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Welcome to Forbes Family Cafe

At Forbes Family Cafe, nestled in the heart of Stanford, CA, culinary passion meets convenience. Our story is rooted in a love for fresh, flavorful comfort food, expertly crafted to satisfy even the busiest appetites. With a diverse menu that features delights like Chicken Laksa and inventive paninis—citrus chicken, Italian, and vegan—we celebrate a fusion of flavors inspired by both Asian and Latino cuisines. Our chefs prioritize local, quality ingredients, ensuring every dish is an authentic experience. Whether you’re in a rush or looking to savor a delicious meal, Forbes Family Cafe is your go-to destination for quick, satisfying eats.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to Forbes Family Cafe, a hidden gem nestled at 475 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA. This vibrant eatery promises not just a meal, but an experience steeped in warmth and family-like affection. With a convenient phone number, (650) 724-7969, you're just a call away from deliciousness, making it the perfect spot for those bustling through their day with little time to spare.

As you step into Forbes Family Cafe, you’re greeted by a cheerful ambiance that reflects the melting pot of flavors found on the menu. Customers rave about the exceptional speed of service—just ask Sally Eun Ji S., who found her hot dishes ready in mere moments, a blessing for anyone juggling classes or meetings.

  • Versatile Menu: The cafe boasts an impressive selection that includes authentic noodle soups like pho and laksa, along with an enticing array of paninis. Each dish is crafted with care, showcasing local Dutch produce that celebrates California cuisine.
  • Signature Dishes: The Chicken Laksa, praised by Carole V., is a symphony of flavors, combining spicy and sweet notes experienced in every sip of its rich broth—a must-try for any soup lover. The paninis also steal the show; the citrus chicken panini is a delightful revelation with its creamy texture reminiscent of chicken limone.
  • Healthy Options: Forbes Family Cafe recognizes the demands of its patrons, offering vegetarian options and a thoughtful selection of grab-n-go items for those on the move. One customer highlighted the vegan panini, which is described as a comforting twist on a classic grilled cheese, showcasing how flavor knows no dietary boundaries.

Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty bowl of noodle soup or a quick bite from the lunch bar, Forbes Family Cafe lives up to its reputation for integrity and freshness. It's an inviting spot where culinary delights meet genuine community spirit. With a menu teeming with diverse options, it caters to every palate while ensuring you never compromise on flavor or quality. Come experience the warmth and flavor that only a family cafe can deliver.

Embrace the vibrant flavors of Forbes Family Cafe, where each dish tells a story of passion, creativity, and a commitment to satisfying every customer’s craving. The next time you find yourself craving a hot meal in a hurry, head over to Forbes for a delicious bite that’s bound to keep you coming back for more.

START YOUR REVIEW OF Forbes Family Cafe
Sally Eun Ji S.
Sally Eun Ji S.

Do you ever want hot food but also want it as quickly as possible because you're short on time? If you're ever worried that your order will not be ready in time for your next meeting or class, I got you. Here are some items that I have ordered and received my food in the blink of an eye. Okay, maybe a few blinks of an eye. I have ordered pho, laksa, and all the paninis available at the moment (Italian, citrus chicken, vegan) in the past month, and every time I have been, my order was ready within a few minutes. :) I also like that the fountain drink options include Gold Peak's unsweetened black tea. It's my go-to pair with the paninis. Here are my reviews on the paninis. Citrus chicken panini: At first, I wasn't sure what to expect from the combination of citrus and chicken. I took a bite of the panini, and had this aha! moment. If you like chicken limone, chicken piccata, or scampi, you'll enjoy this one. It's creamy and savory like a plate of chicken limone packed into a sandwich. Italian panini: If you're a ham-lover, this is your match. It's savory and packed with three different kinds of ham. Vegan panini: I don't know how they prepare the tofu in this panini, but I love it! The shop's Asian-style tofu wrap in the grab-n-go also has this tofu in it. This vegan panini is toasty and comforting, almost like a grilled cheese sandwich. Whether you're vegan or not, it's worth a try.

Carole V.
Carole V.

Chicken Laksa. Mic drop, enough said. I cannot explain this soup. It is top of my list for my favorite things for lunch. Thick, flavorful, spicy yet sweet.. Without knowing what they'll serve on the hot bar, I know I could want it.. its a hot meal fusion.. the chefs preparing these dishes are authentically preparing whats good to them. It'll be cali cuisine all the way.. kinda Asian, kinda Latino, 100% fresh local stellar produce. My typical order here is Chicken Laksa or Citrus Chicken Panini.

M C.
M C.

This is the place to go if you want noodle soups (RIP Thai Cafe). They offer pho and chicken laksa, both with vegetarian options. The pho is not "San Jose level," but it has the right flavors and herbs; and the laksa is quite good and very spicy. The portions are reasonable and they're only $7.50 with a Stanford card. They can take a while to make during the lunch rush, so go early (noodle soups are available 11-2). If soup isn't your thing, then they offer breakfast and lunch bars, which are self-serve, and some premade options such as sushi and sandwiches. The snacks can be a bit pricey, ie. $4 for a granola bar; and the meals can get expensive since they price it by weight (usually around $12). They also run out quick. As of this review, Forbes takes meal plan dollars which is great if you are a Stanford student.