My family is picky about cheesecake. Vey picky. And they have good reason: they're totally spoiled by having Namesake nearby. I've also used them for a catered event and their cheesecake bites outshine the entire event. Very personal service. Call ahead, cause they're not open regularly and it's best to pre-order. read more

Long story short: Hard bottom, weird sour cream layer on top but cheesecake itself is good. The bottom was hard and solid like it came from one of those pie crust tins and it had a sour cream layer on top of the cheesecake which I had read on the website which made it sound like some type of cream cheese sour cream mixture but when I actually tasted it, it tasted like straight sour cream so I scraped that layer off the top and happily ate the rest of it. read more

It's not often that I hand out 5 stars so when I do you know the establishment earned them and I'm happy give my latest 5 star review to Cherith. Where the Cheesecake is in my books closer to a 4.5 (which I will get to in a minute) the service makes it up to well deserved 5. I purchased a Livingsocial deal last year and wanted to claim it this last weekend so I called Namesake last Tuesday or Wednesday leaving a message yet when by Thursday I hadn't got a call back I decided it was best to call again to which Cherith told me that she never got my message and was extremely apologetic which was completely fine, with technology these things happen. Nonetheless she was happy to provide me with my order to collect on Saturday as it being Mothers Day weekend she had made extra ''just in case''. As for the cake itself.. Delicious! I've never eaten at the Cheesecake Factory which I hear have the best Cheesecake but honestly I find it hard to believe they could be better than this. Buttery Graham crust, creamy cheesecake filling and topped with sweetened sour cream (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/namesake-cheesecake-menlo-park?select=ZAf8sedba1oqSEdmdJewJw#Qt7XocqgFlgiUfF3jzBYKg). I bake a lot myself at home, including Cheesecake so I know it takes great skill at getting the texture and timing perfect, Cherith seems to have nailed it. The one small slight dislike of mine was that the sour cream topping was a little too thick, not saying that it was the wrong way of doing it just that it was a little too much for my liking as I prefer a more ''cheesy'' flavor. Doesn't it look good? http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/namesake-cheesecake-menlo-park?select=ZAf8sedba1oqSEdmdJewJw#xkJHtEFuPGx8ucGmItChjQ My Husband and I enjoyed the Cheesecake so much that in 2 days we managed to eat almost two thirds of it between us! I have no shame in that though, It was a weekend treat and I workout like a crazy woman so it's ok. And by crazy I mean often burning 2000+ calories in one workout which brings me on to the person who rated 3 stars complaining that they gained weight... Honestly, you cannot eat a whole Cheesecake in one week by yourself and not expect any repercussions. It annoy's me to see people down rate places for silly reason's like this. It's hardly fair to the business. Every Cheesecake is created with the same recipe which is a classic Vanilla and then (if desired) flavored toppings can be added. Raspberry, Strawberry, Oreo are just a few to choose from. Although this process may disappoint some (wanting the flavor baked in) I think this is the best way of creating the perfect Cheesecake as combining the flavors deflects from the natural flavor. Each cake can also be made Gluten free. The address listed is for the location in which Cherith bakes at yet you cannot walk into the store and buy a cake to go without placing an order first. As each cake is made to order you must place it at least 2 days in advance. Perfection takes time after all. *TIP* Check in on the Yelp app for $5 off any Cheesecake. read more

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Easy to book via email. I really hate calling in because when you're dealing with tons of vendors, it's just easier to keep track via email. They were clear on how to order and made great suggestions. I easily paid over email as well. I had to go pick it up the day before the event because they are not open weekends. That's a downside but the cheesecake was still fresh and good. People loved it! I had one but it was too rich for my taste but a bite was good. My guests kept eating more and more though. It was the perfect amount and really great pricing too! I'd definitely return for future events! read more

I was searching for a pie shop for Thanksgiving and came across Namesake. Luckily it was close to my work so I stopped by on my lunch break. I wasn't sure what to expect since the shop looked quite small from El Camino. Apparently they have takeout food for lunch, including sandwiches and soup. I didn't have a chance to try them but will definitely come back another time. The story behind the cheesecake is that Cherith Lorraine, who owned several Bay Area restaurants, shared the secret recipe with only one person: Cherith Spicer, who started Namesake Cheescake. The cheesecakes are handcrafted and take 2 days to make. I tried a slice of the original cheesecake, and I have to agree with the other yelpers. It's the best cheesecake I've ever tasted! Even though it's "plain," the flavor and texture are amazing. The quality of the ingredients is excellent and you can taste the freshness of the cheesecake. It has a buttery graham cracker crust, a layer of cream cheese, and a layer of sour cream. There is also a hint of citrus in each bite. They have some toppings available, such as oreo, raspberry, seasonal fruit, and chocolate sauce. I recommend calling ahead to see what is available or to reserve a cheesecake before stopping by. The 6" plain is $20 and the 9" plain is $30. One slice was about $4 after tax. read more

UPDATE: Owner says she is open weekdays M-F 9am-3pm...sorry we missed that. She also encouraged us to come in even if she was closed... We hoofed it down to check this place out... Dark? A woman was working on catering, and did offer to sell us what they had...which was not on display. We declined. Storefront not open on Saturday? read more

Cute name and the owner is local. Found out she went to the same school as my kids. Surprised to see salads and lunch specials inside for a quick bite . Cheese cake has more lemon zest then I am used to. Love supporting local businesses. read more

Just got a piece of cheese cake, it was ok not much flavor other than cream cheese. The size was rather small (I didn't eat from the with side in the pic) especially for $5 a slice not to mention plain I mean I know is made out of cream cheese but it's not called cream cheese cake... any way do to the lack of flavor and size per price it get a low rating. read more

Namesake Cheesecake - Smaller than the container serving cutout... - Bakeries Near Me - Menlo Park, California

I bought a whole cheesecake. I wonder how this place got good reviews. It tasted sour cream on top and cream cheese bottom part. Total waste of time and money. People like this place for high prices, rarity and short opening hours. read more

Holy amazing! My honey was craving cheesecake and he is picky as hell. So I did my research and came up with this tiny little place - and it did not disappoint! I haven't had cheesecake this good since I moved from NYC. Seriously. I'm kind of a cheesecake purist....I typically get it plain...which was great because that's all she had left by the time I got there! If you want lots of different flavors, I'm not sure if this is your place. But if you want the best cheesecake in the Bay Area, you have found it! read more

Milk has the crack pie, Chez Panisse has the lemon merengue pie, and Namesake has the cheesecake. The cheesecake is a unique, consistently perfect cheesecake that almost melts in your mouth almost like pannacotta. I think this cheesecake needs to be on Goldbelly because it's a phenomenal treat you can't get anywhere else. The shop also has a grab and go section for healthy, delicious to-go lunch options done by the caterer that shares the kitchen along with some well curated trinkets and gifts. The space also seems like it can be used for small events. Place your orders in early for holidays, like any high demand dish made to consistent perfection, they can often run out. read more

Amazing gluten free and regular cheesecake. We've done both and they are both fantastic. No one could tell it was a gluten free crust which is always great. And the raspberry preserves you can order to drizzle on top is heavenly! Highly recommend!! read more

the BEST cheesecake you will ever have. Its not too sweet with the right amount of tart. The owner is as darling as her shop! We ordered 60 cheesecake bites for our engagement party and they were a hit! Now I pop in to get a slice whenever I get my nails done down the street! read more

Cheese cake was really greasy, maybe if you order a whole cake with the flavor you want it might be good, but the little pre-made pieces of cake are definitely not great. No more cheese cake from here for me. read more

This place is terrible. The cheesecake taste really tart and doesn't have any flavor. Way to ruin my birthday! I want my money back! 0 stars! Don't recommend! read more

Best cheesecake I've ever had!!! The owner was so sweet to bring the nurses some to the hospital during this pandemic! Thank u!! They were delicious!!! read more

One of the best cheesecakes I've ever tasted! No joke. I can't wait to go back and try the Oreo and Nutella flavors.

Just had my first visit at Namesake Cheesecake! Cherith is one of the nice people on the planet and also makes the best cheesecake ever! If you are in the South Bay this is a no-brainer. read more

I've crossed the country in search of the very best cheesecake and can say, with confidence, that it is not in New York. In fact, in downtown Menlo Park (CA, not NJ), not far from Stanford University, is a cozy little shop that serves up the tastiest invention in Silicon Valley. Namesake Cheesecake is conveniently located on El Camino South and easily accessible, yet, far from the hustle and bustle of the tech corridor. There is never a long line, the chairs and couches are comfortable, the music and environment are upbeat, yet soothing, making for a perfect little escape from the day job. And don't forget, they serve the best afternoon snack or dessert in the area. read more

The best cheesecake in town!!! Their cheesecake has a distinctive taste. Different from all the others. When I'm craving cheesecake, this will be my go to place. The owner is also very friendly! read more

I haven't actually had the cheesecake but wanted to leave a review for the excellent customer service I experienced. I e-mailed Cherith (the owner) to inquire about allergen information due to a soy allergy in my group. She took the time to research each of the ingredients in the cheesecake and responded very quickly to my inquiry. While the cake was not an option for us this time, I look forward to trying it in the future and supporting this lovely local business. read more

Excellent cheesecake! The owner Cherith is super nice and takes the time to walk you through all of the options, toppings, etc. I bought a cheesecake to share with my wife, we both loved it. read more

I personally have not been a big fan of plain cheesecake but this place nailed! I came across this location through yelp, stopped by for a sample and the cheesecake was creamy and flavorful. Not to mention Cherith was amazing, she took care of me, was very warm and welcoming. I ordered 9" plain cheesecake with house made raspberry sauce for a birthday and everyone loved it! read more

Namesake Cheesecake - Plain Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce + Birthday Decorated! Love it! - Bakeries Near Me - Menlo Park, California

Ordered the assorted cheesecake bites for my coworkers' birthday. Everyone loved them and every last piece was happily eaten. Delicious cheesecake, owner is super nice, and I will definitely be ordering from Namesake again. read more

THEY SAID IT COULD NOT BE DONE... A cheesecake I actually like. Ask me how I want to blow through calories, and I would not first say "cheesecake," but I saw Emmalouise B's rave review, and then I saw Namesake (with samples!) at the San Carlos farmers market, and figured I could try it out. And I loved it! This week I bought a slice ($3) and took it home. The essential elements: 1) a sweet and buttery graham cracker crust; 2) creamy cheesecake layer; 3) fluffy tangy sour cream layer topping it off. Very enjoyable -- and while by no means light, it was definitely a reasonable portion. At the farmers market Namesake sells the aforementioned slice + a GF slice ($4) + raspberry sauce + whole cheesecakes. Not super super fancy (no Cheesecake Factory-esque mocha almond marshmallow caramel taffy unicorn sparkle fairy dust jobs here) BUT super super goooood. Want something fancier? You can order a custom cheesecake; check the website for deets. If you love cheesecake, you'll love Namesake. If you like cheesecake, you'll love Namesake. If you are ambivalent towards cheesecake, stop by the booth at the farmers market and you may find yourself converted, like I did! read more

This place is a strange operation. Whenever I call this business to place an order, no one ever picks up the phone, the voicemail is always full and cannot leave a message. I tried it 3 times in the last 3 months, Finally I sent an email to her and she responded. Went to the location in Menlo Park, which I didn't think this place ever opens because no one ever picks up the phone. To my suprise, they are not a bakery, but rather a sandwich and salad place, with a few cheesecake in the display fridge. I ordered a gluten free cheesecake. First of all, everyone's preference is different. Namesake cheesecake is on the sour side, her cheesecake is half layer of cheesecake and half layer of sour cream (with lemon juice and sugar) I m more used to a thin layer of sour cream as topping, not half the cheesecake. So, not my favorite and quiet disappointed. The GF graham cracker crust was a bit too moist. However if you like your cheesecake on the sour side, you would like this cheesecake. read more

I will keep this short and sweet :) The Cheesecake is absolutely delicious, soft, creamy and not to thick. I've had a lot of Cheesecake and this is by far the best I've ever had, which is saying a lot because I'm picky. The Caprese sandwich and tomato bisque are a must order as well. read more

Okay so the cheesecakes are AMAZING!! I bought a living social deal and got a 9 inch oreo cheesecake (for 17.00) I also bought a 6 inch strawberry cheesecake for myself. I forget the discount I got with the living social deal, but I did not have a coupon for the strawberry cheesecake and it came out to $22.00. I was a little disappointed when I got the cheesecakes and realized the only difference was the toppings. Both cheesecakes tasted the same except for the toppings. I was hoping for some oreos/ strawberries mixed IN the cheesecake. I have to be honest though, I gained weight!! Just off the cheesecake!! My boyfriend gained weight too! He ate 1/2 the 9 inch cheesecake over a week. I ate all but one piece of a 6 inch, over a course of 6 days also. (I know I know, what was I thinking but it was so good! And in my defense I would eat a slice and then go for a long run). Sadly even with doing that though after a few days my shorts felt tighter. My boyfriend told me his pants were getting tighter too. So sadly even though these are the most delicious cheesecakes I will not be returning. I'm sure 1 piece once in a while would have been better and you probably won't gain weight. But ladies, I know pms can be miserable! But I suggest staying away from this place... bloating + an absurd amount of calories will only add to the already preexisting problems of pms... take it from me! I have to say, the owner is SO nice!! She is super sweet and helpful in finding the location. If she ever comes out with a low fat cheesecake, I'll be the first in line!! ;D read more

AMAZING cheesecake! And support a local business while you're at it! Customer service is great and the space is super cute.

Did you guys change recipe? Ive been grabbing cheesecake from you guys whenever im in the area and have been loving it! I stopped by yesterday, grabbed few cheesecake. Very excited to eat it as usual. But the taste and texture is different from before. It not quite as delicate as before. size is getting smaller and no raspberry on top anymore either although taste and texture is my main issue. what happened? read more

Was the best and I will be back for more. The owner, Cherith, is just as sweet as her cheesecake. I live in SSF and went there with a social living coupon and she could have been nicer. I am hard to please and for me to give ANYONE five stars speaks for my feelings. Thank You Cherith read more

Went on a cheesecake run at the office because it was Friday and we ended up at Namesake. Its a small cafe which mostly seems to sell salads and sandwiches and cater cheesecake. However you can still pick up a slice($4) at the counter. Got the regular cheesecake and it was thick, creamy, and not too sweet. Everyone back at the office really enjoyed it as well. I'd love to go back and see if they have any different flavors to try as well. read more

This hidden gem has the best cheesecake I've ever had!!! I was looking for a local cheesecake shop or bakery for an office birthday, and found Namesake online. It was the best find ever! Now everyone in the office wants their cheesecake for their birthdays! We all look forward to it. The cheesecake is rich, creamy and delicious with a buttery graham cracker crust. It has the top layer of sour cream making the cheesecake just the right amount of sweet and tart. You do need to order ahead, and sometimes the shop is a little busy. The owner isn't always there and they share the space with another business, so checkout can be confusing at times. However, this won't stop us from coming back time and time again. It's seriously amazing!!!' read more

We tried the Seasonal Fruit Cheesecake after I bought the LivingSocial offer. It was so worth it. When I stopped by to pick up my Cheesecake, Cherith came out and introduced herself and gave me tips on how to best serve and consume the cake. The Cheesecake was to die for. Definitely one of the best Cheesecakes we have ever had. read more

Just strolled over there as an "office fieldtrip" lol because everyone kept talking about the sandwih spot down the street. Super cute place, friendly atmosphere....we had no idea we walking into Cheesecake heaven! The sandwiches and cookies we all had were delicious!.....The cheesecake is next on the list... =) read more

Simply amazing cheesecake. These reviews need to be long but I don't have any other words than best in area and it's not close.

Probably the best cheese cake in the world (I hope my mom doesn't read that, she's been trying so hard...) Anyway, I love the cakes and keep buying them for every special party or event. My guests are always happy! read more

Delicious! The perfect combination of light and sweet. Crust is one of the best I have ever tasted. We had 8 desserts at Thanksgiving and this was by far the favorite! Can't wait to buy another one! read more

I like Zanze in SF as a comparator. (Hokkaido cheesecake is very different from these denser ones.) most people order ahead, but they may have some on hand. it is a heavier texture but also tasty with some fresh berry sauce. read more

We ordered cheese cake ( basic) and it was delicious! Very rich! She was very accommodating and had a lot of ideas and listened well! I love cheese cake and was really happy to try their version!!! read more