I dined at this small and hip bistro on California Avenue in Palo Alto on a recent evening. Overall, the food at Bistro Elan is very good. The desserts are excellent. However, if you read the press clippings before going, as I did, the food doesn't quite meet expectations. Most reviewers give Elan glowing reviews for its food. The menu is solid, but lacks that one spectacularly creative dish that would intrigue the seasoned diner. The staff is solid. The decor is quaint, while at the same time a bit pedestrian. Overall, it is a good restaurant, but not one that will blow you away.
Pros: very good food, excellent desserts, quaint
Cons: spendy, prosaic
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