Foreigner in San Mateo is a quirky little breakfast spot that certainly left us with a smile on our faces. My wife and I popped in for breakfast, and while it wasn't a flawless experience, we had a fun time overall. My wife ordered the avocado toast, and she was absolutely smitten with it. She couldn't stop raving about how creamy and delicious it was. I went for the Denver omelette, and it was good, but I have to admit, the egg was a tad overcooked, making it a bit on the dry side. It's a small hiccup, but nothing a little extra coffee couldn't fix. Speaking of coffee, the habanero hot sauce they provide packs a decent punch and added a delightful zing to our meal. It's got both heat and flavor, which was a pleasant surprise. Foreigner's menu is truly an adventure. It's extensive and features some unique twists and spins on breakfast classics. One thing that caught our attention was the fake food versions displayed at the register - it's a creative touch that lets you see what you're ordering. The decor is quirky and fun, making for a whimsical dining atmosphere. We were also quite impressed with their drink selection. They offer some interesting and innovative options that pair perfectly with the eclectic menu. It's clear they put thought and creativity into their offerings. The staff was friendly, and the service was prompt. We appreciated the enthusiasm they had for their unique concept, which added to the overall enjoyment of our visit. Foreigner is a fun and creative breakfast spot in San Mateo. It may not be perfect, but it's definitely worth a visit for the unique menu, fun ambiance, and creative drinks. We left with full bellies and a memorable experience, and that's what counts, right? We'll be back to explore more of their quirky offerings! read more

I have dined at Foreigner in San Mateo a couple of times now, and I must say, it was a delightful experience! This place is a solid four-star gem for brunch lovers like myself. First off, I love the fact that it's a self-seating restaurant. It gives you the freedom to choose your spot, whether you prefer indoor or outdoor seating. Speaking of seating, there's plenty of it, but be prepared for the occasional long line to place your order. Don't worry though; it generally moves quite fast, so your hunger won't have to wait too long. Now, let's talk about the food. Foreigner offers a wide variety of breakfast dishes, especially when it comes to eggs. If you're an egg enthusiast, you're in for a treat. And the drinks? They're pretty good! Whether you're into coffee, tea, or something a bit stronger, they've got you covered. One thing I particularly enjoyed was their desserts. After a satisfying brunch, I couldn't resist trying out a couple of their sweet treats. The desserts were definitely worth the indulgence. My personal favorites at Foreigner so far have been the French toast and the butternut squash tartine. The French toast was a perfect balance of crispy and fluffy, and the butternut squash tartine had a unique flavor profile that I couldn't get enough of. In summary, Foreigner is a great spot for brunch, offering a diverse menu, indoor and outdoor seating options, and a pleasant atmosphere. While there might be a wait during peak hours, it's well worth it for the delicious dishes and drinks. read more

If you're searching for a delightful brunch spot in San Mateo, look no further than The Foreigner. This charming eatery offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing morning meal. The menu at The Foreigner features an impressive array of dishes, but the stars of the show are undoubtedly their roasts and Benedicts. The roasts are cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, providing a hearty start to your day. The Benedicts, on the other hand, are a brunch lover's dream--perfectly poached eggs, rich hollandaise sauce, and a variety of creative toppings that elevate the classic dish to new heights. No brunch is complete without a good drink, and The Foreigner doesn't disappoint. Their mimosas come with an array of fruit flavors, adding a refreshing twist to the traditional brunch cocktail. Whether you prefer the zesty tang of orange or a more exotic fruit blend, there's something to satisfy every palate. The Foreigner's interior is as delightful as its menu. The decor is cute and welcoming, making it a great spot for catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet morning alone. The ordering process is straightforward: you place your order at the counter, and the friendly staff will bring your food to your table, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ambiance. Overall, The Foreigner in San Mateo is a must-visit for brunch enthusiasts. With its delicious food, delightful drinks, and charming setting, it promises a memorable dining experience. read more

I've been coming here for about two weeks since our temporary office is nearby. It's convenient, and I'm personally a fan of the coffee. Today was a busy day and my colleagues and I came in to pick up an online order. We let the baristas know we were there, and one of them calmly and professionally passed the message along and said they would begin making our drinks. Moments later, a staff member shouted across the room (which was full of customers) asking if we were there for pickup. It felt unnecessary and uncomfortable. My colleague asked why she was yelling, and one of the baristas apologized for her behavior. Shortly after, the same employee came over and raised her voice again asking the baristas about the online order , even though they had already acknowledged it. It didn't feel like someone simply moving quickly during a rush; it felt unnecessarily aggressive. I understand that busy shifts can be stressful, but yelling across a crowded room , especially when the situation was already handled, felt unprofessional. No one, customers or staff, should be spoken to that way. The baristas themselves were kind and handled the situation well. The coffee is great, the food is decent, and most of the staff has been friendly during my visits. I just hope management is aware of how moments like this impact the overall experience. read more

Foreigner Cafe offers a cool vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating. It seems like a great place to relax and enjoy a meal, although I opted for takeout this time. There was a bit of a wait to order at the counter. It took about 10 minutes to get to the cashier. However, they do have something unique to keep you entertained while you wait - life-sized fake food displays of some of their popular dishes! It's a fun concept that definitely helps with the decision-making process. Luckily, the wait for the food itself wasn't long. My order came out in about 10 minutes. I tried the salmon eggs Benedict, which came with a side salad and home fries. The portion size was generous - the potatoes were nice and chunky, cooked perfectly, but could have used a bit more seasoning considering their size. The star of the show, though, was the smoked salmon - it was fresh and delicious. The hollandaise sauce was rich and savory, and the bread, while a touch tough, held everything together nicely. Overall, Foreigner Cafe gets a 4-star review from me. The food was delicious, the atmosphere seemed inviting, and the life-sized food displays were a creative touch. The wait time for takeout could be improved, and the home fries could have benefited from more seasoning, but those are minor bumps in an otherwise positive experience. read more

As a brunch enthusiast, I found this spot to be rather average. It's a fast-casual restaurant, customers are required to place orders at a cashier before finding their own seating. The water and condiments are all self serve, which gives it a fast food vibe. The restaurant layout is somewhat unusual, with condiments near the entrance, the cashier to the right, and additional seating to the left. The menu to order from was limited though they feature other options on display. A clearer description would've enhanced my experience. Opting for the croque madam, I was disappointed because it was so underwhelming. It's a turkey (substituted for ham) sandwich with a sunny-side-up egg, accompanied by their house potatoes. My friend's choice, the Denver omelette, was unfortunately overcooked. Both dishes lacked flavor, requiring seasoning with salt, pepper, and ketchup. The dishes both came with potatoes and they were cold, like they've been sitting out. I initially didn't enjoy the sweet and spicy hot sauce, but it ended up growing on me. Later on, I found the restaurant's online menu to be more extensive, something I wish I had known beforehand. While the experience was interesting, I wouldn't come back here in the future. read more

Foreigner offers a delightful brunch experience, but with one significant caveat: ventilation. On busy weekends, especially during summer, the main seating area transforms into a sauna. The combination of heat and chatter can be overwhelming, making it essential to secure a table outside or near the open door for a more comfortable dining experience. Fortunately, my friends and I managed to snag a spot by the entrance, allowing us to enjoy our meal without feeling like we were breathing through a straw. The restaurant's charm lies in its adorable meal display at the counter, showcasing models of each dish - a helpful visual aid for indecisive diners. The menu boasts a variety of brunch options. We sampled the avocado toast, turkey and pesto crêpe, veggie scramble, Cortado, and Matcha lattes. While the food was good, it didn't leave a lasting impression - think classic, reliable brunch fare. Foreigner has potential, but it desperately needs to address its ventilation issues. Installing air conditioning, or simply opening more windows would significantly enhance the dining experience. Until then, aim for outdoor seating or arrive early to avoid the stifling interior. read more

This place is very similar to Caffe Central, except this establishment is deceptive. If you have been to both, you notice that they display their plentiful pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast offerings in a glass case. My boyfriend and I ordered a Smoked Salmon Croissant, Strawberry Rhubarb Tart, and a Chef's Omelet, but recieved something completely different from what we saw in the display. While the croissant in the display had layers of smoked salmon, avocado, egg, and cucumber, the one I was served had only one thin slice of smoked salmon. One slice. I definitely don't expect the item I ordered to be exactly the same as the display, but at least similar. The tart I was also served was still cold after being warmed up twice and upon first bite a short thin stick was found inside the tart. Ironically, when the party eating next to us ordered the same tart, it was visibly burnt and the waiter said "be careful it is very hot." And I probably should have said something, but I think we all have moments where we are unsure if we want to make a big deal and send all the food back, and miss the moment to make a complaint. read more

I was impressed by the unique experience of this brunch restaurant. The way the dishes are displayed is ingenious. The models of each dish are neatly placed in the cabinet, and customers can intuitively see the actual appearance of the dishes. This design is very interesting. We lined up to order first, and after getting the number plate, we found a seat in the store and waited for the food to be served. I tried the Bacon Benedict, which tasted excellent. The crispy bacon complemented the sautéed mushrooms, tomatoes, and onions, and the taste was rich and delicious. The arugula salad was also fresh and refreshing, perfectly balancing the overall taste. This is a brunch restaurant that is worth trying for people who value quality and dining experience. read more

I visited at the weekend with my parents. Foreigner place is amazing! We really like the atomspair , good coffee and nice interior. The drink and food were all tasty and Worthwhile. The service was good and the variety of coffee sarvied in the Foreigner was very satisfied. The Foreigner have a friendly staff and pleasant to talk with all customers. Foreigner have a fresh coffee available and even some fresh food . I could not ask for more because that everything that I needed was provide. It was very quiet place.Ine thing that I got fascinated by this place they offeredable and delicious coffee in the town. I just want to coming back to this Foreigner. I highly recommend Foreigner. read more

While the food was delicious, the experience was unfortunately marred by the overwhelming noise inside. The moment we entered, we were greeted by an ear-piercing hum of chatter, clinking silverware, and loud music that made conversation nearly impossible. It felt like the space was designed more for a lively party than for enjoying a quiet meal and morning conversation. We had to practically shout across the table to be heard, which made it hard to relax and fully enjoy the meal. If you're someone who appreciates a more peaceful dining experience, this might not be the place for you. That said, if you don't mind the hustle and bustle, the vibrant atmosphere may still appeal to you. read more

Foreigner Cafe is a perfect place to enjoy brunch with friends! You order first at the cash register and then get a table. I appreciate the display of the menu; they showcase plastic food samples that help you visualize the menu items. Their menu offers a variety of brunch options. I had the Tuna Melt Croffle and a decaffeinated cappuccino. The cozy ambiance and attentive service made my first visit a pleasure. Don't miss out on this gem! However, it's worth noting that this place can get very loud when it's busy, so I wouldn't recommend it for people who prefer a quiet environment. My friend and I could barely hear each other, so we decided to leave early. read more

I went to this restaurant for brunch on a Saturday. Although it was bustling, we were able to secure a table relatively quickly. The venue had a vibrant atmosphere and a pleasant ambiance. For my meal, I ordered the veggie scramble and a Blue latte. The Blue latte, which contained Spirulina powder, had an overpowering flavor that I found somewhat off-putting. On the other hand, the veggie scramble was quite enjoyable. However, my experience was marred by the unfortunate discovery of egg shells in the dish. This unexpected encounter with egg shells greatly disappointed me, and it would have influenced my rating of the place had it not occurred. read more

Foreigner in San Mateo is a fantastic spot for a Sunday breakfast! The food is delicious, the coffee hits all the right notes, and the star of the show is definitely their croffle. It's so good, it's reason enough to come back. The order process is simple: you head to the counter, place your order, and pay. Then you're handed a fancy shmancy buzzer that impressively guides the staff to your table when the food is ready. The system is smooth, and the service is great. Foreigner offers a delightful breakfast experience with great food and smooth service. If you're in San Mateo, don't miss out, especially on that croffle! read more

I had a small mix-up with my order where the wrong item was accidentally sent. Mistakes happen, and what really stood out to me was how they handled it. They immediately refunded the item and, on top of that, sent me another order on the house. The food was absolutely delicious, which made the whole experience even better. That level of customer service truly goes above and beyond. I really appreciate a business that takes responsibility and makes things right so generously. I'll definitely continue supporting them. Highly recommend - the atmosphere and vibe is off the charts as well. Thanks! read more

The menu at this restaurant is exceptional, featuring a wide range of healthy and delicious options to satisfy all palates. Each dish is beautifully presented and there's even a display version of every item available to view. The desserts are especially noteworthy, both visually stunning and delicious. Don't miss the latte flight, which is a unique and flavorful experience. Even better, the staff is accommodating and went above and beyond to fulfill a custom order of scrambled eggs for a child. Overall, a wonderful experience that will surely bring you back for more. read more

Nothing special about this place except for the extremely high and outrageous prices. First thought when you walk in is it's a cool and hip little spot. But other than looks it's nothing really that special. Just a somewhat medium sized area for dining and its just a place for some young people to pay outrageous prices. It looks good but IMO nothing special read more

Family owned business, Great Display of Food, Great Service with an Industrial but clean and cozy ambiance, overall, I like it a lot, and enjoy very much the French Omelette with a Yema Latte, almost every time I go. I would recommend this to small families, or busy bodies walking through town, The people are nice, the service is warm, and food is delicious. read more

Finally, a quality cafe! This place is popular; try to visit during non-peak hours if you can. Food is "chef" quality, and owner(s) and staff are attentive. I really enjoy the tasty quiches and I always purchase a beautiful dessert (pastry). My elder Parents like coming here too, even though they have to order at the counter. It's bright and inviting. read more