We went to JLS Middle School for a soccer tournament, and the kids were hungry, so we stopped by Ada’s Café. The place was very clean and well-organized, and the cashier was polite. The kids ordered hot chocolate, lemonade and quiche, and I got a croissant. The service was excellent, and the ambiance was warm and welcoming. They have a very cute atmosphere. The prices were reasonable.
Overview
If you’re ever in Palo Alto and find yourself in need of a cozy spot to enjoy a meal, Ada's Cafe is the place to be. Nestled in the heart of the city at 3700 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303, this charming little diner has quickly become a local favorite, offering more than just great food-it’s a place where community and comfort meet.
The first thing that hits you when you walk into Ada's Cafe is the warmth of the atmosphere. The cozy, unpretentious vibe makes it a great spot whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a leisurely meal with friends. There’s a sense of familiarity, as if you've walked into a friend’s kitchen rather than a restaurant. And with its open, welcoming layout, it’s easy to see why people come back time and time again.
But of course, the most important thing about any diner is the food, and Ada’s does not disappoint. The menu is full of delicious, comforting options, making it the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic breakfast with eggs and bacon or something a bit more unique like their famous avocado toast, you’re sure to find something that hits the spot. The portions are generous, and the ingredients are always fresh, which makes a big difference in the overall quality of the meal.
One standout dish that keeps people coming back is Ada’s signature pancake stack. Light, fluffy, and paired with fresh seasonal fruits, it’s the perfect way to start your day. If you’re not in the mood for pancakes, their breakfast burrito is another local favorite. Packed with eggs, cheese, avocado, and your choice of meat, it’s hearty and satisfying, without being overly heavy. Whether you’re eating solo or sharing with friends, there’s something on the menu for everyone.
For lunch, Ada’s offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and bowls. The turkey and brie sandwich is a must-try. It’s simple yet flavorful, with the creamy brie cheese adding a rich contrast to the fresh turkey and crispy baguette. If you prefer something a little lighter, the grilled chicken salad with balsamic vinaigrette is always a great choice-light, refreshing, and satisfying without being too heavy.
What makes Ada’s stand out even more is its commitment to quality and service. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure you have everything you need to enjoy your meal. It’s clear that the team at Ada’s takes pride in their work, ensuring that every dish is crafted with care. You can tell that they genuinely care about the food they serve and the experience they create for their guests.
And then there’s the coffee. If you’re a coffee lover, you won’t want to miss out on Ada’s brew. The coffee is strong and smooth, perfect for pairing with your morning meal or as an afternoon pick-me-up. They also offer a variety of teas and fresh juices, giving you plenty of drink options to complement your meal.
The restaurant’s location in Palo Alto adds to its appeal, as it’s conveniently situated near several local attractions. Whether you’re heading out for a day of shopping, catching a movie, or just strolling through the city, Ada’s Cafe makes for the perfect pit stop. It’s a cozy, casual spot that doesn’t feel rushed or overcrowded, allowing you to sit back and enjoy your meal at your own pace.
Over the years, Ada’s has garnered glowing reviews from locals and visitors alike. It’s not just the food that people rave about, but the overall experience. From the warm and friendly service to the delicious meals and inviting atmosphere, Ada’s has earned its place as one of Palo Alto’s hidden gems. It’s a place that locals trust for quality comfort food, and it’s easy to see why.
If you haven’t already checked out Ada’s Cafe, it’s definitely worth a visit next time you’re in the area. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to kick-start your day or a light, flavorful lunch, you’ll find something here that hits the spot. Make sure to bring your appetite, because you’re in for a treat!
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Great coffee ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Solo dining ✓ Good for working on laptopAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Quick bite ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ CosyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Cheques ✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed ✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 341 reviews
Kathleen and her co workers are so friendly and inviting. Not only is this an adorable hidden gem of a cafe but it has a great mission and wonderful atmosphere and food. Highly recommend!
I absolutely love Ada's Cafe for so many reasons! The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with charming homey decor that makes you feel right at ease. The food is consistently superb — fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared — and the service always exceeds expectations. The staff is kind, attentive, and genuinely caring. Everything is spotless and well-maintained, which adds to the overall experience. We’ve been loyal customers for a long time, and I truly enjoy treating my family and friends to this special place. The prices are very affordable, and the staff is always happy to help you make the right choice — especially if you have dietary preferences. There are plenty of delicious vegetarian options, which I really appreciate. Also there are tables inside and outside and there are always fresh flowers on each table. It adds caring to the cafe vibe! I also really love the eco-conscious values Ada’s promotes — from offering free coffee grounds for organic gardening enthusiasts to the opportunity to purchase plants right at the cafe. I picked up three cherry tomato plants on my last visit, and now I’m eagerly waiting for the harvest! Most importantly, I deeply admire Ada’s mission of empowering and providing meaningful opportunities to employees with disabilities. It’s truly inspiring, and it makes supporting this wonderful cafe feel even more special. I’d highly recommend Ada’s Cafe to anyone looking for a warm, delicious, and community-minded place to enjoy a great meal! In my earlier review 4 months ago, I forgot to highlight one of Ada’s greatest strengths: no matter how busy it gets, every new customer is welcomed with such genuine attention that you instantly feel like royalty. That kind of care is rare, especially in a café located right next to the Palo Alto Library, where the mix of moms with kids, students, and older guests could easily make the place hectic. Instead, Ada’s makes everyone feel seen and appreciated—a true gift in our busy lives. As for the food, the quality remains superb! This time we enjoyed our favorite mini frittata muffins along with new treats—gluten-free lemon bars and a plum coffee cake. Both sweets were beautifully served with a little container of whipped cream, a thoughtful touch. We paired everything with smooth decaf lattes and couldn’t have been happier. If you’re looking for an oasis of warmth, kindness, and delicious food, take my advice: visit Ada’s Café. You’ll leave feeling both satisfied and uplifted!
Really delicious croissants. I like the Ham Brie croissant, has a think layer of mayonnaise, yummm Latte was also really good, rich and aromatic Has decaf options.
Ada’s Cafe always leaves me with a smile! I stopped by last week for lunch, and while the food was good, my conversation with Madi (who was working the cashier) and Rosa (who helped me with my order) was even better! It was a warm afternoon and I found a lovely shaded table to do some work while enjoying my wonderful Wendy sandwich. Highly recommend the wonderful Wendy Sandwich which comes in Dutch Crunch bread and of courseall the fresh scones, cookies and pastries.
Ada’s Café is a cozy, welcoming spot with excellent food and friendly service. The calm atmosphere makes it perfect for relaxing or catching up with friends. Best of all, it’s a nonprofit that supports people with disabilities—so every visit helps a great cause. Highly recommended!
I went to Ada's yesterday and loved it. The cashier, Don, had such a great attitude and personality and was focused on ensuring I got what I wanted. The chocolate chip coffee cake was delicious as was the frittata muffin. Granola to go was a nice touch as well. Very friendly atmosphere with options to sit inside or out. This was a great end to a Sunday bike ride!
What a fantastic find! This place really is a golden gem, the coffee was rich and flavorful, the food absolutely delicious and the service genuinely fantastic. Everything felt thoughtful and welcoming.