Foreigner Cafe

60 E 3rd Ave Ste 108, San Mateo, CA 94401, United States
$$$ Restaurant
(700 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Step into the delightful world of Foreigner Cafe, a true gem nestled in downtown San Mateo, California. This charming restaurant brings a global taste to your palate, offering a diverse breakfast and brunch menu that is sure to please both locals and visitors alike. When you walk through the doors at 60 E 3rd Ave Ste 108, you are immediately enveloped in a warm, inviting atmosphere that invites you to relax and enjoy.

Foreigner Cafe provides a culinary experience that tantalizes the senses with every bite. Start your morning with their Spinach Cream Soup, which promises a lush blend of spinach, onion, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan that creates a comforting warmth—perfect for any time of day. Or, try the Hungarian Lecso Soup, a fantastic dish featuring a bell pepper base with kielbasa and perfectly poached eggs, all served with crusty sourdough toast to soak up the flavors. Priced at just $15.25, it's an affordable way to indulge in rich flavors.

If you’re in the mood for something heartier, take a bite of their Grilled Chicken BLT Sandwich—juicy halal chicken combined with crispy bacon, lettuce, and cheese on a fresh ciabatta roll for just $17.50. The flavor combinations here are elevated by the quality of ingredients, leaving you feeling fulfilled yet invigorated. Or, opt for the Ham & Swiss Baguette, which presents sliced honey ham and cheese in a sweet baguette—simple but deliciously satisfying at $10.25.

No meal is complete without coffee, and Foreigner Cafe takes pride in their unique offerings. From the nuanced flavors of their Brazilian Cake Lady Pour Over Coffee to the rich and robust East Fourteenth Dark Roast, coffee aficionados will find their new favorites here. The ambiance, combined with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee that lingers in the air, makes this a perfect spot for a slow-paced brunch or an essential coffee break.

The experiential reviews from guests resonate with the welcoming charm of the cafe. Customers like Highway Hiking rave about the clean environment and the easy ordering process, while Madison Sadler appreciates the delicious quiche and side salad that elevate her meal. A noteworthy aspect is the availability of gluten-free bread, catering to dietary preferences without compromising flavor.

Moreover, those who have queued outside have found it worth the wait, just as Michelle Barnes and Jason Xiahou have shared, celebrating the fresh ingredients and beautiful presentation. Take a leisurely approach, as Vash notes that the cafe is decorated with cute seating areas where you can enjoy your meals, from their fresh salads to the delectable strawberry croffles—a signature dish that has customers coming back for more.

If you find yourself wandering through San Mateo, make sure to stop at Foreigner Cafe for a memorable experience that boasts delightful food, great atmosphere, and a commitment to quality. It’s more than just a meal; it's a comforting embrace in the form of food, seasoned with love and creativity.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Has live music
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves halal food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
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Monday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

700 Reviews
Highway Hiking

21 Sep 2025

Really good! Super easy to order, great food, and quick service. The restaurant is clean and there's plenty of space to sit inside and outside. I had the Euro Latte and the Veggies Scramble. Both were delicious. They have gluten free bread too.

Madison Sadler

20 Sep 2025

Came on a Monday around lunchtime and had very prompt service! The quiche was delicious, and I loved the dressing on the side salad. The latte was just okay (not very sweet and the tea wasn't as strong as it could have been), but I am picky about my London Fogs so that in no way influences my positive review of this restaurant! They have a sensor you put on your table so that they know where to bring the food, and the atmosphere is great for studying, working, or enjoying a meal with friends.

Michelle Barnes

27 Aug 2025

My friend and I arrived on a Sunday around 12pm with a line out the door. We had about a 17 min wait before ordering and luckily were able to find a table without any trouble indoors. At the door, there's a QR code you scan to view the menu and just before you order, they have a huge display of all the brunch dishes, which was really helpful in making a decision. I ordered the veggie scramble, my friend ordered a mango drink and croque madame sandwich, and we each split a mango Soleil for dessert. After ordering, the staff give you a buzzer that you place on your table so they know where to bring your food. The indoors was quite noisy so the two of us had to almost shout in our conversation to be heard. My scramble was delicious, and my friend enjoyed her croque madame. The dessert had mixed reception. I liked it, but my friend greatly disliked the taste of the exterior hard shell, so picked that all off, but did like the center.

Parikshith Mj

23 Aug 2025

Visited on a long weekend and got a place. There are outdoor seats for people with pets. Food was amazing. Tried Spinach quiche and Strawberry croffle and both were delicious and well presented. Parking can be little difficult given it is on a busy street.

Jason Xiahou

28 Jul 2025

We got in a line that was out the door and had a great time! It was my second time here and all of the food has been good, with fresh ingredients and leaving you feeling healthy. Nice casual vibes with lots of seating available and you pick your own table. Good for a variety of gatherings (friends, work lunch, solo, etc). A great addition to downtown San Mateo!

Rob V

27 Jul 2025

Lattes were amazing! I love the many options you can try! The food looked as good as it tasted! Order the food prior to sitting to grab an indicator they use to find the table you are sitting at! Hope that helps!

Vash

24 Jul 2025

A charming breakfast and brunch spot in downtown San Mateo with a well-rounded menu. From avocado toasts and fresh salads to hearty eggs and potatoes, everything is thoughtfully prepared. The bakery selection is impressive, and the coffee pairs perfectly with any choice. The space has a clean, modern feel with plenty of cute seating areas, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a slow morning or casual bite.

Colin

29 Jun 2025

Went on the recommendation of a friend before catching a flight, and happy to report that friend is friend indeed! The food here was great and the coffee high quality. The croffles really stole the show in terms of uniqueness and flavor, but the smoked salmon toast was definitely not something to be missed, and offered a delicious salty-savory counterpoint to the delicious Nutella+banana croffles. Everyone was nice, service was quick and clean, and most importantly the food and coffee was super on point. Will be returning on my next trip!

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