Arillaga Family Dining Commons

Arrillaga Family Dining Commons, 489 Arguello Mall, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
+1 650-725-1508
$$$ Cafeteria
(26 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to the Arillaga Family Dining Commons, a vibrant cafeteria nestled in the heart of Stanford University's campus at 489 Arguello Mall, Stanford, CA. This bustling dining venue is more than just a place to grab a meal—it's a hub of culinary creativity and community connection, making it a beloved spot for students and visitors alike.

The Arillaga Family Dining Commons offers a thoughtful variety of dishes, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Imagine diving into a warm bowl of Colcannon Soup, its rich, creamy texture and savory blend of cabbage and potatoes warming you from within on a cool California day. For those craving something hearty, the Braised Corned Beef & Cabbage alongside tender carrots and potatoes promises a satisfying and comforting experience, reminiscent of a cherished family recipe.

If you're in the mood for a cozy classic, you can't go wrong with the Shepherd's Pie, a layered dream of seasoned meat and vegetables topped with fluffy mashed potatoes that tempt your taste buds with every forkful. And for something lighter, the Roast Chicken with carrots and champ offers a vibrant and healthful option, bursting with flavors that complement each other beautifully.

Don't forget to save room for dessert! Indulge in a Shamrock Shake, the perfect creamy refreshment, or treat yourself to a delightful Matcha Latte With Oat Milk, balancing sweetness and earthiness in one sip. The homemade Shamrock Cookies & Cupcakes add a touch of whimsy and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, making them the ideal finish to a delicious meal.

While dining at Arillaga, you’ll find an inviting atmosphere that encourages relaxation and casual dining. It’s a spacious venue equipped not just with tables for communal meals, but also areas for quiet study or conversations. Reviewers like Kaui DeMarzo praise the cafeteria as a "solid family cafeteria experience," and with frequent rotation of creative and culturally diverse dishes, it’s no wonder guests return time and again. The staff, often described as the "unsung heroes," work diligently to ensure that each dining experience is met with warmth and efficiency, making every visit feel personal and welcoming.

Customer feedback speaks volumes, with Gabriel Classon noting the impressive variety of high-quality main courses, perfect for both vegetarians and meat lovers. And for those who appreciate a little ahead-of-the-game surprise, there’s talk of steak appearing occasionally, bringing an unexpected delight to the cafeteria menu. With a mixed bag of dishes and flavors, the Arillaga Family Dining Commons definitely manages to elevate the traditional cafeteria experience into something noteworthy.

So, whether you’re a busy student, a visitor exploring the campus, or a local looking for a tasty meal, the Arillaga Family Dining Commons has something special in store for you. Come hungry, leave happy!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

7:30 AM - 10:00 AM

,

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday

7:30 AM - 10:00 AM

,

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Thursday

7:30 AM - 10:00 AM

,

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Friday

7:30 AM - 10:00 AM

,

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 9:30 AM

,

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 9:30 AM

,

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

26 Reviews
Victor Wang

09 Sep 2025

Check dining menus and there are a couple gems. The miso cod, spaghetti with pancetta and parmesan were standouts.

Gabriel Classon

06 Sep 2025

Dining halls are what they are, and Arillaga Family Dining Commons is a particularly good one. I'm impressed by the variety of main courses they're able to put out without compromising the quality of the food. Both vegetarian and meat options are offered. I was delighted to once find steak here, though I'm assured this is a rare occurrence. A diverse array of healthful fruits and vegetables are also available to accompany and supplement your meal. For drinking, fine water (still or sparkling), coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juices, and several other beverages are available, but not conventional soft drinks. Cola & co., it would seem, are too pedestrian for this, truly the pinnacle of food service. In all seriousness, I've eaten at dining halls at several universities, and Stanford's come out on top. Your options may be limited on the farm, but they're pretty good. Just don't think too much about the price tag.

Rob

31 Aug 2025

the food is passable - i enjoyed it as someone who spent the summer here on stanford’s dime, but i’m sure it might leave a bad taste in your mouth if you’re paying for it. the staff are the unsung heroes of this campus, and the dining hall is no exception.

Dongha Kim

15 Aug 2025

This is the best Stanford Dining among all. Large space, various menu, coffee machine, fruits, and cookies. Be aware you need to purchase the meal plan.

Kaui DeMarzo

16 Jul 2025

A solid family cafeteria experience on Stanford's campus. We eat here regularly (for the past 12 years!) and always enjoy the fresh, creative and culturally varied dishes.

Daniel Wang

01 Jul 2025

Food is amazing. Very healthy, but yet still super delicious. I didn't know healthy food could taste so good. High quality food. The dining hall really encourages people to eat healthy, and they make it quite easy.

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