Zareen's Palo Alto

The garlic naan at Zareen's is made to order in a clay oven, and that single detail sets the tone for a menu that treats Pakistani and Indian home cooking with more care than the casual counter might suggest. The restaurant has sat at 365 California Avenue in Palo Alto since the autumn of 2016, and it has grown into one of the more reliable lunch and dinner stops on this stretch of the Peninsula.

What the kitchen is known for

Start with the grilled chicken boti, which arrives with naan, rice, dal, a pickled salad and yogurt raita, so the plate works as a full meal rather than a snack. The chicken tikka masala is the dish most reviewers name first, with a creamy sauce that stays on the right side of rich. Lamb curry and the Chicken Tikka Thali get steady praise too, and the tikka itself is described as tender rather than dry.

The menu also has a lighter, street-food side. Samosas, kebabs, masala fries and paratha wraps are easy to share, and the Punjabi chicken burger with spicy fries is the kind of order that surprises people who came in expecting only curries.

How a visit works

The menu suits a quick weekday lunch as easily as a relaxed dinner with friends. Outdoor seating is available, and takeout is a significant part of the business. Zareen's later opened a Mountain View branch on Plymouth Street, but the California Avenue restaurant is the original.

Common Questions

What should I order on a first visit?
Chicken tikka masala with garlic naan is the safe, popular choice. If you want something grilled, the chicken boti plate comes with rice, dal, salad and raita.

Is there outdoor seating?
Yes. Outdoor tables are available, and takeout is also offered.

What are the opening hours?
Hours differ by day and have changed over the years. Check the current schedule with the restaurant at 650-562-8700 before you go.

Is the food Indian or Pakistani?
The menu is Pakistani at its core, with dishes that overlap with North Indian cooking, such as tikka masala, naan and dal.

Are there other locations?
Yes, Zareen's also operates in Mountain View on Plymouth Street.