I’m giving this one real last review for this to update you guys. This very family oriented café’ is soon to be closed… I couldn’t believe this is going to happen but they have the world’s best sandwich I have ever tried. Go try them if you haven’t! They’re closing this month so might as well try! And their desserts as well(I recommend the macarons) I have tried almost half of their sandwiches on the menu. For desserts, I’ve had macarons, curry puffs(!!!), chocolate fudge cake, cheesecake, pineapple tart, and another intimate that looks like curry puff but smaller(sorry I forgot what it’s called) I love you, Covent. You’ll be missed.
Marisa P.
Classificação do local: 4 Fremont, CA
It was a long day at work and I needed some fuel to get me through the last half of the day. I looked up some nearby delis and found Covent Garden Café. I love soup and saw that they had a tomato basil soup that a lot of folks seem to love. I made the quick drive there and loved how I could find a parking spot right away and I really liked the seating area. It’s open and roomy. I ordered the ½ soup and ½ sandwich. I got the tomato basil soup and a veggie sandwich. Both were delicious! Really hit the spot. I wasn’t expecting that much soup but it was really good and so worth it. I had to take it back to work so I could attack the work getting piled up at my desk. I kept getting compliment’s on how the soup smelled really good. I think the next time I do go there, I’ll have to dine in. Their sandwich was loaded with veggies and just as good as the soup. Yum!
Jennifer P.
Classificação do local: 5 Union City, CA
I definitely owe Unilocal for helping me find my new favorite café spot in the Bay. Covent Garden’s hidden location masks its clean, simply stylish interior and one would never guess that such a lovely gem would exist in Fremont. My new favorite sandwich of all-time is their«Barbie» Teriyaki Chicken sando. The sauce is so sweet and yummy and the combination of tender chicken with cole-slaw and freshly-baked bread makes for a very tasty experience! Dee-lish!!! Their Hot Reuben Sando comes in at a close second to the Barbie, and although the other Sandos I’ve tried were quite good in their own right, their BTC reins as my current all-time fave. In addition to their scrumptious Sandos, they have these dainty treats called macarons. I have tried many of the flavors including chocolate, rose, lemon, passion-fruit, and blueberry, but their pistachio & orange flavored-macarons are my favorite. Perhaps I just gravitate towards all things French, but like my favorite city in the world, these Parisian macarons are elegant, sophisticated, and oh so delectably, decandantly, delightful! I don’t think you have ever experienced great food service until you come here. The friendly ladies behind the counter are genuinely sweet and it is apparent they truly care about their customers. Agnes, the café owner, is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. In addition to being pleasantly accomodating, these ladies are also fabulously well-dressed. I know that fashion is not a prerequisite for quality food service, but seriously, you will probably never meet more meticulously, well-dressed ladies working in a café. So for amazing«sandos,» mouth-watering macarons, and friendly service with a smile, hit up Covent Garden. You will not be disappointed!
Yifen J.
Classificação do local: 4 Kyoto, Japan
YAy! It definitely didn’t disappoint :) The people are hella nice, and the lady even gave me an extra macarron! x) I had the Sando/soup combo. The tomato soup was pretty good, I would’ve liked to taste more basil, though. Tuna sandwhich was really yummy: D I don’t usually have alfalfa, but it was in it and it went wonderfully with the tuna and rye. Macarrons are really good :)
Eva H.
Classificação do local: 5 Seattle, WA
Talk about summer love… Ive gone to this place 3 times over 5 days and it would have been 4 if my wallet didn’t tell me to stop. The family who runs this place is really super nice and greets everyone who comes through the door. They always have their big, fluffy(well behaved) dog outside just hanging out. There are 4 large-4 seat tables in the center of the café, 2 leather seats against the wall and a marble bench for those wifi surfers and people/car watchers. I think they could have maximized the use of space better with some smaller tables along the wall but the tables are nice for groups and if you need to spread out with your food and books. I got the veggie sando — OMG… one of the most delicious veggie sandwiches ive ever had! Packed with colorful bell pepper pieces, cucumbers, zucchini, cheese and pesto between two slices of hot pressed bread. Came with some ruffle chips too. Most of the time veggie sandwiches usually leave you with a feeling like you just got gipped of meat but this one was so filling and tasty– who needs meat?! Covent drinks live up to the hype. It was love at first sip when I got their white chocolate mocha — I think I had forgotten how real coffee is suppose to taste like since I go to crappy Starbucks way too much. They use Illy coffee and even though I got a flavored drink, the richness of the coffee beans is not lost. $ 2.90 for a small, but totally worth it for the quality and taste. There was nothing like starting the day off at Covent Garden with a hearty egg and avocado bagel breakfast. I can’t tell you why it was good, but you have to get it and taste for yourself. I’ve heard great things about their desserts and macrons — they always run out by the time I get there! I will write an update when I get to try one. I love the simplistic, casual feel to this place. It’s a great place to meet with friends or I love coming here with my laptop to get some serious work done. Please tell me there’s some way to magically transport this place to West LA?
Lanie T.
Classificação do local: 4 Hayward, CA
Unilocal staffers! Kudos on your clever«niche of the day» compilations. I have a new one: «Great Places to Pee!» I work for the government – won’t say which one – but my job involves driving all day long. As such, with a cranky bladder, I have learned to locate the best places to go! Although I wear a government patch on my sleeve, I feel guilty about visiting a place of business without purchasing anything. I visit Mission San Jose every two weeks, and have scoped out the few places I can slink in and relieve myself. A few doors down from Covent Garden is a Quik Stop(I think). They have been quite rude and although they have a gas station – they say their bathroom is «broken.» WhatEVER. So I plan my BR stops and in this immediate area, figured I was out of luck. NOT! Today I craved an icey caffeine thingie and spotted Covent Garden. Hmmm, I thought! Coffee and a potty stop too! So I went in and ordered an iced coffee. They were super nice and it was budget friendly at $ 1.87. While they made it, I visited their WONDERFUL bathroom!!! Clean! Cute! Lovely! Ahhh… I came back and my drink was at the ready. I drooled for a minute over their desserts(will definitely be back to sample!) but had just had lunch, so grabbed my coffee and loaded up with cream and Splenda. I noticed a cute Fed Ex lady(I am a straight girl with some hankerings for the opp!) relaxing with a paper and some vittles. SO – a definite YES from the Driving People of the East Bay, I think! Two weeks out – I plan to save up my appetite for one of those yummy desserts. Maybe the Fed Ex chick will be around too? Heh!
JASMIN O.
Classificação do local: 3 San Jose, CA
For all the drivers lacking the ability to drive while looking for your destination, the sign for this business is on the window. the one that is visible from the street says«Coffee Deli»(not very helpful, it’s the«theme» of signage for this shopping center). CUTE décor, must’ve updated it since some of these people have done their reviews. Menu board randomly placed to the side, instead of directly over the counter. I felt awkward looking over people’s heads. Sandos=sandwiches. Kinda quirky, but cool. Variety in terms of breads, meats, cheese, but nothing too out of the ordinary. Sandwiches(hot, cold), soups, salads, combos, coffee, and desserts offered. Pricey(in my opinion) because two sandwiches and a mocha came out to $ 20HOLYMOLY! pesto chicken: yum on focacia bread, coulda used a little more pesto. tasted divine the first bite, the excitement wore off after awhile. husband had a specialty sandwich: on wheat, salami, bacon, avacado, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. He said it was good. Both sandwiches came with chips in a small bag usually used for french fries. My guess is that they took a small bag of chips and split it between those two fry bags. I’m not saying I felt jipped, in fact it was better for me… calorie control at its best. Free wifi Magazines(but no trashy ones, darn.) Slow service, but they’re nice — — — — — — - suggestion? parents get your grown up food &coffee here, then take the kids for some fro-yo at Frog-gie’s a couple stores down. The kids will be distracted while you enjoy your meal :)
Nick D.
Classificação do local: 5 SoMa, San Francisco, CA
Eventhough I live in Fremont, sometimes getting to this part of town can be a hassle but of course, after I finally make the visit, I knock myself on the head as to why I waited so long! Me and the BFF were done running an errand on Saturday afternoon and we were in the mood for some coffee and a snack, but definitely didn’t want Starbucks/Peets. It was an opportune time to check out Covent Garden! Walked in and we were both instantly gravitating towards the dessert case. The BFF got the Cheesecake and a Mocha and I got their Lemon Tart and a good ol’ Coffee . The guy helping us was ultra genuinely friendly along with the other two individuals behind the counter, figuring they’re all family. Definitely got the warm and fuzzies and it wasn’t the hot summer weather outside! :) Found a table, which there aren’t too many off, but they also have a counter with stools by the window. While waiting, we were looking at their Sandos menu and quickly got hungry. We decided a second trip would be in our very near future. Our desserts and caffeine were brought out and were presented in a simple but not over the top way. We had a taste of each other’s dessert and I abso loved their Cheesecake! The Lemon Tart was delicious, not too tart and not too sweet either. If I recall, both desserts were priced at $ 2.65 give or take a few cents, what a deal! And, I have to profess my love for Illy Coffee… that’ll put any other coffee to shame… yeah, I’m talking to you Starbucks and Peets! When we were getting ready to leave, a little band was getting ready to play and the café started to get packed. I thought that was really cool, having a place to just relax, have coffee, enjoy dessert or a Sando while listening to some live tunes. Bottom line, CGC is a great mom & pop establishment with delicious menu offerings. I’ll definitely be making future appearance here!
Jeanette S.
Classificação do local: 3 San Francisco, CA
This place is a really cute and local sandwich shop! When I was in high school I came here often for lunch. It was big enough for me to share a sandwich with someone because it comes with two halves. It’s been a while since I’ve come here, but I remember I know that the egg salad, the pesto, and the veggie sandwich are good. :)
Bernadette A.
Classificação do local: 2 Fremont, CA
I am reviewing this place based solely on their BLTA and tomato basil soup. All the items on the menu sounded deelish. However, the bacon in the BLTA was limp. I cannot stand limp bacon! Especially if it’s the main component of the sandwich. It wasn’t salty enough either. Ever have bland bacon? Not nice. The tomato basil soup was just ok. A little on the sweet side. Now, I’m not sure if it’s from the tomatoes or if they added a little bit of sugar in it. I am willing to go back to try the other items on the menu though.
William D.
Classificação do local: 5 Fremont, CA
Ok i’m basing this review based on the Chicken Teriyaki Sandwich. That sandwich is really good and light with a bit of mayo and coleslaw. What threw it over the top was the service from the owner. The place is modern and clean and has some singaporean dishes that are very authentic. the reason I’m giving them 5 stars is b/c I called them about 15 mins after they closed(not knowing they close at 6pm) and the owner was nice enough to STILL make me a sandwich and wait for me to get to the store which was 20 mins after the store closed. I was late to meet my friends at Elizabeth Park and she even gave me extra plates and utensils for my friends b/c she knew I was going to a mini picnic. If that isn’t service I don’t know what is. Hard to find places with superb friendly service like that.
Dee A.
Classificação do local: 5 San Leandro, CA
Came here for the first time a couple of weeks ago coz I’ve seen this café mentioned on my friends fb page. It was one of those rainy days. with a light drizzle and a nice day just to hagn out and have a sandwich and coffee. Tried a reuben sandwich for the first time at this place and fell in love with it. My husband got the teryaki sandwich and that was just as good. Love their large portion coffee! Love the fact that it’s Illy’s coffee! Worth the drive from San Leandro for their food.
Danielle D.
Classificação do local: 5 Fremont, CA
I’ve been hovering(which is different from stalking) around this place for a few days now. And I’ve got to say that it should be renamed the«Hidden Garden»(like that, funny right?). When you go in its a pretty low key place to begin with, but the food is definitely high class. Everybody needs to have a taste of their macarons(they’re like macaroons i guess… but better). They come in different flavors like rose, honeydew, strawberry, or whatever they felt like making that day. My favorite are the orange macarons, but despite flavor you are sure to have a great cookie. Its like a little sandwich of melt in your mouth macaron with a center layer of crème. Try and keep your mouth closed eating these, I dare you. The cookies are enough reason to come in, but the sandos(they’re what they call sandwiches… they can call ‘em whatever they want) are great and so is the service. There must be three or four moms working back there because they’re the nicest, most adorable, Asian ladies I have seen in a café. I’m definitely going to come back again.
Hobby-less R.
Classificação do local: 5 Fremont, CA
Thanks to Unilocalers, or else I would never had discovered this café in the mission area. I had the Chicken terriyaki sando… it was really good!!! Even my picky toddler ate a lot of my sando so it must be pretty damn good. The café is very clean and the people are very nice. One of the lady asked to refill my daughter’s sippy cup with water. I certainly didn’t expect her to do… it was very nice of her for doing that. The macaroons were good. I had 4 at one sitting… LOL. Looks like a very nice place to hang out. I’d go back for sure but just don’t know when coz it’s kinda out of the way for us. but I had a very pleasant time there this afternoon.
Chris T.
Classificação do local: 5 San Francisco, CA
My favorite café in Fremont, hands down. Covent Garden Café was my home away from home(NYC) for a week in January at a time I when needed(1) great coffee,(2) tasty snacks,(3) free wifi, and(4) serenity so that I could finish an academic paper. Covent delivered on all four fronts; it appears to be one of Fremont’s best kept secrets although it has been open for a few years. Covent’s stellar Unilocal reviews and idiosyncratic name(named after the London neighborhood, I gather) enticed me to try it after many years of patronizing Mission Coffee(just down the street on Washington Boulevard; more about Mission Coffee below). Agnes and Covent’s other owners serve excellent sandwiches(the chicken teriyaki is superior to Mission Burger’s, though I recommend getting light mayo), homemade soups(the roasted chicken noodle is tasty and peppery), homemade scones and pastries, and coffee and espresso(featuring Illy beans) in a charming setting. My all-time favorite is Covent’s Singaporean coffee. [It’s not on the menu, but if you join me in ordering it, maybe it will be!] My wife and I discovered Covent shortly after a trip to Singapore and as serendipity would have it, we came upon the good Singaporean folks who own Covent. On more than one occasion Agnes whipped up delicious Singaporean coffee for me(«kopi-c-kosong,» featuring strong brewed coffee and condensed milk — rich and highly caffeinated); it was every bit as good as what I had in Singapore. As Victor H. mentioned, Covent is immaculate. In the past, sticky wooden surfaces and grungy power outlets made me think twice about plunking myself down at Mission Coffee for a few hours. This is certainly not a fear I have about Covent. Moreover, while Mission Coffee has its virtues — tasty scones and a warm atmosphere, to name a few — aiding productivity is not one of them.
Victor H.
Classificação do local: 4 Union City, CA
What do you get when Singaporean immigrants open up a café? The cleanest café ever. I mean it… this place is clean. I’m pretty sure if you were to spit on the ground someone would grab you by the ears and give you 20 spanks with a huge paddle. Fear the paddle. I came here to do work and realized quickly that this wasn’t the kind of café I was looking for. It’s definitely not a place where I would go and do work for hours on end but would be a place where I would go to grab a quick bite to eat. The food here is fresh and tasty. Personally, they have one of the nicest looking kitchens I’ve ever seen in a café. They serve Illy’s coffee and they do a good job with their espressos as I enjoyed my latte immensely. Really nice people behind the counter as well. I guess I had the wrong expectations going in and was thinking I’d find a homey coffeeshop where as I found a nice little café instead… and it’s really really clean.
Peg S.
Classificação do local: 4 El Cerrito, CA
It’s Covent, not Convent. It’s sando, not sandwich, and it’s macaron, not macaroon, got it? They’ve got fine lunchtime eats. Friendly, welcoming service. My turkey club sando was tasty, healthy & filling. Made with fresh bread, ripe tomatoes, and crisp lettuce. Just the right proportion of turkey, cheese, mayo, and avocado and then lightly seasoned with pepper. Oh, and their macarons? Restraining myself to just one on this visit(they also had coconut and lemon), my pistachio macaron was light, pretty(altho’ the filling a little on the artificially colored side), and sizeable($ 1.50).
Kris W.
Classificação do local: 5 Oakland, CA
BEST vegetarian sandwich I’ve EVER had. Period. First off, they call their sandwiches«sandos.» I still call ‘em «sammiches»(as in, «Git in that kitchen and make me a sammich, woman!»). But I refuse to order them as such. Sorry, I’m still calling it a sandwich in public. Second, the café’s décor matches the cutesiness of the word«sando.» Super clean and they have free wi-fi. Third, the Grilled Veggie sando is heaven. Grilled eggplant AND portobello mushrooms(they’re not sheisty with the primo veggies), roasted red peppers, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and pepper jack on toasted whole wheat! This is a lumberjack meal for a vegetarian! Fourth, why don’t I work within walking distance of this place?!? If I’ve sold you on the amazingness that is Covent Garden, please take my car-less and, more importantly, hungry butt with you! Thanks! Sidenote: Most of their breakfast items are served with a scoop of ice cream! ICECREAM. FORBREAKFAST. INPUBLIC. Is a new era dawning upon us? A world where a girl does not have to burrow herself away, for fear of public jeers, in her hovel whilst inhaling ice cream and cake for breakfast? Probably not, but this could be a start!
Joanne H.
Classificação do local: 5 San Leandro, CA
they now serve yummy french parisian MACARONS!!! so good … so so good. Had their terriyaki sandwich yesterday… again, it’s the best terriyaki sandwich yet
Veronica S.
Classificação do local: 5 San Francisco, CA
By far the best coffee joint in town! I was impressed when I heard they serve Illy because it’s hard to find authentic Italian cappuccinos and espressos around the East & South Bay. usually have to drive up to Blue Bottle in the city but Covent Garden definitely has top quality Italian coffee, superior to Starbucks. They also serve fresh sandwiches and cakes/desserts made daily. Worth to check out