Lavanda Restaurant and Wine Bar presents award-winning Mediterranean Italian and Croatian cuisine and wines in downtown Palo Alto. Recognized by Michelin Guideís inaugural guide for San Francisco as one of the best restaurants in the Bay area. We use the freshest organic and sustainably raised ingredients available such as grass fed Marin Sun Farms in Point Reyes Station and Mariquita Farm's locally grown organic vegetables. Our wine list, winner for the past five years of the Wine Spectator "Best of Award of Excellence", incorporates many one-of-a-kind wines from around the world.

Three partners–investor Howard Graham, working partners Bruce Schmidt, and Luka Dvornik–have combined their passion for distinctive food and wine to create a casually sophisticated restaurant that merges tradition and innovation. As the driving forces behind the day-to-day operations, Bruce and Luka greet Lavanda guests, making all feel welcome when they arrive. Howard, busy at his Russian River vineyard, has partnered with famed grower Gary Franscioni to produce the critically acclaimed August West pinot noirs.

Chef Jose "Joey" Martinez, has worked in some of the Peninsula's busiest dining establishments. Starting at a young age, Joey worked his way up through the ranks and earned the job of Chef at Lavanda Restaurant & Wine Bar.