Perhaps the punctuation in the name questions the need for expensive noodles. That used to be the appropriate combo for an inexpensive dinner date. These days, it seems necessary to tuck an extra Lincoln or two into the wallet. Still, finding a hip spot to wine and dine on a budget is no major task. One of the most affluent towns in the Bay Area, Palo Alto is also the hot destination for bargain diners.
Downtown boasts row upon row of smart eateries tucked among swanky restaurants.
The wallet-friendly menu sets a good example for many an overpriced restaurant. It dishes up pasta as simply and quickly as a Chinese noodlehouse, albeit with a touch more class. There are neither linens nor candlelight, and silverware and paper napkins are stocked in glass holders on each table. The short but decently priced selection of wines makes for good dining. As for the mussels, while the powerful garlic tomato sauce was good for sopping with ciabatta, the shellfish were far too sandy to be taken seriously.