Andes Cafe, San Mateo

Reviewer: Foodnut.com

Andes Cafe

2317 S El Camino Real

San Mateo, CA 94403

650-581-1305

Andes Cafe Website

Andes Cafe San Mateo exterior decor

Why did we dine here? – One of those hidden local gems. Andes Cafe is a small Peruvian restaurant on a non descript stretch of El Camino Real in San Mateo. A friend tipped us off that their food was legit, so we had to give it a try. One of us recently returned from Peru, so it was a good time to compare this restaurant to the real deal.

Andes Cafe San Mateo interior decor

Insider Tip – They sell vouchers on Restaurant.com

Cuisine – Peruvian
Location – San Mateo
Opened – 2014

Service – Andes Cafe was not very busy. The server was friendly and helped us navigate the menu. We even got some free samples.
Verdict – Andes Cafe is one of those homey restaurants that serves up good food at fair prices. Definitely one of the better Peruvian spots in the SF Bay Area.

Is this restaurant worth a 5 minute drive? Yes. 30 minute? Maybe. 1 Hour? No

Andes Cafe Signature Dishes – Causa, Lomo Saltado, Pescado a Lo Macho, Roast Chicken

Andes Cafe’s Menu is pretty wide rangings with all the classic and lots of chicken dishes.

Website Andes Cafe Menu

Andes Cafe Food Picks:
Complimentary roasted corn nuts, white corn and spicy green habanero sauce.

Andes Cafe San Mateo Causa

Causa ($6.99) Seasoned mashed potato terrine stuffed with chicken and topped with egg, peruvian olive and avocado was a very rich cylinder of goodness. A classic way to start a meal.

Andes Cafe San Mateo Cerviche de pescado

Ceviche de Pescado ($12.99) Fish marinated in a zesty lime juice. Comes with yam, corn, cancha and special Peruvian rocoto sauce was definitely on the spicy side. No ceviche in a cup like the usual spots. Pretty authentic.

Andes Cafe San Mateo Lomo saltado

Lomo Saltado ($13.49) Beef sauteed with onions, tomatoes, cilantro and special seasoning. Comes with fresh fries and a side of rice. This is a classic and was done well. Nice sauce, but could have used more meat. B grade compared to the A grade in Peru.

Andes Cafe San Mateo Pescado a lo Macho

Pescado a Lo Macho ($14.49) Fish fillet and seafood (calamari, mussels, shrimp) covered in a creamy coconut base sauce. Comes with a side of steamed white rice. A really good reference dish. Excellent sauce and some well cooked seafood.

Andes Cafe San Mateo Mazamorra morada

Mazamorra Morada ($3.99) Peruvian purple corn pudding was an interesting dessert the waiter suggested. A thick pudding like dessert with a nice sweet flavor.

Andes Cafe San Mateo alfajor dessert

Alfajor ($1.99) A peruvian milk caramel (dulce de leche) filled cookie. Be sure to get the small ones that are sold in a bundle. The large one was a bit stale.

Inca Cola ($2) does not taste like cola. Give it a try, it brings back memories of Peru.

OK: (Order if you like this dish)
None

Pans: (We would not reorder these dishes)
None

Do you agree with our review? Have you found other similar restaurants that are better?

Restaurant Map:


Andes Cafe Overall Rating: (Very Good 2.5)

Come Back?

Food Rating: (Very Good)
Service Rating: (Very Good)
Atmosphere Rating: (Good)
Value Rating: (Very Good)

Guide: 0 = poor, 1 = Below/Average, 2 = Good, 2.5 = Very Good, 3 = Excellent , 4 = Extraordinary

Alcohol:Beer, Wine
Attire:Casual
Parking:Street
Reservations:Yes

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