Marketplace Café at Nordstrom — Restaurant in San Mateo

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:

Clam chowder - I'm not a huge soup fan, but this was surprisingly tasty and paired well with the cheese toast they provided.

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.

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...

Well we have been loyal and go to all the Nordy’s food places nationwide and the San Mateo Hillsdale Nordy is the closest to our home and to date still go and dine every chance we get multiple times weekly and this review hopefully reaches the person that can make the change for the better.

The servers are fantastic and 100% in our experiences and we all love them. Nonissues at the front of the house :)

In the years past and we saw all the differences that is happening and there has been changes on this location and we the customer feel it because the food is not consistent and management changing seems to go with this pattern.

From burnt pizza to sloppy soup when served on the dish spilled on the plate and sides to rusty salads, soggy under cooked French dip (cold center)and cold centered chicken tenders for the kids and we can name them all etc. but these are all avoidable if the kitchen really cares.

We are sharing info to management because we care and hope it improves and this is not a rant. We have been going to this location for so many years.

Reaching out to the new management to please save out favorite Nordy Market Place so we can all enjoy it for more years to come. Thank you for reading this long review and yes we still care and will still visit multiple times a week. :)...

I used to go to Nordstrom cafe in Pleasanton a lot long time ago. Food and service were both great. Then I went to Valley Fair and Palo Alto ones. I like Valley Fair one better. The one in Hillsdale was particularly weak so I have not come back for some time. I decided to give it another try. Decorations are still the same. I think the lighting makes the place outdated. Services are so much better than last time I was here. Cashier and server are both very friendly. Server refilled my tea without asking. The sandwich I ordered was a little dry and it looked not very attractive. Tastewise it was not bad. It could be better for $13.5. Desert was ok. I think it is a good place if you don't want to be around a...