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.“

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

“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.“

“The bacon scallion scones are delicious!“

“Fritters are great for a treat“

“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.“

“This cafe is such a little gem on the first floor of a beautiful office building. You can order drinks/food and enjoy them outdoor on the steps by the water and trees or spend the day working inside of the cafe. Indoor and outdoor seating.

Plenty of room and tables to work and study.

No need to break up your work time because they serve hot meals and there is such a beautiful space right outside to get fresh air.“

“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.“

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

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

“Great place. Long lines and worth it“

“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.“

“So glad my friend and I randomly stumbled on this bakery this morning! I don’t live in the area, but it’s seriously worth the drive. The scones were soft and delicious (loved the goat cheese and the plain), and I think I’ve found a new obsession with their I Love You Latte. Finally a specialty drink that isn’t just sugar! The place is super cute and the staff is adorable. Already excited to go back!“

“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.“

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

“Nice place!“

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

“Absolutely rad bagel and lox, service and vibe.

Small, family owned (kids helping, doing homework, etc...which is truly heartwarming), and legit happy vibes.

The bagel was the star for me and my grandpa, the service for my grandma and location for my driver.

Support local, good, and kind and stop by.“

“Been a long time customer of Penelope’s since their very first foster city location and they are an awesome independently owned family business. I stop in about 1-2 per week and honestly have never had a bad experience in all my years of supporting them, their food and drink items just keep getting better and better! Definitely check em out!“

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

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

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

“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 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!“

“Great place for Cantonese style desserts later at night. Good selection of hot and cold sweets. Egg waffle a little expensive but flavor is great (not too sweet) and has good texture. Would recommend the Super Mango (mango ice cream, mango slush, and mango bits). Would give it more stars except entrees are pricey imo considering the comfort style/snack style foods.“

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

“Friendly and welcoming staff“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“