BIRD DOG

"Enjoyed our experience dining at bird dog but thought it was A little overpriced. Tried the chefs menu which was a tasting menu, half the dishes we thought were just alright. Some added flair on otherwise pretty ordinary dishes. The salad was a little too salty for our taste with the seasoning not adequately spread across the dish. Their specialty avocado dish was interesting at first taste but quickly become a little boring. The wagyu was a highlight as was the dessert. Service was excellent and the restaurant had a modern elevated vibe. Overall happy with the experience but definitely there is better value to be found elsewhere where in Palo Alto."

"Great place for dinner. Food was unique and delicious. My only issues were the food came in a bit slow and the place is a bit dim."

"UPDATE: I contacted the restaurant after writing my review and had a very pleasant and productive conversation with who I think was the GM of the restaurant group that owns BIRD DOG – Emily. She went above and beyond and replied to my feedback from a place of wanting to better everything about my experience and the restaurant. It's rare to see this type of commitment and am updating my review to reflect that. Although my experience fell below the standard that anyone should have for a fine dining experience – mistakes do happen and everyone is just trying to do their best. I will also heed Emily's advice to let the restaurant know of a poor experience prior to taking it online – so I thank her for that. Below is the original review with updated language as to take into account a hard working team. Thanks to Emily, I intend to visit again in the future with the same expectations and looking forward to having them be met. The kitchen staff had an off night this evening. Front of House staff were above and beyond, and sadly taken down by food that did not meet the expectations of a fine dining experience. Dishes were either too sweet, too salty, unbalanced, or too “eh” in the reach to for fusion-esque dining. One sour spot (literally) was the dish we were looking most forward to - their famed avocado - was rancid. Everything looked amazing - but we came to have our taste buds be delighted. We wanted to taste something amazing… and of the 9 dishes we ordered things just felt all over the place in a way that didn't feel like a tied in experience. In the end our bill did not reflect the experience we wanted which led to a buyer's remorse/sticker shock reaction of this review. Additionally, there was a music playlist snafu that took us out of the fine dining element."

"Food: We ordered chef’s (tasting) menu, which I think is a great if you’re there for the first time and don’t know what it get. It basically covers most of the items can you order à la carte. It was a wonder series of small plates, all very unique and creative. My favorite was the mushroom and the grilled avocado. The wagyu beef was also very nice (albeit tiny). Service: Overall very nice. I love how they opened the doors for us when we left. However; when I came in, I started telling the receptionist about my reservation, but she walked away to open the door for a couple behind me, which made me feel rather awkward. So, this would be were I make the overall rating 4.5 if possible. Atmosphere: Love the bird decorations and the open kitchen. The soundtrack was very cool too (they played “The Killing Moon”!??). The bathroom is also lovely."

"Amazing use of flavors and fusions of food. Definitely a science and an art form mixed into one experience. The four of us tried the chef’s sampler and we pretty much got everything from the menu that day. It was all incredible except the pulverized shrimp flavored wafer over an infused pear apple. It was a little out there. The wine paring was enjoyed by everyone at the table except me (the designated driver). I don’t think I’d pay $1,800 (included a healthy tip) for one dinner for four people, but many do without a thought. The service was exceptional but the atmosphere seemed a bit basic for the price. The birds on the wall and hanging from the ceiling were a miss. The food was nothing close to basic. It was a masterpiece. Very unique experience. Oh, the wood-grilled avocado is INCREDIBLE!! The sauce makes it incredible and even the black stuff on top that we assume is literally charcoal ash or something. The flavors were incredible."