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Cafe Tradition Reviews List
Cafe Tradition
Café Tradition had its genesis in the idyllic Mediterranean settings of France and Morocco. Executive Chef and co-owner Jean-Roger Rafael, a native of Marseille, and co-owner Drissia Rafael, a native of Fes, are restaurateurs’ from their native lands who have had 3 successful establishments in New York over the years. Chef Rafael uses locally grown products whenever possible, creating an exciting and constantly evolving menu developed around the seasonality and availability of different vegetables, grains, seafood, and livestock and all breads, pastries and desserts are made daily on premise. We welcome you to join us and are pleased to offer a place where our guests can gather to celebrate the best that France and Morocco have to offer through our distinctive and traditional cuisine.
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24 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 24 reviews
5 stars
(8)
4 stars
(7)
3 stars
(8)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(20)
- fit for foodies(13)
- romantic(8)
- special occasion(7)
- good for groups(2)
- notable wine list(2)
Cafe Tradition Reviews List
Review 1 for Cafe Tradition
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was ok but overpriced. The service was slow (we had to wait 20 minutes for bread, which I finally had to ask for), we got our coffee about 3/4 of the way through our dessert, which we wanted served at the same time. The staff was nice but overwhelmed and slow. We would not go back."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 2 for Cafe Tradition
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"always superb, great food and service, beautiful restaurant we have been there many times and have never been disappointed.
i highly recommended."
i highly recommended."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Cafe Tradition
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
this was our second visite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"this was our second visite at cafe tradition, again we had a great diner on a busy saturday evening. the food was amazing and off-course the service very gracious and professional.they serve home made hot rolls delicious. great wine list with very affordable wines from france,morocco,and california.the desserts are outstanding.we love this restaurant because it is very elegante and casual, and at the sametime very affordable. now we have made it our favor restaurant.if you have never try this restaurant you definitely should."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 4 for Cafe Tradition
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Charming, Delicious and Delightful
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Truly a gem on 25th Ave. I highly recommend spending an evening at Cafe Tradition. Owner Drissia is charming and delightful. The food is delicious and the service is impeccable."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Cafe Tradition
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was our first time at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was our first time at Cafe Tradition. WE had the onion soup, which was recommended. Delicious and piping hot. My wife had the duck, and enjoyed it and I had the chicken tangine, also delicious. We were with another couple and they had the fish which was excellent. The desserts were soooo good. We had the chocolate one first, and enjoyed it so much we decided to try two others and shared them. We will be returning. The owner/hostess was gracious and the service was excellent. We were there early on a Friday night at 6 p.m. so it wasn't very busy. Hope to return again for another evening of dinning and not just "eating out"."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for Cafe Tradition
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
YUMMY!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love this place. My first time and there and it will be a definite keeper on my to go list. Quality food and worth the wait for preparation. don't be in a rush."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Cafe Tradition
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Never disappoints.......
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We come here a lot. It is our favorite spot in San Mateo..."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for Cafe Tradition
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
My husband and I tried this
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband and I tried this place on Valentine's Day, the service was very poor.:( We had reservations but were not greeted at the entrance to the restaurant, the hostess/waitress kept passing by and didn't say anything, it was the same for everyone else...it took about 10 mins to get seated. They were a bit more friendly once we got our table but it took forever to get water and bread. Maybe they were just overwhelmed due to V Day. The appetizer was excellent but the main courses were just average which was a bit disappointing since this place got pretty good reviews. I will give it another chance on a non-holiday."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for Cafe Tradition
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
When we were there our party
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"When we were there our party of four were the only customers at 6 pm Sunday night. The Moroccan French food was tasty and well presented and served. Great place for quiet dinner, especially on Sunday!"
Dined on 01/27/2013
2002
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 10 for Cafe Tradition
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
They tried - But ?
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Tradition was a last minute idea for us. Found them on Open Table with mostly good reviews. We arrived a few minutes early for our reservation and had no problem being seated ( there were only 2 other people in the place). Warning lights flashed, but looking for a new experience we dove right in. Very clean ( smell of pinesol ) uh-ho. Temp was a bit on the cold side - Uh-ho. Strike 2. But we stayed with it. Waitress was very friendly and attentive. Ordered drinks. Very limited wine menu. Mostly French. After spending sometime decided what to order the waitress informed us after we ordered the escargot that they were out. Strike three. Oh well, lets stay around. Just ok. Won't return. Too bad. There is potential but needs to tend to details."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2008
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Review 11 for Cafe Tradition
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great addition to the San
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great addition to the San Mateo dining scene. Service was very attentive. Steak Frites and the Salmon Casablanca were outstanding, and you can't beat the freshly baked dinner rolls."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Cafe Tradition
Based on the average of (13) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
2 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate