Located on El Camino Real, Cafe Borrone is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and everything in between. Menus vary by mealtime, but many pre-made pastries and desserts are always available, along with a wide variety of drinks. With mostly outdoor seating and counter service, Cafe Borrone is a perfect blend of casual and chic. The welcoming atmosphere is a highlight of the restaurant, with a classic, lively feel enhanced by its setting in a large plaza.
Arancini Mozzarella ($11): 4/10
The Arancini Mozzarella comes with three deep-fried mozzarella balls filled with a cheese and risotto mixture, a seemingly appetizing dish. However, despite the crispy, warm, breaded exterior, the inside is disappointing, with excessive risotto and not enough cheese. Unfortunately, Cafe Borrone couldn’t pull off the difficult-to-master trendy cheese pull. This appetizer is accompanied by a side of Borrone’s house-made Pomodoro Sauce, which has a classic tomato flavor but lacks the Italian seasoning many might crave.
Chicken Caesar Salad ($22): 7/10
The Caesar Salad is an excellent choice for someone craving a taste of Borrone’s traditional lunch options. The large leaves of gem lettuce have a satisfying crunch, and the light shavings of Parmesan cheese add the perfect salty touch. The Caesar dressing is creamy with a classic anchovy taste, though some may find it too heavily dressed. The highlight of the bite is its rich, buttery croutons, which, unlike many, do not break teeth or get soggy. The chicken, available as an add-on for an extra $7, is a letdown. It is overcooked, difficult to cut, and unpleasant to swallow. The original Caesar Salad is a win, so it’s recommended to skip the extra cost and enjoy it as it is.
Organic Seasonal Salad ($16): 8/10
The seasonal salad is simple yet delicious, a perfect side for any of Borrone’s hot or cold sandwiches. It checks the crunch box with tart green apple slices and walnuts, and features a satisfying creamy texture from fresh avocado and a layer of sharpness from blue cheese. This wide array of flavors comes together with a light balsamic vinaigrette, elevating the dish.
Gouda Sandwich ($18): 8/10
The Gouda Sandwich is a customer favorite at Borrone, and for valid reasons, piling an impressive amount of ingredients between two pieces of focaccia. The focaccia is thick and fluffy, but untoasted. The rest of the sandwich has a deep flavor profile, emphasized by smoked Gouda and caramelized onions. These rich flavors are brightened by the freshness of juicy tomatoes and the crunch of crisp lettuce. The sandwich also features a generous serving of sliced turkey. Pulling it all together is a garlic-pepper mayonnaise that keeps the sandwich from getting dry. Despite the slight difficulty of keeping it intact, the Gouda Sandwich is an elegant upgrade to a lunchtime classic.
Spinach Tagliatelle & Pesto Genovese ($22): 10/10
The Spinach Tagliatelle is a delightful surprise. Even though Borrone is not particularly known for its pastas, and the plate looks slightly less appetizing than many of their other dishes, the tagliatelle is a major highlight. The pasta is handmade daily, and a hint of spinach adds a unique element. However, the star of the show is clear: the rich pesto sauce. A truly delicious pesto is hard to get right, yet Borrone manages to bring together flavors of basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil into a vibrant, aromatic green sauce. The Parmesan is delicately balanced, bringing saltiness and nuttiness to the herbaceous pesto.
Tiramisu ($8.75): 9/10
If in need of a sweet treat at the end of a Cafe Borrone outing, the Tiramisu is a classy choice. Expertly plated in a glass cup, with a clean dusting of cocoa on top, the dish’s silky-smooth texture makes the first bite a delectable experience. The mascarpone-based cream is simultaneously fluffy, thick, and not overly sweet. Beneath the cream, small ladyfinger cookies soaked in espresso add another layer of flavor, although the bite mainly consists of rich cream, a chef’s choice that ultimately comes down to personal preference.
