Nina’s Cafe

Small local restaurant next to a Foster City waterway with indoor and outdoor seating. The kids liked running around on the deck outside while we waited for food. The empanadas were great and the fish stew had nice flavors. My pickiest kids had the ham empanadas. Service was casual and friendly.

Not a normal sit down cafe, you order at the register, get a number, then sit down and wait for your meal. If you order a coffee you get a good coffee but no refill. I ordered a house omelette and two empanadas that I would take to go when I was done. The house omelette was quite good but the potatoes that come with them were mostly bell peppers and the toast was one slice of what sure looked like regular grocery store bread cut diagonally, with a small pad of butter on each half. It was barely toasted. I paid for it all with a 30% tip so I ate it. Got the empanadas to go and they were really good. They were small, only four bites each, but they were delicious. I’d give this place four stars overall if they didn’t do me wrong on the toast

What a delightful breakfast experience--this place absolutely deserves more love. We ordered a generous spread and every single dish felt fresh, thoughtful, and well-executed. The Cotopaxi Breakfast was solid. I chose the yuca and plantain patties, and wow--soft, muffin-like with a cornbread soul, filled with melty cheese and perfect for soaking up sunny-side-up egg yolk. The eggs themselves were cooked just right and the dipping sauce tied everything together beautifully. It also came with a generous and heaping cup of fruit and two hefty chorizo links that made this feel like a homemade breakfast. The Chicha Morada was such a pleasant surprise--refreshing, unique beverage for the area, and homemade. I don't drink much alcohol anymore, but this non-alcoholic drink gave me sangria vibes

I went with my family. Food - all dishes were very under seasoned. The fish stew was bland and the lentils were mushy. Couldn't tell there was supposed to be fish in it. Chimichurri steak sandwich barely had any chimichurri sauce on it and the steak itself was not seasoned. But it was very tender so bonus there. It came with plantain chips that were slightly stale. Also tried the Cotopaxi breakfast. The chorizo was delicious and it came with egg and two vege patties (your choice of plantain, yuca, or potato). We had the plantain and yuca. The menu didn't say this but they were both full of cheese. These were also under seasoned , although better with the chorizo. Omelette was average and decently sized and again under seasoned. the potatoes that came with them were more sauteed t

Nina’s Café an Ecuadorian Restaurant in Foster City is a true hidden gem, serving up authentic and delicious Ecuadorian flavors in an unbeatable waterfront setting. From the very first bite, it’s clear that the flavors are spot on—just like you’d find in Ecuador. We started with beef, cheese, and ham empanadas, each perfectly crispy on the outside and filled with warm, savory goodness. For the main dishes, we had the bolón mixto, a hearty and flavorful plantain dish, and the encebollado, Ecuador’s famous fish soup, which came with all the right sides—chifles, tostado, and lime—to enhance every spoonful. Everything tasted fresh, comforting, and full of traditional flavors. Beyond the incredible food, Nina’s offers a wide selection of other classic Ecuadorian dishes and even Inca Kola, mak