4/20/24 This is my first time visiting the Caffe Central in Burlingame. I have been to the Caffe Central in San Francisco since it's across the street from my work (Mission bay area). As usual, downtown Burlingame was busy so we had to park a few blocks away. It was a nice day so we managed to get outdoor seating with Coco. You order at the counter, you get a number and then find a table. Here's what we got: - corn chowder (mine) - chipotle bowl (his) We waited about 10 minutes for the food to come. I only got the corn chowder since at the time I was feeling sick with not much appetite. The corn chowder was creamy and delicious. The bread was too hard for me, so I gave that to Coco to munch on. Zach's chipotle bowl looked great. He said it tasted good too. I would definitely come back to try more of their menu. read more

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The food here was alright! It definitely seemed like it would be delicious, but I do feel like it was lacking in a bit of seasoning and flavor! However, the dessert peach crumble was really good. The service was great, super fast. The environment is so cute and I love how they showcase the food that you're able to order every day! read more

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Came on a Saturday afternoon and ordered an iced caffe central latte with almond milk. Tasted like watered down almond milk, a hint of coffee, and no caramel or vanilla flavor. read more

It's a nice cafe, and we appreciated the wonderful case with examples of all the food - but be careful what you order because it may not be as advertised. The sandwich was tasty but had nowhere near the amount of chicken advertised; see photos. The prosciutto sandwich has more meat, the burger looks fine, and the smoked salmon toast is pretty close to the sample in the case. Steer clear of the smoked chicken. read more

Caffe Central - what I ordered - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

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They have a seasonal drink menu and the Spanish matcha sounded good, it was supposed to have condensed milk in it but when I got it, it just tasted like regular milk. I asked if they could add extra condensed milk, and they did, so that was nice. However, I wouldn't recommend this drink as it just tasted really milky. The sandwich was good and was overflowing with capers and avocado. The croissant was crunchy and flaky. I'd come here again for the food, but not sure about the drinks. read more

Caffe Central - Spanish matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

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I would normally give Caffe Central at least three stars for a review. But this time I want their management to notice this review and get a handle on training their employees. Why does Caffe Central train their employees to serve their Apple And Almond Tart on top of a napkin? The question above is asked partially as a sarcastic question. It is my hope that the normal training routine for all Caffe Central employees would have their employees place the ordered food items directly onto the plate. Not on top of him a napkin that they would expect their customers to wipe their fingers with. In any case, brown paper napkin is not an appropriate replacement for a paper doilie when presenting food on a plate, or inside of a to-go container? On a positive note, the Caffe Central Cappuccino was made in an excellent fashion. If you didn't know it already, Caffe Central has a sister location in Pacifica with a different name. It's called, Soul Grind Coffee Roasters. As far as I know, this location also supplies all of the coffee for all of the Caffe Central locations. And I think it is the reason all of the Caffe Central locations have excellent coffees. One of the things their sister location is allowed to do differently is in the choice of their chai mix that they use to make their chai lattes. In that case they have replaced the harden of over sweet chai mix with the brand of chai called 'Soul Chai". The flavor comes out more robust and less sweet than the Oregon chai mix used at all of the Caffe Central locations. I wish Cafe Central would switch up using the same mix as Soul grind, coffee roasters uses. Namely "Soul Chai". For the rest of the experience in the Burlingame location I have to say it's great. All of the tables that I noticed when I came in at 7:30 p.m. were clean. Since it's December 26th, Holiday decorations are still up both inside and outside. The window is still painted with a holiday scene. Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Bathroom clean and neat. For anyone reading this review, I recommend a stop at Caffe Central. 99% of the time my experience here has been positive and problem free. read more

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Food was yummy and the staff was so friendly! We came on a weekend and it was pretty packed, but they were nice enough to clear a table for our party of 5 outside. And there was plenty shade and table space for all of us. The Iced Cuban Latte was also really yummy and nice sweet and milky. The sandwich was also ok, it was just fun. But I'm also not a crazy sandwich person. I absolutely loved their display of food though. All the desserts and baked goods looks so good! Great place to come for weekend brunch! read more

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Cute cafe with great food and drink options! I enjoyed the chicken pesto sandwich and an americano. Overall a nice spot to hang out with friends or read/study. Service was generally quick! read more

Caffe Central - Chicken Club & Pesto - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

Been back couple of times and more pleased with the food. Ordered couple of salads and they were pretty good. It's a nice big happy place. It just makes you happy. The line can get long and finding a table can be challenging but the food comes pretty fast all thing considered. The staff work hard. read more

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One of my favorite places on Burlingame Aveune. The food is delicious, especially the Avacodo toast! Only problem is sometimes it's so busy that you have to wait for a table. I love that you can see what the food looks like with the visual display. It makes it so much easier to choose what to eat and try next. read more

I really like this spot! I've been here for brunch twice now. I also really like how they display what each item looks like. This place is always packed. There isn't really a system for the tables - you kinda just have to wait for tables to clear out and you claim them. read more

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I stopped by this spot between two appointments since it was on my way and seemed perfect for a quick bite in a new location. It was very early in the morning, so I was surprised to see how busy it was. My original plan was to sit at a table, enjoy some food and coffee, and read for a bit. However, I ended up changing my mind and taking my order to-go because it was a bit chilly, and I figured I'd be more comfortable in my warm car. The staff member who served me was friendly, and the food I ordered was delicious. That said, I was surprised to be charged $1.50 for a to-go order, which I hadn't expected. They did have a lot of appetizing options, and I'd definitely try more from their menu in the future. However, I didn't feel like the place gave off a particularly welcoming vibe--at least, not to me. read more

Caffe Central - Chia Jar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

This cafe has great food selections of breakfast and lunch - I especially like their quiche. The drinks are good, the service is quick, and it's a good place for coffee with a friend or for working remotely. read more

Delicious healthy & not-so-healthy options...lots of seating, never feel hurried, clean and also really nice staff. Yummy matcha drinks (hot & cold) too. read more

Caffe Central - Incredible breakfast options - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

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Always busy here it's a good place for brunch or coffee and desserts. I tried one of the salad bowls that had quinoa on the bottom. Very tasty! Everything is fresh. I like how they have the menu items in the counter so you can see what they look like. I also had the plum tart which reminded me of the German plum cake that I really liked. I've been here before for pastries I recommend them for a casual meal. Order at the counter and they bring you the order. read more

Caffe Central - Chipotle Bowl - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

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Great food! Line is long but it moves along relatively quickly. I got the breakfast bowl and while it was $18 it was absolutely fantastic 5/5 delicious!! I do wish the added an extra egg, but I eat a lot more than most people. My friend got a basic fruit bowl and decaf tea, which she liked as well. She regretted not ordering what I got cuz it looked amazing too. Can't go wrong coming here but it can be hard to get a table during breakfast/brunch times read more

A picture tells a thousand words. No doubt one will be impressed with just looking at the display of the many beautiful, colorful and absolutely delectable plates. I have been to this plates many times and its popularity is obvious. Service is friendly but can be improved a bit. read more

I came here for brunch on a Saturday and it was extremely busy. You order and pay for your food first. Then the servers will bring the food to your table. The menu has a ton of variety and the portions are quite large. You can definitely share if you're not super hungry. I ordered the SoCal omelette and the presentation was great. However, I didn't find it too special. My friends ordered the farmhouse breakfast and it was way too oily. We won't be ordering this dish again. Our favorite parts were the bread and butter. I likely won't be returning, as it can be difficult finding parking here. read more

Caffe Central - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

Pretty busy spot on the Ave! Constant traffic, but plenty of seating indoor and outdoor. Staff were frequently tidying tables and floors and were friendly. The overpour coffee (Ethiopia) was good and the ham & cheese burrata was pretty good as well. Would definitely come back here to meet with friends. It's a bumpin place. read more

I ordered the bacon avocado toast, and it felt more like a salad on toast - lots of greens with just a few chunks of bacon underneath. The toast itself was delicious, but I think the greens would be better served on the side. Service was no-nonsense. The cappuccino was excellent! read more

The food here is just like the stuff you see on Instagram There's a great outdoor patio and big tables inside, and the service is pretty quick. It was a bit chaotic inside and no clear line to order but that's because people were eyeing the displays. They have ready-made pastries and entrees propped up for people to see so that you know exactly what you're ordering. Quite useful, but everything looked so good that it was hard to decide. Ended up getting the chipotle bowl: it was delicious read more

Caffe Central - Cappuccino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

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Visited this cafe on a busy Saturday afternoon. Like many other establishments in Downtown Burlingame, it was quite busy. What is unique to this place-- I love that they have their food on display and that the menu has pretty much everything you'd possibly want for at least breakfast and lunch. Their bakery items look great and unique (i.e. matcha tiramisu, calamansi tart), and they make their coffee well. I ordered the goddess bowl to-go on Saturday and felt that it was just okay, hence the 4/5. I'd like to visit again and try out other items on the menu. read more

such a great spot for breakfast or lunch and coffee! Love the display of food, it reminded me restaurants in Japan. iykyk so you know exactly what you're getting. Everyone loved their dishes they picked. The portion size of my sandwich was great with a side salad, not too heavy, but just the right amount of fullness. I hope to come back and try their other items. It's in downtown Burlingame and perfect to take a stroll afterwards. service was cold from the gal who took our order. I hope she was having an off day. There's just 1 restroom for ladies and 1 for men. The line can get long, so plan ahead. The outdoor seating was great and shaded. read more

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Great spot for a weekend brunch. You order first and then find a table. It can get quite busy sometimes. We got the creamy scrambled and the farmhouse breakfast. Good portions and fresh ingredients. read more

Caffe Central - Creamy Scrambled - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

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I love Caffe Central. The ambiance, open floor plan, variety of drinks and food options: this is a great cafe to visit and hang out with friends. read more

Nice place. Very clean and a lot of variety. Lots of pastries and breakfast options. Service was friendly.

Lovely spot in downtown Burlingame for coffee and dessert. Have visited a few times now as a good friend of mine hosts his annual jazz party here. You can't go wrong with any of their latte-style drinks. I've had the chai latte, cappuccino, Cuban latte, dirty chai, and a few others. On my next visit, I'm going to try my current obsession - the matcha latte! read more

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This review is just for the coffee I got to go. My husband and i ordered hot vanilla oat lattes and they were fantastic! Smooth, creamy coffee with just enough vanilla. Not too sweet and not bitter. The inside was spacious and I loved the fact that they displayed the food you could order. It makes ordering easier and you know what to expect. Plenty of seating inside and outside. Staff were very friendly too read more

The location is, of course, amazing. It's on Burlingame Ave. The "Central Latte" is the best latte that I've ever had -- it's $5.95 -- there you go, I don't know why people here never mention the price. I wanna know the price; everybody wanna know the price. I don't get it. The staffs are friendly. The prices are reasonable. Foods are good. The location, the ambience and the view are a bonus. First time coming here; will be definitely keep coming back. Oh. This is how it works there. You order foods at the cashier and pay, then you'll be given a number stand, take it with you and put it on the table that you choose and wait, they'll bring the foods to you. read more

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Had an amazing first visit to Caffe Central with our party of 4. Its first come first serve seating and was busy even on Monday afternoon, but they get food out so quickly that the turnover of tables is pretty quick. There's a huge variety and selection on the menu and all pretty hearty and healthy options. Our group got a mix of salad sandwiches and toast, and we were also pleased with our meals! The coffee and juices were also hit. And the staff is super friendly. My mother-in-law Even said the gluten-free bed was the best she's ever had. Such a gem in downtown Burlingame and can't wait to visit again to try more of the delicious menu read more

If you're in the heart of Burlingame avenue, Caffe Central is a must visit spot! That definitely holds its weight when it comes to delicious food. It offers something for everyone with their variety of breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. Not to mention their irresistible selection of pastries. I got the breakfast bowl after spotting it while walking past the restaurant and every bite was satisfying. Plenty of shops around to walk to after that add the overall experience. I'll definitely be back to try more of their offerings. Giving it a 4/5 only simply because the service could have been just a tiny bit better but it seemed to be a younger staff so I wasn't too worried. read more

Caffe Central - Breakfast Bowl - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

Came here for Sunday brunch since I was in the neighborhood and the café had tons of people, it was quite busy. However the line moved rather quickly and the service was quick. I got the salmon loc bagel was pretty tasty, avocado, and egg. My only critique would be that normally it has tomatoes and it did not come with it. There were barely any onions. I did ask the waiter and she brought me some, which was very nice. We also got the chipotle. Chicken bowl was very tasty. The portion size was good so make sure you come hungry cute cat in the neighborhood. read more

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While Christie's has been our go-to brunch spot in Burlingame over the last 2 years, we wanted to give Caffe Central a try this weekend. Upon walking in, we saw all those dishes on display which made me wonder if they make those items fresh daily. Unless they change up their menu items regularly, why not just make some plastic replicas for display purposes? We ordered the SoCal omelette and the chocolate stuffed French toast. Both items were solid taste-wise but were very unsubstantial portion-wise. The omelette was filled mainly with grilled onions with teeny tiny bit of bacon. The taste was pretty good and it had a little bit of a kick, but it was over within a few bites. For the price, maybe be a little more generous with the sides instead of just 2 small pieces of baguettes? The French toast was stuffed with a small portion of macadamia nuts. Again, solid taste but very unfulfilling. Note that this is a cafe that serves pour-over coffee. They don't offer unlimited refills like you would get at a regular restaurant. I had a regular pour-over and it was pretty damn good. Probably my highly of this visit. Overall I would not recommend Caffe Central as in my opinion you don't get what you pay for. There are multiple better brunch choices in the area. read more

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I came here for a late lunch with my 2 yo. They were definitely busy, but everything came pretty quickly. The servers were actually pretty attentive. We ordered a fruit tart, pear almond tart, blackberry salad, iced tea and the fajita bowl. I was pretty satisfied with the fajita bowl, but the tarts were an average. I'd like to return to see what else they've. They've a really large menu on the wall as well! read more

Caffe Central - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

Had to try this due to the long line! Overall impressed by our experience. Love the restaurant has real menu items displayed. Ambiance is great both inside and out. Ordered the fiesta bowl and lox on bagel and both were amazingly delicious. The chicken and smoked salmon were on point and the portions were sizable! Will come back! read more

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We LOVE caffe central! We have been a couple times and it is always amazing us with the variety of options, freshness of food and good service. The bowls are to die for - tasty and healthy as far as eating out goes! Atmosphere is casual and light. Great for catching up with friends, family or just for a quick weekday lunch. Line gets long for brunch. Definitely coming back! read more

Wow! We loved our first visit to Caffe Central and I can't wait to come back to try different dishes and pastries. Service is order at the counter and find a table. It was a bit overwhelming as their menu is quite large. I really liked seeing the cooked food display. My husband and I decided on breakfast and our sons ordered sandwiches. My lemon ricotta pancakes were light and fluffy and topped with a yummy lemony sauce. Hubby's omelette was perfectly made and served with breakfast potatoes. Sandwiches are large, served on fresh bread with a large green salad. We were too full to have pastries. Next time! read more

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This place is such a great part of downtown Burlingame. It's perfect for lunch or coffee/tea. There is a nice offering of food and drinks which suit most people and the atmosphere and space create a nice place for people to visit again and again. read more

Disappointed. After eating at this restaurant at least two times a week for the last five years the manager (who has communications challenges I'll grant her) summarily told me she can allow me to make a substitution I've made 100 times. I offered to pay extra. The manager said no- in typical no accountability style- the owner won't allow it any longer. OK. I have my sweet greens, and all is good. Not life-changing money but $250 a month going somewhere else. read more

When I was in the middle of having my breakfast, I ran out of coffee and I requested another cup. They would not serve it until I pay for it. They wanted for me to get up and go to the counter and pay for it. That's unacceptable. That's not a good customer service.this place need to improve that service. read more