Terun Pizza

448 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
+1 650-600-8310
$$$ Pizza restaurant , Bar , Event venue , Italian restaurant , Wine bar
(2714 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Terun Pizza at 448 California Ave in Palo Alto presents itself as more than just a pizza spot—it's a lively Italian restaurant with a bar and event space, weaving together casual dining with a touch of European flair. Locals often come here to enjoy thin-crust Italian-style pizzas like the spicy Nduja or the delicate Bufala Mozzarella pizza, both praised for their chewy crust and balance of flavors. Beyond pizza, the family-style menu offers hearty plates such as gnocchi, rigatoni, and short rib ravioli, making it a solid choice for groups looking to share and savor a variety of dishes.

The atmosphere at Terun leans toward a warm, inviting setting with a slightly upscale yet approachable vibe—something that works well for both relaxed lunches and evening dinners. The interior carries a European-inspired aesthetic, which pairs nicely with their thoughtfully curated wine list featuring several Barolos and Brunellos, appealing to those who enjoy pairing authentic Italian wines with their meal. The wine bar aspect comes alive especially in the evenings when the space fills with diners settling in for a leisurely meal or a glass of carefully selected red or white.

Families with children have found the staff attentive and accommodating, creating a stress-free environment even during busier service times. While some have noted that certain dishes may come in smaller portions than expected, the quality and presentation tend to balance this out. It’s worth making a reservation for dinner since the spot attracts quite a buzz among locals and South Bay Italian food fans.

Terun works well for a variety of occasions—from casual weekend lunches where you can enjoy dishes like grilled chicken alongside grilled romaine, to celebratory meals enhanced by standout desserts like lemon panna cotta and cannoli with ricotta and pistachio. The bar’s cocktail offerings and the light, fruity sangria also make it a friendly venue for after-work drinks or a relaxed night out.

This place will appeal most to those who appreciate Italian food with authentic flavors, shared plates to encourage conversation, and a convivial atmosphere that balances ease with thoughtful detail. Midweek lunches or early dinner times are great moments to enjoy the space before it fills up, while weekend evenings provide a more bustling, social experience.

Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Best for
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free multi-storey car park
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 09:30 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 09:30 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 02:00 PM

,

05:00 PM - 09:00 PM

2714 Reviews
Varshasri Raghavan

08 Jan 2026

I don’t usually write reviews, but Terun truly deserves a special mention. We visited for a celebratory lunch with young kids, and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. The service was outstanding—warm, attentive, and incredibly thoughtful about every detail, which made dining with little kids feel effortless.. On a previous visit, I had mentioned that the portion sizes felt small, and it was wonderful to see that feedback clearly taken to heart. This time, the portions were generous, and we even went home with leftovers for another meal. Vegetarians, this place is a must. The eggplant polpette in truffle cream and the beet gnocchi are absolutely outstanding and reason enough to visit. We had been defaulting to another Italian spot simply because Terun is a tad away—but after this visit, it’s clear that Terun is well worth the drive. Highly recommended and now firmly at the top of our list..

Wilfred Cho

28 Dec 2025

Definitely the best Italian restaurant in the South Bay. The pizza is chewy and the pasta is so flavorful. The cocktail is wonderful too. Good spot for lunch, you might need reservations for dinner.

Elahe Hosseini

26 Nov 2025

If you are a fan of Italian pizza try this restaurant. It doesn't have much verity for other people who don't like thin Italian pizza style. The atmosphere is beautiful and European style.

Venkat Munukutla

19 Nov 2025

Unreal. The gnocchi is top notch. The bufala mozzarella pizza was crisp, light, and tasty. We got the vegetariana with burrata. Best burrata we ever had, period. And the veggies were cooked really well. The sangria rossa was lightly sweet, fruity and refreshing. Service was quick and attentive. Fantastic dining experience. Overall, an amazing place that we definitely will be returning to.

Pedram Aghazadeh

19 Oct 2025

Food was excellent! The pizzas and pasta are delicious. Prices are fairly high but service can definitely be better. They almost forgot one of our entrees and other things we needed.

Aleska Sever

18 Oct 2025

We went today and the experience was fabulous. As Italian food lovers , we can assure you that everything from the Chef's antipasto to the house dessert carries a unique flavor of Italian cuisine. Each dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and handcrafted. We will definitely be back.

Wissam Agsous

03 Oct 2025

We had such a great experience at Terún! The pizza was absolutely delicious, perfectly wood-fired with that authentic Neapolitan flavor. We also tried the special, a brochette of chicken wrapped, and wow, it was amazingly tasty! Tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the service was excellent. A perfect spot for a cozy dinner or a night out with friends. Highly recommend this place if you’re in Palo Alto and craving quality Italian food ????????

chanmi chun

23 Sep 2025

The reviews are true! This is a great spot to grab a dinner on a date night or with your family. Lots of outdoor seating, too, We were greeted by a hostess who sat us right away. You can park in the lot a couple of minutes away. Delicious pizzas, pastas, and appetizers. We had the magherita and nduja pizza. Loved the heat. We were concerned about time because we needed to catch a show, but the food came out promptly. Our server, Gaby, was attentive and friendly. They have a solid selection of Italian wines, by the glass and bottle, as well as cocktails and beers. You HAVE to try their house made limoncello!! So good- on par with limoncello I’ve had in Italy. We didn’t get to try the dessert, but will have to next time we return. Keep this place pinned in your places to check out!

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