30 Best Coffee Shops in San Mateo

“If you’re trying their signature Miso Caramel Latte, may I recommend going with the iced latte option? While the hot latte is still good, the umami-ness of miso and the contrast of the flavors is much more pronounced in the iced latte version.“

“The bacon scallion scones are delicious!“

“was an amazing vibes lovely crew coffee was so good!“

“Eating lunch here right now with the family on a weekend. The service is very friendly and speedy. The space is also very clean and open. The place is kind of tucked away in office buildings but there was still a good amount of people here on a weekend. The kids loved the pond area outside to run around and look at the ducks. The food is also very good. Lots of light and heartier options. We got masubis, loco moco and bibimbop bowls along with some drinks. We’ll definitely be back especially since the kids love it here.“

“Excellent Turkish coffee, they had some delicious Chai tea as well. The selection of lattes are incredible. A must experience for those who want extraordinary Coffeee and Tea experiences.“

“Fiero Cafe is a great spot for a casual but satisfying meal. The pasta here is authentic and delicious — the bolognese especially stands out, rich and full of flavor. Portions are just right, and you can tell the ingredients are fresh. They also serve omelets, which make a nice lighter option if you’re not in the mood for pasta. Overall, a cozy place with tasty, well-made dishes that feel genuinely Italian.“

“Great food an Service. Friendly staff and generous portions.“

“Fritters are great for a treat“

“Great place. Long lines and worth it“

“Nice staff. Great menu and lovely outside patio for dining“

“Super good restaurants with healthy and tasty thai food. They do accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions. They could make Jain food for me and also adhere to it strictly even when I order from Doordash and call and let them know about my allergies and Jain religious dietary restrictions. The front desk person is so friendly and helpful.“

“I love the love sign in the Golden latte! #Nice!“

“Anchored in Downtown San Mateo at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Ellsworth, Restaurant Bay Watch has stood as a beloved local breakfast institution for years. Stepping inside delivers classic, unpretentious diner nostalgia, complete with a background soundtrack of 1950s and '60s oldies. It provides a comfortable, welcoming backdrop whether you are settling in for a relaxed weekend brunch or fuel-up weekday breakfast.

The restaurant relies on its sprawling selection of morning staples and genuinely friendly, attentive floor service. The staff was friendly, attentive, and kept everything moving efficiently with coffee refills and accommodating with special requests, despite the restaurant's extensive menu. While long-time patrons might notice subtle operational shifts hinting at a possible management change over the years, the hospitality team remains hard-working and resourceful.

Between the extensive main menu and daily specials board, deciding what to order can trigger serious choice paralysis if you arrive with a big appetite. I opted for the Hungry Jack, their signature lumberjack-style spread that pairs customizable protein choices with French toast or pancakes.

On previous visits, their herb-roasted house potatoes were a major highlight. Unfortunately, this time around they lacked the deep seasoning and crisp finish I remembered. However, the pancakes completely eclipsed that minor setback. I customized the restaurant's Tropical Pancakes by ordering them without bananas, leaving the coconut and macadamia nuts to shine. They were absolutely enormous—easily some of the biggest pancakes I've been served—and among the best I've had in 2026. The coconut added subtle sweetness while the macadamia nuts contributed a buttery richness and satisfying texture that made every bite memorable. The generous portion certainly made me feel like I got excellent value for the price.

Even with a few nostalgic details shifting over time, it is refreshing to find new favorites at a classic neighborhood staple. Whenever a craving for top-tier pancakes strikes in San Mateo, Restaurant Bay Watch remains a solid, dependable choice. 4.5 out of 5 stars.“

“One of the best bagels I’ve had in a long time. I got an Asiago bagel with chive cream cheese and a glazed donut. Texture, taste and toasted to perfection. The donut was also very good (similar to Stan’s Donuts in San Jose. IYKYK) I also got an iced vanilla latte and it was okay.“

“Cozy little hidden place in San Mateo. A bakery, coffee shop and specialized on cakes. They do offer some Filipino delicacies.“

“I like this location. It's designed well to handle flow of people from doors at both ends of the store and not feel crowded.
It being my first time in a long long time, the barista was really patient and helpful in taking my order.
With her suggestions I got a drink that was pretty good. Definitely will come back.“

“Not only is the coffee the BEST but everyone who works there is so friendly and helpful! Great start to my day!“

“They're doing a good job, being small local stores - a nice diversion from Starbucks junk. I'm a latte guy and find their coffee to my taste (well, maybe not as good as I make myself 🤔). The pastry selection is fresh, not shipped in plastic wrappers them warmed like SB. And the place is pleasant and open with sitting inside and out.“

“La sopa súper deliciosa, sin embargo no ofrecen bebidas al momento de tomar la orden. Aunque si hay bebidas gaseosas y demás no nos ofrecieron nada de eso, las raciones son algo pequeñas.“

“Late is the best, looking forward to be drinking my late everyday here“

“Raises the Tea bar considerably!“

“I love the love sign in the Golden latte! #Nice!“

“I stop by the Nordstrom Espresso Bar at Hillsdale Mall almost every day, and the service never disappoints. Jake and all the female staff ( Mae, Erin, Raiel, Peaches) and the managers Sabrina and Kate, are so welcoming, friendly, and hardworking. They really make the place feel special.
Everyone there is attentive and makes you feel genuinely welcome from the moment you walk in. The coffee is great, but honestly, it's the people and the service that keep me coming back day after day. Highly recommend!“

“One of the best kept locals secrets in this part of town, the breakfast burritos are awesome and the sandwiches are delicious! It’s worth stopping in and checking it out! The owner is very kind and understands the value of quality service and customer relationships! You’re always treated with kindness and welcomed with a genuine smile!“

“When I used my husband’s Starbucks card, cashier said she couldn’t put my name on the cup. Weird! But the barista made my coffee perfectly!!! That occasionally happens when I order my coffee at other Starbucks. The first time I was introduced to Iced Cocoa Cappuccino, I was hooked! I do have to order Iced Mocha Cappuccino now because I was told they don’t always have “cocoa” in stock.“

“The De Anza and Polhemus store in the Crystal Springs center, and the useful thing to know is how early it opens, four thirty on weekdays. No drive through, so plan to park and walk in, and the lot fills up with the Target and Trader Joe's traffic next door. There are chargers out there if you need them. Thank you to the crew working those early mornings. Five stars.“

“My favorite restaurant in Burlingame food is always fresh and not salty I love it 🥰 service is super nice“

“NEW in the Highlands: At last, our own boba tea joint and it’s awesome! RareTea took over the Hawaiian BBQ space, and it’s serving up Okinawa and Jasmine milk teas every bit as good as it is back in Taiwan 🇹🇼! Props to the owners braving COVID shutdown and having a go at their small business — from the looks on the little kids’ faces, we are glad and we will be back, often! 🥤 🌞 🇹🇼“

“I often visit this place first before starting my Target trips since I always take long trips a d having coffee while shopping is delightful. It’s good to have a Starbucks in every Target store.The staff are friendly. Sometimes, I got my orders mixed up though. I was quite upset for not having what I wanted but just shrugged it off.

Parking: Plenty of free parking lots in the shopping center

Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair road and tables“

“I quenched my thrist I loved this place.... ����“