Every visit to Cafe Barrone reminds me why it's such a beloved community staple. Whether I'm there with my daughter, my mother, or just stopping in for a quick coffee, the quality of the food, the welcoming atmosphere, and the exceptional service are consistently outstanding. We recently celebrated my mom's 74th birthday there, and the team made the occasion feel incredibly special. They welcomed her back like family, making it feel less like a birthday celebration and more like a heartfelt "welcome back." They even surprised her with a candle on our favorite carrot cake--a simple but thoughtful gesture that meant so much to all of us. Our family favorites are the Vegetarian Minestrone and the house garlic bread--both are always absolutely scrumptious and consistently delicious. It's comforting to know that every visit brings the same fresh, flavorful food we've come to love. A special thank you to Estanphy, Ishmael (the amazing barista), and Owen, who always greet us with genuine kindness and professionalism. Their warmth makes every visit feel personal and memorable. And to the talented prep cooks and chefs working behind the scenes--thank you for the care, consistency, and passion you put into every meal. You're the reason everything is so fresh, delicious, and dependable every single time. It's rare to find a place that delivers both incredible food and such heartfelt hospitality, visit after visit. Cafe Barrone isn't just a café--it's a place where people are remembered, celebrated, and genuinely cared for. Thank you to the entire team for making our family's moments, both big and small, so meaningful. We can't wait to come back! read more

We came on a Sunday around 10:30am. For two people there was barely any wait to order. We ordered: Frozen mocha Fresh squeezed orange juice Half order French toast Scramble of some kind Egg and potato wrap Plenty of seating and I love the good vibes and food tastes amazing. The food did take quite a while to come out though. $80+ after tip. My husband and I agreed that we are happy we tried it however we think we can get better brunch for the price point. I understand it's a little more expensive because of this area. our favorite thing was the French toast. If we do come back, I think we will get just the French toast and drinks. read more

Yashara did a good job service with a smile she helped me & Julie. She a wonderful worker Two thumbs up for wonderful service read more

We came here on a Sunday for lunch. There was a line going out the door, but it moved pretty quickly. We ordered at the register and found a table outside. There was some seating inside but a majority of it is outside. We ordered: - Organic Scrambles #3 (Scrambled Organic Eggs, Organic Wild Mushrooms, Shallots, Crème Fraîche, Chives) - The scrambled eggs were good and not mushy at all. The creaminess of the crème fraîche worked well with the mushrooms and chives. - Three Stack Apple Pancakes - This was delicious! I loved the grated apples in the pancakes. It was a solid pancake. We had a good time eating here and will be back to try more items on the menu! read more

Cafe Borrone - Three Stack Apple Pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California

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Came on a weekday and it was somewhat busy. They had plenty of seating outside, with less on the inside. All you have to do is order at the front, grab a number, and sit wherever you want. As for the food, I was pleasantly surprised. I heard that the French toast has the consistency of bread pudding, and it sure did! The French toast was DELICIOUS and I loved the vanilla bean butter. I also heard good things about the frosted mocha and luckily they had a smaller size option. It was still on the pricey side ($7) but WOW was it good! It was a little confusing on if we had to clean up after ourselves outside, but luckily a worker came and said they clean up! In addition, the staff were very friendly! Would love to come back again. read more

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It has been a very hot minute since I've been to Cafe Barrone. I'm talking about maybe years. I came here for lunch to meet up with work colleagues. Not much has changed except the price. The food really blew me away. When I came here in the past, I guess I was on a frozen mocha diet. I ordered the lasagna ($27 with tax). I guess I wasn't expecting much but wow, you can taste the handmade pasta and bolognese sauce. It was delicious with the crispy edges. It also came with a small salad (because iykyk... fiber). It was a bit pricey for lunch but the quality was there. We are outside which was nice and shaded. Overall, good service, nice environment, and great food will keep me coming back here for more! Sorry no pics because I don't want to embarrass myself in front of my colleagues. read more

The food was very good. The eggs the way they cooked it was fluffy and very tasty. My mom really enjoyed the eggs here. The service is good as well. But, I know when it is rush hour it can get pretty busy. It is nice the ambiance. You can chose outside or indoor seating. Overall, pretty good breakfast. read more

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Was really excited to try this spot with the family on a Sunday around 11 but fell short in a few ways: - There are plenty of families but no high chairs that we could find. I assume they don't have any as my husband went to look and couldn't find any, but I also didn't ask an employee. - The food was all on the rather sweet side? The chicken salad had more raisins than chicken and the mayo mixture was very sweet. The Italian torta was inexplicably rather sweet as well. - We ordered just the 2 items (no drinks) and our total was just over $45. Portions were very small for the price. I understand this place is an institution and Menlo Park is expensive, but this is just a little too much? Lots of places with good food at a lower price point on the peninsula. We won't be back. read more

Came to Cafe Borrone for the outside seating but was pleasantly surprised that this salad was really delicious. Very fresh ingredients, I did not need the dressing. The strawberry lemonade is made in house and is perfectly sweet, not too sour. The outside seating is absolutely perfect. Tons of seating. The service was super quick! You order inside and they bring your food to you. Will definitely be coming back. read more

Cafe Borrone - Strawberry lemonade - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California

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I love Cafe Borrone. We go whenever we have the time and the weather is nice, because sitting out on the patio is always a great experience. The menu is simple, but everything tastes fresh and full of flavor. I honestly don't think I've ever had anything bad here. On this visit, I had the lean pastrami on a sour roll with yellow mustard, and it was so good. The melted cheese, the crunchy fresh roll, and the pepper on the side gave it just the right extra kick. I paired it with their frozen mocha, which is a real treat. I love coffee, and this is like a cross between a milkshake and a blended coffee drink. It's not overly sweet, but it's cold, smooth, and perfect on a warm day for anyone who enjoys the taste of coffee. It's an order-at-the-counter spot, then you grab an open table. I usually find parking underneath the restaurant in the underground garage, which makes it easy. Great food, great patio, and always a place I look forward to going back to. read more

Cafe Borrone - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California

A long overdue review for a cafe that has been around for ages. A staple in Palo Alto and conveniently located along El Camino Real and not that far from Stanford Mall, they offer a diverse and pleasing breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menu. Check out their listed hours before you head out. It's been some time since I've been here but I've had several good meals here with close friends. The large outdoor patio, in addition to the indoor seating provides a diverse spread of seating options. I fondly remember the fresh squeezed orange juice here, and I hope that is still an offering they serve. Also, the Menlo Park Caltrain station is literally across the street. read more

Finally made it to Cafe Borrone, and I'm so glad I did! I'm on a mission to explore different coffee spots, and this place definitely stands out. The staff was super friendly and explained some of the menu items for us. They recommended the frosted mocha, and it lived up to the hype. Unlike the watered-down Frappuccinos from Starbucks, this one is the real deal. Plus, they serve it in a glass, which just makes the experience feel a bit more special. My boyfriend tried the fish sandwich and enjoyed it. The drinks were $11, and the fish sandwich was $17. The vibe in general is relaxing and wasn't too loud. You don't have to overdress to go here. I'm already planning my next visit for another frosted mocha! read more

Cafe Borrone - Fish Sandwich - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California

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I went here pre pandemic and I haven't been back since, but I was pleasantly surprised it was still around along with the bookstore Nextdoor! There was still a line to get into this restaurant and a number of people were working in laptops and some friends were playing catch up! Such a quaint community experience! I loved the customer experience and the gentleman at the register was patient with me as I was overwhelmed by their pastry case and couldn't order in a timely fashion! Hee. I loved my stuffed French toast and ate a bite of my ginger cookie but I was stuffed and took the rest of my cookie to go! I will be back again to try an other dessert or two! Hee read more

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A deliciously unique double chocolate cookie. It's rich, very chocolatey, somewhere between a brownie and a cookie but not a brookie. One of my favorite double chocolate cookies, first discovered about 20 years ago! read more

Cafe Borrone - Double chocolate cookie - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California

So popular on a Sunday at 11am, classic brunch time! We waited in line for about 15 minutes, but we were able to look at some menus while we were waiting. There's plenty of seating, but also plenty of people, so we had to scout around a bit. It didn't take long for us to find a table luckily! You order at the register, they give you a number, and you wait for them to bring your food to you. I thought the chimichurri sandwich was very good. The chicken pesto was alright, but I think next time I would get the chimichurri. The French toast was also good, pretty standard. I thought prices were on the higher end, but perhaps that's typical for the area. read more

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After a day of riding my bike around, I decided to treat myself to a frosted mocha since it's been AGES that I've had one! I popped in around 3PM on a Sunday and was so glad to see this spot was crowded. Cafe Borrone is old school nostalgia for me as someone who grew up on the peninsula and used to visit the cafe for Frosted Mochas with my mom and friends regularly as a teen. I'm glad they've survived! The line moved fast with two cashiers, but it was stuffy inside (was a warm day with temps in low 80s). Lots of outdoor tables with umbrellas provide nice shade. I was also really excited to see that the frosted mocha came in a mini size (which in all honesty was pretty big!). I ordered one to go and they had just run out so they were working on making a new batch which led to a delay and about 10 min wait. I got the first cup from the new batch and it was so tasty!! It tasted exactly how I remembered it, and their whipped cream, which is house made is so delicious and rich. One little note... It was hard to drink out of the skinny straw so I had to wait for it to melt a bit. The drink is THICK and definitely an indulgence. I feel as tho you cannot visit the peninsula without stopping at Cafe Borrone for a traditional frosted mocha! read more

Cafe Borrone - FROSTED MOCHA - mini - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California

A perfect brunch spot for an outing with friends. Caught up with my girlfriends here and it's always a crowd pleaser with great food and lots of outdoor seating. I enjoyed the French toast with strawberries and a side of bacon. The French toast here is so fluffy and delicious with the vanilla bean butter and syrup. read more

Cafe Borrone - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California

Cafe Barron has excellent food, but the service experience really dragged things down during a busy morning. Food (5/5): The food was genuinely delicious. The French toast was fluffy, buttery, and easily one of the highlights. The omelette with cream and mirin really hit the spot, and the breakfast wrap was also excellent. No complaints here. Drinks (3/5): The drinks tasted good, but we ordered them extra hot and they arrived cold, which was disappointing. You are also responsible to pick them up so stay close to the barrista id you need coffee. Ambiance (4/5): The atmosphere is lively and energetic, which gives the place a fun brunch vibe. That said, it can feel overcrowded. The seating is very tight, tables are pushed close together, and the line can get quite long. Service (2/5): This was unfortunately the biggest issue. One of our items was missed in the original order. When I went back to fix it, staff initially entered it as a separate order and told me there wasn't much they could do and that I'd need to pick it up as a to-go order. After multiple conversations, I asked them to simply combine it with our original order and bring it to our table, which they eventually agreed to. When our food arrived, the missing item was still missing. After checking with staff three separate times, we were eventually told they were "doing us a favor" by giving us someone else's to-go item. By that point, we had already finished most of our breakfast and were ready to leave. The staff seemed more focused on explaining how busy they were rather than taking ownership of the mistake, even though the issue started with the original order being missed. Overall, this is a solid 4-star if you go on a quieter day and you don't need much customer service because the food is absolutely worth trying. On a busy day, though, be prepared for a potential 2-star experience, mainly due to customer service. read more

I love a traditional café! It's the hustle and bustle, the ability to dine outdoors and enjoy it, add in the variety of menu choices, and it's a great dining experience. This is one of the reasons I love traveling. It's ability to explore and enjoy all the new things. Menlo Park is absolutely a great place to explore, and starting at café Borrone made it absolutely perfect. The café was everything that I adore about the experience. It was filled with diners, enjoying their solitude, their friends, their family, and of course the food! You order at the counter, and once you're done ordering, they'll hand you the obligatory number to be placed on your table, and they will bring you your food. Diners tip: soft drinks are refillable. You just need to take your glass to the counter and they will happily fill your glass. Standing at the counter, I was met with an entire case of amazing, looking desserts and pastries. We eat with our eyes, and I'm pretty sure that my eyes tasted everything in that case lol. Summoning up my willpower, and the fact that I truly wanted a meal as opposed to a nosh, I ordered the turkey and smoked Gouda sandwich. I'm not a sandwich girl. Sure, I do eat them, but it's generally not my go to. My mind may just have been changed. This sandwich is everything! I mean everything! The focaccia is made in house and it's perfect. It's light and airy, it's herby in the best way, and frankly, if I could just eat the bread I would. The sandwich is layered with organic Romain, mayo, sliced turkey, and the most incredible caramelized onions I've ever had. I don't know what magic they use to make them, but I want more of it! Add in the smoked Gouda, and there are literally no words to describe how perfect the sandwich is. Each bite was heaven. OK, maybe I found a few words... The menu is extensive, and when I glanced around at what other diners were enjoying, there was such a variety, I knew that it wasn't just me that struck Gold, but everyone was enjoying their meals. The counter service was super friendly, and the young woman that helped me was super sweet, and I wish that I had gotten her name. I know based on our conversation she's only been with the restaurant for about two months, then she definitely is a great addition to their team. I am so excited I can't wait to go back and try more of the menu items, and yes, the desserts! read more

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Great food, great laid back vibe, good parking underground, loved our first time here! We had the fish burger, tri tip sandwich and French toast. It was all excellent. The serving sizes are decent, not huge so getting a burger / sandwich each and sharing a salad (or French toast if you're craving something sweet) would be perfect for two. We arrived at around 2pm on Sunday and there was no wait to order (order and pay at the cashier then open seating) and a few tables to spare. Food came out after about 15 mins (not too quick, not too long). I can see why this place is an institution and I'm keen to go back to try their pastas! read more

Excellent Italian cafe. Delicious lasagna and panini. Great outdoor seating. Portion is big for the price ! Excellent choice all around read more

A coworker picked up a wild mushroom scramble for me and it was delicious! Eggs were cooked to perfection- light and not overdone, so the texture was perfect! The mushroom flavor was amazing and the different types of mushrooms offered a great texture contrast to the eggs. Fellow mushroom lovers would love this dish!! read more

Cafe Borrone - Delicious mushroom scramble - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California

Best place in this area for an informal meal for many, many years. Wide choice of refreshing entrees, and terrific specials, great drinks, inviting desserts, and you can make what you like of the atmosphere. Stop in for a quick meal, sit and chat with a friend for hours, make a great meal of it with friends., or bring along the children for breakfast lunch or dinner. It will work for you. Thank you to the Barrone family for this fine place in the heart of Menlo Park. The Thompsons now near and far read more

My husband and I stopped by for breakfast and had an okay experience overall. He got the egg and potato breakfast wrap and said it was fine but lacked seasoning. I had the wild mushroom scramble, which was pretty good, though the eggs were a bit overdone for my taste. The service was a miss. The person who took our order wasn't friendly and seemed pretty short with us, especially when we had a few questions about the menu. It didn't feel welcoming, which put a damper on things. The outdoor seating area is nice and spacious, but we noticed quite a few tables that hadn't been cleared. Empty dishes, crumbs, and leftover food made the space feel a bit neglected. read more

Came here on a Saturday morning with a group of 3 and we were able to order, get seated, and eat pretty quickly! There's a lot of outdoor and indoor space. I got the breakfast burrito which was good just VERY pricey, $18 seems like a lot for something with no meat. I got the shaken iced maple latte and it was amazing! Overall, great spot for brunch! read more

Cafe Borrone - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California

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Wonderful place - so much seating, great relaxed vibe. All of their food is beyond. Counter order, and they bring your food to you - the chefs are fast!! Definitely has become a favorite - even though it's a bit of a drive from Mountain View. read more

Cafe Borrone - Eggs #6, side of potatoes, eggs #5, blueberry biscuit - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California

A nice cafe with a busy but muted noise ambience. The staff who served us were friendly and quick. Lots of inside and outdoor seating. The string lights inside are a nice touch and it was a little breezy outside so we opted to sit inside. The French toast was fantastic, thick triangles browned perfectly on the outside and still moist on the inside, with tasty butter and a side of maple syrup. The side of bacon complimented the French toast well. The breakfast sandwich was okay, wouldn't get again. However the huge chocolate chip cookies in the bakery case looked so good, will want to try next time! read more

Cafe Borrone - French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California

Their cappuccinos and their veggie melt are both delicious! And plenty of space to sit, even though they get quite busy around lunch time.

I ended up going back to Cafe Borrone for lunch on a weekday. So much more enjoyable. I got a plate of fresh Pappardelle pasta which was heavenly, not sure if the pasta is made there but it sure tastes like it. The fresh grated cheese melted so perfectly into the pasta that I'm still craving it. Topped it off with a hazy IPA and chilled inside before I went about my day. read more

I haven't had a Belgian waffle in ten years, but this spot made the wait worth it. The food was delicious, the service was fast, and the waffle came with butter on top and maple syrup on the side. We enjoyed the sunny outdoor seating--it's a popular spot, but the noise level is low enough for a good catch-up. It's clear why this place has stood the test of time. Definitely worth a visit! And parking is easy too! read more

Cafe Borrone - Belgium waffle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California

Quick ordering but lines can form at busy time so make sure to get there early! Indoor & lots of outdoor seating. Casual breakfast/brunch place that's gets busy/loud so good for groups/families but seating is first come first serve. Affordable breakfast in the bay. read more

Cafe Borrone - Menu Dec 2024 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California

This is the best cafe in Menlo Park. They have a full menu of food so it's really like a restaurant. It's been around for so long but still really good! It's so nice to sit outside in the summer. I got tri tip steak added to my salad and it was delicious. The steak sandwich is also good. Get the frosted mocha in the flair glass. See pic for the special glass. Overall a very nice place to hang out before seeing a movie at The Guild theater or getting a book at the bookstore next door. read more

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I have to say my mushroom and cheese scramble was generous and absolutely delicious. And the folks that work there behind the counter where you order and otherwise were very friendly. But if you go, get ready for Menlo Park /PA pricing. $30 for the scramble, toast and a cappuccino. Quality food is expensive these days. read more

A spacious and inviting brunch spot with an extensive menu and both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a versatile choice for any dining preference. We tried the chimichurri chicken panini and the minestrone soup. Both dishes were simple but satisfying. The panini had a nice balance of flavors, with the chimichurri adding a bright, herby kick to the tender chicken. The minestrone soup was hearty and comforting, a good option for something lighter. read more

Cafe Borrone - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California

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Interior was so cute with Christmas decorations. The line would ebb and flow, with moments of a long line and no line. It went by quickly because they had two cashiers. Ordered the season special: barbacoa wrap. Meat was very flavorful with beans and onions. Also ordered the egg white scramble, which was basically egg whites and tomatillo sauce. Wouldn't get it by itself, but it was a nice side to the wrap. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. read more

Cafe Borrone - Interior - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California

There are very few drinks I love more than the frosted mocha. This afternoon around 3 pm we happen to order at a time where there was a line, so there were a lot of drink orders ahead of us, which is fine. But the young gentleman that was making it was pretty new, and he had left out the container w the frosted mocha out in the counter for a while from when he made the prior order. And then he was making 3 to go at the same time. But the time I got my order, it was not as frosted or thick as it normally is. So that was a bit disappointing. Otherwise it is still as rich and decadent as I remembered. read more

It's a fantastic spot for brunch and excellent coffee. I initially went there for iced coffee but ended up trying the frosted mocha ($10). While it's a bit pricey for a drink, it was worth it! It wasn't overly sweet, and I confirmed it was caffeinated, which was perfect for my craving for something sweet with a caffeine boost. I'll definitely return to explore the brunch menu next time. The outdoor seating areas around the fountain are great, too! Just a heads up, it can get really crowded on Saturdays! read more

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Over priced, Over Hyped. It seems as the quality of the food has decreased. The service was good and friendly. Nice location with plenty of parking underground. Just not what it was. read more

I go to Cafe Borrone too much. I love their food. First let's talk about breakfast. It's served from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. I love the Borrone's Vanilla Bean French Toast. It's Acme pan de mie dipped into the house vanilla bean custard. It's served with house made vanilla bean whipped butter and maple syrup. I also really enjoy their organic potatoes sautéed with onion and thyme. For lunch, you really can't go wrong with the Shrimp Salad, Organic Beet Salad, Zoe's Turkey Sandwich on Baguette, Veggie Melt, Fish Sandwich, and Pappardelle & Mushroom. It's all amazing and delicious. For dessert, my favorite thing is their carrot cake. It's amazing. I always order "to-go" but the service I have received is friendly and quick. Overall it's a great place to visit with lots of seating inside and on the patio. read more

A local favorite for breakfast, brunch, or lunch in the Peninsula! They have an extensive menu with egg scrambles, sandwiches, a variety of sweet breakfast items, and a drink menu with and without alcohol. They have lots of tables and it's a great spot to grab a bite with friends. I came here for a quick lunch with a couple of friends and my pup and I decided to order the burrata. My friend recommended the shaken maple latte and I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. The drink was beautiful, perfectly sweet, and paired well with the oat milk. The burrata was also good with fresh arugula and grilled peaches. read more

Cafe Borrone - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Menlo Park, California