It's a nice cafe, and we appreciated the wonderful case with examples of all the food - but be careful what you order because it may not be as advertised. The sandwich was tasty but had nowhere near the amount of chicken advertised; see photos. The prosciutto sandwich has more meat, the burger looks fine, and the smoked salmon toast is pretty close to the sample in the case. Steer clear of the smoked chicken. read more

Caffe Central - what I ordered - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

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Food: Food Were Very Good( We Ordered The Farm House Breakfast, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Smoked Salmon Toast with Extra Avocado & French Toast ) Service: Excellent and "Shout Out" To Ms. Judette (the manager) she walks around and check each table and ask the customers how they are doing. She is very nice and friendly. I also asked the front to add another shot of espresso on my Iced latte and did not charge me for it. Ambiance: Its always busy (i guess its good) because we always go there every Sunday for Brunch. Thank you very much for the EXCELLENT service. Shierly, Prinses , Cherry read more

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Lovely brunch option that is opened from morning to quite late at night so you can enjoy brunch items for dinner as well. They have a beautiful display of the menu next to the cash register which is perfect for those who need to visualize their options. You wait in line to order and sit down with a number and they will bring the food out to you. Don't get intimidated by the full restaurant while lining up. People leave pretty quickly and finding a spot before my food arrives has never been a problem. They have a large variety of classic brunch options like toast, bagel, and salad bowls but also a great variety of dessert options as well. Price isn't cheap but standard compared to the other brunch options in the area. read more

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I've been a regular here for brunch with family and friends, so it genuinely pains me to write this. It was 73 degrees in Burlingame and I decided to grab breakfast and sit outside while waiting for my car to be serviced -- ordered the farmhouse breakfast. I stepped inside briefly to grab a to-go box for my unfinished eggs, potatoes, and chicken sausage. When I came back, Valeria had already cleared my plate and told me "there's nothing left." I paid $30 for that meal. When I went inside to address it, I was met with no apology and a dismissive "so what do you want to do?" I let it go and sat back down -- until I overheard Valeria telling her coworkers that I had thrown the to-go box at her. I had my earphones in at the time but wasn't listening to anything, so I heard every word. I calmly approached her and asked if I could clarify something. I explained that I was eating alone, that I had stepped inside only to grab a box, and that I still had food on my plate. I acknowledged it was a misunderstanding on both ends. I wasn't aggressive, I wasn't combative. What I got back was anything but that same energy. $30 for a meal that got thrown away before I finished it, staff who couldn't be bothered to make it right, and an employee fabricating stories about a customer to her coworkers. There are too many good brunch spots in the Bay Area to spend your money somewhere that treats loyal customers like an inconvenience. Do better. I won't be back. Below is the to go box I apparently hit worker, Valeria, with... read more

Caffe Central - The to go box I apparently hit the staff worker with - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

4 stars for the impressive breakfast menu selection and dishes. There are so many choices and their visual displays of them making it so much easier to make quick decisions. 2 stars for the chaos that made it difficult to get our table cleared before we ate, for receiving and being charged for four of the same pastry when I ordered just one, and for never receiving the coffee I ordered. And 2 stars for the cramped seating on a week day mid morning. read more

This cafe always looks busy. Decided to finally try it. They have a display of the food which is really helpful and everything looks so good! They have a lot drink options, coffee, tea, smoothies, juices etc. a lot pastries too. Everything was delicious and tasted really healthy. I enjoyed my chorizo wrap. It came with a side of fruit. My friend got the Irish breakfast. Said it was good but needed more salt. the toast comes in a heart shape , so cute. Presentation was spot on. read more

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6 of us + 1 baby had brunch here on a rainy Sunday. How it works: you order and pay inside first, they'll give you a number, you find a table, and they'll bring out your food to your table. Service: 4/5 Employees were quick, efficient, and friendly although they did not check-in with us throughout the meal. Ambiance: 5/5 Trendy, minimal, and busy. Outdoor seating is perfect for warm and sunny days. Food: 4/5 Tons of options to choose from and yes, items for both food and drinks tend to lean more towards healthy options. I personally think it is a bit pricier for smaller portions but if you're a small eater like me, this would be perfect. read more

Caffe Central - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

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Sandwiches are amazing and they offer a lot of options. I have not tried any of the drinks but I wouldn't doubt they are good as well. It does get a little crowded but you can always take to go. read more

Caffe Central is located on the busy street of Burlingame Avenue. You can't miss it as it is on the corner and has a lively spot. Ordering is done at the counter where you will receive a number to be displayed on your table . There are lots of open seating inside and out. On chilly days, patio heaters are used. During this visit I got the chicken BLT. It was good and the chicken was tender. My only complaint is there was too much dressing on it. I recommend getting it on the side for you to drizzle on. It's a crowded ambiance. Service was decent. I would return to try other lunch sandwiches. read more

Caffe Central - Chicken blt sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

Our new favorite brunch spot! Caffé Central is fantastic. The food and the coffee are tremendous and the portions are huge! I had the breakfast bowl, trying to be healthy and it was amazing. I feel you can tell a fair bit about a place when they can perfectly poach an egg. This bowl combined with a squeeze of lemon was incredibly good. I would have added some hot sauce to it but it was just about perfect without it. The masala spiced chai was great. The foam was thick and creamy and the spice stayed on top so you had a bit of spice in every sip. We will be back again and again. Just be aware that it is open seating so you may have some trouble finding a spot to sit on a busy day. read more

Caffe Central - Breakfast Bowl and Masala Spiced Chai Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

Big selection of breakfast, brunch, sandwiches and desserts. Everything looks so good.. We ordered omelette and the French toast + drinks They taste as good as they look Judedde (hopefully I spell her name right) was very tentative and warm. Excellent service. Definitely will visit again read more

Caffe Central - Hot chocolate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

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One of my favorite go to brunch restaurants! I love this cafe in Burlingame- from the menu options, coffee bar, pastries and overall experience is what keeps me coming back. Typically at 11 am is when the restaurant is fully packed but otherwise ambience is chill. I do love that you can order your food/drinks and find a place to sit. You have to try their iced caffe central latte-it's a vanilla & caramel latte mixed with oat milk. read more

Caffe Central - Caffe Central Latte (hot) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

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We stopped by Caffe Central on a very busy Sunday, and even with the crowd, the team worked impressively fast. We ordered a mix of dishes -- the Pastrami Sandwich, Fajita Bowl, the Burlingame dish, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and Avocado Toast -- plus the Detox and Vitamin C juices. Despite the rush, everything came out quickly and was fresh and flavorful. The portions were generous, and each dish had its own standout moment: the pastrami was savory and satisfying, the fajita bowl was hearty, the pancakes were light and bright with lemon, and the avocado toast was beautifully prepared. The juices were refreshing and a great complement to the meal. Overall, Caffe Central handled the Sunday crowd with ease, delivering great food and fast service. A solid spot in Burlingame for a relaxed weekend brunch or breakfast! They have indoor and outdoor sidewalk seating, which is perfect if your dog tags along. read more

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(Ryan Reynolds voiceover) The vibe is world class caffe! Judedde warmly greeted me! She is super nice! Ran with the Pressed Juice. (Sooo many varieties!) The Chichurri! Hearty! Avocados and beef pair well. The bed of rice w/ tomatoes and onions was splendiferous (and likely to make you violate your low carb oath)! But the pièce the résistance was the side dish. Ahem. Roasted beets?! Wowza! Judedde made it happen. Would order everything again! The food was delish! The service exemplary! Thanks, Judedde! Woohoo! read more

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I like this place a lot. Good food. Lots of options, healthy options. We plan to stop by when we are driving through. Today was one of those days. Always a favorite. We shared a so-Cal omelette which was enough for two of us. Will be back! read more

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The food is good. I thought the menu options sounded quite unique and the Chorizo wrap coming with a bowl of fruit is quite random but refreshing. I enjoyed it; the wrap was nicely charred if not a bit dry. One member of the party had a bit allergy and told the staff twice, but there was a pine nut in the salad; I'm not sure why given the salad doesn't seem to contain nuts. The server was very nice about it when we flagged it, but she refused to refund the dish, only giving us a replacement for the second sandwich half (they already ate the first half) though she didn't replace the salad. She also offered to give us something else on the house so maybe the refund is some restaurant policy, so we got more coffees. The inside is pretty nice. The outside looks vibey as well but it was raining and the umbrellas were possibly not 100% enough shelter. read more

When you need a mix of healthy and filling, this place is it. Caffe Central has such a large menu of salads and bowls that include a healthy portion of proteins. I'm the type to have breakfast food at any hour of the day so occasionally I would also get an omelette during lunch. Love their concept and open seating. read more

Caffe Central - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

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Came on a Saturday afternoon and ordered an iced caffe central latte with almond milk. Tasted like watered down almond milk, a hint of coffee, and no caramel or vanilla flavor. read more

I had an experience with rude management (one woman that I presume is the manager) that has made me decide to not visit this business anymore after 5 years+ of being a loyal customer. I have always noticed that all of the employees are friendly except for one manager in the past, which is super disappointing. My negative experience was that one time I was taking up one small table on the side and working remotely and I had only been there for 1.5 hours and ordered a latte and planned to order lunch. The manager walked over and insinuated that I should leave since I was there for "too long" and practically kicked me out when I was planning on spending another $20 for lunch. I think that if you don't want to accommodate people working from home (with terrible wifi), then create a no laptop policy on weekends or be more friendly about the policy rather than acting rude for a customer that was willing to spend $30 in one visit. I am definitely planning on never visiting this establishment again and will choose to go to any of the other great options on Burlingame ave that treat respectful, paying customers more politely such as Mints & Honey, Philz, or Maison Alyzee. Tldr: skip this restaurant since the management is rude and go to one of the other better more friendly cafes around Burlingame Ave read more

Waitresses and a cashier were very welcoming and friendly. I also saw them accommodating a mom with an infant really well. They genuinely care about their customers. I love that you can see what the food you are ordering will look like. Everything (savory and sweet) looks amazing! The reason why I rate this place with 3 stars is that I was disappointed with their lava cake. By definition, a lava cake has a liquid center, and their lava cake was just a cake. If I knew their lava cake was unconventional, without any "chocolate lava", I would have gone with a different dessert. read more

Caffe Central - Lava cake. We ordered 2 and both were just regular cakes with no liquid center - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

Drinks: 3/5 Service: 3/5 Ambiance: 4/5 This place is busy on the weekends. I came here for a morning pick me up. There weren't much people in line at their cafe but it took us 30 minutes to get our drinks... I would not come back because of this wait. Ice Vanilla Latte: 4/5 Honestly pretty good but not worth the wait. I can get this at Starbucks. Matcha: 2/5 Matcha was not mixed well. There were a lot of chunks on the bottom of my drink read more

Caffe Central - Vanilla Latte: 4/5 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

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Found this spot since it was right near our hotel, and it clearly draws a crowd! We stopped by for breakfast and the place was absolutely packed, which is usually a good sign. The Food The menu is huge--they have everything from quick pastries to full sit-down meals like Eggs Benedict and French toast. Here's the breakdown of what we tried: * Eggs Benedict: Awesome! Perfectly cooked and really hit the spot. * Chocolate French Toast: Fantastic. If you have a sweet tooth, this is a must-order. * Strawberry Croissant: This was the only slight letdown. While it looked beautiful, it was a bit stale and lacked that fresh, buttery crispiness you want in a croissant. The Experience The system here is order and pay at the counter first, then they bring the food out to your table. They also have water carafes already on the tables for self-service, which I always appreciate. Even though it was busy, the service remained solid and friendly. Parking & Tips Since it's right in the heart of downtown Burlingame, parking is all street parking. You might have to circle the block once or twice during peak morning hours, but it's worth it for the vibe. read more

Caffe Central - Hot Chocolate - so good - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

First time trying this place. It was pretty good!! I love their quiches. I like that yoy order first and pay, then they bring your food with a number. Service is pretty good, food came all together. Ambiance is cute alongside Burlingame Ave. Parking can be challenging. I'd for sure be back to try their other items on the menu! read more

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I'm allergic to shrimp but when there's a fajita bowl I have to get it!! Also got the digestive juice Came here for a brunch before going to open houses in San Bruno on a Sunday. There's nothing much in San Bruno though so it's nice to be in proximity of Burlingame and San Mateo dining. Although it was pretty crowded we were able to get a seat somewhat quickly. It is a bit expensive for simple food, but it was really good. Though there's indoor and outdoor seating the outdoors will be more available with the sun so it's perfect if you have pets; tables were kind of wobbly, and there could be more shade - bring a hat and sunglasses. read more

Caffe Central - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

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I am beyond frustrated with the service at Caffe Central. During a previous visit, I was overcharged, and instead of issuing a proper refund to my original payment method, the manager, Maria, insisted on giving me a gift card for the difference to be used in the future. She provided me with the receipt for this transaction, but failed to actually hand over the physical gift card. When I returned to resolve this and use the credit I was owed, Maria completely denied the incident ever happened--despite the fact that the receipt clearly has her name printed on it. It is incredibly dishonest to overcharge a customer, withhold the promised credit, and then lie about the interaction. I expected professional accountability, but instead, I was met with denial and a loss of my money. I strongly advise others to check their receipts carefully here, as I certainly won't be returning." read more

Cafe Central is one of those go-to spots you can count on for a consistently great breakfast or brunch, especially on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Three things you can always count on here: packed, fresh, and delicious. Don't let the line scare you off. It moves faster than you'd think, and the team keeps things flowing with ease and a genuinely great attitude. Pro tip: have a seating strategy. One person orders while the other locks down a table. You'll thank yourself. Favorites: - Lemon ricotta pancakes - CEO Plate (two eggs your way, bagel, lox salad, avocado, and a small side salad) - Eggs and beans - Any of their toasts with toppings, just go with whatever sounds good Coffee drinkers are covered, they've got the full lineup. And if you go savory for brunch, don't worry, dessert is handled. There are two cases one of baked goods and one full of pastries, so something will absolutely catch your eye. Spoon note: outdoor seating is always the move, but it can feel a little tight. Still, it's a small trade-off for a spot that clearly knows how to deliver. Fork note: Speaking of delivery...not recommended. Even though it's offered on multiple apps the food doesn't travel well. read more

One of my favorite places on Burlingame Aveune. The food is delicious, especially the Avacodo toast! Only problem is sometimes it's so busy that you have to wait for a table. I love that you can see what the food looks like with the visual display. It makes it so much easier to choose what to eat and try next. read more

I've seen this caffé around San Francisco so I was surprised to see that they had a location in Downtown Burlingame. We were in the mood for brunch and the displays of the food drew us in. Their Weekend Brunch menu is also available on Fridays, and it was crowded. Order at the register, get your #, and find a table inside or in the patio. Food & drinks will be brought to you. Our order: Soup of the Day (Bowl - $9.95): Clam Chowder +The best part were the bread components, the baguette and the croutons. -Skimped on the usual suspects (bacon, clams): It should be called potato chowder instead. -Very salty Salmon Eggs Benedict ($18.95): +Eggs were perfectly poached. +Smoked salmon didn't taste fishy. +Hollandaise sauce was creamy and zesty. +Arugula salad wasn't overdressed and had crunchy croutons. -English muffin was burnt on the edges. -Arugula didn't look fresh. The Hamlette ($17.50): Loved the wordplay! +Omelet was filled with plenty of smoked ham, red onions, red bell peppers, and cheddar cheese. +Mixed fruit was fresh and sweet. +Roasted potatoes were fluffy and not too salty. -Omelet was overcooked, and the filling was very salty. Side notes: 1.) Brunch is served Friday - Sunday from 7:00am-2:00pm. 2.) Self-serve napkins and water 3.) Restrooms available for customers. 4.) Walking distance from Burlingame Caltrain Station *Verdict: Next time, I'll eat somewhere else and try their baked goods & coffee. read more

Caffe Central - Clockwise from top left: Bowl of Clam Chowder, The Hamlette, Salmon Eggs Benedict - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

My favorite go to coffee shop! I always get a central caffe latte. The pastries are also very delicious. A bit pricey but really quality. Service is usually quick with the coffees. I haven't ordered to eat in but the Togo breakfast was also a hit! read more

Caffe Central is my go to spot in downtown Burlingame for breakfast or brunch, especially when I want something early (they open at 7!). It does get a bit busy on weekends, but if you hang around for a few minutes, you can usually find a spot either inside or outside. There is also a big communal table in the middle if you don't mind sharing space. The outdoor seating is great when the weather is nice. The menu has a good variety - everything from hearty egg dishes to sweet stuff like their lemon ricotta pancakes (a personal favorite). They have a lot of options for your caffeine fix too! You order at the counter, grab a number, and they bring the food to your table. Super efficient and friendly service. Definitely recommend for a casual but quality breakfast or brunch downtown. read more

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I can't believe I haven't given a review to Caffe Central. I have gone here several times and my favorite thing to get is the eggs and beans for breakfast. It's so tasty the last time we were there we got the nectarine strip and the nectarines were so fresh and the pastry was so good. I highly recommend this place. It's so fun to sit outside with your dog and people watch other people walking by with their dogs. The coffee is good and the service is excellent. read more

Caffe Central - Fruit strip - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

First time visiting Caffe Central! Their menu is really amazing. A lot of options from sweet to savory. They get really busy on weekends so expect competition to find a seat. Unfortunately there is no organized seating way, so finding one is not guaranteed. The staff is very helpful with additional requests like to go boxes and extra hot sauce. I really enjoyed the pancakes! Parking is available outside. I'll be back to try more! read more

Caffe Central is always busy, so expect to wait in line to order, grab a number, and then wait for a table to open up. It can get a little cramped inside, but they do have high chairs for kids which is nice. The atmosphere is lively and a bit noisy, but it adds to the energy of the place. I tried their burger, but honestly that's not their best item. The real standout is the Cuban latte, it's so good! They also have a wide range of breakfast options that make it worth coming back. Parking can be hit or miss since it's downtown, but they do have a bathroom for customers and there's WiFi available. Overall, a solid spot for coffee and breakfast if you don't mind the crowd. read more

Caffe Central - 1/2 lb. Niman Ranch Burger 1/2 lb. Niman Ranch Burger - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

Great food and service. All the employees were very hardworking and quick while making our breakfast. Tasted great and looked delicious! read more

Caffe Central - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

My husband and I stumbled across Caffé Central around dinner time, and the indoor dining area was completely full. Luckily, they have plenty of outdoor seating, which made for a nice atmosphere to enjoy our meal. I was hoping for breakfast food, but brunch service ends around 2 PM. Still, their menu had lots of other options. You order at the register and they bring the food to your table.. We started by sharing a cup of their soup of the day, which was a creamy corn chowder. It was rich, flavorful, and topped with four perfectly crisp garlic croutons. Honestly, I'd come back just for the soup--it was that good! For my entrée, I tried the Fajita Bowl. The shrimp had excellent flavor, and I loved how generous they were with the avocado. The portion size was large, which is great if you're hungry. That said, the dish was heavy on bell peppers--so much that it overwhelmed the rest of the ingredients. I found myself picking most of them out. If the balance leaned more toward lettuce or other veggies, I think I'd enjoy it more. My husband ordered the Buddha Bowl, which came with tofu, quinoa, avocado, and a colorful assortment of veggies. It looked great, and while he said it was "just okay," he did take home leftovers thanks to the hearty portion. Overall: Caffé Central is a solid option if you're looking for a healthy, quick bite. Service is fast, the staff is friendly, and the place is clean. The soup was a highlight, and the bowls are filling, even if the flavor balance wasn't quite perfect. read more

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Loved the vibes at this cafe! I tried their peach almond pie (totally forgot to take a pic, but it was a solid 10/10). They have unique, house-created lattes--I went for the charcoal latte. I should've mixed it better because the bottom part was so delicious! Can't wait to come back and try their brunch menu! read more

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Good food should motivate you to return and great food will inspire to create..Caffe Central is GREAT food! We visited twice during our 3 day stay in South SF and I highly recommend their bowls. I tried both the Buddha bowl and the Goddess bowl. Both were flavor packed and very filling without being heavy. In fact they were so delicious that I have been trying to recreate them at home! My husband tried the Salmon eggs Benedict and the Irish Breakfast and he was beyond satisfied with his dishes. The customer service was also excellent! Service was friendly, efficient and attentive which was especially impressive given how busy they were both days we visited. While waiting for the restroom, the manager/owner approached me and offered me their very clean men's restroom..it's the little things that leave a lasting impression. Well done Caffe Central! read more

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I've been coming here for 3 years and have never had a bad meal or experience. You can go from a fluffy omelet to a fresh salad to chocolate chip pancakes, and everything will still be fantastic. Service is always on point -- the servers are friendly and respectful, which makes the meal that much better. Yes, there's usually a bit of a wait, but it's worth it. Great people, great food, and a cozy, welcoming vibe that keeps me coming back. Austin Yee read more

**Overall, 4.5 stars ** Food: 5 stars My girlfriends and I shared 3 dishes for a lighter lunch. Everything was fresh and delicious. We also peeked at other people's dishes, which also looked good! Service: 4 stars They staff moved fast to clean tables and bring out food, but in-between, we had to get up to get our own napkins, boxes for our leftovers, etc. They were so busy that customer attention was lacking. Ambiance: 4 stars It feels very European to sit at a table on the sidewalk for lunch, under a fabric awning, on a sunny day. However, the tables were so close together that we were all bumping into each other, and there was no privacy. My back was against the next table, and to get up, we had to push or pull furniture. My friend moved furniture to help the couple next to us get into their seats. It is a good thing to be helpful to each other, but for a cafe in downtown Burlingame, I'd expect there to be a little more comfort in sitting at a table, like removing one table/chairs set, so the others in that row could spread out a bit. Overall, I would recommend Caffe Central to friends and family, and I would return. Just get there early because you may have to wait awhile to get a good seat. And you may want to wear something easy to move around in because you'll probably need to move some furniture to get in and out of your table (if you sit outside). read more

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Met up with two other friends for brunch on a Sunday morning a little after 10 (parked in a nearby parking lot), and there was a bit of a line. They have a little display of menu items at the counter so you can visually see what the dishes look like (would highly recommend looking at the menu beforehand to see what you want because there are quite a lot of options). Order and pay at the front, and they'll give you a number + utensils to take to your table (water is self serve). It was a bit chilly that morning, so all the indoor tables were completely filled, but thankfully we spotted a group leaving theirs not too long after we finished ordering and made a beeline for it lol. Didn't have to wait long for our food to come out! - Bruschetta: was pleasantly surprised with their balsamic vinegar pearls?? You def don't see that at your typical brunch spot. Maybe it's because I don't typically order toast but I thought it was a bit difficult to cut lol I had to really saw through it (perhaps this is my sign to go harder for arm day...), and the table was visibly shaking during the entire ordeal. Salad was simple and refreshing - Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: tried some of my friend's plate and as someone who doesn't really like sweet things for brunch, I was pleasantly surprised by this! Thought this was quite light and most importantly, not too sweet (the syrup provided was left untouched lol). Would eat this again - SoCal Omelette: my friend who ordered this thought this was good - Green detox juice: friend who ordered this said "it tastes really healthy" and also surprisingly really sour Overall a solid brunch spot! Would come back to try other things on their menu read more

Caffe Central - Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Burlingame, California

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