Last updated: 2025-04-07
San Mateo’s brunch scene brings Peninsula locals flocking to spots like the retro-styled Patio Coffee Shop and the beloved Apple Fritter on B Street. These mid-morning hotspots capture the laid-back Bay Area vibe while serving up satisfying weekend fare.
From Foreigner Cafe’s creative takes on breakfast classics to Taste and Glory’s fresh California-inspired plates, the downtown dining corridor offers plenty of options for both early birds and late risers seeking their morning fix.
Explore these Peninsula brunch favorites below!
Featured Brunch Spots in San Mateo
- Central Park Bistro
- Foreigner Cafe
- Taste and Glory
- The Refuge
- Patio Coffee Shop
- Palette Tea Garden
- Apple Fritter
Apple Fritter
What to Expect
Donut burger and fruity pebble milkshakes
Description
A quirky San Mateo cafe serving up creative breakfast innovations like donut burgers and churro french toast. Specializing in unexpected comfort food combinations, Apple Fritter offers a playful brunch experience with taco-shaped windows and a nostalgic interior. Weekend fritter specials sell out quickly, so arrive early to sample their unique breakfast creations.
Where: San Mateo | More Info: Apple Fritter
Central Park Bistro
What to Expect
Sophisticated wine cellar and seasonally-inspired American cuisine
Description
Sophisticated San Mateo bistro serving contemporary American cuisine with an elegant twist. Specializes in wood-fired pizzas, paninis, and gourmet entrées like Lobster Tail Linguini and Grilled Australian Lamb Chops. Features an impressive wine cellar and signature warm toffee bread pudding in a refined downtown setting.
Where: San Mateo | More Info: Central Park Bistro
Foreigner Cafe
What to Expect
Seasonal New-American brunch with global culinary influences
Description
Foreigner Cafe offers a vibrant New-American brunch experience in downtown San Mateo, blending seasonal California cuisine with global culinary techniques. Specializing in innovative dishes that showcase fresh, local ingredients, this rustic-industrial spot transforms brunch into a culinary journey. Their menu features creative interpretations of classic brunch fare, highlighting the diverse flavors of the local community.
Where: San Mateo | More Info: Foreigner Cafe
Palette Tea Garden
What to Expect
Modern Cantonese dim sum with Spanish-influenced specialty meats
Description
Palette Tea Garden offers an authentic Cantonese dim sum experience in San Mateo, featuring innovative dishes like Spanish Iberico Cha Siu Pork and Roasted Peking Duck. Their expansive 8,000+ square-foot restaurant provides a modern twist on traditional Chinese cuisine, complete with a full bar and spacious outdoor patio. Signature dim sum selections showcase the Ng family's Hong Kong culinary heritage.
Where: San Mateo | More Info: Palette Tea Garden
Patio Coffee Shop
What to Expect
California-inspired café with neighborhood charm
Description
Nestled in San Mateo, Patio Coffee Shop offers a cozy café-style brunch experience with California-inspired morning fare. Specializing in artisan coffee and light breakfast classics, this neighborhood spot serves up fresh avocado toast, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, and locally sourced egg dishes. The bright, airy interior and welcoming patio create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for weekend brunching.
Where: San Mateo | More Info: Patio Coffee Shop
Taste and Glory
What to Expect
Curry-jazz fusion breakfast experience
Description
Taste and Glory brings a vibrant curry-jazz fusion to San Mateo's brunch scene. This breakfast destination offers innovative Indian-inspired morning dishes that blend bold spices with classic brunch favorites. Their signature menu highlights creative curry-infused egg dishes and unique breakfast platters that transform traditional morning dining into a culinary adventure.
Where: San Mateo | More Info: Taste and Glory
The Refuge
What to Expect
World-class hand-carved navel pastrami and extensive craft beer selection
Description
The Refuge specializes in hand-carved navel pastrami and an exceptional Belgian and craft beer selection, featuring 18-24 draught options across their San Carlos and San Mateo locations. Their menu highlights include meticulously prepared pastrami, custom-ground hamburgers, authentic cheesesteaks, and a carefully curated beer list that sets them apart from typical delis and gastropubs.
Where: San Mateo | More Info: The Refuge
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