Pizzeria Delfina sits just off the bustling center of downtown Palo Alto, with large windows that bring a warm, bright atmosphere. The interior is small but perfectly lit, and the outdoor tables are comfortable. The attentive staff adds to the dining experience, but despite authentic Italian pastas and Neapolitan-style pizzas, Pizzeria Delfina establishes itself as just another typical Italian restaurant.
Eggplant Carponata ($14): 3/10
The eggplant carponata arrives looking unappealing, and the first bite confirms the disappointment. While the bread is warm and crunchy, and the red pepper flakes add a spicy kick, the eggplant is cold and unpleasantly slimy. It’s hard to discern what’s even in the appetizer—aside from the eggplant indicated by the name. The unappetizing texture overshadows any flavor the dish might otherwise offer.
PD Caprese ($24): 6/10
The caprese salad is a solid appetizer. The tomatoes are perfectly sweet and delicious, and pair flawlessly alongside the traditional buffalo mozzarella. The arugula is fresh and ties the dish together. The basil oil fails to capture its namesake flavor, adding nothing to the dish. However, the salad is held back by the mozzarella’s excessively salty aftertaste. Still, its fresh ingredients make it an enjoyable summer dish overall, but for the price, it is slightly underwhelming.
Delfina’s Spaghetti Pomodoro ($26): 8/10
The spaghetti pomodoro is an Italian staple. With handmade pasta, the dish tastes extremely fresh and organic. The sweet, smooth pomodoro sauce contrasts nicely with the earthy basil, successfully steering the dish away from being basic. The Parmesan served on the side offers a nutty flavor that further enhances the dish. It’s a simple, comforting entree.
Margherita ($20): 5/10
The margherita pizza falls short compared to the spaghetti, lacking the same balance of flavors. The pizza is difficult to eat, as the cheese slides off as soon as a slice is lifted. Even when managing to taste the cheese, there is a shocking lack of flavor. The crust is light and crunchy, clearly Neapolitan-inspired, but it can’t save the pizza from its banality.
Tiramisu ($12): 8/10
The tiramisu is one of the highlights on the menu. It’s fluffy, rich, and full of chocolate, mascarpone, and coffee in each bite. It’s a balanced size that doesn’t feel too heavy after a full meal. It’s a clear choice for those who don’t appreciate overly sweet desserts. While some may lament the lack of a traditional, intense coffee flavor, the tiramisu instead balances chocolate bitterness with delicious cream.
Jersey Chocolate Soft Serve Ice Cream ($7): 7/10
This chocolate soft serve is a quality choice. It’s pleasantly cold, with a decadent texture and intensely rich chocolate flavor. Unlike the tiramisu, the generous portion size is quite hard to finish. While not particularly unique, this smooth, velvety ice cream is a classic for those who will appreciate its simplicity.
