Marketplace Café

130 Hillsdale Shopping Center, San Mateo
(650) 544-2321

Recent Reviews

Lynn Eglan

I've been to the one in the city and figured I'd give this place a try and have a nice quiet lunch to myself.Upon entering, it said, "Please wait to be seated." A few minutes passed by, and I saw employees walking around but wasn't acknowledged. I noticed the cashiers to my left and walked up. The lady was nice and took my order and told me to have a seat anywhere and that someone would be bringing me my drink. I was low-key annoyed. Why can't they make a sign that says place order with cashier?I looked around for a place to sit. The vibe seemed pretty chill. Decor was simple neutral colors. I took a seat, and a waitress grabbed my ticket. She was super nice and attentive. She was constantly refilling my Arnold Palmer, which was a huge plus.I ordered:1. Clam chowder - I'm not a huge soup fan, but this was surprisingly tasty and paired well with the cheese toast they provided.2. Chef's featured steak - This dish came with potatoes and spinach, I believe. I kind of wished it came with a roll. This was delicious, it definitely satisfied my craving.3. Crème Brûlée - I didn't think I had room for dessert but this was Aaaammmaaazzzing.To be honest, I was surprised for once I finished all my food all by myself. This is rare lol but speaks volumes to how good the food and service was. I'll definitely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Creme Brulee Cheesecake

Lynnelle E.

I've been to the one in the city and figured I'd give this place a try and have a nice quiet lunch to myself. Upon entering, it said, "Please wait to be seated." A few minutes passed by, and I saw employees walking around but wasn't acknowledged. I noticed the cashiers to my left and walked up. The lady was nice and took my order and told me to have a seat anywhere and that someone would be bringing me my drink. I was low-key annoyed. Why can't they make a sign that says place order with cashier? I looked around for a place to sit. The vibe seemed pretty chill. Decor was simple neutral colors. I took a seat, and a waitress grabbed my ticket. She was super nice and attentive. She was constantly refilling my Arnold Palmer, which was a huge plus. I ordered:1. Clam chowder - I'm not a huge soup fan, but this was surprisingly tasty and paired well with the cheese toast they provided. 2. Chef's featured steak - This dish came with potatoes and spinach, I believe. I kind of wished it came with a roll. This was delicious, it definitely satisfied my craving. 3. Crème Brûlée - I didn't think I had room for dessert, but this was Aaaammmaaazzzing. To be honest, I was surprised for once I finished all my food all by myself. This is rare lol but speaks volumes to how good the food and service was. I'll definitely be back.

Serhii Oborskyi

Could not find it.

Maddie Layman

SOOO overpriced. Paid $13 for a glass of rose. Looked up the bottle online later and it’s only $9.99 for the entire bottle at Total Wine

Helen L.

The quality of foods is average, it is a nice place for taking a break during shopping .

Karen Johnson

We have eaten here many times, today was unbelievable, foreign pastry brush bristles in the Tomato soup. Cold biscuits and gravy, cook had to remake eggs, eggs arrived neon green yokes! Maybe a new chef, food completely off! Not sure if we will be back.

John f

Iced Mint Mojito ??????

Jesse S.

So this is a consistent place to eat, the place is very clean, consistent tasty food. We started with ordering at the counter. Payment and taking seats. Water and refreshments where served. Bread and butter. Our food came out rather fast. All where hot and beautiful looking. All where tasty as Nordstrom food is. All filling. The place even offers delicious cookies and desserts. I just have to remember to save room for dessert. Value for food 10 / 10 . Taste 10/10 Thanks

Randy Guzman

I love the homey feel inside and the unassuming feel outside of the restaurant. The waitresses know regular customers which is a nice thing to watch.

Cherie Lin

2.5 stars (old/dingy vibes) for ambience, 4 (solid) for the food.We had the turkey avocado panini + side salad, tomato basil soup, and salmon with couscous.The star was the tomato soup - great flavor but not overpowering, the perfect amount for 2, and great for dipping sandwiches into!A little underwhelmed by the turkey cold cut slices but the combination of flavors was solid. Side salad was really well seasoned and a great pairing.Salmon was good flavor, but a tad dry; paired well with the couscous though which was great!The service was excellent, but the interiors took me straight back to a weathered Fresh Choice / Sweet Tomato time. I'm not sure it's the weekend lunch experience I want.

Frank Vargas

1st time here and the sandwich I ordered was delicious. Side salad was perfect. I highly recommend eating here and I will be back for more!

Alex D.

We've eaten dinner here a few times and every time it has been very good. We've always been impressed with how everything taste and the service is always great. They treat us well and the quality food and service is well above anything else near by there.

Emily H.

Even though I walk by this cafe when I am at the Nordstrom in Hillsdale Mall, I'd never eaten there until now. Wow! I can't believe what I've been missing. We had such an amazing meal there last night. The decor is casual and a bit dull, but the food is delicious and the service is wonderful. Highly recommend the soup, the pizza and the dessert. Will be making this my stop for food instead of the crowed food court from now on.

Sheila Keast

A favour place for many years ... Yesterday I had the sesame ginger salad which was delicious ... Service and food was awesome !!

Deepika S.

This rating is on their desserts only. I got 4 desserts- lemon coconut cake, Boston cream, carrot cake and creme brûlée. They were all amazing. My favorite was the Boston cream which is a cake not a pie :). I couldn't believe it because their food wasn't very good. I mean just don't do it. Well unless you're staaaarving then go for their clam chowder or tomato basil soup and their meatball bolognese. So if you happen to stumble upon marketplace at Nordstrom's or while shopping, you get a sudden craving for some coffee and dessert. Definitely stop by here or take some home for a late afternoon treat. You won't be disappointed. Sadly now everytime I'm at hillsdale, I knowwww I'll have to come here. I don't have any self control. Byeeeee.

Load More