Location: San Rafael
Top Restaurants in San Rafael
Top Things to do in San Rafael
Most Popular Restaurants in San Rafael
San Rafael (/ˌsæn rəˈfɛl/ SAN rə-FEL; Spanish pronunciation: [san rafaˈel] "Saint Raphael") is a city and the county seat of Marin County, California, United States. The city is located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. As of the 2010 census the city's population is 57,713.
Things to do in San Rafael
1. Picco Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By BenjiBusinessDog - San Francisco, California
Spectacular food, casual atmosphere, good staff. The toasted gnocchi and french fries are world class (although eliminating the romesco FF sauce is a bummer). Truly. Avocado bruschetta and tuna tartar are long term winners. Run, don't walk, to Larkspur. Ask for the soft serve ice cream from the (excellent) sister pizzeria next door; not on the menu, yet delicious. Only complaint is the sticky toffee cake, otherwise known as the best dessert in NorCal has goon missing. :(
2. Sol Food Puerto Rican Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 575 reviews
Reviewed By ViewsAndReviews - Albuquerque, New Mexico
This beautifully appointed cozy restaurant is a foodie delight and truly transports me back to many wonderful Puerto Rican memories. The atmosphere is fun and the decor is too including a wall of old doors. Food so good I returned two days in a row before leaving town! Try the Huevos Benedictos over tostones— nice wheat free diversion made to perfection! Day 2 back for a Jamon y Queuso sandwich on tostones....plus a Cafe Helado. Adorable fun atmosphere and long lines to get in so go early— recommend 11 am. Metered parking but a few blocks away are free 2- hour spots and the train is close by too. Cute downtown area for walking and people watching.
3. Valenti & Co
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
We make our own pastas, butchering, bread, pastries... we make extensive use of wholesome local and Italian ingredients and even grow several of our fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables and raise our own eggs in a state certified facility. We like to be wholesome, it's hard work, but like chef Valenti says "after all, I do eat here everyday!" Our wine list is crafted around our cuisine, so we feature mostly Northern Italian wines some of which you'll be thrilled to discover. On any given day we have at least 20 wines by the glass and on-tap from $6 and up.
Reviewed By Irwin T
If you can get a reservation, though somewhat expensive, a dinner here is well worth it. Everything about our dining experience was wonderful. The menu dishes are not the ordinary fare. Our dinner was well prepared and presented. Our server took care of our needs without being intrusive. There was no rushing, we spent two hours there with our friends.
4. Comforts Restaurant & Deli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By Joan88 - Mill Valley, California
Known for their famously delicious chicken salad...we love the tofu version...you can also eat here for breakfast or lunch...inside or out. Hard working staff. Lines form at the takeout counters for a reason...good choices abound! Goes pretty fast and staff is friendly. A San Anselmo treasure!
5. Panama Hotel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By GoGlobalMan - Sausalito, California
Came for a Holiday luncheon in this historic, charming Inn in a residential neighborhood in central San Rafael. Quaint restaurant with inside, patio and covered outside dining. The place was very busy and a little noisy, but it transpired the Holiday mood in a larger city. Very friendly hostess and my reservation was honored immediately even seating us at a bigger table. Good choice menu. I can recommend the Panama burger. Nicely poured, good quality local and foreign wines. Prompt and professional service. Reasonable prices. Overall a very pleasant experience. They also have sophisticated life music on weekday evenings. Will be back for dinner and entertainment.
6. Cafe Arrivederci
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By almasst - Los Gatos, California
First time eating here. Brusscetta, caprese , pasta primavera and parpadelle with sausage and creamy tomato sauce. Very tasty. Nice atmosphere and friendly service. Recommend if eating in the area.
7. Insalata's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By halesbernicecrystal - London, United Kingdom
We came for Thanksgiving and had a great time. The staff were so friendly and helpful, happily sorting out the different requests of a large family group. The Thanksgiving lunch was quite delicious - everyone loved the freshness and flavours of the food. Best dishes were the salad, the vegetarian lunch and apple galette. We loved the space here with high ceilings and foodie art work on the walls - altogether a great place for a family get together.
8. Terrapin Crossroads
Overall Ratings
4 based on 257 reviews
Terrapin Crossroads is a healthy down-home all-American eatery, taproom & lounge. We provide a comfortable, family-friendly environment, that merges music with food. We pride ourselves on our fresh, unique beer selection and a delicious and approachable menu. Terrapin Crossroads is a restaurant that celebrates the arts; and our kitchen staff showcases their passion for the culinary arts each day. We believe that our menu exhibits their passion through its creative, fresh and exciting choices. We love what we do, and every day we relish watching the joy people find in the surroundings here. Terrapin Crossroads will also host ongoing shows where Phil will invite his musician friends – both young and old – to play along with him in his various bands - Phil Lesh & Friends, West Coast Rambles, the Fellowship and the Terrapin All Stars.
Reviewed By SurFun5389 - Tiburon, California
This is a great place to hear some great local bands and even a local legend along with a great bar and ok bar food this is the place
A great outside patio and a fun time for your kids
A don’t miss stop in the summer and a big plus for us boat owners a nice free dock to enjoy
9. Crepevine Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By YourCardShark - San Francisco Bay Area
Crepevine has moved up 4th Street. Not sure why they moved - the previous place was a little easier to park around back. That said, Crepevine is a great, easy-going place to get a crepe-based meal, whether sweet or savory. You can also basically get any of their "crepes" as a salad or scramble. It's a good lunch or breakfast - open even when other restaurants are in their "swing" time (like 2-3 pm) if you need a bite. Good desserts, also have wine.
10. Il Davide Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By Anne M - San Francisco, California, United States
We always have a great experience here. Either just the two of us or with friends. Delicious food and drink, and really good service. A perennial favorite.
