Rara is a popular Japanese restaurant in Palo Alto, known for its authentic dishes and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great spot for a casual meal with friends or family.
★★★★☆Rara was a great restaurant for a casual sit down dinner with friends. We did wait over 30 minutes for dinner on a Sunday evening, but we were quite a large group so it was understandable. The restaurant’s vibe is sort of upscale casual dining. Service was polite, friendly and attentive from the get go. In fact our server was great taking our order from two ends of a large group and even came back to clarify a couple of items to get everything right. The menu was expansive yet authentic - it wasn’t at all the same curries you’d find in a typical Indian/Indo-Nepali restaurant, which made it a joy to choose items from. Must try items were the Asan Indrachowk ko Lassi (an absolute must try - it was like drinking a shrikhand mixed lassi, with cardamom, kesar and crushed pistachios and cashews), the Mustang Aloo (potato wedges spiced with sichuan pepper - will cause a little, temporary tingling/numbing), and the Grilled Paneer Sizzler Platter (fresh paneer cubes grilled, with veggies and noodles that had a delicious charred flavor). We got several more items which were decent (see images). TLDR: if there’s one thing you get from this review, it’s the lassi! Get it!
4 months ago
★★★★★We loved the food and the service was great! Tbh we dined at 3pm when the restaurant wasn't busy, but still the waiter was patient and very attentive. We didn't try too many dishes but tried the more traditional dishes like Thenduk and the meat Khana Set and both were really really good! The crispy cauliflower was absolutely spectacular! Once you get past the atmosphere - place looks average, seats aren't the most comfortable - you'll really enjoy dining here.
5 months ago
★★★★★The place has an interesting old school vibe to it. We saw the great google reviews and decided to try the Nepali food for the first time. We got seated quickly but I would say the service seemed a bit slow. Took them ~20 minutes to get our order even though the place was practically empty. The food was brought out as it was prepared. I would say the momo was pretty good. The Bhat Khana set was also a good experience. However, we did not quite love the Buffalo Sukuti set (I would say it was a matter of personal preference as it did have a jerky like texture which was not for us).
7 months ago
Closed now
USD30–40
Spicy and flavorful Himalayan sichuan potatoes cooked with cumin, garlic, red chili powder, and ghee
Himalayan soybeans roasted and seasoned with sichuan, garlic, ginger, green chili, and onion, offering a zesty and vibrant flavor profile
Fresh mushrooms marinated in a mix of Himalayan sichuan, garlic, ginger, green chili, spring onion, and cilantro
A savory dish of paneer seasoned with Himalayan sichuan, garlic, ginger, and green chilies
A savory medley of tofu, onion, and bell pepper tossed in a spicy chili tomato sauce
Flavor-packed paneer, onion, and bell pepper tossed in a spicy chili tomato sauce
A crunchy and spicy dry noodle mix enriched with traditional Nepalese spices
Crisp and golden fries with a hint of unique Himalayan seasoning
Potato, paneer, and bell pepper spiced and coated with crunchy dry Rara noodles, deep fried and served with a mild sauce
Crispy cauliflower infused with coconut milk, green chili, red chili powder, and other spices
Peanuts seasoned with garlic, ginger, green chili, tomato and onion, offering a vibrant flavor profile
A spicy, stir-fried potato dish, expertly balanced with a side of cooling sauce
Fried papad seasoned with traditional Nepali spices.
Spicy and succulent chicken wings seasoned with traditional Akbare chili powder and other Nepalese spices
Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned regular fried chicken wings
Spicy and savory chicken pieces, bell pepper, and onions tossed in a rich and flavorful chili sauce
Spicy and savory shrimp pieces, bell pepper, and onions tossed in a rich and flavorful chili sauce
Spicy and savory water buffalo pieces, bell pepper, and onions tossed in a rich and flavorful chili sauce
Spicy and savory fish pieces, bell pepper, and onions tossed in a rich and flavorful chili sauce
Traditional Nepalese dish with chicken mixed in with sichuan and other flavorful spices, offering a burst of flavors
Traditional Nepalese dish with water buffalo meat mixed in with sichuan and other flavorful spices, offering a burst of flavors
Traditional Nepalese dish with fish mixed in with sichuan and other flavorful spices, offering a burst of flavors
Rich and aromatic goat dish slow-cooked to perfection with Nepalese spices served with puffed rice, roasted peanuts, and radish pickle
Dry and spicy buffalo meat garnished in abundant flavors of onion, cilantro, tomato, and chili, among others; a traditional and delicious Nepalese snack
Mouth-watering chicken dish seasoned with a blend of Himalayan spices served with coconut milk mixed with tomato, named after the height of Mt. Everest
Crisp and spice-infused Chicken, a tantalizing appetizer fried to golden perfection and served with a zesty dipping sauce (6 pieces)
Sprouted nine beans soup harmonized with distinctive Nepali spices
A hearty concoction of rooster, carrots, and potato harmonized with Nepalese spices
A creamy blend of mushroom and tomato with subtle spices
Clear stock soup featuring momo and noodles
Chef’s special daily offering
Mixed beans, carrot, tomatoes, bell pepper, drizzled with honey mustard dressing
Quinoa, avocado, tomato, and onion elegantly dressed with olive oil and vinegar
A flavorful blend of avocado, baby corn, mozzarella cheese, and cherry tomatoes, dressed in black pepper and olive oil
Mixed lettuce and seafood with house dressing, tomatoes, cucumber, capers and olive
A blend of aromatic spices with black tea
Single-origin pour-over coffee offers a variety of rich and smooth flavors
Spicy and warming Nepali-style masala tea, a flavorful fusion of tea and aromatic spices
A creamy, refreshing yogurt-based drink from the streets of Indrachowk
Savory goat meat with bone mingled with flavorful basmati rice served with goat curry
Tender lamb leg part masterfully cooked with Nepalese spices and paired with aromatic cumin rice
Flavorful salmon paired with a rich butter cream sauce and served with yellow rice
Deliciously marinated overnight with hung yogurt and Nepalese spices, accompanied by bell pepper, onion, tomato, and yellow rice
Deliciously marinated overnight with hung yogurt and Nepalese spices, accompanied by bell pepper, onion, tomato, and yellow rice
Deliciously marinated overnight with hung yogurt and Nepalese spices, accompanied by bell pepper, onion, tomato, and yellow rice
Deliciously marinated overnight with hung yogurt and Nepalese spices, accompanied by bell pepper, onion, tomato, and yellow rice
Marinated overnight and roasted to perfection, paired with noodles and vegetables, flavored with Nepalese spices, arrive sizzling
Marinated overnight and roasted to perfection, paired with noodles and vegetables, flavored with Nepalese spices, arrive sizzling
Marinated overnight and roasted to perfection, paired with noodles and vegetables, flavored with Nepalese spices, arrive sizzling
Marinated rack of lamb chops paired with noodles, vegetables, and enriched with Nepalese spices
Six pieces of our signature momo (choice of veggie or meat) served with noodles, vegetables, and our special tomato and sesame achar
Momo is a mouth-watering delicacy featuring delicate dumplings stuffed with your choice of vegetables, minced chicken, or minced buffalo, meticulously seasoned with a mix of Himalayan spices and Momo masala. Served with a zesty tomato and sesame sauce, these dumplings come in 10 pieces and provide a flavorful journey through Nepalese cuisine.
Momo is a mouth-watering delicacy featuring delicate dumplings stuffed with your choice of vegetables, minced chicken, or minced buffalo, meticulously seasoned with a mix of Himalayan spices and Momo masala. Served with a zesty tomato and sesame sauce, these dumplings come in 10 pieces and provide a flavorful journey through Nepalese cuisine.
Momo is a mouth-watering delicacy featuring delicate dumplings stuffed with your choice of vegetables, minced chicken, or minced buffalo, meticulously seasoned with a mix of Himalayan spices and Momo masala. Served with a zesty tomato and sesame sauce, these dumplings come in 10 pieces and provide a flavorful journey through Nepalese cuisine.
Nepali Jeera Pulao is a fragrant dish made with long-grain rice, harmoniously cooked with whole cumin seeds, cashew nuts, ghee, and a mix of vegetables or meats, offering a taste that’s subtly spiced and richly aromatic.
Nepali Jeera Pulao is a fragrant dish made with long-grain rice, harmoniously cooked with whole cumin seeds, cashew nuts, ghee, and a mix of vegetables or meats, offering a taste that’s subtly spiced and richly aromatic.
Thenduk is a harmonious blend of handmade pasta and clear stock soup, enriched with a medley of turnips, baby spinach, potatoes, broccoli, and seasonal vegetables, offering a comforting and flavorful experience.
Thenduk is a harmonious blend of handmade pasta and clear stock soup, enriched with a medley of turnips, baby spinach, potatoes, broccoli, and seasonal vegetables, offering a comforting and flavorful experience.
Thenduk is a harmonious blend of handmade pasta and clear stock soup, enriched with a medley of turnips, baby spinach, potatoes, broccoli, and seasonal vegetables, offering a comforting and flavorful experience.
Thenduk is a harmonious blend of handmade pasta and clear stock soup, enriched with a medley of turnips, baby spinach, potatoes, broccoli, and seasonal vegetables, offering a comforting and flavorful experience.
Features Kalo Maas Ko Daal (lentil soup), Paneer Curry, aalu tareko (fried potatoes), Hariyo Pariyo Saag (cooked greens), Ghar Mai Baneko Mula Ko Achar (home-made Radish pickle), tamatar ko achar (tomato chutney), Bhat (Rice), and Ghee, all accompanied by papad, dessert and Mohi (Buttermilk) on the side.
(Choose from a variety of meat options – goat, chicken, or fish) Along with the chosen meat curry option, it features Kalo Maas Ko Daal (lentil soup), Hariyo Pariyo Saag (cooked greens), Aalu tareko (fried potatoes), Ghar Mai Baneko Mula Ko Achar (home-made Radish pickle), tamatar ko achar (tomato chutney), Bhat (Rice), and Ghee, all accompanied by papad, dessert and Mohi (Buttermilk) on the side.
(Choose from a variety of meat options – goat, chicken, or fish) Along with the chosen meat curry option, it features Kalo Maas Ko Daal (lentil soup), Hariyo Pariyo Saag (cooked greens), Aalu tareko (fried potatoes), Ghar Mai Baneko Mula Ko Achar (home-made Radish pickle), tamatar ko achar (tomato chutney), Bhat (Rice), and Ghee, all accompanied by papad, dessert and Mohi (Buttermilk) on the side.
A traditional flatbread, cooked on a tawa to golden perfection
Multi-layered, crispy, and flaky, cooked on a tawa
Stuffed with paneer, offering a multitude of flavors with every bite
Spicy Himalayan potatoes cooked with cumin, garlic, red chili, and rich ghee for a bold, comforting start.
Fresh mushrooms marinated in Himalayan spices, garlic, chili, and fresh herbs.
Tender paneer cubes seasoned with Himalayan spices and chilies, bursting with bold flavors.
Flavor-packed paneer tossed with peppers and onions in a rich chili tomato sauce.
Crisp tofu with onions and bell peppers in a savory, spicy chili tomato sauce.
Golden-fried spiced potato patties served with our house chutney.
Tender chicken with bell peppers and onions in a flavorful, spicy chili sauce.
Spicy buffalo pieces cooked with peppers and onions in a bold chili sauce.
Traditional Nepali chicken marinated with Sichuan spices for an unforgettable flavor. Served with beaten rice, peanuts, and radish pickle.
Fresh fish mixed with Nepali spices, delivering a vibrant and spicy kick. Served with beaten rice, peanuts, and radish pickle.
Slow-cooked goat with rich Nepalese spices, served with puffed rice, peanuts, and radish pickle.
Dry-spiced buffalo meat tossed with onions, cilantro, and chili. Served with puffed rice, peanuts, and radish pickle.
Grilled buffalo skewers with aromatic tempering, served with beaten rice and house pickle.
Shrimp marinated in coconut milk and Himalayan spices, fried to a golden crisp with zesty sauce.
Succulent shrimp tossed with peppers and onions in a rich chili sauce.
Crispy fish in a savory, spicy chili sauce with fresh vegetables.
Tender buffalo meat marinated in a classic Nepali spice blend. Served with beaten rice, peanuts, and radish pickle.
Tender chicken flavored with the unique citrusy and numbing notes of Himalayan Timur (Sichuan) pepper.
Grilled chicken skewers with aromatic tempering, served with beaten rice and house pickle.
A flavorful combo of our favorite grilled and marinated dishes, served sizzling.
Smooth and comforting tomato soup with a Nepalese spice twist.
| Sunday | 11:00 – 22:00 |
| Monday | 11:00 – 22:00 |
| Tuesday | 11:00 – 22:00 |
| Wednesday | 11:00 – 22:00 |
| Thursday | 11:00 – 22:00 |
| Friday | 11:00 – 22:00 |
| Saturday | 11:00 – 22:00 |
