01
Best classic brunch
Millbrae Pancake House
El Camino Real Corridor • Classic Bay Area Brunch Diner • Iconic Breakfast Spot
A longtime breakfast institution known for fluffy pancakes, hearty skillets, and a steady buzz of locals starting their day.
Millbrae Pancake House feels like the kind of place families have been coming to for decades, with roomy booths, bottomless coffee, and a menu that leans unapologetically toward comfort. The pancakes and waffles are the stars, but the omelets, country potatoes, and daily specials keep regulars loyal. Go early on weekends; lines form fast but turn over fairly quickly.
02
Best for date night
La Collina Restaurant
Near Millbrae Bart And Caltrain • Old-School Italian Restaurant • Cozy Special-Occasion Choice
A warmly lit Italian standby pouring generous pours of wine alongside pastas, veal, and seafood classics.
La Collina leans into classic Italian-American comfort, from the white tablecloths to the friendly, unhurried service. The menu runs through familiar favorites—think veal piccata, linguine with clams, and rich lasagna—executed with the kind of consistency regulars count on. It’s an easy pick when you want a slightly dressier evening without leaving the neighborhood.
03
Most flavorful stop
Ipoh Garden Malaysian Cuisine
Gateway To Sfo Airport • Casual Malaysian Cafe • Best For Adventurous Eaters
A relaxed spot showcasing Malaysian comfort dishes like curry laksa, Hainan chicken rice, and roti canai within minutes of the airport.
Ipoh Garden packs a lot of character into a modest dining room, with a menu that rewards repeat visits. The brothy, aromatic noodle soups and richly spiced curries are standouts, and there are plenty of shareable plates for groups who want to sample widely. It’s especially handy for travelers staying near SFO who want something more distinctive than a hotel restaurant meal.
04
Best pub-style hangout
Fiddlers Green
Broadway Strip • Lively Irish Pub And Grill • Best For Live Sports And Pints
A friendly Irish pub pouring Guinness and local brews alongside burgers, fish and chips, and hearty bar fare.
Fiddlers Green serves as Millbrae’s go-to spot when you want a casual pint, a game on TV, and something satisfying from the grill. The vibe is warm and sociable, with plenty of regulars at the bar and a mix of small tables and larger booths for groups. It works just as well for a quick weeknight burger as it does for a relaxed weekend meetup with friends.
05
Best Cantonese staple
Cheung Hing Restaurant
Central Millbrae • Traditional Cantonese Bbq House • Go-To For Family Banquets
A bustling Cantonese spot known for roast duck, BBQ pork, and generous platters ideal for sharing.
Cheung Hing is the kind of no-frills dining room where the focus is squarely on the food, with gleaming roast meats hanging in the front and big round tables inside. Families and groups come for whole roast duck, crispy pork, and classic stir-fries that arrive quickly and in impressive portions. It’s especially good when you want a relaxed, share-everything meal that still feels like a treat.