Tamarine Restaurant Review, Palo Alto

Posted by admin, November 2nd, 2008

Tamarine is a popular Vietnamese contemporary restaurant in downtown Palo Alto on busy University Avenue. They focus on small plates and serve food family style. Tamerine features light, but flavor-intensive culinary delicacies of Vietnam. We have been here and to their sister restaurant Bong Su several times. We find the food pretty accessible with many items for mainstream palates.

Decor, Vibe - Very nice decor, lots of beautiful art from Vietnam. The place had lots of couples, small parties, people from a variety of age and ethnic groups.

Menu Pictures

Dinner Menu

Cocktail Menu

Sake Menu

Wine Menu

Dessert Menu

Dessert Wines

Tea and Coffee Menu

Picks:

Banh Mi Roti Pan fried wheat bread served with red Panang curry dipping sauce ($6) was very good. We ate it up very quickly.

Salt & Pepper Calamari Crisp calamari wok tossed w/ garlic & spring onions. Served w/ a cilantro emulsion ($12) was very delicious. Light batter, strong cilantro sauce made this a good starter.

Pineapple Sea Bass Whole fried Branzino filet served w/ a blackbean, ginger & roasted pineapple sauce ($27) is a popular dish with fresh fish that is deep fried to perfection. Good sweet and sourc flavors and a beautiful look.

Tamarine Mojito ($11) with Ten Cane Rum, Fresh Mango, Muddled mint & lime was filled with all these different flavors. Moderate strength.

Coconut Tapioca ($8) Coconut Milk Tapioca served with lemongrass-coconut & passion fruit sorbet drizzled with passion fruit caramel & pandan syrup was a lighter refreshing desert. Good combination of flavors.

OK:

Hoisin Lamb Chops Grilled w/ garlic & served w/ baby bok choy & sweet potato fries ($27) The lamb was a little overwhelmed by the hoisin sauce. No gaminess but not much distinct lamb flavor. Good quantities and yummy yam fries.

Sake Mushrooms Shiitake mushrooms wok fired in sake w/ sugar snap peas in a sesame oil & oyster sauce. ($10) has fresh mushrooms and crispy peas. Not too oily.

Coconut, vanilla, roasted coconut flakes Rice ($2.50) was an interesting combination. A good change of pace.

Pans:
None

Service was above average with the waiter and servers floating around constantly. This is one of the best restaurants on University ave and is an easy choice for those looking for fine Vietnamese cuisine. As with most other small plate places, you may order more than anticipated and your bill will reflect that. We have eaten their Tamarine Prawns and Shaking Beef several times in the past, and both are worth ordering.

Their sister restaurant:
Bong Su
311 Third St
San Francisco, CA 94107
415-536-5000

Website - Opentable