Arillaga Family Dining Commons — Restaurant in Palo Alto

Dining halls are what they are, and Arillaga Family Dining Commons is a particularly good one. I'm impressed by the variety of main courses they're able to put out without compromising the quality of the food. Both vegetarian and meat options are offered. I was delighted to once find steak here, though I'm assured this is a rare occurrence. A diverse array of healthful fruits and vegetables are also available to accompany and supplement your meal. For drinking, fine water (still or sparkling), coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juices, and several other beverages are available, but not conventional soft drinks. Cola & co., it would seem, are too pedestrian for this, truly the pinnacle of food service.

In all seriousness, I've eaten at dining halls at several universities, and Stanford's come out on top. Your options may be limited on the farm, but they're pretty good. Just don't think too much about...

This is, sadly, by far the worst dining hall I’ve ever been to. I’m a high ed educator and I’ve been to campuses across the nation for 9 years; this is the only dining hall where they 1) consistently run out of food (and sometimes even JUICE) 2) the app where food is shown isn’t ever correct and 3) don’t do pork or beef.

Maybe it’s a California culture thing, but increasing plant protein and decreasing the amount of regular protein isn’t inclusive—it’s just a different type of restrictive.

They say the lack of meat is because you “come in late”, but I’ve come in 1.5 hours before close and they’re STILL out. They just don’t prepare well. I’ve hoped to not be as disappointed, but it’s been 4 weeks of this consistent experience. I was invited to come work here next summer and I told them no, solely because of this dining hall. I can’t eat here, so I can’t live...

Halal Chicken!! Also: the food is good and the staff is kind.

Inside knowledge: you can ask for a tray at the front. Con: Sensory Overload at all times. Suggestions: sit on balcony and/or noise cancelling earbuds. Recommendations: Sensory friendly area with no or limited noise especially for individuals that are...