Foreigner
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Recommended Reviews - Foreigner
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A variety of brunch items and pastries from quiches to muffins. I tried the Dolce Barako - really liked the sprinkled Himalayan salt, which enhanced the coffee flavors. They have outlets. It's a great place to sit down and catch up and I love how it's precentral in downtown San Mateo. You would need to park in a parking structure, which is around a dollar an hour. There are also parking meters nearby.
Back for round two, and this spot is officially a keeper! Finding a place that can comfortably accommodate a party of five for a late breakfast without feeling rushed or cramped is a total win. The atmosphere was perfectly laid back--exactly the kind of "relaxed morning" vibe you want when you're looking to catch up over coffee. From a foodie perspective, the kitchen is clearly firing on all cylinders. Every dish that hit our table was a 10/10 on presentation; the plating was thoughtful and vibrant. But it wasn't just "eye candy"--the flavors were balanced and fresh. It's rare to find a place that nails both the aesthetic and the palate so consistently. If you're looking for a reliable, high-quality breakfast spot that actually feels like an experience, I'd definitely recommend giving this place a try. I'll be back for a third visit for sure!
I'd been hearing good things about Foreigner in San Mateo and finally stopped by to check it out. The inside has plenty of seating and offered some cozy vibes. We ordered the avocado egg toast and the burrata ham quiche, both served with a simple side salad. The avocado toast was fresh and well balanced, and the quiche was rich and flavorful with the burrata adding a nice creamy touch. Overall, a solid spot for a casual brunch.
First time at Foreigner and really liked this cafe/restaurant. Order at the counter and get a buzzer to put on your table or wait for your take out order. Plenty of seating inside and huge projector screen. Prices are a bit high for a morning breakfast croissant at $15.90 but it was solid. The hot chocolate is made with tcho chocolate so it is kind of bitter not sweet. I'll be back to try other menu items. Street parking only.
Decent place for brunch in downtown San Mateo! Came here on a weekend with a friend. You order at the counter and they will bring it to your table. Plenty of space available despite it being a Sunday. I decided to get the Euro Latte and the Croque Madam. I expected a bit more "wow" flavor to the Euro Latte but perhaps I got my hopes up. I felt like it lacked the Irish cream flavor. The Croque Madam was solid, with a nice runny egg yolk. I did think the ham was a bit lacking, especially along the edges. Side of potatoes were the right crispy.
A great recommendation for brunch! They have a variety of food, drinks, and desserts to choose from. The place is very comfortable for meeting up with friends and family. The service was fast because they have excellent coordination from the moment you order until your food arrives at your table!
Great brunch place off to the side of downtown San Mateo! They have both indoor and outdoor seating, which is nice considering I can bring my dogs here to dine outside. Food was very fresh and tasty - especially the croissant sandwiches and Benedict's. They got really nice vinaigrette for the salads too! Definitely would return to try other dishes
It's expensive and portions are in the smaller side. Also, no refills for drip coffee. Presentation is nice and the good taste good. The crowaffle was one piece cut up into their 4 quarters and drizzled with syrup. The 4 quarters made it look like more than it was. For $16, though?!! The chicken BLT was served warm which was nice. The shredded cheese sprinkled on top of the bread as decoration was unnecessary and extremely messy. The grilled chicken salad was basic AF. I was tempted to get the latte flight, until the cashier told me that there was no caffeine and they taste like how they sound. You order first then take a seat and they bring your food to you. There's not much service beyond that. Everything else is self serve. Too expensive for portions is what will deter me from this spot.
As a self-proclaimed coffee addict, one cup is never enough, so I ordered the Barako Flight, which includes the Dolce Barako, Hot Chocolate, and Affogato. Every drink was well-crafted and full of flavor, making it a fun way to experience their coffee offerings. It definitely did not disappoint. A must-try for any coffee lover!
3/1/25 I've always walked by this place, but never got the chance to eat inside. My husband and I were out for brunch and we went to Foreigner for the first time. It was already very busy when we got there. You wait in line for the cashier and then you tell them your order then you pay then you can sit down. There's also the option to order via the QR code that they have on the wall. As you're waiting in line, you can see displays of the different kinds of food they have on their menu. Here's what we got: - proscuitto burrata salad (his). - Mushroom gruyere toast (me) - mixed fruit tart (for me) After you have paid for your order, they give you a tracker so that when they bring the food over, they know which table you are sitting at. If you don't order drinks at the counter, there is a water station that is self serve. Utensils are brought with your meal. The wait time was about 10 to 15 minutes. Presentation wise everything looked absolutely delicious. And taste wise everything tasted really good. I liked how both of the dishes we had were full of fresh veggies. The fruit tart was yummy as well. Larger parties might have a hard time eating here because of the limited table space. It was also really noisy when we were there; I felt like my husband and I had to yell at each other to be heard, even though we were sitting right next to each other haha. Other than the noise level, the food here is really great . I would come back but maybe at a more quieter time.
I came here for breakfast, and it was great! The location is very nice, and the seats and tables are stylish and comfortable. I got the smoked salmon Benedict, and enjoyed it immensely. The eggs were perfectly poached, the Hollandaise was tasty (but not overwhelming), and the biscuits they come in were really tasty. I also appreciated the lightly dressed salad that came as a side: the greens were very fresh. I also got the Cuban Cortadito, and I was pumped to have a non-dairy coffee drink. It was very well made: the slight hint of condensed milk was a nice touch. It was a nice sweet drink without being cloyingly sweet. But they have so many tasty coffee drinks that it was hard to choose, so I'll def be back to try more of them! read more
Business owner information
Wenhui C.
Cuban Cortadito, is an Oatmilk Cortado with a hint of condensed milk,…
My friend and I came here last Saturday at around 11:30am. Despite the rain and wet streets that day, the restaurant was busy and lively. We ordered our food and drinks first at the register and then they gave us a buzzer, which we took to a table of our choice. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, and fortunately, we were able to find a table inside. I ordered the Foreigner Favorite and an iced Yema Latte. My friend ordered the Veggie Scramble and an iced Euro Latte. We both requested less sweet for our drinks. This turned out good for the Euro Latte but I had to go back and ask them to increase the sweetness for the Yema Latte. The drinks were good, nothing too mind-blowing. The Foreigner Favorite was yummy. I really liked the sausages and poached eggs. I love potatoes, and I wish these were a little bit crispier. Regardless, it was an enjoyable dish overall. It was also very filling, and I ended up taking leftovers home. read more
We were up in the Bay Area last month for our Adored Grandson's birthday. As we have other family up in the Bay, and we don't get to be up there as often as we like, we let some of our closest family members on both my husband's side and mine know that we would be in town to celebrate AG's special day. We kicked around options for a brunch place with a varied menu that was centrally located. Foreigner checked off many boxes for us. We had almost 20 of us gathering from SoCal, Sonoma County, Crockett, San Jose, and Daly City. We hovered outside just before they got super busy and were able to score several adjacent tables so that we mostly were able to sit together. The inside dining room was full, so dining al fresco was how we managed. The fast casual approach of standing in line to order and pay, then get a pager to take to your table worked out fine. I loved my food, although I was busy talking and getting everyone situated as Dear Hubby and I were hosting the brunch, and my eggs got cold. Still, everything I had was delicious. By noon on a Sunday the line was out to the door to order, and tables were hard to come by. This seems to be very popular with the local crowd. I got to enjoy one of their crepe dishes, which was packed with delectable fillings. I would like to return whenever we get back that way again. It would be nice to get that crew back together again, but also good to be with a smaller group to more easily visit over good food, freshly prepared. The lattes were stellar, too. Very glad we found ourselves at Foreigner for our family mini-reunion! read more
A variety of brunch items and pastries from quiches to muffins. I tried the Dolce Barako - really liked the sprinkled Himalayan salt, which enhanced the coffee flavors. They have outlets. It's a great place to sit down and catch up and I love how it's precentral in downtown San Mateo. You would need to park in a parking structure, which is around a dollar an hour. There are also parking meters nearby. read more
Back for round two, and this spot is officially a keeper! Finding a place that can comfortably accommodate a party of five for a late breakfast without feeling rushed or cramped is a total win. The atmosphere was perfectly laid back--exactly the kind of "relaxed morning" vibe you want when you're looking to catch up over coffee. From a foodie perspective, the kitchen is clearly firing on all cylinders. Every dish that hit our table was a 10/10 on presentation; the plating was thoughtful and vibrant. But it wasn't just "eye candy"--the flavors were balanced and fresh. It's rare to find a place that nails both the aesthetic and the palate so consistently. If you're looking for a reliable, high-quality breakfast spot that actually feels like an experience, I'd definitely recommend giving this place a try. I'll be back for a third visit for sure! read more
I really enjoy visiting restaurants that offer a diverse menu, where the tables are comfortably spaced, and there's plenty of convenient parking nearby. While it can get lively and noisy, it's always a great spot for a satisfying meal. Plus, the service is consistently excellent. read more
Business owner information
Wenhui C.
Thank you for your amazing review!
I'd been hearing good things about Foreigner in San Mateo and finally stopped by to check it out. The inside has plenty of seating and offered some cozy vibes. We ordered the avocado egg toast and the burrata ham quiche, both served with a simple side salad. The avocado toast was fresh and well balanced, and the quiche was rich and flavorful with the burrata adding a nice creamy touch. Overall, a solid spot for a casual brunch. read more
Business owner information
Wenhui C.
Your awesome Chris! Thank you for the honest review! We are a tiny…
First time at Foreigner and really liked this cafe/restaurant. Order at the counter and get a buzzer to put on your table or wait for your take out order. Plenty of seating inside and huge projector screen. Prices are a bit high for a morning breakfast croissant at $15.90 but it was solid. The hot chocolate is made with tcho chocolate so it is kind of bitter not sweet. I'll be back to try other menu items. Street parking only. read more
6 months ago
Decent place for brunch in downtown San Mateo! Came here on a weekend with a friend. You order at the counter and they will bring it to your table. Plenty of space available despite it being a Sunday. I decided to get the Euro Latte and the Croque Madam. I expected a bit more "wow" flavor to the Euro Latte but perhaps I got my hopes up. I felt like it lacked the Irish cream flavor. The Croque Madam was solid, with a nice runny egg yolk. I did think the ham was a bit lacking, especially along the edges. Side of potatoes were the right crispy. read more
A great recommendation for brunch! They have a variety of food, drinks, and desserts to choose from. The place is very comfortable for meeting up with friends and family. The service was fast because they have excellent coordination from the moment you order until your food arrives at your table! read more
5 months ago
Great brunch place off to the side of downtown San Mateo! They have both indoor and outdoor seating, which is nice considering I can bring my dogs here to dine outside. Food was very fresh and tasty - especially the croissant sandwiches and Benedict's. They got really nice vinaigrette for the salads too! Definitely would return to try other dishes read more
It's expensive and portions are in the smaller side. Also, no refills for drip coffee. Presentation is nice and the good taste good. The crowaffle was one piece cut up into their 4 quarters and drizzled with syrup. The 4 quarters made it look like more than it was. For $16, though?!! The chicken BLT was served warm which was nice. The shredded cheese sprinkled on top of the bread as decoration was unnecessary and extremely messy. The grilled chicken salad was basic AF. I was tempted to get the latte flight, until the cashier told me that there was no caffeine and they taste like how they sound. You order first then take a seat and they bring your food to you. There's not much service beyond that. Everything else is self serve. Too expensive for portions is what will deter me from this spot. read more
23 days ago
As a self-proclaimed coffee addict, one cup is never enough, so I ordered the Barako Flight, which includes the Dolce Barako, Hot Chocolate, and Affogato. Every drink was well-crafted and full of flavor, making it a fun way to experience their coffee offerings. It definitely did not disappoint. A must-try for any coffee lover! read more
Business owner information
Wenhui C.
Hey Mary,…
22 days ago
$5 for 10 French fries is wild. This is 1 portion. I double checked with the staff as well as it felt like maybe they were confused. They were not, and said this was correctly 1 portion. Ok. I gave a star because they were tasty. read more
Business owner information
Wenhui C.
Hi Adea, I am so sorry, this is not the right portion and this review…
8 months ago
3/1/25 I've always walked by this place, but never got the chance to eat inside. My husband and I were out for brunch and we went to Foreigner for the first time. It was already very busy when we got there. You wait in line for the cashier and then you tell them your order then you pay then you can sit down. There's also the option to order via the QR code that they have on the wall. As you're waiting in line, you can see displays of the different kinds of food they have on their menu. Here's what we got: - proscuitto burrata salad (his). - Mushroom gruyere toast (me) - mixed fruit tart (for me) After you have paid for your order, they give you a tracker so that when they bring the food over, they know which table you are sitting at. If you don't order drinks at the counter, there is a water station that is self serve. Utensils are brought with your meal. The wait time was about 10 to 15 minutes. Presentation wise everything looked absolutely delicious. And taste wise everything tasted really good. I liked how both of the dishes we had were full of fresh veggies. The fruit tart was yummy as well. Larger parties might have a hard time eating here because of the limited table space. It was also really noisy when we were there; I felt like my husband and I had to yell at each other to be heard, even though we were sitting right next to each other haha. Other than the noise level, the food here is really great . I would come back but maybe at a more quieter time. read more
Typical Bay Area pricing- about $60 for 2 people to have a breakfast + coffee/latte. HIGHLIGHT IS THE COFFEE FOR SURE I got the avocado and egg toast (requested my egg be over medium) and a latte. The avocado looked like tube guac and resembled a New Yorker style avocado toast (not as good since they don't grow avocados in NY). I expected sliced avocado, because I was back in CA. It was tasty despite the tube guac. Prob wouldn't order it again though. Their "patio" is n the shade & nicely decorated- it's basically an impromptu COVID patio on the public sidewalk. I am glad I got to bring my dog. The service is nice and professional, and the ambiance inside is a bit like a cafe/living room... read more
Business owner information
Wenhui C.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with…
I was in town to visit my sister and she said this is her favorite place to have breakfast or brunch! She brings everyone here when they're in town and she took me. It was such a cute spot right when we walked in. There was a line which is always a good sign when it comes to restaurants. We looked over the menu and both landed on the same item. We both got salmon eggs Benedict which looked so amazing. They have all their food displayed in a glass case which was really nice to see. I'm a visual person so that was refreshing and helped me with what I wanted. We also ordered coffee which was really good. We sat down, had some water, and great conversation. We got our coffees first and our food came out shortly after. The food tasted so good and I was very happy she took me here. 10/10 for food and service! She'll definitely have to take me back when I'm back in town! Thank you to the wonderful people who work here for the amazing food and service! read more
9 days ago
Business owner information
Wenhui C.
Our Team is AWESOME, We love them, and they are a direct reflection…
A great spot for brunch! I liked that the dishes were displayed on screens inside the restaurant, so you can visually choose what to order. You place your order and pay first, then take a seat. Personally, I thought their unique latte options--like the mojito latte and red velvet latte--were really fun. The latte came in a big mug with a cute swan latte art on top! Apparently, the building used to be a movie theater, so the restrooms are located outside the main dining area. You'll need a code to open the door, so it's best to ask the staff. Everything on the menu looked delicious, so I'd love to come back and try more dishes! read more
3 months ago
Awesome. Very unexpected and quality food. I had the Avocado Toast and 2 slices of bacon, and a cup of their home brewed coffee. 5 . When we return to SF we will definitely comeback. Thank you read more
4 months ago
Great food option and good vibes. Services was quite quick too. Went on a weekday so seating wasn't an issue. Tried the quiche and salmon eggs benedict. read more
Best coffee n brunch in the area!! Latte selection and skill is out of this world. Food choices are also wonderful. In the distant past they did dinner. Fingers crossed that comes back (but without compromising the breakfast excellence) read more
Foreigner is a great breakfast-brunch-lunch work cafe. I think most patrons are just here to catch up with old friends or colleagues, but there are wifi and outlets if you want to relax and work. The ambience is slightly bustling yet peaceful, and the design and decor is comfortable, spacious, and pretty. There is also plenty of outdoor seating and self-serve spa water. - Foreigner Favorite If you know a meat and potato man, this is the dish for them. Most of my gal pals enjoy the standard brunch options, but lumberjack dudes won't. The kielbasa sausage slices are plump and cute, the potatoes are flavorful, and the hot sauce is zesty with a bit of tongue sting. - Mozzarella Tomato Toast Beautifully presented, very fresh, and very healthy. I'm a fan of Caprese items, but I only want the tomato, mozzarella, and balsamic, which is why I personally would order something else. I typically don't like pesto paired with this, but it was tasty and light, as it was more basil and garlic than parmesan. The salad is also paired with a sweet mixed balsamic vinaigrette. - Morning Breakfast Croissant This is the best breakfast croissant I've ever had in the bay area, and I was definitely not expecting it, especially after being disappointed in a sandwich I tried previously. The croissant was perfectly warmed, flaky, and buttery. The ratio of ingredients was perfect, with the egg, sliced ham, swiss cheese, lettuce, and tomato all identifiable and fresh. The shredded parmesan cheese could stand to taste more like shredded soft cheese than dried out confetti, but I'll accept it as part of the aesthetic. I'd love to eat this every day, and I can't emphasize enough how surprised I was at how well made the entire sandwich and croissant bread was. - Grilled Chicken B.L.T I had high hopes for this as I had a really good chicken BLT sandwich from another similar brunch place, but this order made me want to initially 3-star them. The ciabatta bread is simply too thick, hard, and basic. The pesto mayo tasted mostly of mayo, and was too prominent. The chicken was flattened and dry, but at least the bacon was on the crispy side. The salad that came with it was not dressed well, so it just tasted like a bunch of leaves. I would definitely not get this again. - Croque Madame Sandwich The bread seemed more like stale toast than I'd have liked, but my friend said she enjoyed this ham, cheese, and egg sandwich with potatoes. - Bacon & Cheddar Quiche Very good smooth and eggy quiche! It's a thick boi, and I was recommended the bacon cheddar as the most popular flavor. It's like a savory protein egg pie that's not intrusive on the carbs, and comes with a blood orange vinaigrette that tastes nicely sweet, citrusy, and fresh. - Mimosa Flight Pretty diluted and looked better than it tasted. The flavors of each one were extremely subtle, so it was mainly champagne with decorations. - Cafe Barako Flight Strong on the coffee and comes with ice cream to create your own affogato. There's a mocha one, a salted caramel one, and the espresso affogato (very strong) - pretty neat for coffee lovers. If you only get one thing here, it should be the breakfast croissant. It's leagues beyond the other options. read more
2 months ago
Great food and easy order at the counter. Great breakfast and lunch choices as well as coffees and desserts. Food came out quick and beautifully decorated. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Food as fabulous for quick service. read more
Business owner information
Wenhui C.
Now thats what I am talking about, what a delight! and it looks good…
Came by Foreigner for a quick work lunch and overall thought it was a solid spot to grab a bite and with solid WiFi, was able to get some work done as well. When you walk in, you'll order at the counter, you'll get a buzzer and they'll bring the food and bus your table afterwards. What I liked about their savory menu items is that they have them on display so you get a good idea of what you'll be getting. On this recent visit I went with the grilled chicken BLT ($17.50) which comes with a side salad. I thought the sandwich tasted super fresh, and good bread. It's a bit heavy on the veggies and light on the proteins. Nonetheless, it's a filling sandwich and honestly not a bad thing split with someone if you don't have a huge appetite. But of course I ate it in one sitting a felt satisfied. The indoor space is quite massive and was packed on a weekday afternoon. Plenty of table space and felt like it was a meeting place for many. Super solid spot overall that has a menu and cafe that can satisfy any appetite. Definitely would come here again. read more
*** Vegetarian Review *** Sexy French Toast made w/ banana bread. Interesting twist. Comes with fresh blueberries, sliced bananas, and what tasted like a raspberry compote. First bite, without anything else. Just like eating a piece of Starbucks banana bread. So I dug in, forkful of everything in one bite. Much better. But then, I got more butter and slathered the heck out of it. There's the magic! Otherwise, you get mostly the taste of the banana bread edges which were a little darker than I typically like. Not burnt. But just darker than I like. And darker for a bread crust means dryer. The butter on top with all the fruit and compote dip was really good. Cleaned my plate. Would I come back? Yes. I saw an interesting waffle that looks like I should try. Parking is paid meter. Don't try to park close. If you're driving down 3rd Avenue and find a spot, close enough is good enough. 3-4 block walks here are nothing. Order at the counter. I came for brunch in a Saturday. All inside tables were booked. Most of the outside tables had no vacancy signs. But still, got my food delivered in about 10 minutes. read more
9 months ago
Foreigner is one of my favorite brunch spots, serving breakfast all day long. The food is always fresh and tasty. My daughter and I especially love the veggie scramble topped with pesto and served with a side of semi-spicy sauce. On our last visit, we decided to order the veggie scramble again. It was bursting with freshness and juiciness from all the veggies, and the melted cheese on top was simply to die for. It came with fresh fruit and toasted bread as well. We also tried the Arcadian chicken salad, though it fell a bit short -- it was lacking in dressing and the chicken slices were a bit too thin. For dessert, we shared a banana and Nutella croffle. This time, the Nutella was a little over the top, making the waffle a bit soggy, but it still tasted delicious. The staff is always friendly and happy to answer any questions. The restaurant is consistently clean and has a relaxing, cozy atmosphere. We'll definitely be back to try something new. As always, we know Foreigner will deliver something delicious. read more
1 month ago
Perfect! Loved the cheese, meat, and salad! Everyone should try it. Also had a blueberry smoothie! read more
Business owner information
Wenhui C.
I am so glad you enjoyed the Burrata Prosciutto Salad, our Chef…
The four of us ordered three meals. Since two of us don't drink coffee, we ordered two lattes. Our lattes came out first, and they were both tasty and looked beautiful. The food came out quickly. I was very pleased with our steak. It was nicely cooked to our liking. There is street parking, but it can be a challenge during rush hour. However, if you circle the block, you should be able to find a space. We will definitely come back to try other items on the menu. read more
Long overdue review for Foreigner in San Mateo! I always make it a point to stop by when I'm in the area--whether it's for brunch or to grab some pastries or dessert. Everything is fresh, delicious, and beautifully made. The staff is great and service is fast, which makes it an easy go-to spot. Seating can be limited at times, so it's a bit hit or miss depending on when you go, but it's always worth stopping by. Such a solid brunch and pastry spot! read more
What a great Sunday spot to drop in on! Indoor outdoor seating your choice. Staff is extremely pleasant and accommodating. All of them. From counter to server. A short wait in line to order gives you time to download the menu or look at the counter at the premade meals to make your choice. Pricey in comparison to portions. For $100 we had 3 entrees, 3 hot beverages. My croque madam was a small croissant cooked on a waffle iron with a few berries and drizzle if sauce. A small dollop of butter and cream. A bit dry for my taste. Needed more sauce. My son loved his bacon Benedict and that portion was perfect and he lapped it up. Crispy fingerling potatoes on the side. Now the bacon quiche came with two little pieces pushed together like they were left overs??? Not sure if that's how they serve it. The was fabulous. Light fluffy interior with a buttery flaky crust. My salad was my favorite dressed with the most flavorful vinaigrette. Small portion for my husbands appetite I had to forgo a piece of my croque madam. I would have enjoyed a fourth entree to share in the middle as I saw many doing. read more
10 months ago
First time coming here! Passed by this place when we were going to the library and afterwards, decided to eat here. Food: yummy in the tummy! The iced drink I had was scrumptious! I can't remember what dish I ordered Service: nice staff Ambiance: cool and casual . Looking forward to coming back again! ;) read more
Gosh I was really hoping to like this place, and while it has super cute ambiance and the servers were all super nice, the food is just ok. We stopped by for breakfast on a Monday morning, plenty of street parking around 830am, and the restaurant was not super busy. Order at the counter and they will give you a tracker to place on your table for them to bring your food. We got the All Day Breakfast and the Veggie scramble. The food was not bad, but it also was not memorable either. Just very average. If you asked me to describe what I ate, all I would be able to say would be that I had a fluffy scrambled egg disk that was a little undersalted, a dry chicken sausage, a decent chewy arepa, and some bland beans. Maybe it was an off day or we just ordered the wrong things. With that being said, If I lived close by I could see myself coming here for a quick bite to eat, or to get some work done, but I really would not recommend traveling here just for the food if you are not local. read more
This place is cute and has great outdoor seating but the price is not worth it. The food is just okay. And they messed up my BLT. They did give us complimentary cake for that but the server didn't tell us why she left cake on our table. Ordered chicken blt but I'm pretty sure mine was a turkey blt. Pretty standard. Kind of too much bread for me. Needed more sauce? Not really sure. The salad was just bag salad with a sub par dressing on top. I also ordered the ube puff. Super expensive for what this is ($7.50). It wasn't that good. Would not get again. Overall, just an okay place to meet up for lunch with friends. Probably would venture elsewhere though. read more
19 days ago
sooooo good i got the chicken sandwich ugh amazingg and great customer service all the workers are very kind and the pricing is not that bad especially for a delicious meal read more
Business owner information
Wenhui C.
Audrianna, Thank you! Awesome mention of our Grilled Chicken BLT…
3 months ago
I meet with a client in this cafe. The coffee and pastries were delicious. They bring everything to your table and services was excellent. Love the ambiance. I needed up staying extra time to finish up some work on my laptop with there free wifi. read more
We came here over the weekend to catch up with some friends over brunch. Although we had never gotten around to trying Foreigner before, we were excited due to all of the rave reviews online. Arriving just before noon, there was quite the line going out the window. But thankfully we were able to snag a table for 4 inside despite the packed house. Ordering here is done up front at the register, and you'll bring a buzzer with you to the table of your choice. Utensils, water, to-go containers and napkins are all self-serve between the registers and the dining area. Although initially annoying to have to constantly get up to refill our own waters, this setup did make it easier on us to grab whatever we needed without the need to constantly flag down a server. One of the water jars was out of water when we first arrived, but the staff was quick to refill it when we asked. Everyone seemed to really enjoy their food. But the standout item was definitely the Sexy French Toast we ordered as a shared dessert. Although it looks just like 4 thick slices of toast with a side of butter and fresh fruit, it actually tasted more like delicious banana bread which we all enjoyed. Service was friendly but efficient here. And the full glass setup made it easier for us to look inside upon arriving to see if there were any tables available indoors. read more
Business owner information
Wenhui C.
Thank you for your wonderful review and for choosing Foreigner for…
Came here on a whim after grabbing matcha and coffee from our new fav coffee shop Kaizen in San Mateo. Wanted grab brunch and this place came up on yelp. U walk in, and the thing i didnt know is that ur just suppose to go straight to order at the cafe looking nook. I didnt know that and was waiting around to be seated while others went ahead of me to order. So don't do what i did! I asked if they had a classic benedict with ham and they said they would try to work with me and sub sausage for ham. The lady helping me with the order was so kind and patient and didnt seem annoyed at all at my request. My bf ordered the russian soup. They give u a beeper ur suppose to put on the orange circle on any table. Some tables or buzzers r broken tho but the waiters do walk around and check on it. Our food arrived and i loved my benedict! Flavors were great and loved that i could sub salad instead of potatoes. Their hot sauce is delicious as well! Russian soup was interesting but my bf liked it. I would def recommend as service and food was good! read more
Business owner information
Wenhui C.
Thank you for your lovely review and for stopping by on a whim after…
1 year ago
I've been here too many times to count - the food, service, and ambiance are awesome. Josh and the entire team are all wonderful people. After trying almost everything in the menu, here are my recs: - homemade parfait: sounds simple, but so delicious and one of my favorites. - sexy French toast: the perfect pick if you're feeling something sweet/looking to share! - salmon & eggs Benedict: the smoked salmon is super tasty. - mixed berry lavender smoothie: all the smoothies are pretty good, but this one's my favorite. - fresh squeezed orange juice: refreshing and flavorful! Foreigner is a great place to do work or hang out - the ambiance is unmatched. It's usually really busy, especially on weekends - the line goes out the door. Would definitely recommend checking it out if you're in the area! read more
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More info about Foreigner
60E 3rd Ave
Ste 108
San Mateo, CA 94401
Directions
(650) 620-1888
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Visit Website
https://www.foreignercafe.com
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Ask the Community - Foreigner
I can't seem to reserve a table? I tried to do it from the official website which brought me to Yelp but there is no reservation button here? also tried to call and left messages but never got a return call. Any help will be appreciated? :D
Not sure if they take resos as I've we've never had to - we go there pretty often. The space is pretty big so you might be able to just walk in unless you have a particularly big party
Does Foreigner have outlets for charging laptops?
There are some areas near outlets.
How much is the corkage fee?
the price charged to guests who choose to bring their own bottle of wine to a restaurant.
Are there bottomless mimosas offered at brunch?
No, I don't think so. I ordered by the glass last time I went and bottomless mimosas aren't offered on their brunch menu.
May I know what days do you serve the Merienda Menu? Thanks!
According to their instagram, they serve the Merienda menu Monday-Sunday from 2:30pm-5pm! You can make reservations on their website for that.
Are you pet friendly?
They have an outdoor patio, so I assume you can dine with your pet leashed outdoors. Perhaps call the establishment for assurance.
Do you sell your quiches?
Yes, we do sell quiche. We have spinach and mushroom, ham burrata and truffle , bacon and cheddar, and the Mozzarella basil goat cheese. If you have questions how to order. Please feel free to call us at 6506201888.… Read more
How busy are Sundays for brunch? Is it hard to get seated?
I didn't have any trouble getting seated, you won't either
Is this a good spot to get some work done?
Yes, there are plenty of small corners to sip coffee, free WiFi and get some work done.
Is this place baby friendly ? Diaper changing table and high chair, available?
I have seen wooden high chairs, the bathroom is located outdoors in the hall shared with other companies and I have never used it so I am not sure about the bathrooms being kid friendly
Just curious, is the owner Hungarian? The Hungarian foods on the menu are yummy!
Yes. The guy who built the menu is Hungarian.
Are they opened during COVID-19 for take out?
Yes. Go to their website to order online for takeout. The website ordering process is pretty straightforward and simple.
Is it a good study spot?
No. Space is very limited and lots of people were looking for seats to eat their food. Taking up a spot for hours to study would be kind of a dick move.
Are there gluten free options for bread/pastries?
Yes for pastries, not sure about bread
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
38 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
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Foreigner - breakfast_brunch - Updated July 2026
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