Scandia

I was looking for a Swedish restaurant in the area (other than IKEA ^^) and we tried brunch and meatballs there. It was pretty good, I loved the herrings and gravlax served with eggs at brunch, and also the Danish pancake. Meatballs were good too but would be better with more sauce.

It pains me to give this restaurant a poor review but I must.
I have gone to this location may times (8 – 10) since it opened. The Danish food was a bit different, and homey, perhaps a bit bland, but satisfying. The atmosphere was homey with a good percentage of senior citizens.
Beef stroganoff was a favorite, cooked very well, with sour cream, and served on your choice of mashed or pasta.
The last time I went in, things were quite different. The split pea soup was a watery grey, that did not taste the same as before (or as good). That should have been a tip off. Unfortunately, few people in our party ordered the stroganoff. It was a completely different dish (and wrong): clear sweet sauce over very old grey slices of beef that tasted like liver it was so old. It was inedible.
We told the waitress (who knew we were familiar with the dish) that the stroganoff was off. She took it back to the kitchen. A while later she said that they «were all tasting it» in the kitchen. A bit later she offered us the opportunity to get something else, but at no time did she acknowledge that the dish wasn’t right. The owner, who knew we were regulars and knew of the issue, never came over to talk about it.
This place is not inexpensive, so this is not acceptable. I can understand if there was an off night in the kitchen. However since more than one dish was wrong, I am thinking that the cause as more systemic, e.g. the good kitchen staff quit. In any case it was the response of the restaurant that was more than off putting. If there was any sense of quality control there, they would have acknowledged the problem.
I give them two stars for letting us order a replacement entrée.
We will not go back.

OK my review is for breakfast only — I have not been here for lunch or dinner.
Although, I see a lot of people complaining about the service — I thought they were good (much better the second time). I had 4 – 5 refills on my coffee (good coffee) and there were 3 waitresses for about 12 customers.
One thing I did see that really impressed me — one of the waiters helped an elderly handicapped woman into her car (literally carried her). He saw the couple struggling to get into the car and volunteered his help — amazing! For this I would give them 10 stars if I could.
Back to the food– the corned beef hash is one of the best I’ve tasted — it has a mushroom gravy that is excellent. My wife’s hash browns were done golden crispy on the outside (tasty). Also a first, they asked me how I wanted my bacon (soft) and they actually cooked it that way!
While there are a few other breakfast places across the street — I find Scandia (while it’s selection is small) has more unique and personalized food. As well as, a wait staff that is beyond remarkable.
Great two experiences there — I expect to visit more often for breakfast.
In the summer time there’s even outdoor seating that allows pets.

The male host is downright rude. When I asked him to suggest a wine or particular dish, he wouldn’t really give a respectable answer. He was totally disinterested. Food was plentiful for the price, but plain and uninteresting. No atmosphere and very noisy.

Two of us had a late lunch here today. We both had the grilled salmon with vegetables mashed potatoes and a salad. The food was good. The service was pathetic. There are three waitresses and one waiter. The waitresses are useless they just stand around doing nothing. The one waiter worked his butt off trying to serve everyone. From the time we sat down till the time our food was brought out was 45 minutes. The place was not busy. The owner of this place needs to fire all the waitresses and hire one or two more people that have the same work ethic as the waiter.

We went finally to visit this place we use to know from their previous locations in Redwood City. My wife and I went for brunch on Saturday about 11:30AM.
There was about 6 guests there but right after 12 noon the place start filling in.
The service was good, the portions were generous and tasty. We will be back next time for dinner.

We chose to have brunch here since we had a large group, and they took reservations.
My MIL had been for dinner a few times, and liked it.
Service was abysmal. We were all seated, and after waiting for quite awhile, I eventually had to flag someone over to get water, she then asked me if everyone else would like water, coffee, etc.
I politely told her she should probably ask them.
It took a very long time to get beverages, and was near impossible to get refills.
When someone finally came to take our orders, she seemed a bit confused and asked me questions about what they were ordering.
I only know what my husband and I were ordering. It’s not my job to take orders for the entire table.
I should add that the restaurant was nearly empty the entire time, and yet the service remained almost nonexistent. It took a very long time for food, and no one ever came back to check on us.
Once again, I had to flag someone down for refills, a box and finally the check.
The food was actually pretty good. The buttermilk pancake, though tiny, had amazing flavor. It was much better than the eggy glop that was supposed to be a Swedish pancake.
Prices were reasonable, but unless someone REALLY wants to go back, I won’t return.
My brunch money, time, and calories are better spent elsewhere.

I went there with my family June 16^th 2015. I wish I could give this place zero stars. When we entered it took 20 minutes for the waiter to take our order. 25 minutes later the food was served. The beef stroganoff was terrible. Not much meat and a bland sauce. The French Fries look like tater tots from Costco and had an awful taste. The lentil soup tasted like dirty water.
During our dinner nobody came back to check on us. I even saw the owner drinking wine while we were waiting for someone to come to our table and give us the bill. What a great mentor for his employees.
This place also has a dull boring ambiance. Places like these need Robert from Restaurant Impossible come and and give them a lesson on good food and service. Stay away.

Outstanding experience with Preben and Angie and their staff! I ordered catering for 35 folks in the office and Preben and Angie were a joy to work with. I was a little nervous if this small, Ma & Pa shop could deliver to my expectations but they exceeded them 10 fold.
Great food, juicy chicken Copenhagen, perfect and flavorful Havarti Schnitzel, even the Swiss chard which I almost didn’t try was delicious. Many co-​workers came up and complimented the food and asked where I had found it. From the mashed potatoes to the carrots and incredible apple cake, everyone was pleased and left with smiles and full stomachs.
They were so easy to work with and are wonderful people. I hope to be back again to try their breakfast! Thank you Scandia team for making our office lunch memorable!

They’re back! The owners of Copenhagen (formerly in Woodside Plaza) opened a new restaurant by the Crystal Spring Shopping Center. Same great food, and a bright modern ambiance.

4* Scandia
742 Polhemus
San Mateo
Have great Early Bird specials (4 – 6); include!:
1) Salad or soup (lentil, split pea, navy bean)
2) Entrée (loved the Copenhagen schnitzel); also have meatballs (fordakeller?); with mashed potatoes, chard, and delicious carrots. Also, the German type sauerkraut was very good
3) Glass of burgundy or Chablis
4) Dessert e.g., chocolate cake, sundae, pudding
5) Coffee or tea
This is a great value.
Preben is the owner/​host; very friendly
Good food service by Raul
Get there early

Okay, so as others have said the service arrangement is a little weird, but they have chicken livers as an entrée. I wandered in for lunch, because I was next door at my favorite produce place, Crystal Springs Produce, and. well it was lunch time. I’d been wanting to try this place, but the mood there seemed off when I went by previously.
There were only 3 tables covered when I got there and the traffic was low during my meal. I don’t think this is where those seeking Nordic treats are scouring. I love smoked and cured meats and fish, and originally thought that’s what I’d have, but did I mention they have a chicken liver entrée? It was reasonably priced and I couldn’t resist. I started with the salad, which was tasty, dressed well, as the blue cheese dressing was authentic with chunks of said cheese, more than I expected. The entrée turned out to be generous, with the little livers sautéed with mushrooms, red bells and tomatoes in a brown sauce, napped over mashed potatoes. The livers were slightly overcooked, but the sauce was flavorful, without being overbearing. The mashers were weak, and would have benefitted from some flavorful fat — either butter or some such. The veg sides could have been brilliantly fresh, had they not been so overcooked — green bean and carrots.
I can’t complain. Did I mention they have a chicken liver entee? Enough said.
Food: ²⁸⁄₄₀
Service: ¹⁶⁄₂₀
Atm/​Intangibles: ¹⁷⁄₂₀
Value: ¹⁷⁄₂₀
Overall: ⁷⁸⁄₁₀₀

Reasonably good meal. I had the fish of the day which was the salmon. The vegetables were carrots and potatoes along with a poached green. The California vegetarian restaurant this is not. The faire reminded me very much of what you would find in Europe. Clearly, nothing was «al dente». If you want standard Californian faire go to California restaurant not a Scandinavian. The overall meal was delicious. My only complaint was the coffee which should’ve been made fresh. Services mixed of that is in issue of training. Beautiful interior. This is definitely not a kids restaurant. This place is essentially an upscale Scandinavian diner. As such, it has a very nice interior. If you want to bring your kids, take them to McDonald’s. There they at least have a playground.

Ive been traveling through Denmark quite a bit these last few years. Mainly passing through Copenhagen, you dont see much love for the very traditional dishes. However they do love their traditional lunch. So when I heard this place opened up I came here looking for Smørrebrød. Unfortunately that was not to be found. However if you get the Scandia sample platter it comes with a few types of marinated herring, bay shrimp (instead of the Danish fjord ones), pickles and cabbage plus some rye bread. Now I’d say the bread is the weakest part of that dish and if they gave us butter up front we could have made out own Smørrebrød! The Frikadeller meatballs however were really tasty and so was the potato leek soup that accompanied it. Now if they also carried Danish Snaps this would really be a good place. Alas they do have to cater to the American palate as well though. This now makes me want to get back to Copenhagen ASAP

I just opened my Unilocal account so I could write this. Geez, I hate starting my Unilocal career as a meanie, but I’m actually okay with it.
Have been to the previous spot a number of times as it was a warm and fuzzy diner with really nice waitresses and 3 ½ star breakfasts. Mainly, it was GREAT for kids.
Scandia, let me say, is TERRIBLE for kids. DO NOT bring children here. I can’t recall a restaurant that doesn’t have a kids menu or even a few ideas of what they can do if your 7 year old daughter isn’t into Schnitzel or Liver. 5 Star Gary Danko in SF treats kids better!
My daughter ended up getting plain noodles with butter. Sorry, let me re-​phrase: Plain noodles with a CUBE of butter.
It’s also TERRIBLE if you’re a vegetarian. My wife, who was the one who wanted to eat out, had NO OPTIONS, except the house salad and the mushroom soup, which we were certain was made with beef stock. Her salad was limp and recently de-​bagged from a pre-​mix, for sure.
I had a reasonably decent burger — I actually chose something cheap and easy since everyone wanted out fast.
But what was the oddest of all was the peculiar service. I felt like we were being served by catatonic waitresses who were scared to come talk to us, or too busy talking about us. One asian woman came to take our order and we asked for a few more minutes so we could discuss the lack of kids menu and so my wife could get creative with her non-​meat selection. She stayed behind the counter for 10 minutes with her twin, and at this point, I just waited to see how mad I could get. After the owner motioned to her that we were waiting, she strolled over. From there, we never came back, remaining behind the counter and now the nice young busboy took over.
It was as bizarre and awkward as watching the Chinese restaurant scene in «A Christmas Story». But at least they were sung to!
Scandia is a perfect place for diners with basic palettes or those cashing in on the early bird specials. I feel sorry for them somehow, but after just reading similar reviews… they certainly haven’t taken anything to heart.

Went on a Monday evening for dinner around 6p. Service was very, very good.
Food was excellent. Our party of four all thought it was worth coming back for. I had the cold prime rib sandwich, which was very nice.
Maybe our only complaint is that they should have the dividers between the doorway/​entrance and the dining area higher. The breeze that shoots in whenever the door opens can be unpleasant, certainly when it is cold out.
But otherwise, it was a very nice experience. Would do again.

For all those reading the other reviews about poor service, I think I can say that Scandia got the message. I don’t know if it is new staff or the previous ones with the fear of God in them, but they are quite good (at least on my Monday).
The décor is very modern and spacious (they could get another 4 tables alongside the 14 they do have). They are definitely trying for two or more steps above diner. The travel posters and art on the side walls is nice, but a little at odds with the large (and thankfully silent) tv behind the bar on the back wall.
The food is Scandinavian, no doubt: heavy on meat, fish, and potatoes. The carrots were not limp, but without much bite. The mashed potatoes were creamy and firm, and nicely presented in a slightly tiered form that might have been a flower.
The herring sampler was good, as was the gravelox. The liver with onions and bacon (yes, I like liver) was not over-​cooked or breaded or any of the other things one can do to ruin it.
So, I think the issues with service are falling behind us. The food is solid and comfortable.

I’m not exactly sure how or why I engaged to check in twice since once was enough. Service is so disorganized that it’s comical. Two people walked out as we were seated. A table for 5 was ready but the owner old us to wait 5 – 10 minutes only to have a waitress seat us immediately after.
We all had schnitzel and all were under cooked. I wish I could rave about the food but I’ve certainly had better from SF to Solvang. Even the airport food at Frankfurt was better. My heart does go out to them. They need to regroup and rethink their method of serving and customer service. The owner just throws the food on your table. I don’t blame him, he might be too frail to serve 5 plates at once. A but grumpy too. No smile regardless of how much we thanked him. There is one saving grace there and it’s a younger gentleman who is the busboy and everything else. If we were not running around doing everything, I’m confident more people would just give up.
All I can say is, best wishes that things improve. Not too many restaurants have survived in that location, so you have to really be good to the neighborhood folks.

The good thing about this restaurant is that they have a strong menu with a good variety of traditional Scandinavian dishes. They have a breakfast/​brunch menu, a lunch menu and a dinner menu. If you go at lunch you can order off of the breakfast/​brunch menu as well.
I came in around noon and there were only about 5 tables filled. I waited for a little bit and happened to see a friend sitting by himself at one of the tables. The staff did not greet me, so I just walked in and sat down at my friend’s table. One waitress acknowledged that I was sitting down and took my drink order but she never brought me a menu. I tried to get the attention of one of the two waitresses or the owner for about a minute, without success. I eventually just got up and grabbed the menu myself. This pretty much sums up how the service was for the remainder of the meal. Halfway through eating I realized I was never given a napkin (my friend did not have a napkin either) and was actually waiving my hand in the air trying to get the waitresses attention. They would both make eye contact with me and then quickly look away, as if they did not realize I was trying to get their attention. Eventually the owner came over and got me the napkin. He did not attempt to provide pleasant customer service, but it seems he is just the type of guy to give a grunt and nod rather than make small talk. I can deal with that, at least he got me the napkin.
The food was pretty good. I had the Copenhagen Schnitzel, which on the lunch menu is $ 13.95. It was undeniably tasty as were the steamed carrots, mashed potatoes and the steamed Swiss chard. No complaints. The ham and cheese stuffed inside the breading had just the right amount of salt and dill and the breading was not overly heavy.
Unfortunately, the waitresses are probably going to put this place out of business, despite the food being pretty good and unique for the area. They were as slow as molasses in everything they did and totally impersonal. Neither seemed to know the menu well, and neither seemed to want to be there. They spent most of the time hiding behind the counter with their back turned to the dining area, pretending they were doing something or other. Like I said before, I tried to get their attention a few times during the meal and they pretty much just ignored me. This would be a pretty decent place if they had a good wait staff who knew how to handle customers, and I would have given 3 or 4 stars if this review was just based on the food.

And interesting place for those with a Nordic desire for their meal. I would say the service here is good. But for those used to overly personal service you might find the service here a bit reserved. Just speak up when you want something.
The food is definitely Nordic fare. But there are a few familiar dishes for people who want to bring in friends who are not adventurous. But there should be no worries for most people.
I’ll give a more complete review later but suffice to say I’ll be back!