Ambiance

Since 1977, Palo Alto has been blessed with the Cuban-style atmosphere of La Bodeguita del Medio. With the tropical feel, sweet rum cocktails and rich cigars of this friendly bar and restaurant, you'll feel like you are dining out in Havana. Their steak and seafood completes the package of a wonderful evening. 463 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-326-7762; labodeguita.com

Ambiance

Hall of Fame: Third Year

A bustling downtown Palo Alto venue in which to see and be seen, Evvia Estiatorio has been voted tops in "ambiance" so many times it's a Weekly Hall of Famer. With crisp white tablecloths, rustic wooden chairs, hanging copper pots and a Greek menu to die for, Evvia feels both comfortable and elegant. And never underestimate the olfactory factor: The aromas from the wood-fired ovens provide another "sense" that you're in a special place. 420 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650-326-0982; evvia.net

Bar/Lounge

Since 1977, Palo Alto has been blessed with the Cuban-style atmosphere of La Bodeguita del Medio. With the tropical feel, sweet rum cocktails and rich cigars of this friendly bar and restaurant, you'll feel like you are dining out in Havana. Their steak and seafood completes the package of a wonderful evening. 463 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-326-7762; labodeguita.com

California Cuisine

Calafia Cafe & Market a Go Go won big this year, taking three Best Of titles: California Cuisine, Solo Dining and Fusion. The restaurant is headed up by Charlie Ayers, previously Google's chef. Calafia is "the manifestation of my long-term vision to 'go public' with the concept I created at Google," Ayers writes on the restaurant's website. Remnants of his techie past are visible at the restaurant, where patrons can order and pay from a digital menu called "Presto." With the touch of your finger, you can order crispy pork belly buns, a crimson quinoa salad or a half-pound Calafia burger. 130 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 650-322-9200; calafiapaloalto.com

Chinese Restaurant

From its signature, and truly famous, "Famous Chicken Salad" with its shredded chicken, hot mustard and cilantro, to its Rainbow Calamari in a light wine sauce, Chef Chu's has well earned the accolades posted on its website, from such luminaries as former Secretary of State George Schultz and former 49ers quarterback Steve Young. Good food, good ambiance, good fun. 1067 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, 650-948-2696; www.chefchu.com

Coffee house

A San Francisco original, Philz Coffee got its start in humble beginnings, with Phil Jaber searching to create that perfect cup by experimenting on customers at his corner grocery store. A pioneer of the "slow coffee" movement, each cup is individually crafted from specialty beans. It might take up to five minutes from grind to cup, but patrons say it's worth the wait. 101 Forest Ave., Palo Alto, 650-321-2161; 3191 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-251-9798; www.philzcoffee.com

Dining With Kids

If you're looking for a place to take the family out, look no further than Palo Alto's California Pizza Kitchen, where you'll be greeted by the smell of baking pizza and crayons for the kids. Also known as CPK for short, the pizza place offers a lot more than just hand-tossed dough. Salads, pasta and fish complement the menu, and a well-apportioned kids menu makes it easy to find what your youngsters want. The fun atmosphere and mix of booth and table seating makes it the perfect place for a family night out. 531 Cowper St., Palo Alto, 650-323-7332; 180 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-325-2753; cpk.com

French Restaurant

This charming bistro aims to bring the flavor of South France to California Avenue and according to our readers, it succeeds with gusto. Pastis' extensive brunch and dinner menus include a generous heap of mouth-watering French-style offerings: the Quiche Lorraine, the Croque Monsieur and the quarter-pound Pastis Burger, topped with bleu d'Auvergne cheese. Needless to say, the restaurant also features an extensive wine collection, with selections ranging from Napa Valley to Sauvignon. Merci, Merci, me! 447 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-324-1355; pastispaloalto.com

Fusion

Calafia Cafe & Market a Go Go won big this year, taking three Best Of titles: California Cuisine, Solo Dining and Fusion. The restaurant is headed up by Charlie Ayers, previously Google's chef. Calafia is "the manifestation of my long-term vision to 'go public' with the concept I created at Google," Ayers writes on the restaurant's website. Remnants of his techie past are visible at the restaurant, where patrons can order and pay from a digital menu called "Presto." With the touch of your finger, you can order crispy pork belly buns, a crimson quinoa salad or a half-pound Calafia burger. 130 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 650-322-9200; calafiapaloalto.com

Fusion

Hall of Fame: First Year

At Tamarine, food and family are one. Their shared plates of lemongrass bass, Tamarine prawns and more exemplify the "family-style" Vietnamese tradition that this restaurant strives for. Their innovative and cutting-edge cuisine creates the full dining experience equipped with an enticing aroma, beautiful decor and sophisticated taste. Tamarine's chefs are continuously in creative mode but also tied to the nostalgia of the Vietnamese tradition. 546 University Ave, Palo Alto, 650-325-8500; tamarinerestaurant.com

Indian Restaurant

When it opened a location in Palo Alto in 2011, Amber India was already well known by critics and foodies alike. Amber India offers up an exquisite variety of new-age Indian and classic dishes, such as naan with goat cheese and cashews, tandoori chicken, duck vindaloo and chicken biryani. With options and Amber India's use of premium ingredients, there is no place better for a taste of India. 150 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-329-9644; amber-india.com

Italian Restaurant

Ciao Down! Whether you're looking for a romantic dining spot or a place for long lunch meeting or brisk brunch you'll always have some tasty Italian treats to enjoy with your company at Il Fornaio. Freshly made pasta including a gluten-free variant butternut squash ravioli and freshly baked pizzas are just a few of the fan favorites at this returning Best Of winner. Il Fornaio also has seasonal regional menus each with fare from a different area of Italy. 520 Cowper St., Palo Alto, 650-853-3888; ilfornaio.com

Latin American Cuisine

Since 1977, Palo Alto has been blessed with the Cuban-style atmosphere of La Bodeguita del Medio. With the tropical feel, sweet rum cocktails and rich cigars of this friendly bar and restaurant, you'll feel like you are dining out in Havana. Their steak and seafood completes the package of a wonderful evening. 463 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-326-7762; labodeguita.com

Meal Under $20

Affordable, good-for-you fare is the mantra at LYFE Kitchen, where entrees like pea and carrot risotto and Tal's ancient grain bowl sell for under $12. The garden-heavy menu and vegan options propelled this two-year-old downtown establishment to be the top pick for best vegetarian restaurant, even though LYFE's menu also offers options for carnivores. President and CEO Mike Roberts, who formerly led more than 31,000 McDonald's restaurants in 118 countries, knows a thing or two about inexpensive food. 167 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-325-5933; lyfekitchen.com

Mediterranean Restaurant

For an authentic Middle-Eastern meal, Mediterranean Wraps is the place to go. Since 1997, this family-owned business has offered simple and healthy falafel wraps, shawermas and hummus plates. You can find them on California Avenue, University Avenue or at your own event through their catering business. 425 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-321-8189; 209 University Ave., 650-289-0866; kanzeman.com

Mediterranean Restaurant

Hall of Fame: Third Year

A bustling downtown Palo Alto venue in which to see and be seen, Evvia Estiatorio has been voted tops in "ambiance" so many times it's a Weekly Hall of Famer. With crisp white tablecloths, rustic wooden chairs, hanging copper pots and a Greek menu to die for, Evvia feels both comfortable and elegant. And never underestimate the olfactory factor: The aromas from the wood-fired ovens provide another "sense" that you're in a special place. 420 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650-326-0982; evvia.net

Mexican Restaurant

The upscale dining experience at Reposado is a long way from run-down taquerias where most of the food arrives in tin foil. Instead, the smells of spicy chicken mole and grilled lobster waft through the brilliantly colored, spacious interior. Add to that a huge variety of delicious wines and tequilas, and you get a great location for dates or nights out with friends and family. 236 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-833-3151; reposadorestaurant.com

New Restaurant

Only two restaurants in California can boast that they serve Neapolitan pizza with a VPN (Associazone Verace Pizza Napolitana) from the Italian government, and Palo Alto's Terrone is one of them. Needless to say, they know a thing or two about pizza. Terrone serves up traditional Italian pizza, using a brick domed oven emblazoned with "Terrone" in white tile that can get as hot as 900 degrees, cooking the pies in 60 seconds or less. Terrone also serves up many salads, small plates created from seasonal and local produce, homemade pastas and a range of entrees. 448 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-847-7577; terronepizza.com

Outdoor Dining

After splitting the title with Cafe Borrone last year, voters have deemed Caffe Riace the best place to eat a meal outside. The Italian restaurant flaunts a classy European flavor that can be felt in the ambiance of the outdoor patio dining area. Along with the authentic Sicilian menu and the beautiful Palo Alto weather, Caffe Riace is a winner. 200 Sheridan Ave, Palo Alto, 650-328-0407; cafferiace.com

Restaurant to Splurge (TIE)

At Tamarine, food and family are one. Their shared plates of lemongrass bass, Tamarine prawns and more exemplify the "family-style" Vietnamese tradition that this restaurant strives for. Their innovative and cutting-edge cuisine creates the full dining experience equipped with an enticing aroma, beautiful decor and sophisticated taste. Tamarine's chefs are continuously in creative mode but also tied to the nostalgia of the Vietnamese tradition. 546 University Ave, Palo Alto, 650-325-8500; tamarinerestaurant.com

Count on local, organic cooking diva Jesse Cool to deliver the perfect cozy-yet-sophisticated setting at Flea Street Café, this year's pick for Most Romantic Restaurant. The decades-old establishment on Alameda de las Pulgas in Menlo Park was serving fresh, in-season, organic ingredients way before it became trendy. Cool's vision and persistence have paid off in her local empire of three restaurants, a catering company and seven cookbooks. 3607 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, 650-854-1226; cooleatz.com/flea-st-cafe

Romantic Restaurant

Flea Street Café, this year's pick for Most Romantic Restaurant. The decades-old establishment on Alameda de las Pulgas in Menlo Park was serving fresh, in-season, organic ingredients way before it became trendy. Cool's vision and persistence have paid off in her local empire of three restaurants, a catering company and seven cookbooks. 3607 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, 650-854-1226; cooleatz.com/flea-st-cafe

Solo Dining

Calafia Cafe & Market a Go Go won big this year, taking three Best Of titles: California Cuisine, Solo Dining and Fusion. The restaurant is headed up by Charlie Ayers, previously Google's chef. Calafia is "the manifestation of my long-term vision to 'go public' with the concept I created at Google," Ayers writes on the restaurant's website. Remnants of his techie past are visible at the restaurant, where patrons can order and pay from a digital menu called "Presto." With the touch of your finger, you can order crispy pork belly buns, a crimson quinoa salad or a half-pound Calafia burger. 130 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 650-322-9200; calafiapaloalto.com

Sports Bar

The plasma televisions, the peanut shells, the pool table and the patio called "The Duck Blind" make this burger-and-beer joint one of Menlo Park's iconic hot spots. For more than 45 years, the Dutch Goose's deviled eggs, 12 cold beers and jukebox have won over the hearts of their loyal customers. On top of all that, its welcoming atmosphere serves as a perfect choice for your Little League parties, family reunions, college hangouts and more. 3567 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, 650-854-3245; dutchgoose.net

Sports

Hall of Fame: Second Year

Want to stop for a cold one and catch the game? The Old Pro, the returning champion for sports bars in the Palo Alto area is the clear choice. Its tasty selection of beers and wines are complemented by a handful of sippable specialty cocktails, but there's a ton of tasty foods to try that go beyond the normal sports bar fare from Thai chili hot wings to pork belly pizza. Plus, there's a mechanical bull; who couldn't like that? 541 Ramona St., Palo Alto, 650-326-1446; oldpropa.com

Sunday Brunch

The intimate setting and delicious fare at Saint Michael's Alley makes it a prime place to enjoy time with loved ones. It's equally good as a place to enjoy roasted salmon and wine with that special person or try creamy eggs Benedict, pancakes and carafes of mimosas at a sunny brunch with friends. St. Michael's Alley has repeatedly earned top marks with readers for years as a romantic restaurant and as a spot for Sunday brunch.140 Homer Ave., Palo Alto, 650-326-2530; stmikes.com

Sushi/Japanese Restaurant

It's no wonder that Fuki Sushi has almost 70,000 likes on Facebook and took this year's Best Sushi/Japanese Restaurant Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had the Palo Alto restaurant cater his private wedding ceremony in May of last year (and even had a Fuki Sushi branch installed on Facebook's new Menlo Park campus). Fuki Sushi, which opened in 1978, has an extensive menu from appetizers (beef asparagus roll anyone?) to nigiri sushi, sashimi, rolls and entrees. Thirsty sushi-goers can also indulge in Fuki Sushi's cocktail menu, whiskey list, sho chu or liquid dessert menu. 4119 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-494-9383; fukisushi.com

Thai Restaurant

Get your Pad See-ew fix at Palo Alto's new favorite Thai restaurant, Bangkok Cuisine. Located one block away from University Avenue, the restaurant boasts a cozy atmosphere, ambient outdoor seating and an extensive vegetarian menu. 407 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-322-6533; bangkokpaloalto.com

Hall of Fame: Third Year

The relaxing dining experience and Pan-Asian cuisine of Thaiphoon has launched it to the Hall of Fame status. With options of Indian and Chinese dishes along with its Thai specialties, you can get a wonderful taste of different worlds in one sitting. Yet the champion restaurant resists the "fusion" label, highlighting the purity of each ethnic selection like Indian rotis, Chinese Mongolian beef and Thai fish curry. To top it all off, its full bar offers exotic cocktails and imported beers. 543 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650-323-7700; thaiphoonrestaurant.com

Vegetarian Restaurant

Affordable, good-for-you fare is the mantra at LYFE Kitchen, where entrees like pea and carrot risotto and Tal's ancient grain bowl sell for under $12. The garden-heavy menu and vegan options propelled this two-year-old downtown establishment to be the top pick for best vegetarian restaurant, even though LYFE's menu also offers options for carnivores. President and CEO Mike Roberts, who formerly led more than 31,000 McDonald's restaurants in 118 countries, knows a thing or two about inexpensive food. 167 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-325-5933; lyfekitchen.com

Wine Bar

Open 4 p.m. to midnight every day, you can come to The Wine Room hours after most other Palo Alto locales have shuttered for the night. The Wine Room has a quaint exterior and a cozy, lively indoor atmosphere punctuated by a bar, fireplaces and comfy couches. Its wines are the things to come for, though. The Wine Room has wines that are comfortable choices and some that are a bit more exotic with varieties coming from places as close as Sonoma County and as far as Italy. 520 Ramona St., Palo Alto, 650-462-1968; thepawineroom.com