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    Foreigner

    4.1 (1.1k reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 1 week ago

    Foreigner Photos

    Business Info

    FOREIGNER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Foreigner

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    Reviews With Photos - Foreigner

    Dolce barako
    Tina L.

    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.

    Samuel L.

    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!

    Spinach Spinach and mushroom quiche
    Monina T.

    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.

    Avocado Egg Toast
    Chris K.

    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.

    James H.

    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.

    Croque Madam
    Jacqueline Z.

    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.

    Andrea V.

    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!

    Junsheng X.

    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

    Menu
    Jenna T.

    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.

    Mary Ann C.

    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!

    Daw M.

    Service not bad, but friendly Sit down food is not bad Maybe we'll grab some bakery goods next time! Thanks!

    Sweet potato fries
    Adea H.

    $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.

    Fruit tart
    Pauline W.

    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.

    Avocado Egg Toast

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    2 months ago

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    Mina, your awesome, Thank you for the review!

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    5 months ago

    This is now one of my go to places. It's super cute inside, friendly staff and the food is very pretty and yummy!! Perfect for breakfast.

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    6 months ago

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    Page 2 of 28

    Foreigner Reviews in Other Languages

    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.

    Is this restaurant women owned?

    Yes

    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 the still serve Latte Flights? I didn't see it on the menu.

    They do!

    Is this a good place for big groups? Like a group of 8?

    Yes

    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.

    Is it still open for outdoor dining?

    Yes, they have tables outside!

    Can I bring my dog?

    Not inside

    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.

    Do you by any chance have any gluten free and dairy free pastries?

    Yes!

    Are there gluten free options for bread/pastries?

    Yes for pastries, not sure about bread

    View All 29 Questions

    Taste & Glory

    Taste & Glory

    4.4
    (837 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    Taste and Glory is one of those brunch spots that lives up to the hype. The menu puts a creative…read moreAsian fusion twist on classic breakfast favorites, and the result is both unique and incredibly satisfying. Every dish looked as good as it tasted. The flavors were fresh, well-balanced, and thoughtfully executed without feeling overdone. You can tell the kitchen pays attention to the details, from the beautifully plated entrées to the perfectly cooked eggs and crispy, well-seasoned sides. The fusion elements add just enough creativity while still letting the comfort of brunch shine through. The drinks were equally impressive, especially the specialty lattes and refreshing house beverages that paired perfectly with the meal. It's the kind of place where you'll find yourself eyeing neighboring tables and already planning what to order on your next visit. Service was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Even with a busy dining room, the staff kept everything running smoothly and made sure guests felt taken care of.

    Asian fusion brunch hit the spot for me. Chicken croffel was excellent. And I ordered the crème…read morebrulee french toast at server recommendation. It was good, but too saucy for my liking. I still finished it :). Would be excited to return and try more of the menu. Interior decor is chic and comfortable. The service was great. Small request that the restaurant serve espresso drinks. They only had drip coffee, but it was good enough.

    Photos
    View upon entering
    View upon entering
    Banana French Toast
    Banana French Toast
    Tom Yum Scramble

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    Tom Yum Scramble
    Crystal Springs Tavern

    Crystal Springs Tavern

    4.5
    (53 reviews)
    3.1 mi

    A solid place to go to for a meal you know is going to be good. The menu here is fairly limited…read morewhich allows them to focus on not compromising on quality. We tried the following during our meal: * Kanpachi Kinilaw - a bit of a spicy kick, super fresh crudo, a flavorful mix of fresh, light ingredients * Bread & Butter - can't go wrong here, warm bread with creamy housemade butter * Radiatore Alla Zozzana - house made pasta, freshly made red sauce with housemade sausage. sausage has a bit of a kick but still kid friendly. * Dry-Aged Tavern Burger - cooked perfectly, a mix of different types of meat, including some steak pieces in it, which was interesting. gooey cheese and house sauce on top tied it all together. served with fries on the side. *Fish + Chips - one big chunk of freshly battered and fried fish. great for splitting between kids. For dessert, we split the Limoncello Tiramisu and 2 chocolate chip cookies. We thought the tiramisu would have more of a lemon forward flavor profile but it was much more subtle and pretty close to a traditional tiramisu with a hint of lemon woven in. The chocolate chip cookies were warm, soft, with a nice sprinkle of salt on top. Overall, great meal and would highly recommend.

    It has been a LONG time since I had a burger like this. A long time ago I used to go to Viognier…read morefor their burger which I easily considered the best in San Mateo County. When they changed their meat, me and my friends were just so disappointed. The place is now gone, but I had been waiting for another burger that comes around that comes close. This burger doesn't look like anything special, there isn't a lot to it, but the ingredients speak for itself. One bite, and it gave me flash backs of that Viognier burger. I'll be back over and over again as this burger doesn't change. Ask for some extra burnt onion aioli on the side for the fries The restaurant itself is fairly small and fills up quickly. The items can sell out nightly. While that part is annoying, it means they aren't over buying and the ingredients are fresher. They are buying based on expected sales, not bulk. When we went the pork chop, half chicken and Zabaglione were sold out. We had the chicory salad, kentucky fried mushrooms, Radiatore pasta, burgers, and one person got the steak frites. Everything we tried was great. I'd order any one of those again. The pasta had a kick to it which I liked, but if you don't like a little spice, maybe avoid it. We ended with the lemoncello tiramisu. While the other two really liked it, I thought the texture was great, but I thought the lemoncello overpowered the dessert and prefer a more traditional tiramisu. For drinks, we tried the espresso martini, amaro sour, and oaxacan old fashion. The old fashion is the only one I tried that I wouldn't get again. I love mezcal, but this cocktail didn't seem to represent it well. The smokiness was lost, the flavors were muted, just not a lot going on.

    Photos
    Crystal Springs Tavern
    Fish and chips
    Fish and chips
    Exterior

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    Exterior
    All Spice

    All Spice

    4.3
    (748 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$$$

    Came here to celebrate my birthday and it did not disappoint. Everything we ordered was fantastic…read more Service was great and the recommendations were on point. The restaurant is actually a small Victorian style house remodeled which gives it an intimate and cozy feeling. Would probably not recommend for vegetarians since they don't have a ton of veg options. But overall very good!

    I last visited All Spice years ago when they had 1 Michelin star and I honestly don't remember the…read moreexperience other than I'm pretty sure we had a good time. We frequently pass by since we're in the area and have been considering returning for a visit, which we finally just did! We were also on the hunt for a local restaurant that could accommodate a wedding dinner celebration, but realized too late that they are closed on the day we were eyeing. They offer a 3, 4 or 5 course choose-your-own menu starting at $90 for the 3 course, $110 for the 4, and $120 for the 5. There's some dishes with a supplemental fee, but it's noted on the menu. Also, wine pairing is available for $12/course and if you choose to bring your own wine, corkage is $15/bottle. The ambience is really lovely and cute. It looks like a house and the restaurant is separated into 3 rooms. I love the first room to the right with the fireplace. Very intimate and cozy! When we went, one of the larger groups in another room was a bit rowdier, and it definitely did not match the vibes. Although that's not the restaurant's fault, I did feel much more at ease once that party packed up and left. Service was great! Our servers changed mid-meal, and although our first one was fine, we thought the second one was more personable. They graciously packed up any dishes I was unable to finish (eyes bigger than my stomach) and the wine pours got more generous as the night progressed. Maybe they noticed me stealing sips? The food was also really good. I really enjoyed the sunchoke tikka and salmon courses, as well as their version of a miso soup. The portions are also quite large, hence me being unable to finish 5 courses. I will definitely have to come back in the future once the menu changes. There's also something to accommodate all dietary restrictions! I'm glad they're not closing down or moving locations anymore. Overhead the owner stating they are planning to stay put for the time being, yay!

    Photos
    View from our table
    View from our table
    Citrus apple pear tart
    Citrus apple pear tart
    Saffron cake

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    Saffron cake

    Foreigner - breakfast_brunch - Updated July 2026

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