Patch Picks: Favorite Fusion Restaurants

Tired of your standard mono-culture fare? Try a fusion, or five. Check out our list of the best fusion restaurants in your neighborhood!

1. Indian Fusion

This Indian-Californian fusion cuisine restaurant offers everything from curry to fresh fish to ribs. Half the restaurant is dedicated to the bar, which features 25 stools. Its elegant atmosphere is true to its "lounge" title—making it an ideal place for a romantic date. Don't forget happy hour, from 4:30pm - 6:30pm, when everything is a third of the price off. Hours: Lunch: Tue - Fri, 11:30am - 2:30pm; Dinner: Sun - Wed, 5pm - 10pm; Thu - Sat, 5pm - 11pm. Lounge: Sun - Thu, 4:30pm - 11pm; Fri, Sat, 4:30pm - midnight. Find it at: 632 Emerson St, Palo Alto

2. Cajun Fusion

Enjoy the recently remodeled New Orleans atmosphere and decor at this lively evening hangout, where food boasts influences of creole, cajun and southwestern cuisines. Try the skirt steak and gumbo for a particular treat, and stay late--the bar stays open later than the restaurant. Restaurant Hours: Mon - Fri, 11:30am - 10pm, Sat, 5:30pm - 11pm, Sun, 5:30pm - 9pm. Find it at: 535 Ramona St, Palo Alto

3. Cone Fusion

RAWDADDY'S FUN CONE FOODS

Bring your appetite to the California Avenue farmer's market next weekend--RawDaddy's food booth puts the fun in food with their flaxseed-stuffed cones filled with both sweet and savory seasonal varietals. This is "not just for kids," they say--try the Spicy Thai Salad Cone or the Moroccan Squash Cone to find out why. Vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options offered. Restaurant Hours: Sunday, 9 am to 1 pm Find it at: Palo Alto Farmers Market, California Ave, Palo Alto

4. French Fusion

Bring a date, or simply a book, and enjoy the art of chef/owner Todd Le, who creates his culinary baked masterpieces on site. Try the prosciutto and mozzarella sandwhich and enjoy fresh veggies purchased that day; try the spectacular tiramisu for dessert. The ambiance is relaxing, with indoor or outdoor seating and soothing music. Restaurant Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-11pm Saturday and Sunday 8am-11pm. Find it at: 405 University Ave, Palo Alto

5. European-Polynesian Fusion

Sip a Mai Tai on the covered patio and let your troubles melt away. Trader Vic's offers a fine dining experience with a tropical flavor. The exotic menu has Polynesian, Chinese and Hawaiian influences and includes specialties like Chinatown Duck with Broccolini in Oyster Sauce, Stir-Fried Rice with Dried Fruits, and Wok-Fried Prawns Szechwan Style with Eggs Noodles. Take a stroll after dinner in Dinah's Garden Hotel's lush grounds, which is adjacent to the restaurant. Restaurant Hours: Dinner: Mon-Thu 5pm to 10pm; Fri/Sat 5pm to 11pm; Sun 4:30pm to 9:00pm Find it at: 4269 El Camino Real, Palo Alto