Marketplace Cafe

2.5 stars (old/dingy vibes) for ambience, 4 (solid) for the food. We had the turkey avocado panini + side salad, tomato basil soup, and salmon with couscous. The star was the tomato soup - great flavor but not overpowering, the perfect amount for 2, and great for dipping sandwiches into! A little underwhelmed by the turkey cold cut slices but the combination of flavors was solid. Side salad was really well seasoned and a great pairing. Salmon was good flavor, but a tad dry; paired well with the couscous though which was great! The service was excellent, but the interiors took me straight back to a weathered Fresh Choice / Sweet Tomato time. I'm not sure it's the weekend lunch experience I want.

I used to go to Nordstrom cafe in Pleasanton a lot long time ago. Food and service were both great. Then I went to Valley Fair and Palo Alto ones. I like Valley Fair one better. The one in Hillsdale was particularly weak so I have not come back for some time. I decided to give it another try. Decorations are still the same. I think the lighting makes the place outdated. Services are so much better than last time I was here. Cashier and server are both very friendly. Server refilled my tea without asking. The sandwich I ordered was a little dry and it looked not very attractive. Tastewise it was not bad. It could be better for $13.5. Desert was ok. I think it is a good place if you don't want to be around a lot of people.

Smells stale and offputting. The owner photos are really old here. You no longer see the food. They serve a big glass of ice water without asking. The staff is friendly. I only ordered a cup of their tomato basil soup because i wasnt super hungry.. it came with a large cheesy toast-like crouton. Both were. very tasty. There is absolutely no ambiance. Very utilitarian.