Not often do you find an elegant place stateside (Especially on the West Coast) and one that serves such a yummy breakfast. Tuts should definitely be on your bucket list when you next explore the food in Palo Alto outside of your Silicon Valley endeavors.
Conveniently located off the main busy route of University Ave, Tuts Cafe and Bakery is a newish offering by part-owner Hakan Sukur, a Veteran soccer player in Turkey, and his business partner Serkan Karabacak aimed at bringing some of that mediterranean charm to the also easy-going life in Palo Alto.
Interestingly enough, Sukur is one of Turkey’s most famous athletes and soccer player, a World Cup hero and a veteran of several of Europe’s top leagues. He parlayed his fame into a political career, was elected to Turkey’s Parliament but quickly got wind of the deteriorating policy situation in the country hence made it to the US. Although Sukur had warrants out for his arrest, you can definitely see him picking up dishes and serving patrons at Tuts with a smile on his face. On the other hand, his partner Serkan is part of the Cafe Brioche team (also in Palo Alto) known in the circles of good food around the area.
As you enter the premises though at Tuts what your eyes are drawn upon are not the happy faces by the counter but the amazingly striking pastry just below. The decor is nice and homey but the produce is what stands out by far. Offering a wide range of egg dishes (and not only your typical “eggs your style”) one is destined to go with the Menemen (aka shakshuka for those in the know), a hearty portion of eggs on a skillet accompanied by some chopped spicy sausage and feta cheese! Wow – astounding! Although the dish comes with some toasted bread on the side, you’ll probably enjoy much more if you also try their Turkey traditional bread simit.
Regulars also enjoy their goodies online, as they deliver around the area through all of the main apps (think beyond your classic UberEats, Caviar and the likes!) and operate quite a decent ops with a timely service.
All in all a great experience and one we’ll cherish for the next time we’re in Palo Alto!
Fresh pastries
Almond Croissant