Tamarine

Tamarine Restaurant Review:

There are a handful of restaurants in Palo Alto that appeal to those willing to spend a bit more on their meal, and Tamarine is one of them. With a high-end aesthetic, dark-draped ambience and artfully prepared Vietnamese cuisine, the restaurant caters to sophisticated business lunches and dinners as well as couples seeking a grown-up night out. The sleek, modern décor is complemented by changing exhibits of works by Southeast Asian artists. The creative team of Anne Le Ziblatt and Tammy Huynh offers a lengthy menu that puts a contemporary spin on classic fare. Small plates, appetizers and dishes appropriate for family-style dining create an atmosphere conducive to sharing for those interested in tasting across the menu. The Tamarine Tastes appetizer for two is a good start, with taro root rolls, tea leaf beef, shrimp spring rolls and papaya salad. For mains, shaking beef and clay pot cod are local favorites. Many items can be prepared vegetarian. Your choice of five types of rice presented in a green leaf parcel is a pleasant complement to any dish. The wine list is strong on Italian offerings, and there’s an array of specialty cocktails. Desserts are distinctly non-Vietnamese treats, but Vietnamese coffee is a strong, sweet delight in itself.