Oklava Cafe — Restaurant in Palo Alto

This cafe helps me get through

The community, friendships, the influencers, explorers, the multitude of other languages and the food All delicious, the food comes out looking like a jewel

This commissary, as my friend Shayan says gives him fortitude

For him its a place to gather sovereign affirmations and be cool

He comes for the coffee and the turkish breakfast is his main fuel

He also come to enjoy poetry reading, book clubs, yay for friendships and take break from school

His methods on life is to always take breaks that his main rule

He says Oklava Cafe inspired him to go to istanbul

At any rate I think hes a fool

He is a hungry college athlete as soon as he sees the food, he starts to drool

Hes also looking for companion to guide him, someone of him to approve

He thinks at Okalva he might find the one to be his precious jewel

He also likes all the staff; he thinks're all so cool

It all makes us happy, optimistic towards the future and gives us hope

Although often my mind wonders about the few

Buy themselves, why, how, regardless of their attitude

listen to some conversation and go into a deja vu

With caffeine kicking in pupils dilate, heart beats faster too

Life is one of odd surprises, like wrestling match or Jiu Jitsu

How do live how do we keep relationships? what ideals do live up to

Maybe I should take a stand; this totalitarian society makes it hard to strike while the iron blue

People coming in I wonder again

My mind looking for patterns who is who

All kinds of people and maybe I notice a few

Some find a seat chit chat and some admire the interior glow

Some with their loved ones and some for their relationships renew

Like me working on a deadline and towards a curfew

What do we call this coffee culture?

A revival of the old?

Never-ending culture?

I do not have a clue.

The crowd are roaming

looking for a place for to sit

For a seat they're willing to sparr

The owner a wonderful Turkish man

Matter of fact the staff are wonderful too

Truly they all are great people

I am always greeted when I come in

From nearby from afar

Friendly staff, great customer service—they're all shining stars

This is a very elegant, suiting place to work

It give me vibes of a back home bazaar

All I need is a cup of black hot tea, Kunafa and a cigar

When it get cold I do not have to say anything

Taha and Talha keep the door ajar

Who do I thank? The coffee is great, and the food is authentic.

The brasitas the chef or cashier

They laugh share jokes with me from far and near.

We understand each other from looks only it's so bizarre.

A businessman shouldnt have a penis according to the turkish customs

This is one of the oddest and realist proverbs I have heard by far

To run a business you need to be smart

These people are fair honest, blunt, solid, and have a great heart

They act out of honor not for dinar

Who do I talk about and praise

Yaseen , Taha or Talha—they're all shining superstars

Out of all the shops and places to hangout I come to this coffee Place

A palace that reminds me of home and the ceiling decorated like the backhome night sky stars

The setting here warm that of an avatar

Truly we have to get this featured on NPR

Or perhaps one day host a seminar

Or play we should play Arabic and Turkish music and sing and play the guitar

To keep this business growing, we're happy to purchase food and drink and pay for

Any item recommended by the staff

From the front door to the back door

Welcoming behavior, generous makes me feel mature

I see all people here

The young, the old, artists, influencers and engineers

They all come in with lots of work and leave accomplished and clear

I tip my hats to the staff who keeps the place neat and clean

I thank them for introducing me to the Turkish culture and tea

The hospitality and the custom they adhere to

I wish you all best of luck in your life and career

To you all, I give you my deepest...

Oklava Cafe provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that beautifully combines modern elegance with traditional Turkish charm. The interior is tastefully decorated with vibrant colors, cozy seating, and intricate Turkish designs, creating a delightful and comfortable dining environment. The soft lighting and ambient music further enhance the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both casual meals and special occasions. Parking can always get tricky around that area and we chose a parking lot which was about a 5-10 minute walk from the cafe.

Food: The food at Oklava Cafe is nothing short of exceptional. Specializing in authentic Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, the menu offers a wide variety of flavorful dishes. The mezze platter is a standout, featuring a selection of delicious appetizers like hummus, baba ghanoush, and stuffed grape leaves. The lamb kebabs and chicken shawarma are tender, juicy, and perfectly spiced. The pide (Turkish flatbread) is another highlight, with a variety of toppings to choose from. For dessert, the baklava is a must-try, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Every dish is prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

We ordered a Turkish breakfast (double) with coffee (Turkish Coffee) and to warp it up we got a Pistachio Kataifi , Pistachio Baklava and a King Shobiyet. Absolutley amazing an we definitely took our time to relish and enjoy every morsel from the order :). The deserts with the coffee were beyond good and absolutley well balanced. The sweet element never overpowered the taste and the pistachios added a fine balance to the overall.

Service: The service at Oklava Cafe is exemplary. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They are always ready to offer recommendations and ensure that diners have everything they need. The service is prompt and efficient, making the dining experience smooth and enjoyable. The genuine hospitality and warmth of the staff add a personal touch that enhances the overall experience. Shoutout to Gizem who was our server and definitely made our epxerience exceptional.

Drinks: Oklava Cafe offers a diverse selection of drinks, including traditional Turkish beverages like ayran (a yogurt-based drink) and Turkish tea and coffee. The drink menu also features a variety of wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. The Turkish coffee is particularly noteworthy, providing a rich and aromatic finish to the meal. The drink offerings complement the food perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Value: Given the high quality of the food, the generous portions, and the excellent service, Oklava Cafe offers great value for money. The prices are reasonable, especially considering the authenticity and richness of the cuisine. It's an ideal place for those looking to enjoy a satisfying and memorable meal without breaking the bank.

Oklava Cafe in Palo Alto is a gem for lovers of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. The combination of delicious, authentic food, a warm and inviting ambiance, and outstanding service makes it a top choice for dining in the area. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a leisurely meal, or a special celebration, Oklava Cafe delivers an exceptional dining experience and it's a must-visit for anyone in Palo Alto looking to enjoy a taste of Turkish hospitality...

Delightful Turkish cafe in the heart of downtown Palo Alto! I was originally just planning on popping my head in for a quick caffeine pick-me-up before heading to a library to work, but I loved the vibes (and treats) at Oklava so much that I ended up staying almost the whole day. I started off with an americano and slice of their triangle baklava, which were both fantastic. The coffee was rich and nutty, with just the right level of brightness. It went perfectly with the sweet, decadent baklava, which had beautiful layers and all the right balances of textures and flavors. It was certainly a sweet treat but not overly so — I’ve definitely had a few baklava that felt almost sickly sweet, but this one was perfectly balanced. They have a wide array of different types of baklava in different shapes / styles or using different nuts, so I’ll definitely have to come back to try the rest!

I was feeling a bit peckish later that afternoon (as delicious as baklava is, it doesn’t quite count as lunch) and ordered their spinach spiral bourek. It was outstanding — super flaky and buttery, with a generous helping of flavorful sautéed spinach. It was especially tasty after they heated it up, and it was the perfect mid-day savory treat.

Beyond the food, the staff is super friendly and accommodating. They won’t even let you pick up your own food / drink and are very adamant about delivering it to you. They’re extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer any and all questions, and all around very sweet. The space is also lovely; there’s plenty of seating, speedy Wifi, and cute although relatively simple decor. It can get quite crowded and loud in the afternoon, but it was pretty empty in the mid / late-morning period; if you want to settle in for a long time, I’d recommend getting there earlier...