Here's a lit of nom noms you'll find around University Ave and places nearby in Palo Alto. I'm a vegan but most of these places have options for omni and carnivores.
538 Ramona St (btwn Hamilton & University), Palo Alto, CA
Café · University South · 268 tips and reviews
Ariana Faustini: I love the tiger-spiced chai made with almond milk. If you're into decadent, try the firecracker truffle. Be sure to keep your ears open for some hot startup gossip. Lots of startups start up here.
Indian Restaurant · University South · 61 tips and reviews
Ariana Faustini: Vegan and gluten free heaven. Lots of meaty options too. I recommend the the burritos. Huge, tasty, fulfilling. Oh and the ginger mint lemonade is deeeelish!
261 University Ave (btwn Ramona & Bryant), Palo Alto, CA
Israeli Restaurant · Downtown North · 239 tips and reviews
Ariana Faustini: By far the best hummus this side of the globe. Try the sides. Hummus, felafel, Moroccan carrots, marinated beets and of course the fresh hot pitas. Do it.
419 University Ave (btw Waverley St. & Kipling St.), Palo Alto, CA
Coffee Shop · Downtown North · 101 tips and reviews
Ariana Faustini: For $2.00 you get a perfect cup o' Joe. If you're feeling like you need to clog an artery, try the creamy Venetian hot chocolate. It's a bit like mousse but served in a cup and you don't get a spoon.
167 Hamilton Ave (btwn High & Emerson St), Palo Alto, CA
New American Restaurant · University South · 136 tips and reviews
Ariana Faustini: Love the tofu tacos which is both vegan and gluten free (they have a regular ol' fish version too). Try the quinoa crunch wrap too. Little known fact: their breakfast is delish!
632 Emerson St (btwn Hamilton & Forest), Palo Alto, CA
Taco Restaurant · University South · 78 tips and reviews
Ariana Faustini: They have the best chips and salsa ever (and it's free!). I think they add mint to the salsa among other secret delicious things. Try the sopes with nopales too, good stuff.
Vietnamese Restaurant · University South · 97 tips and reviews
Ariana Faustini: Pricey but worth every penny. I don't eat here on the regular, but when I do I break out of vegan mode for some crab glass noodles. Holy amazing. Also, get the Roti. Try anything. Really.
Salad Restaurant · University South · 121 tips and reviews
Ariana Faustini: My new favorite salad place. I made my own special salad with all the vegan goodness. Note that they can take a while so don't go when you are in a rush. Also, the soup is spectacular.
Coffee Shop · University South · 208 tips and reviews
Ariana Faustini: Philz is Philz. If you need to give yourself a special treat go here. It's good (sooooo goood). Try the locally baked goods. Also good.
Ariana Faustini: This place is tasty. Try the Portobello mushroom burger. Get quinoa salad & potatoes. Note: I haven't asked b/c I want to remain ignorant but I'm sure the potatoes aren't vegan. They're delish.
460 Ramona St (btw University & Lytton), Palo Alto, CA
Chinese Restaurant · Downtown North · 41 tips and reviews
Ariana Faustini: Love this place. I can order anything and not worry. Try the pressed shitake mushroom orange beef, the string beans and the scallion pancakes. If you want noodles, go with singapore street noodles.
440 University Ave (at Kipling Ave), Palo Alto, CA
Ice Cream Parlor · University South · 62 tips and reviews
Ariana Faustini: Decadent ice cream shoved inside 2 warm cookies makes a dessert that's sweeter than new born babies sleeping on a bed of puppies. Too sweet for me, but most American palettes do enjoy. Long lines.
Middle Eastern Restaurant · University South · 7 tips and reviews
Ariana Faustini: Best felafels of my life. Not to mention the homemade hot sauce. These guys are sandwiched between to crowd monsters (Umami burger and CREAM) but they are well worth a visit themselves.