✨ A Name with Meaning

The name Foreigner might sound unexpected for a café, but step inside and it makes perfect sense. There’s a global heartbeat here—from the food, to the people behind the counter, to the diverse crowd gathered at tables. Owned by Asian women and proud of its LGBTQ+ inclusive and community-first philosophy, Foreigner Cafe celebrates differences by inviting them to the same table.

🥐 The Brunch Experience

Here, brunch isn’t rushed. It’s not loud clinking cutlery and distracted service. It’s thoughtful. Familiar dishes are given unexpected twists:

• The Croffle (a croissant pressed like a waffle) comes stuffed with savory magic—crispy, golden, and instantly addictive.

• The Avocado Egg Toast gets upgraded with smoked salmon and creamy layers that balance freshness and indulgence.

• The Red Velvet Latte? Rich, velvety, and just whimsical enough to start your morning with a smile.

You order at the counter and take a buzzer. Minutes later, plates that look like art arrive at your table. But it’s not just about looks—there’s real flavor, depth, and love in every dish.

🌍 A Café Without Borders

On any given day, you’ll hear conversations in multiple languages. A tech worker from out of town shares a table with a local artist sketching her next mural. A couple on a casual date whispers over matcha. A solo traveler, laptop open, sips slowly on a Mojito Latte while jazz plays softly overhead.

This is more than a café. It’s a safe space. It’s a little world within a world. The name Foreigner is not about being on the outside—it’s about being welcomed inside, no matter where you’re from.

🕰️ Merienda & Moments

Foreigner isn’t just a brunch spot—it’s also known for its Merienda (afternoon tea) experience. Think finger sandwiches, petite pastries, and tea served with elegant attention to detail. It’s by reservation only and feels more like a charming escape to Europe than an afternoon in the Bay Area.

🌿 Why It’s Worth the Visit

The food is excellent, yes. But Foreigner Cafe offers something rarer: belonging. You come for the coffee, but you stay because it feels like the kind of place where you could be a regular, even on your first visit.

💬 Final Sip

In a world where cafés often blur into sameness, Foreigner Cafe stands out by daring to be personal—a space shaped by identity, openness, and cultural fusion. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most memorable meals are the ones served with stories, shared glances, and that comforting hum of voices from all over the world.

So if you’re in San Mateo and in need of a good brunch—or a little reminder of how food can connect us—make your way to Foreigner. You might walk in a stranger, but you’ll leave feeling a little more at home.