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Caffe Riace (Italian cuisine)  $$

 9
JaT Rating

200 Sheridan Avenue, Palo Alto, 94306  (Directions)


650.328.0407


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Soak up the rays and eat excellent Italian food


Reviewer: Jason
Total Reviews: 1040
Reviewed: 5/19/2004
Rating: 9
My photo gallery 		Its sunny, you've been sitting in the office for the past couple of hours staring at your computer screen, and its lunchtime. Caffe Riace can be your 1 hour getaway. Located in Palo Alto with a beautiful outdoor patio serving fine Italian cuisine.

The lunch menu offers moderately priced items ranging from $10-16. Be sure to ask the waiter for daily specials as the items almost outnumbered the dishes on the menu. I ordered the Penne Siciliano (Penne Pasta with Sausage, tomato, and spinach). Pasta was cooked perfectly, firm and not too hard. Sauce was refreshing and overwhelming with herbs and spices. Sausage was almost minced like ground beef. I was expecting larger pieces but was still satisfied with my meal. I was able to try small bites of Seafood Linguini, Halibut, Tortellini and all were exceptional. Out of the 4 dishes, Halibut had the most flavor and best presentation.

With impressive dish presentation, excuisite decor, attentive waiters, charming atmosphere, and delectable cuisine, Caffe Riace wont dissapoint.
 
8.5
Agent Rating


Reviewer: Julie
Total Reviews: 46
Reviewed: 10/23/2004
Rating: 8.5
My photo gallery		 I have been to Caffe Riace once before and I remembered it as being a lovely restaurant. Tonight, I went back to review it and left with the same impression. The ambiance and authenticity of this cozy, patio restaurant, located in the middle of Palo Alto, make is a real jewel of the Bay Area.

The atmosphere of Caffe Riace is one of its best features. The seating is all outside and they have heaters near every table - it was nice to feel the heat mixed with the cool, night air. There are several statues and a big fountain in the middle. The whole patio is surrounded by roses and bushes and it was just a lovely setting in which to have dinner.

I ordered the penne siciliana, although i ended up trading my friend for the tortelini. The penne was good, but the italian sausage was a little too strong for me. The tortelini was fabulous! The sauce was so delightful, I was dipping my bread in it. The pasta was tender and filled with a mild cheese that was just delicious.

I had some tiramisu for dessert and it was good, but the coffee soaked pieces were relatively strong, so I got sick of it after a few bites.

I've enjoyed every visit to Caffe Riace very much. It's a little pricey, so definitely not a place I'd frequent. But the atmosphere, friendly waiters and tasty Italian food make it a solid choice for a nice dinner.
 
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mkorringa ate...

Osso buco

“Disappointing dinner. The sauce was bland with many gloppy little things like overcooked carrots and celery. The meat was mostly dry and flavorless. The serving was huge, but no way was this dish worth the $30 price. Service was good this time.”

9/15/2007 1:20:10 PM