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- Italian Staple in Palo Alto set to close after 36 years
Italian Staple in Palo Alto set to close after 36 years
Plus, events to get you out of the house this winter and new restaurants!
Greg Kemper
January 15, 2026
Good morning neighbors!
Welcome to this week’s Palo Alto Scoop!
In this week’s newsletter, learn more about the Redwood City parks plans, new restaurants coming to Palo Alto, and events around town!
Let’s dive in! 👇
In this week’s edition:
Park Project Updates: How Redwood City is increasing equity and outreach
Foodie Updates: The new restaurants coming to Palo Alto this year
Winter events: Events around town to get you out of the house!
Your annual review, created with Shane Parrish
Behind every successful year is honest reflection. This workbook, written by Shane Parrish and reMarkable, helps you find clarity so patterns become visible.
Traditional annual reviews add goals, tasks, and pressure. This is different. It helps you strip everything back to see what to change in your the ahead.
Ready to identify what matters?
Beloved Italian Staple in Palo Alto Set to Close after 36 years
Il Fornaio announced this week that they will be closing the doors of their Palo Alto location after 36 years of business. The old-school italian restaurant, located in downtown Palo Alto, is known for their house-made pastas, pizzas, and grill items. The last day of service will be January 18th, so get your fix in ASAP! Their other Bay Area locations (Burlingame, Mountain View, San Jose) will remain open. Read more here.
Redwood City Parks Plan Puts Equity and Community First
The City Council unanimously approved the strategy, which focuses on making park amenities more equitable across neighborhoods, expanding outreach through partnerships and off-site meetings, and introducing sustainability criteria to guide future improvements. Parks leaders highlighted recent pilot audits and outreach efforts as building blocks for the work ahead, and council members encouraged tying the plan into the city’s broader downtown growth vision. The goal is to ensure parks serve everyone in the community and grow in step with the city. Read more here.
🍴 Several exciting new restaurants are coming to Palo Alto!
This month, The Old Pro, a sports bar that closed its doors in 2022 after 60 years in business, is slated to re-open as The Pro. Led by the owner of Zola, The Pro will have a more significant focus on food.
In February, La Corneta Taqueria is opening their fifth location in downtown Palo Alto on University Avenue, near the former SliderBar location. They currently have other Peninsula locations in San Carlos and Burlingame. Yutori, a Japanese garden with indoor and outdoor seating, is also expected to open in February, featuring cocktails with pan-Asian ingredients, brunch, and dinner. Yutori will also have a cafe with matcha, pastries, sandwiches, poke, and artisanal goods for purchase.
Stay tuned for more upcoming restaurants in Palo Alto!
🐷 Popular Peninsula Texas-Style BBQ Pop-Up Closes for Good
Pico’s BBQ, the Texas-style barbecue pop-up that drew crowds for its smoked brisket, pork ribs, and sausages, has permanently closed after operating for about two and a half years. Owner Russell Savage cited personal burnout and the challenges of navigating Bay Area regulations as key reasons for the decision, and he’s received heartfelt responses from loyal customers online. While fans mourn the end of a tasty chapter, many are grateful for the memories and flavors the pop-up brought to the Peninsula. Read more here.
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Corner Table in Redwood City
Corner Table is a lively, casual spot perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner right in the heart of downtown Redwood City. The menu blends comfort classics with fun global twists, like Bulgogi Bibimbap with fried egg and gochujang, crispy Korean Fried Chicken wings, or savory Fish & Chips alongside garlic or sweet potato fries. Brunch favorites include indulgent croffles (croissant‑waffle hybrids) like Strawberry and Biscoff topped with whipped cream, as well as hearty breakfast scrambles and sandwiches. They also offer creative burgers like a Kimchi Burger and house cocktails, coffee drinks, and seasonal bites that keep things interesting.
20 Woodside Plaza, Redwood City
Cafe Wisteria in Menlo Park
Cafe Wisteria is a charming, garden‑surrounded restaurant nestled in the historic Allied Arts Guild, perfect for relaxed lunches or weekend brunches. The menu shows off seasonal American fare like Crab and Avocado Eggs Benedict, Seafood Paella, flavorful Shrimp Tacos, and Wagyu Beef Salad, often paired with fresh salads or pastas. Many guests rave about the cozy atmosphere and picturesque patio seating under blooming wisteria, making it a lovely choice for date nights or casual gatherings. The vibe leans casual‑upscale and the restaurant also hosts special events and offers catering. Its focus on locally sourced produce and thoughtful plates makes every visit feel a bit special.
🎭 The Da Vinci Code | Palo Alto | Lucie Stern Theater | 01/16 - 2/1 | more
A suspenseful stage adaptation of the bestselling novel runs through February 1.
💡 Valota Light Show x 49ers Rally | Redwood City | Valota Road side of Red Morton Park | 01/16 | more
A high-energy light show paired with a spirited 49ers rally.
📚 Family Storytime | Palo Alto | Downtown Library | 01/16 | more
Storytime and songs at the library!
🎷 Club Fox Blues Jam 20th Anniversary Concert | Redwood City | Club Fox | 01/16 | more
Celebrate the 20th anniversary with a 4-band blues concert
🌿 California Native Garden Design Class | Palo Alto | Gamble Garden | 01/17 | more
Learn how to design beautiful, sustainable gardens using California native plants.
🍄 Fun with Fungus Workshop | Los Altos Hills | Hidden Villa | 01/17 | more
Learn how to design beautiful, sustainable gardens using California native plants.
🤝 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service | Palo Alto | Mitchell Park Community Center | 01/19 | more
Honor Dr. King’s legacy through community service and volunteer opportunities.
🎬 Documentary Screening: The Librarians | Palo Alto | Rinconada Library | 01/22 | more
Sundance-featured documentary highlighting the struggles of librarians
🎷A Night of Soulful Jazz | Palo Alto | Elks Lodge | 01/23 | more
Enjoy an evening of live jazz featuring rich, soulful sounds.
🎉 Teen Takeover- with the Cops! | Redwood City | Red Morton | 01/23 | more
Teens-only night of games, crafts, silent disco, snacks and more!
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