Great little market right in downtown San Mateo, with a wide variety of vegetables, spices, fruits, and packaged goods with a sligh lean in favor of items Mediterranean / Russian / Middle Eastern tastes. Particular highlights include the constantly up-to-date fresh fruit selection, the large selection of both fresh and organic produce, and the Boar's Head meat counter to the left of the entrance. Lesser known but definite must-try items would be any of the locally dried/cured/smoked/roasted nuts and sundries to the right of the entrance and the fruit specials right next to the checkout counter - have even scored bags of mangosteen when in season! Definitely worth a visit anytime, as they also have a nice spread of snacks and drinks if you're looking for something to nibble on while in the area. read more

I'm extremely happy with the variaty of food that this place has. I was looking for a good hummus and I was able to find it here (hafla). I was looking for a good spicy and non liquid German mustard (lowensenf), and this place had it. My wife loves the fruit selection here and I love the salted fish which I couldn't find anywhere else. Danny and the other people in the store are always friendly and helpful. (However, they did not try ALL the mustards:)) The prices are fair and its close to my house (Not a helpful review detail I guess, but still) Love the place, recommend to all, 5 stars! read more

I drop by here a couple of times per week since it's conveniently near my gym. They have a good selection of produce, with a heavy emphasis on seasonal items (such as Meyer lemons in winter). Their prices are often amazingly low, especially for in-season items. Their selection of organic produce has improved over time. They have a rather random selection of other things like cheese and yogurt - lots of middle-eastern items. No fresh meat. Lots of selections of Sinbad's locally-made products (hummus, lentil and bean salads, etc.) and also packaged falafel, samosa, and dolmas. And vegetarian wraps. I can't do 100% of my shopping here but what I get is good. The caveats in other posts about watching the expiration dates on items is absolutely correct. Seems to be more of an issue here than at a big grocery, but I'm ok with that since the prices are great. You'll find things like puff pastry at a fraction of what it costs at Whole Foods, so if it's a little more work to check dates, you're getting a better price for it! read more

I can't speak for the fresh produce as both times I've been here was to purchase a box of nuts for a snack. First time, I got a box of cashews and they were fine. Just today, I got a box chilli peanuts and no luck this time. I open the box and first thing I notice is the smell of stale nuts that are going rancid. I give it a taste and true enough, they tasted off. Confirming my suspicions, the label on the box says it was packed on Aug 2. Today is Nov 1, so that likely means, this has been sitting on the shelf for close to 3 months. Not a good sign. Fortunately, they refunded the purchase when I brought it back the same day. Bottom-line, check the packed on date for all the boxes of nuts, dried fruit there before you buy as they don't seem to be turning over as quickly as places like Trader Joes and they don't have the staff to check. read more

A friend and I were training for our half marathon at crystal lake so after our session we stopped by jamba juice for a refresher and then came here to check out the fresh produce. I was surprised to see so many imported items with such an affordable price tag. I bought some cheese and phyllo dough which I have not had a chance to eat or use yet. read more

They always have cheap blueberries and strawberries. $1.59/LB for strawberries. Good alternative to TJs and Safeway.

If you are looking for affordable fresh produce and eclectic international snacks/foods, this is the place to be. Most fruits and veggies are cheaper than Safeway and seem locally sourced. For other groceries like basic eggs, milk, yogurt, etc., you probably will get better prices elsewhere. If you're looking for fancy European chocolates and snacks, you can find them here as well. Love this little market in San Mateo! read more

TL;DR - Good place to buy cheap produce and some hard to find groceries. There's so many different things and its not like one of those markets that mark up their prices because they claim to be fancy and whatnot. Dean's is honest and fair and about pricing and their produce is pretty fresh! read more

Several good reasons to go here: 1. Fresh vegetables and produce 2. Great selection 3. Low prices I feel stupid that I have been buying produce at Nob Hill Foods. Doesn't even compare to Dean's read more

Just what downtown san mateo needed!!! A clean moderate sized grocery selling good stuff at reasonable (read - cheaper that subway more expensive than san mateo produce market) prices. The quality of produce is better than the latter and likely better than the former too. Just wish they had cheaper milk (idiosyncratically priced at 3.29 or so for a small bottle) and regular sliced bread - all they have is the slightly expensive stuff. Great affordable nans, pitas, and lovash (3 countries on the same rack!) breads though. read more

Likes: 6 for $1!! So much cheaper than Safeway's 2 for $1. Sausage Heaven: this is our second place for the variety and specialty sausages (outside of going to Taylor's Sausages in Oakland). read more

Fresh fruit sold outside the store and many more inside at great prices A shelf full of dried fruits and nuts in small packaging to keep it staying fresh Small cashier counter Free bags with purchases!!! Parking: Outside meter parking read more

I saw the store owner being very rude against a customer, the owner started being rude and yelling on a customer. The owner called a police for no reason, obviously police never came because the reason was very bogus and they figured out over the phone. The owner then harassed me saying I should not witness what's happening, but I continued to wait for police which never came in and called out the rude behavior of the owner. I think the whole situation shows how the store owner treats the customers and employees, i am afraid this is not the right place to go. I will not be shopping here unfortunately, after this incident anymore. read more

Anything that you can get here instead of Draeger's, do it! This is a small slightly cramped store containing excellent INEXPENSIVE produce, a range of Mediterranean items, and some oddities that appear geared toward a Russian/Polish expat crowd that, well, I don't know where they live in San Mateo. But if you want Polish bacon roll and a handful of vastly stranger items, this is your place. The selection of canned and frozen goods seems to vary over time although not as annoyingly as a place like TJ's. As a low-carb eater I hope that the frozen kebabs stay around for a long time. Delicious dipped in the Haig's tzatziki (about a dollar cheaper here than at Draeger's). Thumbs up! read more

Fruits are the best , many to choose from. The store is clean. Good atmosphere inside and many parking available there. They have international food choice and the prices are not that expensive . I will be going there all the time for shopping from now on read more

BY FAR THE BEST grocery we've been to in the Bay Area....fresh everything, great service, happy European music, spices and many things only found outside the US or at least outside a basic grocery market in the US. Wonderful and I look forward to my weekly visit! Especially now. read more

A wonderful place for fresh produce, great selection of healthy food like local honey, imported teas, ground chia/flaxseed, almond butter and more! Asked for help, got it with a smile. So pleased we found you! read more

The prices are very good and has a lot of diversify products, mostly European. Plus the staff is friendly and helpful all the time. read more

My kind of store. European prduce, good and quality brands....a perfect addition to San Mateo. I shop allot there and this make me happy but also homesick....recommend to all who want to try eastern european delicacy. All the best to Jasmine, one of the managers or owners. read more

In a state known for its ag industry it's nice to find a store selling produce with flavor. Then there's the great prices. If we were living in the area we would be regulars. The owners, I'm told, are Greek. Many imported products we've never seen before from Greece and surrounding Europe. Would like to have tried them all. Excellent French feta. Don't understand why they don't have barrels of olives, but you can't always get it all. If you don't believe me go try it yourself. read more

Good Mediterranean selection. I found things I have been searching for at other produce shops at this location that I never thought were available. The owner is nice and you can have a conversation with. The employees do there jobs place feels fresh. Time to cook. read more

This place is nice, it's small, they cater to the general neighborhood and what people desire. The only thing that this location needs is maybe additional options than what they have but again I enjoy going here because I always find a good Mediterranean ingredients as well as fruits and vegetables that you can't find in Safeway or other produce locations. read more

The worst customer service . No disrespect to anyone who doesn't understand English . Trust me , I come from a family of immigrants. So my sister and I wanted to know the price on a few unmarked items. I asked the cashier what the price was, and she proceeded to scan the item and put it in a bag, I politely said , "no it's ok we are going to pass on it". The cashier made a facial expression, yes with a mask on, you can still see non-verbal communication i.e, raised eyebrows, eyes rolling, and body language . Well anyways, again we asked to check for another price. The cashier, again proceeded to give attitude non verbally. Yes even with a mask on , you can see it. We decided to leave without the purchase because we felt very disrespected. We have been a customer since they've opened at this location. As we were leaving we seen the manager, and let her know that the cashier had attitude. The manager was soooo rude. She Immediately stated, " well she doesn't have attitude , she doesn't know the language." And I replied , o ok , well her non verbal communication was her attitude . The manager replied , " you can't show attitude when your face is covered in a mask ." Yeah , not ok lady. I stated, " You actually can see the facial expression through her raised eyebrows and rolled eyes." The manager definitely needs training herself . Manager Training 101, actively listen and then respond politely without attitude . Her tone , demeanor, and her lack of customer service was clearly demonstrated. The better approach would have been , by explaining the situation ( as in the cashier doesn't know the language) without being argumentative , without snapping at the customers. She didn't even acknowledge what we were saying. I've been in customer service and a cashier for roughly 13 plus years . Trust me, I've seen it all . And I definitely know that your approach is most important. read more

We are here at least once a week. Was so thrilled when they opened a few years ago since there really was a lack of reasonably priced produce (you know who you are overpriced grocery stores). I've been coming here every since! They have better produce for cheaper prices than my local Safeway. Plus they let my young daughter shoplift bananas. I fully intent on paying for the bananas but little tike will go feral and just chomp on it before we even get to cashier. I've always offered to pay more on the days when I can't keep her from eating the produce...but they have always been kind enough to give it to us for free. As an Aussie I also welcome the nice collection of Cadbury chocolates and European sweets. I often do a good portion of my Christmas shopping here to make up nice gift baskets for my Aussie, British and New Zealander friends. read more

Vast selection of fruits and vegetables, definitely reasonable on the prices, excellent selection for grocery shopping in San Mateo! I normally go there at least once or twice a week, to get the weekly and daily sales, at one's convenience. Salesclerks are friendly, pleasant, located downtown San Mateo, with a delightful community atmosphere, most convenient to the local residents in San Mateo. Most of the time I go there to shop for the sales on fruits and vegetables, organic foods, and dairy. Ever since I've lived here, I have go to Dean's Produce very often, picking up on the sales, and getting most of my grocery shopping done on a convenient day of the week! Fresh produce is definitely a variety of choice, all other staple of groceries offered on daily and weekly sales grocery tabloid. Also, great on organic foods as well! ciao, read more

Deans Produce is conveniently located next to the gym, so before I leave for work, I pick up my produce for the day. Anything other than produce is pretty expensive. A lot of local dried fruits and nuts, which is awesome! The reason for 2 stars??.. I contacted the owner and manager about helping out with a fundraiser for cancer. They agreed to be a sponsor. So, I brought their sign with me and advertised for them once a week for over a month. When it came time to make the $120 donation (I had not asked for much), they ignored me. I returned the sign with my card. I left my card there several times with a note for them to call or email me, never did. I finally stalked down the manager he said they have a lot of requests. I don't believe that. It is totally fine to turn someone down when they ask you to sponsor, but do not have them promote your business for a month and convince people that they do good things for the community, and then ignore them. It is still convenient, but I cut my trips there in half because I do not feel great about supporting a business that does that. read more

Quite a selection of imported packaged sweets/snacks, such as Panettone (which was on sale on the day I was there, for a great price) and the service was very friendly. read more

This is a great place if u need ideas for making dinner...tons of products to inspire u. Almost bought semolina to make pasta or homemade rolled couscous, puff pastry/phyllo to make some cheesy/honey concoction or their noni afghan bread to accompany my filipino beef stew...getting hungry? read more

WOW! The grocery store on 4th st is AMAZING! Visilio is mgr they have a milbrae store too. Really good quality, service and prices!!!!!! The staff doesn't look you up and down like a piece of meat, they're extremely well versed and polite like a 5 star restaurant! Bought 4 large bags/a weeks worth of groceries for $108 (that includes a bottle of New Zealand honey that's good for helping cure cancer) Brought a lot of friends over and they're bringing theirs too! Forget whole foods and trader joes! This place is amazing!!!!! read more

Lovely, professional staff, clean store, great selection of fruits and vegetables at great prices and an amazing selection of every other type of food product, both local and international. Their other store in Millbrae is nice, but doesn't feel not as clean/new. Everytime I visit this store, I am satisfied personally and with my purchases. Now that everything is automated and tech driven, it feels good to interact with employees that know the meaning of great customer service! Will recommend and will come back soon :) read more

I cannot express how much I love Deans! I live in downtown San Mateo. There was really no place to get good produce at a good price. Sure you can go to Draegers if you don't mind spending your whole paycheck on a bag of organic apples. But for those of us that aren't on a trust fund Deans is wonderful! When they opened a year ago I was thrilled. Then I had a baby and was home with her for several month. We would walk to Deans several times a week. It was great when she started eating solids. I got her avocado, bananas and sweet potatoes from Deans. The staff are great! So helpful and wonderful customer service. FYI they have a bargain bin for the single bananas. These are the lonely singular bananas that are left behind as people select their bunch or as they unpack the combs. I feel sorry for them. So I usually buy a few. Plus my daughter eats bananas like they are going out of fashion but only 1/4 or 1/2 at any one time. So I have to buy bananas at various stages of ripeness else I end up with a pile of over ripe ones. Stay away from their chocolate selection! They are European and all yummy. read more

Love love love this place! Fresh fruits and veggies, and lots of unique stuff from Europe. All very reasonable. Sadly, I will move down to San Jose soon. Dear the owner, would you please open another one in south bay?? read more

Dean's, which houses Ace of Sandwiches (the best sandwich joint around) is a great option if you need produce or readable/fresh ingredients. old world or new world, both my family and i enjoy dean's and its selection from a diverse array of produce and international products. being able to read the ingredients in russian or deutsch or italian is really comforting to anyone used to certain brands, and the cashiers and stockers are ALWAYS awesome. they are willing to work with you for special produce orders/products- and offer interesting and or comforting options from all areas and walks of life. dean's is my #1 place for fruits, vegetables, holiday specialities, and of course, with Ace of Sandwiches there, sandwiches. although every person and house is different, i usually get a week or two's worth of veggies and fruit from Dean's for under $15. and it is GREAT product and beautifully accessible, unlike a lot of other, much more expensive businesses in the area. read more

Fantastic little store. Great produce and great selection of imported ethnic foods (everything from meats and cheese to canned and dry good). Check it out, well worth a visit to snoop around and try some new things. read more

Dean's Produce is a great addition to downtown San Mateo. Sure, we've got Draegers and Traggs and that strange little produce place over by the hospital, but Dean's feels more like a mini-Sprouts with a great assortment of fruit, vegetables, and unique items from the Middle East and Europe. The store is super clean and well-organized and the prices are pretty reasonable. I look forward to coming back and trying some of the exotic looking items in the freezer case as well as some of the fresh jams. read more

While I don't stop by Dean's on a regular basis, maybe once a month when shopping in downtown San Mateo, when I do stop by I've been thrilled with the quality of strawberries. If based in my neighborhood would no doubt be a more regular customer. read more

I noticed this place opened some time ago, but was hesitant to stop by because I figured it would be an overpriced produce market--it is pretty centrally located in downtown San Mateo. I happened to be in the area and thought I'd check it out. I'm glad I did because I was pleasantly surprised. I recently started juicing and found their selection to include everything I was looking for AND at a very reasonable price. I will definitely be stopping by to buy more produce in the near future. read more

Not just produce but lots of other items and very reasonably priced (more so than anywhere else in downtown San Mateo. They have a lot of Greek foods which is unusual (is there a Greek population in San Mateo???) and they carry lots of items in jars rather than cans (yay BPA free!) They have a decent organic section and their produce seems fresher and lasts longer than any of the other downtown stores. I juice, so fresh, organic produce is pretty essential for me. The carry Clover dairy products but a very limited selection (I wish they had more and perhaps Straus too) but overall a really nice selection of unusual items. The service is great and the staff seems to really want to help you. I have probably shopped here 6-7 times so far (including again tonight) and plan to keep this place on my regular rotation. read more

Dean's is my favorite market in the area! They have a huge variety of fresh produce, organic options, bulk snacks, pastas and flours, seasonal specials, and European foods too. Their prices are a great value - far better than Trag's or Draeger's. I come here about once per week to stock up. It feels like a trip to the farmer's market, and a great excuse to try whatever's in season or test out a new recipe. They also have very convenient hours - open til 8pm every day so it's easy to squeeze in a trip after work. Finally, it's very clean and well-organized. Don't forget to bring your reusable bags! Highlights: - Great prices on all produce - Golden beats, fresh corn, large boxes of spinach, citrus, cheap bananas - Bulk quantities of nuts and dried fruits - Frequent sales on berries and seasonal items - Helpful staff - European treats including chocolates and biscuits Credit cards accepted over $5. read more

I really like that this is a great alternative to the major chains and farmers market when I can't make it on a Saturday. However, their nut section is a bit dicey. This is the second time now that I have tasted an odd chemical taste on their nut products. I bought cashews this morning, popped a few in my mouth and immediately spit them out. There is a chlorine like chemical flavor that is simply, gross. Otherwise, they do have fresh produce and other products that are priced well. Just kind of wondering about the nut incident, as one bad product tends to reflect overall quality of everything else. read more