"Ettan is one of the prettiest restaurants in Palo Alto. Green plants hang down from a domed skylight that looks like it could belong in a cathedral, and intricate blue flowers line the walls."The Infatuation
Palo Alto, California
Cal-Indian
Cuisine
Ettan means breath in Sanskrit — the essence and center of one's life force. Indian tradition, California soul.
James Beard 2026 Semifinalist
Outstanding Restaurateur
2021 New Discovery
Michelin Guide California
Top 25 Restaurants in the Bay Area
San Francisco Chronicle
2021 Eater Award Winners
Eater San Francisco
Palo Alto's Ettan Brings a Slice of India to the Bay Area
Architectural Digest
James Beard 2026 Semifinalist
Outstanding Restaurateur
2021 New Discovery
Michelin Guide California
Top 25 Restaurants in the Bay Area
San Francisco Chronicle
2021 Eater Award Winners
Eater San Francisco
Palo Alto's Ettan Brings a Slice of India to the Bay Area
Architectural Digest
James Beard
2026
Semifinalist Outstanding Restaurateur
Semifinalist Outstanding Restaurateur
Our Story
Two worlds,
one breath
Since coming on the Bay Area dining scene in February 2020, Ettan has redefined how people experience Indian cuisine — creating a unique confluence of the Indian palette with California's finest ingredients.
"Cal-Indian cooking is about finding harmony between two rich culinary traditions."
Chef Srijith Gopinathan
Executive Chef — James Beard 2026 Semifinalist
Ayesha Thapar
Co-founder & Restaurateur
01
The Breath
Ettan means breath in Sanskrit — the essence and center of one's life force. Every plate is an expression of that vital energy.
02
The Ingredients
Peak-season produce from Bay Area farms, fisheries, and ranches — melded with unique spices that enhance, but never overwhelm.
03
The Space
Designed by Schoos Design: a maximalist jewel box with dome atrium, indigo seating, copper shelving, and an inverted umbrella patio.
The Bar
Cocktails &
Libations
Award-winning mixologist Massimo Stronati crafts cocktails that mirror Chef Sri's flavor philosophy — balanced, authentic, seasonally inspired.
Signature Cocktails
Just Like Money
Gin, Mezcal, Avocado, Cilantro, Lime
Clean Dirty
Gin, Sherry, Vermouth, Celery
The Remedy
Gin, Melon, Sage, Bitters, Lemon
Lush Life
Rum, Aloe, Prosecco, Cardamom, Mint, Lime
Into The Woods
Bourbon, Sherry, Amaro, Walnut Bitters
Spice and Passion
Tequila, Aperol, Passion Fruit, Lime
Classics & Wine
Negroni
Campari, Gin, Sweet Vermouth
Smokin Aces
Scotch, Peat, Peach, Vermouth
Garden of Eden
Vodka, Elderflower, Lime
Wine Program
Curated by sommelier Eric Railsback of Verve Wine. Old and New World selections, local producers and coveted older vintages — created to elevate the expressive flavors of Chef's menu.
In the Press
What They
Said
"Top 25 Restaurants in the Bay Area — a unique confluence of the Indian culinary palette and California fresh ingredients."San Francisco Chronicle
"Palo Alto’s Ettan Brings a Slice of India to the Bay Area — an eclectic global aesthetic. A deconstructed elegance that is casual chic by day and sexy by night."Architectural Digest
"2021 New Discovery — redefining how people experience Indian cuisine in the Bay Area since February 2020."Michelin Guide California
Private Dining
Your Private
Celebration
Ettan's distinctive spaces — from the intimate bar to the domed dining room — are available for private events and celebrations. Our team works with you to create a bespoke menu and experience worthy of the occasion.
14+
Guests — Private Dining Request
10–13
Guests — Email for Group Menu
Or email us directly at ettanpaloalto@gmail.com
Visit Us
Plan Your
Visit
Reservations are strongly advised — we book out quickly, up to 30 days in advance. Walk-ins are always welcome at the bar, where we serve our full menu.
Make a Reservation
Reservations available up to 30 days in advance. Walk-ins welcome at the bar.
Service Notes
Walk-ins
Always welcome at the bar — full menu served
Parties of 9 or fewer
Max 2 hours table time
Service charge
20% auto-added for parties of 6+
