• Banner 1
  • Banner 2
  • Banner 3

Welcome to Howie’s Pizza

At Howie’s Pizza, nestled in the heart of Palo Alto, a vibrant dining experience awaits. This lively establishment offers not just pizza but a range of Italian dishes and artisan sandwiches, all crafted with care. Their approachable ambiance and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere for families and groups alike. Notable is their house-made focaccia bread, which elevates every sandwich, while unique offerings like potato pizza delight adventurous eaters. With vegan options and a relaxed setting, Howie’s is perfect for a casual meal or happy hour. Every visit feels personal, as familiar faces of the staff ensure a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Howie’s Pizza: Reviews & Ratings

Theresa H.
Theresa H.

Howie's is located on Town & Country. It was a lively restaurant specializing in pizza (I think?), but I have not ordered any pizza from here. AMBIANCE 4/5 As I mentioned it was a lively place. I have no complaints. It is a casual dining place. SERVICE 5/5 Staffs were all friendly and attentive the few times I was there. FOOD 4/5 Carbonara Pasta - 3/5 I had better carbonara. This just alright. Minestrone - 4/5 Generous portion and pretty good. Hot wings - 5/5 So spicy, yet so good!! I can't really take spicy food but I will definitely order these again!!

Jackson b.
Jackson b.

I've gone there dozens of time and howies has the best chicken Parmesan sandwich I've ever had 10/10

Larry C.
Larry C.

What if, stick with me here, we renamed it: Howie's Artisan Sandwiches??? It would still be true! We came here this weekend for lunch and had two of Howie's focaccia sandwiches, and both were really great! Their focaccia is house made, and TBH you could sell me plates of just the focaccia and I'd be happy. The Italian club is a sensory experience: take that light fluffy bread, add warm crispy fried chicken cutlets, but also bacon and crisp fresh veggies, it's both satisfying and somehow light. The tuna salad sammie starts with the same light crisp bread, and slathers on a juicy tuna salad with a kick (peppers hiding in there somewhere?). It's honestly hard to pick a favorite. We'll have to keep testing. And I can't believe I haven't already written up this place, we've had their pizza many times and it is delish -A favorite is the potato pizza- sounds weird, tastes great! Ambiance: a nice mix of casual dark wood bar /pizza joint, with a really well informed and friendly staff! I see familiar faces every time I'm in here, which tells you a lot about how central the crew is to the restaurant!

Jeehyun Y.
Jeehyun Y.

Friendly service Loved the chopped salad; crunchy texture and many harmonious ingredients Pasta was served hot Pizza dough is medium thickness, not thin nor pan pizza thick; lots of toppings Pasta and pizza are a bit salty for my taste Would go back but not a top pizza stop in PA area

Priscilla D.
Priscilla D.

*First time review, dined indoors* My office is in Palo Alto and I am very seldom onsite. After work this past Wednesday, I decided to venture around downtown Palo Alto. I stopped off at Howie's and loved the welcoming staff! I don't know the gentleman's name but he asked me if I had been there before, walked me through the menu, very pleasant! I decided to get some pizza and ordered the rigatoni with the spicy vodka sauce and sausage. I also got a side salad and when it came out, I was blown away! The salad was huge! Had lots of left overs. The pasta was fully loaded as well and the perfect amount of sauce. Pasta cooked well. Wish there was a tad more sausage. I did ask for it on the side because I wanted to taste it without being covered in sauce since I hasn't tried it before. I liked the home made dressing a lot. Have to give a shout out to my waitress Natalie! Absolutely adored her! We had a great conversation (I was close to the last one leaving). She was attentive and had awesome energy.

Adam O.
Adam O.

Walked by and saw the outdoor heaters and smelled the food and it made us stop. We were not disappointed! We had the Margherita and Prosciutto. I thought the Prosciutto had a little bit better flavor but both were good. Very helpful and friendly staff!

Lara W.
Lara W.

Refreshingly human and non-pretentious restaurant experience. I have lived at Stanford for 6 years and been to T&C many times. Gott's could build a new wing with the dollars I've spent there. Yet I'd never popped into Howie's. [Side note: this is true for many businesses at this outdoor mall; there are way more than meets the eye and it doesn't matter how many times you go - you can always find something new.] Thanks to the 3rd annual Yelp Treasure Hunt event last night, I stopped by to taste a sample of their homemade focaccia. It was being served by none other than Howie the owner and namesake of the business. He started by offering me water. I didn't even realize I needed water. And the bread itself was noteworthy. A great hum of garlic fills the air of the place, but not in a repelling way (I'm no vampire). He and the bread were approachable, as was the bartender. After the event, my friend and I were going to stop by because she wanted to bring a dessert home to her family; something about the dessert menu caught her eye. But when we came back, we were welcomed warmly and realized it would be fun to stay a little while longer. The hospitality continued with the kind bartender who never left my water glass unfilled (again, I had no idea how dehydrated I was but I think I drank more water here than I have in the past, scorching summer week). We had some delicious arancini which are goey, cheesy, rice balls (napkin required!) and papas bravas with a smoked paprika that gave them a really scrumptious flavor. These appetizers are heavy and if I weren't driving, I'd have also joined my friend in a glass of rose - perfectly acidic to cut the heaviness of the dishes. I didn't order a main course this time but my friend ended up taking home a chicken salad which looked fresh and delicious and a chocolate German cake. I want to reiterate that the service was really stand out here. It felt like a family business. It tasted like home cooked food. I really don't know how many places like this (still?) exist in Palo Alto, but the place has soul. And I didn't even try the pizza! I'm going for the potato one when I return.

Kristin L.
Kristin L.

I placed a to go order through the DoorDash app today. My mom and I shared a margherita pizza and the chopped salad, she has some dietary restrictions, so I called to make sure that could be accommodated before placing the order and notes. The gentleman who spoke with me on the phone was really helpful and nice to work with. Arrived at the restaurant and food was already ready, and it was the same gentleman who I spoke with, he showed me the notes it shows on their end. Mom and I ate outside because we were going to visit someone at the hospital, he noticed us and unprompted brought out a couple waters on this hot summer day. SO NICE AND THOUGHTFUL - thank you sir!!! Sorry didn't get his name :( Margherita pizza was great ! Very tasty and yummy crust. The chop salad was also good and very fresh. We liked the dressings and very healthy portion size.

Location

  • Howie’s Pizza
    855 El Camino Real Ste 60 Palo Alto, CA 94301 United States Hotline: (650) 327-4992

Welcome to the vibrant world of Howie’s Pizza, nestled in the heart of Palo Alto at 855 El Camino Real. This charming establishment is more than just a pizza joint; it harmoniously blends an array of delectable dishes, including mouth-watering Italian options and artisan sandwiches, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.

Ambiance and Vibe

The atmosphere at Howie’s Pizza is lively and casual, creating the perfect backdrop for a comforting meal. With a mix of dark wood decor and friendly staff, diners feel welcomed from the moment they step inside. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying dinner with family and friends, there’s an inviting energy that permeates the space.

Menu Highlights

  • Pizza: While many rave about the potato pizza, Howie’s offers a diverse range of topping options and a balanced dough that perfectly complements the flavor profiles. The dough strikes that ideal medium thickness, allowing for generous toppings that satisfy any pizza palette.
  • Sandwiches: The artisan focaccia sandwiches are a standout, with options like the Italian club and tuna salad showcasing Howie's commitment to quality. Each sandwich is crafted with house-made focaccia, providing a light yet fulfilling experience.
  • Pastas: While the carbonara received mixed reviews, the rigatoni in spicy vodka sauce impressed diners with its robust flavors. The portions are generous, promising leftovers that can be savored the next day.
  • Salads: The chopped salad offers a satisfying crunch and a blend of harmonious ingredients, making it a perfect compliment to the hearty dishes.

Service and Accessibility

Howie’s Pizza boasts attentive and friendly service, enhancing the overall dining experience. The staff members are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to assist in making selections that cater to various dietary preferences, including numerous vegetarian and vegan options.

The restaurant is equipped with modern utilities such as outdoor seating, on-site parking, catering services, and is dog-friendly, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity. Moreover, offerings like happy hour specials and free Wi-Fi add to the appeal, making it an ideal spot for groups and families alike.

Conclusion

In summary, Howie’s Pizza presents a delightful blend of exceptional cuisine, a lively atmosphere, and top-notch service. Whether you are indulging in their artisan pizzas, savoring a sandwich, or sharing a meal with friends, this destination promises an enjoyable experience. With its dedication to quality and community, Howie’s Pizza stands as a notable gem in Palo Alto's dining scene.