Was able to experience the Protege food Thursday night and it was unbelievably delicious, we had the set menu and got the wine paring along with the A5 wagyu beef which the meat was perfectly cooked, melted in your mouth, it was my first time to have that cut of meat and it was a sight to behold and the timing of each dish was amazing, the staff was knowledgeable and most of all friendly. I do admit this was a pricey meal, but for special occasions this is well worth the money.

Good luck finding street parking on a busy street. We were greeted immediately and told our reservation deposit was refunded. We selected a la carte dining experience. We were seated quickly. Inside the place is kinda dark. I had to turn on my phone light to be able to read the menu. The server was excellent and knew the menu will enough to explain to me how items were cooked. The bathroom was clean. The food was good. I liked the crab with caviar. Octopus was cooked well as it was so tender. The duck was tender and the beef Pithivier special had tons of flavor. We liked the beef more than the duck. We could have passed on the ricotta dumplings. The truffles shaved on top is the only thing that made the dumplings special. I liked the ice cream. While you can taste the ice cream was well made I wasn't able to really taste that there was brown butter in it. I felt like the chef tried too hard to be with the current trend using brown butter in desserts. Beware when you ask for still water, they don't ask you in advance or tell you they will charge you bottle/glass water. This is Palo Alto, tap water is just as safe to drink. The drinks were good, but pretty steep price. Also beware they pass on the health benefits for their employees to the customers. No regrets. Had to try it once.

We visited the restaurant for a friend's birthday and had a lovely experience overall. The service was excellent--friendly, attentive, and made us feel well taken care of throughout the meal. Oyster: The ponzu was nice and refreshing, giving the oyster a bright, balanced flavor. Crab and Caviar: This was my favorite of the appetizers. Unexpectedly creamy but perfectly balanced with the caviar, giving it a wonderfully seafoody flavor. The bottom of the egg with the crab was a bit less exciting, but still enjoyable. Lobster Chip: The chip was very fragrant, though I couldn't taste the wasabi. I liked the pop of the roe, but overall, it was a bit too salty for my taste. Spanish Octopus with Artichoke and Panisse: The octopus was very tender and well executed, pairing nicely with the romesco and olives. Well executed, but not a standout. Nice to see panisse since I don't see it very often. Ricotta Dumplings: The cheese was quite strong. The tomato was critical in cutting through the cheesiness. It was good overall but nothing too memorable. Brick Chicken: My favorite dish of the night! I saw all the rave reviews for this dish and was a bit skeptical. I'm glad I tried it anyway! The chicken was crispy on the top and tender inside. I'd never had Fideuà before, but the noodles were able to incorporate the other ingredients well, carrying the flavor without a problem. It was also able maintain its distinct texture even though it was quite saucy. Duck: Incredibly soft - you didn't even need a knife. The chimichurri added a lovely brightness, though the meat itself was a bit heavily seasoned. The beans and corn didn't stand out as much, but I suppose their role was to help with the saltiness. Apple Pie: I think my expectations were a bit too high. I think apple pie really comes down to personal preference. The apples had a bit of bite, which was surprising. For me, it was a little too sweet. The crème fraîche ice cream was an interesting addition, though! Candy Cap Mushroom ice cream: This had a really intense, rich, malty flavor with a strong umami hit, almost reminiscent of pork floss (a comparison my dining companions found odd, but I stand by it!). However, the flavor was so intense that it was hard to finish. I think it could've benefited from another element with a texture and flavor variant to break up the heaviness. Conclusion: My favorite dish was definitely the chicken, with the crab and caviar as a close second. Overall, a wonderful meal with great service, though a few dishes were a bit too salty or too sweet for my lighter palate. I usually feel that the appetizers are where intriguing and creative dishes shine, but for this meal, it was the entrées that stood out.

Solid star and great fine dining option in the area for something different and not stuffy. Best dish of the night was the abalone and caviar starter. The quail was perfectly cooked. Everything else had a unique twist but not too memorable. Dessert is where they could improve. The cheese cart looked a little empty and could benefit from better presentation. The final dessert was what you see contestants on Top Chef do when they are asked to make dessert and it's clearly an afterthought and they don't know how to do anything amazing. It was a lackluster scooped sorbet/ice cream with some nicely cut fruit. Service was nice, attentive and on point. I was a little sad they wouldn't have the master sommelier help pick wine or have a standard wine pairing but it was great to see good half bottle options. Would give it another shot.

Overall a beyond expectation - excellent a la carte experience from a Michelin 1 star restaurant. Definitely a better place for food than Selby's . The oysters were accompanied with yuzu juice. Carvier appetizer was a bit salty because of the other material below it; the crab meat at the bottom tasted fine tho. My fav among the fav is the soft shell crab snack dish. It tasted sweet but with some tomato's juice to balance. Highly recommend ordering the soft shell craft! The halibut was nicely done and presented beautifully by green peas too. Everything was in a good portion. So when the brick chicken arrived last, I was trying hard not to waste. I am glad the chef and his team is not losing the main goal of cooking (food to taste good) while being creative.

Stopped in for a drink and appetizer before meeting friends for dinner. Two of us walked in and was greeted immediately. We were fortunate and they were able to accomodate us at the bar. Wine menu was awesome and we had french champagne and a quick bite of the lobster chip. That was crunchy, right level of savory on fresh lobster. The chip also was not oily and all. Lived up to th Micheline star they have. I had dinner here pre-covid and have enjoyed. After this visit, I think it's a reminder for me to return. Prices was not cheap (wine usually $25-40 a glass) but ambuance, service, quality of food and beverages are awesome. They had a patio with a few windows opened during COVID. They told me they closed it now and are reconsidering to open. Keeping my fingers crossed, so there is another place where my furry baby can join.

Michelin star, Protégé, in Palo Alto is modern, sleek but comfortable. The dining room is cozy and gives space to enjoy offerings from Chef and Master Sommelier alums of The French Laundry. The interior dining space is perfect for a fine dining experience without feeling too stuffy, but still intimate. Pomelo Daisy Flower - Reposado Tequila, Guava, Pamplemousse, Dry Curacao and Lemon. Refreshing, light and perfectly balanced. Perfect cocktail for the warm weather. Brick Chicken - Fideua, Piperade, Chorizo, Saffron and Capers. Absolutely delicious chicken! Spatchcock Chicken with perfectly crispy skin, flavorful and tender. The fideua was something completely new to me and thoroughly enjoyed the flavors of the piperade paired with the chicken. Berkshire Pork Chop - Melted Leeks, Shallot Crumble, Sour Apple, Brown Butter- Cider. Served medium and thick cut. Wished this was served sliced as it was a bit of a challenge to share this entree. The pork was tender, succulent and loved the texture of the crumble. The sour apple and brown butter cider puree worked beautifully to compliment the pork chop with it's sweet and acidic qualities to cut through the richness of the pork. Dessert Trolly - Peanut Butter Bombe and Chocolate Chip Cookie. Super excited for the trolly once it came around. The Peanut Butter Bombe was Reese's PB cup reinvented and was indulgent, rich and so addicting to eat. The chocolate chip cookie was more of a cup, but delicious with a crisp edge and moist and tender center. Wanted a scoop of Spruce ice cream, but due to being close to closing time was unable to order this. Was super intrigued, but will have to return. Otherwise, the ordered desserts were perfectly executed. Service was attentive and accommodating, love the dining space, volume was just right. Pacing wasn't an issue since I was here for a "quick" dinner. Parking is not an issue as there are parking structures and street parking available.

Overall (5/5): Protégé is a very nice restaurant. One of the few Michelin stars that I've had the pleasure to sit and dine in and it is a great for a special occasion, or if you're just looking to splurge on a dining experience. We ordered off the lounge menu and everything we ordered was great. Highly recommend folks try this place out if you get the opportunity. Ambiance (5/5): Everything is clean and tastefully decorated. Lots of brown, white, and wood primarily with black accents. The space has a bright and "loungy" feel, and if you're looking for a dark/intimate setting this may not be the place. Protégé's interior is great in it's own right and I can't imagine anyone hating on it all too much. Service (5/5): Service was attentive. They did all of what you expect from a Michelin grade restaurant. They will greet you, ask for any food restrictions, clear your table after finishing dishes, wipe crumbs off your table, etc. etc. You will definitely feel like they care and it shows. Absolutely no complaints with service. Food (5/5): Milk Bread (5/5): Clear Japanese influence on this starter, and they've successfully elevated this dish in my opinion. The thin layer of nori on top of the artisan butter was a really nice Japanese touch and all of it tasted great. Simple but refined in it's presentation. Shigoku Oyster (5/5): Very nice appetizer with refined touches to the already premium base ingredient. Great simple presentation with the contrasted black rocks and white oysters. The celtuce in the foam I thought wasn't very Japanese but the pairing made sense to me. The ponzu/celtuce whipped foam was an excellent add on to the Shigoku oyster. Spanish Octopus (5/5): Great plating with good flavors to match. We ate the plate clean and would definitely order this again. The cook on the octopus was perfect, and the supporting ingredients were also good. Could use a touch more salt but other than that I wouldn't change a thing. Sakura wood-smoked hamachi crudo (2/5): Not a great dish in my opinion. The fish was fine, presentation was good, but the whipped chickpeas made no sense to me. The mouthfeel and flavor of the chickpea tasted almost like hummus and I sadly did not enjoy this. The dish looked light but felt way too heavy for a fish like hamachi. The entire dish just had a sense of "mushyness" to it and would definitely not order this again. Brick Chicken (4/5): I didn't order this myself, so take this rating with a grain of salt. The cook on the butterflied chicken was great. The butterfly technique of course produced an even cook all around and no complaints there. Capers added a nice touch of acidity, and the piperade kind of made the dish feel like an upscaled/deconstructed chicken parmesan. No real complaints, just not something I would order here. Berkshire Pork Chop (4/5): Pork chop with granny smith apples is such a classic pairing I enjoy. I feel like this dish did lean on the sweeter side and could use some more salty elements to balance out the dish though. I appreciate the shallot crumble presentation on top to keep those bits crispy and away from the butter sauce. Not sure if that was intentional or not but visually appealing, and effective plating. The cook on the giant pork chop was also great, but I think it could use a nice hard sear on the outside of the chop.

The Humble Chicken On a menu with lobster, crab, caviar and A5 Wagyu, the chicken entree looks a bit out of place And while I was tempted by the shortrib and the A5 ribeye, this is my second visit ordering the brick chicken A chef once told me if you see a humble dish on a fancy menu, it's probably earned a right to be on the menu (in reference to Zuni Cafe chicken) I love the preparation and I'm guessing it includes a salt brine, spatchcocking, and salted the skin for that extra crispy finish The other items, especially the desserts, are pretty fantastic too Brick Chicken $39 / Short Rib Pithivier $53 / Crab and Caviar $35 / Lobster Chips $24 / Milk Bread $10 / Spanish Octopus $30 / Truffle Lasagna $60 / Pear Tart $17 / Cap Mushroom Ice Cream $6 Protege (Palo Alto, CA) There is limited outdoor dining but most dining is indoor either a la carte or prix fixe. All credit cards are accepted and reservations are available on Tock.