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Konditorei
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Bagels Coffee & Tea, Bagels
3130 Alpine RdPortola Valley, CA 94028
(650) 854-8616
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sat 7 am - 4 pm
Sun 8 am - 12:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
43 reviews for Konditorei
Review Highlights
"Free Wi-Fi, good drinks, and great environment."
(in 8 reviews)
"The pastries are all good, though they tend to go quickly..."
(in 11 reviews)
"The mexican mocha is very smooth, cinnamon-y and creamy."
(in 3 reviews)
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43 reviews in English
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Review from S D.
San Jose, CA
12/26/2011
Best latte! Great service.
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Review from Grace C.
5/9/2011
The smoked chicken bagel was delish! The chicken is cold, but the bagel is warm and toasty. It comes with sun-dried tomato, which makes for a perfect bagelwich.
On a Saturday morning around 9:30am, they still had a ton of baked goods to choose from, including 4 different types of scones. We had the raspberry peach scone -- it was good, but it would've been better if there'd been more fruit pieces in it.
My husband loved the vanilla nut coffee. You get a coffee mug, and it's self-serve, so you can try a little of each coffee variety before "committing" to one.
The only drawback: Konditorei is popular, so it may be hard to find a table. -
Review from Tanguy P.
Portola Valley, CA
9/19/2011
Coziest cafe of Bay area. Loving it.
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Review from Peter P.
Mill Valley, CA
11/19/2011
Coffee is good, their oatmeal raisin cookies are just right, Wi-Fi is free and their Staff is very friendly. I've never eaten there, but for just coffee, cookies and WiFi, this place cannot be beat. Much more personal than a Starbucks...
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Review from Shannon B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/2/2008 1 photo
They now have yummy tart yogurt!!! YAY! Also the "special" Cilantro Chutney Swiss Cheese sandwich is killer. The flakey raspberry jam crossiant, warmed tastes like heaven!
I personally think the warm raspberry crossiant would KILL the chocolate crossiant in a taste test battle to the death! So yes fools, eat up all the chocolate ones cause you have no idea what your missing out on. :)Listed in: I have $10, where to eat in…, Sandwiches, hot drinks and tables
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/11/2008
The Konditorei has been in the Ladera/Portola Valley area since around 1984. It is owned by one of… Read more »
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Review from Carina N.
San Francisco, CA
11/13/2008 1 Check-in Here
I stumbled upon this cute cafe near Hwy 280. Located in a wooden ranch style plaza and next to Wamu, and round table pizza, you can identify Konditorei cafe by the white patio tables and chairs. High ceiling interiors and cozy settings, you'll be greeted by the friendly staff. Menus are behind the counter, you're encouraged to take your time. Look for the daily specials!
A nice lady recommended the Cilantro Chutney sandwich for me which was fabulous and refreshing !! It's a croissant sandwich with Jarlsberg cheese, cucumber, onions, salad mix, cilantro chutney, and light mayo sauce.
I also ordered a Mexican Mocha with it, total $10.58 There's also plenty of little merchandise that can keep you busy browsing. Little fun miscellaneous items like greeting/birthday cards, to neck pillows, to recipe books, to baby's clothings, to sweets, nicely decorated and surprisingly blend in really well in the cafe!
Plus the warm customer service and friendliness from the staff, I really am coming back soon. -
Review from James M.
San Francisco, CA
2/12/2008
I like Konditorei for a few simple reasons.
Nice coffee
Nice Atmosphere
Friendly staff
Each time I come here this place reminds me of the small coffee shops scattered across southern New England with its quaint gifts and simple yet great menu selection. Pretty much all the right ingredients for a nice good ol' cup of thank you very much. For those of you off on your bike ride/ run/hike in the south bay hills this is a great place to re-energize for that wonderful drive back up 280 into the city. -
Review from Sara K.
Palo Alto, CA
11/21/2009
I like coming here for lunch, the coffee is great and the staff is nice. Bring the laptop and just chill :)
I love their bagel sandwiches, donuts and whatever sweet pastries they have left at lunch.
It's a great study/work environment, its never too crowded and you can sit and not be bothered for however long you need. -
Review from John G.
Los Angeles, CA
3/17/2010
Amazing place! I've been coming here for years. Great lattes, coffee, milkshakes, and pastries. The best coffee spot in Portola Valley.
Like other reviews say, it's a cool study/work environment, but if you're local be prepared to run into a few friends. -
Review from melissa c.
San Francisco, CA
8/17/2009
Such a cool little coffee shop. AMAZING coffee (get the Sumatran - you won't be disappointed!), cute gifts and cards, and the scones are to die for. Seriously, when I moved from PV and up to San Fran, I would drive to PV JUST for the scones. Luckily, I found a coffee shop with similar ones in the city!
Go here. Go now. -
Review from Tracy O.
San Mateo, CA
4/19/2008 2 photos
Finally, a coffee-shop open past 2pm near where I live, with my essentials: great food, great coffee and tea, and wireless! The power outlets are generous as well, about one to every table along the back wall.
The mexican mocha is very smooth, cinnamon-y and creamy. I also had their pots of tea with Jasmine Pearl. You actually get a large pot of tea and teacups for only $3. I do wish their food selection was a bit more generous and perhaps I just hit them on a bad day, since the available pastries only fill up about a 6th of the case. But it's still a wonderful place that just gained a new regular!
EDIT: Mmmm their caramel latte is nummy as well, but don't forget to specify "for-here" if you're staying because they automatically stick it in a paper cup. Case of goodies is still mostly empty.Listed in: Breeeeeakfast!, I love coffee shops
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Review from jodie s.
Redwood City, CA
9/11/2011
Konditorei is a cozy, wonderful cafe. You can feel the friendliness when you walk in the door. Pastries, espresso, service, and wifi are all excellent. Our school is close by, and it is a wonderful meeting spot for so many of us who like to connect over an excellent cup of coffee or latte. They support our community by having this great establishment, but have also actively supported our school in many other ways. On top of being a great place, they are great people!
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Review from Jacob G.
Santa Cruz, CA
4/28/2010
In three words:
A great cafe!
In more than three words:
I wish there were more cafes and coffee shops like this. The free wifi combined with a staff who do not hassle lounging patrons makes this an ideal place place to kill time, study, work, et cetera.
The employees are friendly, but can be a bit serious when it becomes busy. Otherwise they are more than happy to answer any questions you might have or wait for you to take some time making food/beverage choices. Patty is probably the most friendly and welcoming patroness I have ever encountered.
The pastries are all good, though they tend to go quickly on busy days. The drinks are made with care, and are traditional espresso standards. They will also make anything else you can dream up. If you're lucky enough to visit most weekday mornings or Sunday, the drink will be made by a true espresso artist, Armando. -
Review from Carrie-C N.
San Jose, CA
12/9/2009
I was required to be in Palo Alto for a couple of weeks, and I discovered Konditorei! I love this coffee shop!!! I came in at 6:30 - 7:00 am, and stayed til about 8:30 - 9:00 am. I tried a variety of their offerings. This place reminded me of the coffee shops I used to go to while in college.
They have free wi-fi, so ideal for studying or catching up on the morning news. There are individual outlets for every table near the back wall. The clientele would come in and meet up before work. I saw a couple of morning bikers getting their cup of coffee. It's a great place to people watch. The coffee was also one of the best I've had.
One thing is for sure, I would love to have a place like this near where I live. I am no longer in Palo Alto, and am going to miss this place. Now, I am back to the usual starbuck's, because that's all that's offered near where I am. -
Review from Laura F.
Redwood City, CA
6/12/2009
The drip coffee here and the espresso is amazing! I love stopping in and getting an Americano or some Vanilla Nut coffee and a frozen yogurt.
The free wi-fi is also great. Sometimes it can be hard to find a plug, but if you are all charged up it is a great place to grab a bite, surf the web and enjoy some coffee. -
Review from Charles N.
Redwood City, CA
10/8/2010
Apparently a lot of people like this place and, maybe, for solid reasons. I'm writing this review to warn you that if you're German or you've been to Germany, you shouldn't expect anything like a real Konditorei.
I visited in the early afternoon and the only "pastries" they had were donuts. Maybe they have a lot of great pastries that are all gone by noon? But a real Konditorei wouldn't be out of all sweets (donuts don't count) by the afternoon.
My complaint is the name. It's so badly named it feels like false advertising. If you think I'm being too harsh, how would you like to drive to a place that calls itself a "tacqueria" and then find that they only served American-style crunchy tacos and only at lunch hour? Let's say it was in Alberta. Would you be satisfied with the explanation that "most people around here don't know what a tacqueria is."
Anyone know the history? Was it once a real Konditorei and subsequent owners decided to keep the name?
Here's an update: I have learned that this was a real Konditorei at one time. For a number of reasons, the business changed over time but it had established a name and rep in the community and so the name stayed. (Interesting about Portola Valley. I guess people there don't like name changes. The Alpine Inn is still called Rossoti's AKA Zott's by many habitues of that establishment years after its name changed.) -
Review from Cheri L.
San Francisco, CA
11/3/2007
Caramel is an essential vice in thick liquid form. Enter Konditorei, which is on my way to work on Alpine Road. The caramel latte is really the only drink I order here, and the consistency, taste, and sweetness all combine into a nice, hot cup of bliss.
The ham and brie and ham and cheese bagel sandwiches are good. But worth $5.65? I think not.
I don't go in too often, as I don't live in Portola Valley -- and thank god for that -- so I'm not treated as the regulars are. So, it's pretty snooty. I often sense the woman behind the register is yelling expletives at me through her eyes because I always fail to inform her I want regular milk, not nonfat, in my drink.
Customers glance at me like I'm not one of them. It's weird. And irritating. It's too bad, as I'd probably go in a lot more.
That said, I've changed my rating from 4 to 2 stars. I'm sure I can find another place that makes killer caramel lattes. -
Review from Robin T.
Portola Valley, CA
12/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is a nice neighborhood coffee place. I feel like it is where all of the neighborhood folk hang out all the time. You see the same faces and the same cars in the parking lot. The coffee is great, and their smoothies are too. The only reason I don't give 5 stars is that the wait time is a bit long...they don't move at the speed of Starbucks, but then again I should chill out and not be so impatient.
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Review from Aaron K.
San Francisco, CA
10/10/2007
I think this spot's main contribution to my life has been the phonetic exploration it has spurred on account of its name:
"kon-dih-TOE-ree"
"kon-dih-toe-RAY"
"kon-DIH-toe-rai"
"screw it let's just go there"
My PV fiends and I used to go here all the time. When I was a tennis instructor at Ladera Oaks during high school the thought of a 50-50 smoothie from this place got me through the sweltering heat on the court.
At any rate, no matter how you choose to pronounce the nebulous name of this place, we Portola Valley kids will know where you're talkin' about. -
Review from Sean S.
Palo Alto, CA
5/27/2008
5 stars all the way. Great place with pleasant attitude but most of all, really good coffee! If your in Portola Valley or just driving near the Alpine Rd exit off 280, stop in to Konditorei.
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Review from Raegan T.
CA
1/24/2007
I'm all about the Konditorei (regardless of how you choose to pronounce it.) The owner is the nicest woman ever. I've know her for years, and she even let me sell some greeting cards I'd made, in the store. Delicious hot chocolate and croissants, message board with tons of great info, ice cream and smoothies, and cute gifts and cards. Plus, there's free wi-fi, and some great photographs on the wall. And it's always open early.
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Review from Salvo C.
New York, NY
2/12/2008
When I lived in Palo Alto, Konditorei was easily my favorite coffee shop in town. I always make a point to support local businesses in the area, and Patty and Armando have always struck me as friendly and warm people. Nowadays, when I look out my snowy window in New York, I often wish I were back there, caffe latte in hand.
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Review from frazier m.
Portola Valley, CA
5/30/2006
Great family run coffee spot - low key and good coffee and baked goods. Free wi-fi which is key. Good PV feel.
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Review from Shar S.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2009
I'm sitting in Konditorei right now, using the wi-fi while sipping my Mexican mocha. My Mexican mocha tastes identical to those from Borrone's in Menlo Park, which means it's fantastic. $3.80 for a medium and $4.05 for a large (including tax). A little pricey, but oh so mmmmm.
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Review from Tyler M.
Merced, CA
This place doesn't deserve it's 4.5 star rating. I came here with my girlfriend and we ordered two iced coffees and one italian soda. The italian soda is coffee flavoring and club soda which I believe doesn't reflect what you pay. It was almost 3 dollars for something I could have done if all i wanted was club soda and a dash of flavoring I had at home. I was aware it wasn't an italian cream soda, but I was very disappointed that the cashier made it sound much more special. Anyway, for the iced coffee's they charge an additional 55 cents! 55 cents isn't a lot, but still to charge $1.10 plus the 9.75% tax in the area is a bit ridiculous considering it's actually part of the menu and I was over charged. I didn't want to dispute that here but I was frustrated with the experience and wanted to just get out of there. They also, put the iced coffees in thin paper coffee cups which got soggy and leaked through within about 20 minutes......I'll be sure to not stop by here again even when it's the most convenient stop. I'll just drive to downtown pal alto and go to peets or star bucks....
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Review from Alexandra N.
CA
3/6/2007
Pros: free wireless internet, lots of options and friendly staff. Cons: I really don't think their coffee is very good. It always tastes old, or burnt, or something. I try to look past this since it's so close and the "pros" are so good, but I think that a coffee shop really should have good coffee.
Listed in: Top Restaurants, My Neighborhood
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Review from M G.
Palo Alto, CA
3/18/2011
I am kind of amazed at all the great ratings for this place. I have been in here six times now and of the six, have had two good coffee drinks two fair ones and two downright awful ones. The coffee from the self-serve area is so watery, it's on par with 7-Eleven. As for the counter service, the drinks are hit/miss. Yesterday, the drink I order consistently at coffee places and have ordered here three times, was so watery I had to take it back up to the counter to be fixed. The staff is not friendly at all. I have had different people take my order each time and can't remember one of them smiling even when it wasn't busy. The only reason I might come back here is that it's on the way to work. As for the inside, I haven't hung out in here but it's a cute enough local coffee shop with free wifi. I guess if you are looking for that vs. a consistent, decent cup of coffee this might be your place.
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Review from J O.
Los Altos, CA
2/5/2008
Great place to hang out. Free Wi-Fi, good drinks, and great environment. Open until 5:30 on weekdays and great selection of bagels, pastries, and drinks.
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Review from mai h.
San Jose, CA
2/23/2010
WOW! This coffee shop rocks my socks!!! I never knew these places existed in the silicon valley. I seriously thought that Bay Area sucked that BAD! I was wrong! This place is a little secret and I would love for it to stay like that for evarrr.. because I am totally in love with this place! I was there for 5 hours today and never once did I feel obligated to leave my spot! The service their rocks, the caps are amazing, and to top it off the bagel tuna sandwich was delightful! =] I might just come back once a week for good caps and yummy bagel-wich. I love you KONDITOREI, you make me a happy women!
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Review from Shannon T.
Redwood City, CA
2/2/2011
I like to support local businesses over Starbucks but let me tell you...Starbucks may be better in terms of their customer service. I ordered a decaf latte and when the order came up, I realized it wasn't decaf. Instead of being apologetic, "Patty" (who I am guessing is the owner) showed me the ticket and tried to blame me. I am in there everyday and order the same drink and I never drink caffeine. She seemed put out having to remake the drink and then said "your welcome" even though I didn't have a chance to say thank you yet. Starbucks would have apologized, given me a free drink card, and would have remembered my name and order if I had been there everyday like I am at Konditorei. This is why Starbucks is driving small businesses away. Please take note Konditorei.
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Review from Katie Y.
Woodside, CA
5/16/2010
Solid drip coffee--better than Starbucks, not as good as as Peet's. Lattes also good, and a decent selection of pastries. The mix of clientele is interesting--you get the high society types in their jodhpurs, the Silicon Valley types in their khakis and polo shirts, and the Woodside regulars in their jeans and flannel shirts. Kind of a fun mix. Sometimes hard to get a table, and the hours are awful (they close WAY too early). But free wifi, plus plenty of outlets, if you can snag a table.
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Review from Amar K.
Yum, is all I have to say. I yelped this place on my birthday last week when all I wanted was to find a choc croissant on my way to my four class marathon day. This place delivered and how, so yummy--- quite busy around 9 am, I walked in and while some other ladies were milling around the case I walked right up and requested my croissant which was great. dangerously delicious. I went back once, closer to 10 am and there was only one raspberry croissant and one apricot left--- I cant say that I am so thrilled about fruit filling... but the raspberry was pretty awesome. So go here... just dont eat all the choc croissants before I arrive!
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Review from Brian M.
Portola Valley, CA
12/1/2009
+ Great food and drinks -- coffee is great, danishes are good, bagels w/ cream cheese are very good
+ Free wi fi
+ Very relaxed atmosphere -- never been hassled (or even received sidelong glances) for staying too long
+ Great sunny places to sit outside. Inside good too.
-/+ Staff can be harried and forgetful at times, but always well meaning. -
Review from sava s.
New York, NY
4/30/2008
nice coffee shop... nice location.
the iced coffee drink with the chocolate covered espresso beans is really good!!
the bagel sandwiches are ok - I wish there was more food to choose from.
I have to say though, the atmosphere wasn't exactly 'friendly'. I was eventually attended to, but the guy behind the counter was busy making up someone else's order and didn't even acknowledge me or tell that he'd be right with me... I started wondering whether I was standing in the right place or not!! -
Review from Julia H.
San Mateo, CA
12/25/2009
this is a nice coffee shop that has a quaint and local feel to it. The latte's are good, but not as good as starbucks. It's the only coffee shop around in the area which makes it convenient. On the plus side, the pastries are very good. Service is very friendly.
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Review from Chris M.
Menlo Park, CA
4/23/2009
I love this cafe. The best coffee in the bay area. Peerless coffee is a class on its own. They use real caramel syurp, not some crapy Monin cheap syrup. The Baristas really know how to make good coffee drinks, including soy cappuccinos...which as a fellow barista, knows how tricky those drinks can be. They use a great Morrizocco* Espresso machine. Sandwhiches are little pricy but delicious choices with good variety. Patty, Armando, Lauren, Payam, Gina, and the rest of the staff are awesome with customer service. They have FREE WI-FI! How perfect! The inside of the store will always have seasonal changes which is great when you're looking for that cute little xmas idea, valentines day, easter, thanksgiving, etc. They have outside seating which is really comfortable at a this quiet little store. Relatively unknown unless you live or work around Ladera. Love this place. On a side note, one of the women there Lauren, makes the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
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Review from Taryn L.
Portola Valley, CA
6/6/2010
Konditorei is so great. I love their pastries, they are delicious and reasonably priced. Their hot chocolate (I don't drink coffee) is so good, and the service is great! The employees are always in a good mood, and always very nice to their customers. I love the free Wi-Fi, and the art that they have on their walls. It rotates, so they have different artists every month or so I think. Konditorei is a fantastic place. :)
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Review from Rachna S.
San Jose, CA
11/9/2009
love the ambience! and the coffee!! it's got such a relaxed feel about it... perfect for enjoying coffee leisurely, with great conversations!
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Review from Adam H.
Palo Alto, CA
8/29/2010
great cafe, great setting
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Review from James B.
Portola Valley, CA
10/25/2009
I'm a big fan of Konditorei in PV. In fact, I cringe at the thought of having coffee (or, in my case, soy chai lattes) anywhere else! The coffee and food are leagues better than any coffee chain and the place is warm and comfortable- bringing back memories of the old coffee houses before the Starbuck's boom... A must have are any of the lunch sandwiches. This is a favorite of PV locals for good reason and should not be missed by anyone who visits the area.
