Fambrini's Cafe outdoor seating
Located on the bustling El Camino Real, Fambrini’s has quietly built a reputation for serving delicious food with a slight gourmet twist. Lines form the second the restaurant opens, and it is still packed when it comes time to close.
Fambrini’s makes the most of the warm California sun with lovely outdoor seating for guests to enjoy their food, which adds to the laid-back vibe of the restaurant.
Although Fambrini’s serves tasty meals and provides quick service, there seems to be a reason that Fambrini’s hasn’t become a Paly hotspot during lunchtime. Whether it’s the high prices or simply the lengthy travel from Paly, the cons just seem to outweigh the pros for students.
One certain way to turn more heads in the Paly community is to make a lunch deal exclusively for students. Fambrini’s manager, Manlio Figueroa, spoke about the possibility of launching a Paly special sandwich in an interview.
“I think it’s important to get more benefits for the students, so there is a chance,” Figueroa said. “But one of our challenges is that we have very limited parking, so our location may not support a ton of students driving over for lunch.”
So, if a Paly student deal isn’t released, should you spend the money and time to pay Fambrini’s a visit? Should you bother even if a Paly lunch is introduced?
We tried a few dishes at Fambrini’s to answer your questions.
Biscoff Pancakes – $22.00. Fambrini’s signature Biscoff Pancakes, based off of the iconic cookie, did not disappoint by any means. The fluffy stack of pancakes is layered with a Biscoff spread, adding a caramelized flavor with hints of warm cinnamon. Drizzled over is a generous serving of sugary and silky syrup, creating rich flavor without overdoing it. On top sits a dollop of thick whipped cream, adding a coolness to the dish that balances out the warmth from the pancakes. Finishing off the dish are the Biscoff crumbles sitting atop the giant stack, adding an appeal that no one can resist. This dish is an indulgent treat that feels like a dessert disguised as breakfast, but perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Chimichurri Surf and Turf Sandwich – $19.50. This Chimichurri sandwich is full of herb flavoring and is packed with tender home-cooked tri-tip. On top of that, the addition of Fambrini’s juicy jumbo shrimp creates a surf and turf sandwich unlike any other. The chimichurri sauce seeps into the tri-tip, giving each bite a garlicky taste with a kick of spice. Alongside the juicy steak, the jumbo shrimp with its salty and ocean-like taste creates a contrast of flavor to complete this surf and turf sandwich. Topping off the meats, fresh produce like lettuce and tomato adds a final satisfying touch to each bite. Finally, served on a signature handmade ciabatta bread, the sandwich strikes a balance between texture and flavor, with the bread acting as a foundation for this delicious sandwich.
OMG Sandwich – $19.50. The OMG sandwich is the perfect choice for any meat lover, loaded with a dynamic array of meats. Consisting of bacon, tri-tip, salami, and pastrami, the flavor of the sandwich pops in your mouth, with each meat activating different palates, from savory to a hint of spiciness. Underneath the thick layer of meat is the classic combination of lettuce and tomato, its juiciness pairing perfectly with its counterparts. Melted on top is a cheesy layer of provolone, a much-needed touch to the sandwich by adding essential creamy texture. To pull everything together, Fambrini’s signature garlic sauce is drizzled over the sandwich and makes each bite recognizable as a Fambrini’s sandwich.
Beverages ~ $8.00. Fambrini’s Cafe doesn’t provide a wide variety of beverages, but they nailed it with the drinks on their menu. Their freshly squeezed orange juice was tangy and not too sweet, making a perfect match for their breakfast options. The strawberry banana smoothie offered a creamier and more sugary taste, with the hint of vanilla setting the drink apart from other strawberry smoothies. Fambrini’s beverages are delicious and complement their dishes, but they are on the pricey side, similar to the rest of their menu. If you’re dining on a budget, you can always go for their free water cups.