service. They have a private area in the back, and a side patio. We used the back room. I was a very satisfied customer. If cost is an issue and you want crowd-pleasing food rather than a gourmet, culinary experience, check it out.

Posted by Edith, a resident of the Barron Park neighborhood, on Sep 26, 2006 at 1:14 pm

If it is a daytime gathering / lunch event, try the fabulous restaurant at the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park. Best food, plenty of parking, beautiful garden setting, it is perfect! After lunch you can walk around in the gardens, visit some artist's studios and enjoy a picture perfect day.

Posted by Edith, a resident of the Barron Park neighborhood, on Sep 26, 2006 at 1:15 pm

If it is a daytime gathering / lunch event, try the fabulous restaurant at the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park. Best food, plenty of parking, beautiful garden setting, it is perfect! After lunch you can walk around in the gardens, visit some artist's studios and enjoy a picture perfect day.

Posted by Iberia, Menlo Park, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Sep 26, 2006 at 1:33 pm

Iberia in Menlo Park is excellent. They have a private room for 20-25 as well as outdoor area. It's pricey, but delish. Parking is right out front. There's a full bar, attentive service, it's a lovely setting & right near the train station, too.

Posted by Debbie Kurland, a resident of the Green Acres neighborhood, on Dec 1, 2006 at 6:39 am

We are having a family gathering and I have been wondering where to have this dinner. Great suggestions. Thank you all for taking the time to respond to this question. Debbie Kurland

Posted by ignatz, a resident of the Old Palo Alto neighborhood, on Sep 23, 2008 at 2:28 pm

Try St Michaels Alley. Great food, great service.