Whether I’m home or traveling, I adore supporting all things local. No matter if it’s a boutique, bookstore, or restaurant, I enjoy patronizing neighborhood businesses. I encourage you to do the same! Next time you are near the San Francisco Airport, be sure to take time and explore the nearby area of downtown Burlingame – it’s just a quick Lyft ride away. If you are staying overnight (I’d suggest Aloft or Westin), you definitely need to see all that Burlingame has to offer. Today I’m focusing on 5 places that will tempt your palate with their delicious choices!

I visited Burlingame as a guest of the SMCCVB. All opinions are genuine and my own. 

Exploring Burlingame

Alana’s Cafe

Boasting a breakfast menu that includes hearty staples (think bacon and eggs or French toast) along with their signature scrambles, take a peek at what Alana’s Cafe has to offer here. Featuring adorable sidewalk seating, their indoor area is long and thin, which allows you to watch your food being prepared right before your eyes.

One thing I loved about this restaurant was their family atmosphere. Patrons were clearly enjoying themselves while they were talking and eating, and I just happened to stumble upon the cutest little family. Don’t miss the most adorable baby ever in the photos below – too sweet!

Caffe Central

Love coffee? Me too! I also enjoy utilizing the coffee shop atmosphere to get a bit of work done, although I will admit to people watching. Caffe Central has free wifi and a menu that is beyond most coffee spots. I’ve actually frequented their Burlingame location several times and have tried their hot chocolate, pour over, and hot tea (they have honey!).

Caffe Central has a handful of locations, and their dessert case is so tempting! If you are curious about their coffee roasts, you can take a peek here. They also offer outdoor seating like many other downtown Burlingame eateries. Plus, despite their multiple locations, one of the owners was there both times I popped in.

Flights

Admittedly, I checked out Flights in Burlingame before my trip. I loved the premise of the restaurant, and I just had to see all that they had to offer. I am super indecisive about what I want to eat, so Flights is the perfect solution. Just like you would order a flight of beer, this new restaurant offers flights of food as the name suggests. Trios of different types of mac and cheese, sliders, salad, and more (check out their menu here) satiate an appetite for one, or order several and get together with friends.

I had the falafel flight during lunch, which filled me up so much, that I actually went back later that evening for their chocolate dessert flight, which is why some photos are during the daylight and others at dusk. A big bonus is that they currently have a happy hour every day from 12-5pm, and if you check in on Yelp, they greet you with champagne. What a fabulous perk!

I also had a bit of fun taking photos at Flights. The light was perfect inside, and I adored the details – what a great place to have so close to the SFO airport.

Del’Oliva

After visiting Del’Olivia, I won’t ever purchase a cheap bottle of grocery store olive oil again. Truly! I didn’t realize how important healthy oils were. Del’Oliva offers a variety of flavors of oil and vinegar. I enjoyed some of the combinations so much that I purchased them to use in salad dressings and cooking at home.

Del’Oliva also has a variety of food items and wines available for purchase. Plus, if you are headed on a flight, they are more than happy to ship your items directly to your address – that’s what I did! The owner, Eddie, is one of the nicest business owners I’ve met, and he’d be more than happy to educate you about how good olive oils can help.

Coconut Bay Thai

Love genuine ethnic foods? Coconut Bay Thai was a true delight. The owner, Pookie, was on hand and made perfect recommendations. Many of the recipes Pookie brought back straight from Thailand, and the flavors are so amazing.

She suggested the Tumeric Puffs, which were not only delicious but also fun to eat. They were literally crunchy, empty puffs that you break open (tapping with a spoon or fork to break one side) so you can fill them. Delicious! I was a bit skeptical about Thai food, but I have actually craved her dishes ever since. For dinner, I had a chicken dish accompanied by blue rice – beautiful! I also sampled a delicious cocktail and topped off my dinner with the Sticky, Sweet Rice with Mango dessert.  See their full menu here. I highly recommend Coconut Bay in Burlingame if you love genuine flavors from around the world.

Hopefully, I’ve convinced you to explore downtown Burlingame! It’s such a great area filled with eateries and shops (which I will share with you soon). Also, as a sidebar, I have explored London, Amsterdam, Munich, and many other places on layovers. If you have time, get out of the airport! You’ll be glad you did, and hopefully, your journeys will include Burlingame someday.

Happy travels! XO!