Located in Palo Alto, TAVERNA uses an abundance of local seasonal ingredients to highlight Hellenic cuisine at its finest.

TAVERNA opened in April 2018 and is located in downtown Palo Alto on a quaint neighborhood corner. Founded by two longtime friends, Thanasis Pashalidis and Hakan Bala, TAVERNA blends rustic origins with modern refinement. We offer authentic interpretations of carefully procured local and imported ingredients that emulate the flavors, nutrients and comfort of a village in Greece.

TAVERNA's interior, designed by Chris Irvine, reflects the old-world charm and nostalgic sentiments of Greece, where Thanasis Pashalidis is well seasoned in exploring the tastes and feelings of the everyday taverna. Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the old-world when we cook for you as part of our family. 

In June 2019, TAVERNA expanded its offerings with the acquisition of its neighboring space. TAVERNA now boasts a larger kitchen, two dining rooms and the versatility to adapt to any necessary event function whether in a group setting or with private dining.

TAVERNA serves indoor & outdoor dining daily.

Phone

(650) 304-3840

Location

800 Emerson Street
Palo Alto, California
94301

Lunch

Monday-Friday 11:30am-3:45pm

BRunch

Saturday & Sunday 10:30am-3:45pm

DINNER

Sunday-Thursday 4:00pm-9:00pm

Friday & Saturday 4:00pm-10:00pm

Taverna's Origins

For centuries, a taverna has been a neighborhood gathering place where friends can meet to eat, drink and enjoy life. TAVERNA co-founders Thanasis Pashalidis and Hakan Bala were raised with a shared ethical compass, which the Greeks call "philotimo" or "love of honor". Family and friends are their ingredients of life, and they believe that nutrition, happiness and health are all directly correlated. Both partners have been culturally influenced by the remedies of the old world and incorporate them into the lifestyle of TAVERNA. Both have an "ethos" that drives them and inspires others to live fully, which they consider the flavor of life's success. They understand that life is to be enjoyed and that time is of the essence. They are aware that every day is a gift. 

TAVERNA has been created to make people happy and feel alive.

Thanasis pashalidis

Thanasis Pashalidis has spent the majority of his life around a table, either for recreation with his family and friends, or professionally accommodating guests. Pashalidis worked at Evvia and San Francisco sister restaurant Kokkari for eight years, before his tenure as captain server at the Michelin-starred Village Pub in Woodside and manager at Mayfield Bakery & Cafe in Palo Alto. He has always been a representative for premium quality, healthy lifestyle and positivity. With TAVERNA, Thanasis Pashalidis is able to express his passion for food, wine and hospitality in addition to offering his love and knowledge of the Greek culture while having fun and sharing laughs with old time friends and new found company.

HAKAN BALA

Hakan Bala draws his roots directly from the Old World. He has worked in hospitality internationally in both kitchen operations, as well as honing his fine dining skills in hotel management. For seven years Hakan Bala traveled the world as a head waiter on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines experiencing and developing multiple layers of flavors to incorporate to his palate. After relocating to Palo Alto, Bala spent the past decade fostering lasting relationships within its community at Evvia. As an "ambiancier," his attuned ear for music and his keen eye for detail create an atmosphere that is vibrant and full of life. Hakan Bala has always been an advocate of healthy living, and enjoys clean eating, fine wines and family time.  He now enjoys the simplicity of turning strangers into friends.

— Menus —

Large Party Dining

GROUP MAIN DINING & PRIVATE DINING ROOMS AVAILABLE for up to 85 guests

Family style menus are offered for all parties of 8 guests or more. TAVERNA offers four “family style” menus to choose from at $65 menu (lunch only), $85 menu, $99 menu, and $125 menu per guest (please click on the bold pricing to view each menu).

We are happy to accommodate our vegetarian and vegan guests.

PRIVATE DINING ROOMS & FOOD AND BEVERAGE MINIMUMS

TAVERNA is pleased to offer several private dining options with food and beverage minimums. To learn more, please review our “Private Dining Packet”.

If you need to book a last minute large party or private event, we will try our best to accommodate you. To inquire about booking events or group dining, please email events@tavernarestaurant.net.