Restaurants in San Rafael
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Best Restaurants
“Such fresh good food. I made my own scramble it was beyond delicious!!!”
“Great authentic Indian & Nepalese cuisine. I had the chilly fish and it was delicious! Very nice family owned and hand grown spices. Good prices too.”
Restaurants by Cuisine
Recommended Restaurants
“Fresh, unique and delish menu items - tons of flavor. nice environment and great serivce!”
“panuchos , frijol con puerco y salmo les invito a que prueben”
“Fresh, unique and delish menu items - tons of flavor. nice environment and great serivce!”
“Above Fifth is the rooftop bar of the AC Hotel in San Rafael, CA. The hotel is part of the Marriott hotel franchise. Yes, a franchise hotel is in downtown San Rafael. Times are a changin'.
Anyways, the bar is open 4pm-11pm Wednesday-Sunday, closed on Monday - Tuesday. The hotel is about 54 feet tall so it is not particular tall, but tall enough for some awesome views of downtown, surrounding hills, and Mount Tam. The seating area, like the hotel, has modern upscale aesthetics with relaxed vibes.
The views are gorgeous. The staff are sweethearts, five star service. The drinks and tapas menu price points are of course pricey. But what was up with the stained paper menus. Eww. Anyways, the fam ordered drinks (cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks) and tapas of olives, hummus and pita, and fingerling potatoes. The olives were delicious and it was a good medley of various kinds. The fingerling potatoes were a bit boring tasting, it could use more seasonings for added zing. Not sure how the green hummus tasted, I snoozed on that one.
Overall, the drinks are good, ambiance fantastic, and the food is meh. This is a type of place I would go for special occasions and not on a regular basis, my wallet cannot sustain it.”
“I drove my wife into San Rafael to have dinner with her friends at the San Rafael Joe's. She cut me loose to have my own private meal. I chose The Burren House because it is a) a pub b) they had the World Cup on and c) it's a pub. Brynna my server was very helpful in selecting my food. It started out quiet as I had arrived pretty early but got noisier as time went on. Sitting in the back, there were panels which helped diffuse the noise and I happily worked on Reuben Sliders and Irish Nachos. My only regret was ordering a coke and not the Guiness Zero which piqued my interest. At the end I managed to work on a Cheesecake which was not overly sweet but still rich. All in all, I enjoyed my solo husband night thanks to The Burren and its staff.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“This guy is an Italian genius when it comes to food! The combinations of flavors he comes up with would rival any great Italian chef. I met him while selling at a local farmers market a while ago-during or right after the pandemic. Restaurants were closed and he needed a way to support himself and to carry on his love of cooking and, thankfully, he came up with this business plan. Check out his website and i promise you will not be disappointed! Absolutely delicious and freshly made options available!”
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This spot is SO good…I eat here all the time since it’s right down the street and I’ve honestly never had a bad meal…🔥…great food, great service, always hits… Plus Bad Bunny stopped by here a few years ago…and he also said it was good…😍…he wasn’t lying…🇵🇷✨ Highly Recommend 💯”
“Fantastic service by the bartenders, delicious cocktails, exceptional vibes. We headed here for a casual afterparty after our wedding and could not be more happy with that decision. Honestly one of the best bars we’ve been to. Music volume just right, ambiance just right – 5-star experience.”
“This was my first time visiting Oddcha while heading home from San Francisco, and it definitely caught my attention because of the great reviews.
We ordered the Coconut Bomb and the Thai Twister, and both drinks were excellent. They weren’t overly sweet and had a really refreshing flavor. The boba also tasted fresh, which made the drinks even better.
Ordering was easy using their kiosk system. One thing to note is that parking is located behind the shop. It was a bit confusing at first since the store is on a very busy road, but once you find the back parking area, it’s much more convenient.
Overall, a great stop for refreshing drinks—I’d definitely come back!”
“I really like this cafe which sells authentic Yemeni snacks and drinks addition to the usual fare you would expect in any good coffee shop. The ambience is very open and welcoming with a few sofas to sit on if you want to feel extra comfortable. It's located in a vibrant area of downtown San Rafael.”
“Located in a parking lot behind Safeway, tphis place is a gem! They are so nice and the food is excellent! My favorite is the pupusas. The breakfast burrito is also one of the best I've had. They cook everything to order so it's super fresh. There is a place to sit and eat under a canopy.”
“We had our lunch in red rooster brick oven and it was the best atmosphere that’s family friendly, the food was delicious and the owners were very nice. We will be visiting again and we highly recommend this restaurant.”
“Stopped by recently on a hot summer day for some gelato. Talk about a perfect repast to beat the summer heat. I had hazelnut and mango, and the portions are very generous. I didn't ask, but I think they make the cones in-house. Anyway, strange combination, I know. The mango was immediately delicious but I think I messed up combining the two because when it came time for the hazelnut, I was too full to truly enjoy the depth of flavor. Next time, I'll get it to take home. I love the location, it's in one of my favorite areas of San Rafael with shopping, good food and entertainment in abundance. Haven't had the pizza yet, but I'm a New Yorker and we're picky about our slices!”
Outdoor Dining
“I came with my family here, very clean place, clean restroom, clean everything, good food. Fast service, but please ladies from the front (customer service) smile, you take care of the customer like robots, next, thank you , next, thank you next. I was looking at every single person that was receiving their orders to make sure that chips are given to some odres or to every order. We order two burritos, one pupusa and twelve tacos. We did not received chips at all. I saw people that purchase tacos , receiving their chips, this wasn’t my case. No one gave us our chips😟”
“My husband and I came here for breakfast before our hike in Muir Woods. Husband got the huevos rancheros with house potatoes which was really good! I got the Mexican scramble with hash browns and I think this was literally the best omelette I’ve ever had. I was so full for hours afterwards (and yes, even after the hike I barely had any room for anything else). Would highly recommend!
Also, the man and lady behind the counter were also very nice!”
“With much anticipation I dove into my Korean Cheese Steak. It was perfection with a gorgeous bun lightly crispy on the outside and rendering to softly chewy delight wrapped around an ideal mixture of bulgogi beef, onions peppers and gobs of melted provolone (jalapeños from the secret menu). Thanks to Isabelle and Jose for the polite and efficient assistance.
Highly recommend especially with the new dinner hours til 7pm!”
“Stopped by recently on a hot summer day for some gelato. Talk about a perfect repast to beat the summer heat. I had hazelnut and mango, and the portions are very generous. I didn't ask, but I think they make the cones in-house. Anyway, strange combination, I know. The mango was immediately delicious but I think I messed up combining the two because when it came time for the hazelnut, I was too full to truly enjoy the depth of flavor. Next time, I'll get it to take home. I love the location, it's in one of my favorite areas of San Rafael with shopping, good food and entertainment in abundance. Haven't had the pizza yet, but I'm a New Yorker and we're picky about our slices!”
“We had the most delicious pastas and wine! The service was fantastic as well. We highly recommend TKT for your next night out!! Even our toddler was impressed!”
“We are new to the area/California from NY we were delighted to find pizza as amazing as home! Friendly owner and staff.”
Online Reservation Available
“Above Fifth is the rooftop bar of the AC Hotel in San Rafael, CA. The hotel is part of the Marriott hotel franchise. Yes, a franchise hotel is in downtown San Rafael. Times are a changin'.
Anyways, the bar is open 4pm-11pm Wednesday-Sunday, closed on Monday - Tuesday. The hotel is about 54 feet tall so it is not particular tall, but tall enough for some awesome views of downtown, surrounding hills, and Mount Tam. The seating area, like the hotel, has modern upscale aesthetics with relaxed vibes.
The views are gorgeous. The staff are sweethearts, five star service. The drinks and tapas menu price points are of course pricey. But what was up with the stained paper menus. Eww. Anyways, the fam ordered drinks (cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks) and tapas of olives, hummus and pita, and fingerling potatoes. The olives were delicious and it was a good medley of various kinds. The fingerling potatoes were a bit boring tasting, it could use more seasonings for added zing. Not sure how the green hummus tasted, I snoozed on that one.
Overall, the drinks are good, ambiance fantastic, and the food is meh. This is a type of place I would go for special occasions and not on a regular basis, my wallet cannot sustain it.”
“I drove my wife into San Rafael to have dinner with her friends at the San Rafael Joe's. She cut me loose to have my own private meal. I chose The Burren House because it is a) a pub b) they had the World Cup on and c) it's a pub. Brynna my server was very helpful in selecting my food. It started out quiet as I had arrived pretty early but got noisier as time went on. Sitting in the back, there were panels which helped diffuse the noise and I happily worked on Reuben Sliders and Irish Nachos. My only regret was ordering a coke and not the Guiness Zero which piqued my interest. At the end I managed to work on a Cheesecake which was not overly sweet but still rich. All in all, I enjoyed my solo husband night thanks to The Burren and its staff.”
“Freewheelin is a great place to grab a beer, chill out, and relax. The beers are tasty and flavorful. I had the Kelpie Gold Lager and it was one of the best lagers I've had in the Bay Area. I also tried some sips from my partner's IPA and it was excellent. They're open for the World Cup games so please check them out while you still have time!
They don't have good, but there's a Pupuseria next door and they sell snacks, hummus, and Pita chips. Not bad considering the liquid calories you're sure to enjoy.”
“The pizza, the calamari, the mozzarella sticks, the margaritas, what an exceptional find. The service was top notch and the pizza so good i ate the crusts, it’s that type, i never eat the crusts. We left feeling well taken care of. Sean, the manager, was making us feel welcome in every possible way. I’ve heard the clam chowder and salads are amazing as well, we will be back!! Prime rib?! French dip!?! Yes please!!!!”
“Honestly didn't have high hopes booking this on short notice for a special anniversary dinner, but the place absolutely came through. We were welcomed warmly, our table was beautifully set, and the staff had noted the occasion when I booked — which meant little thoughtful touches throughout the evening without ever being over the top. The food was the real highlight. Each course was a proper step up, with portions generous enough to satisfy and presentation lovely enough to feel like a special meal. Our server's wine pairings were spot on. The bill was very fair given the whole experience. Already locked in as next year's anniversary spot. Genuinely lovely.”
“Delicious food! Very unassuming, we were so happy we stopped in, food and service were top notch 🍝”
“Outstanding, quality meats from experienced and knowledgeable butchers. Very friendly service and accommodating. My go to butcher!”
24 Hour Restaurants
“This place made the tastiest veggie curry dish - I asked for the Channa Masala extra spicy and they did such a great job! Their garlic naan is very good too. I am not an expert or Indian food aficionado. However, I love the taste of their food and the girl I spoke with over the phone was very sweet!”
“From the moment I walked in, I knew this place was special. The aroma of simmering broth instantly pulled me in, and every bite lived up to the promise. The pho was perfection — rich, fragrant, and full of depth, with tender slices of beef and perfectly cooked noodles. You can taste the care and tradition in every spoonful.
Whether you’re a pho fanatic or trying it for the first time, this is the place to go. I’ll definitely be coming back again and again!”
Takeout Restaurants
“Stopped here on the way from SF to Napa and it was the perfect coffee shop pit stop. They offer a great variety of coffee and tea options, many with a distinct Thai influence. The authentic Thai coffees and teas are especially noteworthy, with beans sourced from Thailand and roasted in-house. In addition to drinks, they also have smoothies, boba, and some food options. The thoughtful Thai decor throughout the space is beautiful and adds a unique charm, and the service was excellent. We ordered the Thai iced coffee and green tea—both were fantastic—but we’ll definitely be stopping again on our next road trip to try their boba.”
“This place made the tastiest veggie curry dish - I asked for the Channa Masala extra spicy and they did such a great job! Their garlic naan is very good too. I am not an expert or Indian food aficionado. However, I love the taste of their food and the girl I spoke with over the phone was very sweet!”
“The name says it all and it's the truth. The most delicious fast food chicken in the area and the prices are wonderful. A 3pc Tender order is enough for 2 reasonable meals and makes the BEST sammich when I pair it with some fresh Bordenaves sourdough. Always busy but if you order ahead it's super fast. So glad I found them. It's also CLEAN and there's plenty of parking btw.”
“From the moment I walked in, I knew this place was special. The aroma of simmering broth instantly pulled me in, and every bite lived up to the promise. The pho was perfection — rich, fragrant, and full of depth, with tender slices of beef and perfectly cooked noodles. You can taste the care and tradition in every spoonful.
Whether you’re a pho fanatic or trying it for the first time, this is the place to go. I’ll definitely be coming back again and again!”
“I have been coming here to get the mushroom banh mi for years. It's some of the tastiest in the bay with great pickled veggies and yummy sauce.
I would pass on planning to eat at the restaurant as it's not very relaxing and the lack of restroom would definitely eventually be a bummer.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“This is the best Bahn Mi sandwich I’ve had in the Marin… dare I say the Bay Area. The menu is limited and the decor is simple inside but the owner and staff are super nice and friendly. They make sandwiches quickly. And the bang mi sandwiches are amazing. I think it’s the bread. Their bread is great.
Menu is limited to chicken, tofu/veggie, pork and ham and cheese banh mi, but one they make incredible sandwiches.
Highly recommend this place if you’re craving Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwiches.”
“I grew up in San Jose and spent several years in Oakland. After moving to Marin, I got tired of driving back to the East Bay on a regular quest for Mexican and Central American food that’s actually eaten by the people who grew up with it.
We ordered cheese pupusas and plantains with beans and crema. I asked if they could add fresh jalapeños to the pupusas, and they happily agreed without any attitude. The staff was genuinely welcoming and kind.
The pupusa masa was outstanding. I want another one today. Light, tender, and flavorful. Easily my new favorite pupusa masa anywhere. There was enough cheese but not so much that it's overwhelming. PLENTY of jalepeno. The curtido was a bit wilted, and the sauce wasn’t the best I’ve ever had, but they neither took away from how good the pupusas themselves were and I finished all of it. I’ll absolutely be back.
The plantains were perfectly ripened, sliced into rounds, and deep fried so they had a slight crust. Soft inside, crisp outside. Truly heavenly.
Atmosphere isn’t really applicable here, and that’s not a knock. This is a low-cost eatery with paper napkins. The space was clean and roomy, the music was at a reasonable volume, the staff were welcoming, accommodating, and friendly, and they had a clean bathroom. No complaints.
I’m excited to come back and work my way through the rest of the menu, if I can stay away from the pupusa and plantains.”
“The best sandwiches around!! I tried #2 & 5. Like them cuz they are the least bready, most crunchy sandwiches. The meat is flavorful and the crispy crunchy veggies really add a lot of texture and flavor. This is not about atmosphere, it’s all about flavor & texture.”
“Super cute atmosphere and decorations. I got the chicken katsu, would 100% recommend. Tried the chef’s choice sashimi and all the fish was great quality and delicious. The service was fast and reliable. A nice late night spot and worth stopping by!”
“Love take out. The best minestrone and garlic bread. Yummy. Try it.”
Cheap Eats
“Baked Blooms absolutely came through for me last minute! I needed three boxes of cupcake bouquets for a Sweet 15, and they were able to help me on very short notice. I called the day before just to see if there was any way they could make it happen, and Sarah was so kind and accommodating. She went out of her way to set everything aside for me and made the whole process stress free.
The cupcake bouquets were beautiful and such a hit at the party. You can really tell they care about their customers and put love into what they do. I’m so grateful for their help and would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for both amazing treats and excellent customer service!”
“We’ve ordered from Wrap N Kabob on DoorDash quite a few times, but this was our first time dining in, and we’re so glad we did! I had the chicken kabob plate, and my husband had the koobideh kabob. Everything was incredibly fresh, perfectly cooked, and clearly made to order. The chicken was juicy and flavorful, the koobideh was tender and delicious, and the rice and grilled vegetables were excellent. The hot sauce is a must-try—it adds the perfect kick!
The restaurant itself is small, but don’t let that fool you. It’s a hidden gem with amazing food, generous portions, and friendly service. We’ll definitely be coming back. If you’re in San Rafael and love fresh Mediterranean/Persian food, this place is absolutely worth a visit. 5 stars!”
“A fortunate discovery situated directly adjacent to the AC San Rafael Downtown hotel — an excellent option for breakfast before a full day of activities.
| Visited with colleagues, with each person ordering independently — a useful indicator of overall kitchen consistency
| The chef's special omelette with corned beef hash was the standout dish — exceptionally well-executed, rich in flavour and generously portioned
| The traditional Irish-style breakfast was prepared to a high standard — precisely the kind of substantial, satisfying meal one would want before a productive day
| Service was attentive and genuinely welcoming throughout
| The location is particularly convenient for guests staying in the immediate area
For those seeking a quality breakfast in San Rafael, Lundy's Home Cooking comes highly recommended. A establishment that delivers on both food and hospitality.”
“A “Must Stop” for lunch! The best sourdough bread I’ve ever had. Wanted to go back and just order a bunch of bread to take home and spoil the family. The perfect crispy crust and then soft chew center with lots of wonderful savory sourness. I had the Ham & Pastrami. Perfect fresh ingredients. Everything you want in a deli sandwich at a reasonable price. Lots of selections so I’m heading back for future yummy bites. Excellent personal service.”
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“This is one of those gems hidden in a little strip mall that doesn't even have an official sign - I'm not even sure how I discovered it, but I'm glad I did. The tenders are TENDER and delicious (you can get regular or crispy), and the fries are really good - kind of McDonald's adjacent. Yum. It's not fancy -oh no - but who cares? I'm hooked.”
“Food is amazing, authentic and just all around a great deal! This is the first place I've found here in Cali that puts hominy in their menudo like my hometown does! Their tamales are huge and their burritos STUFFED! highly recommend! Just heads up, when they ask if you want salsa, they mean Pico de Gallo. They call their actual salsa hot sauce!”
“We had an amazing lunch experience at Foodles today! The bibimbap, chicken katsu, and "Breakfast #4" were all exceptionally delicious. The service was equally impressive—warm, attentive, and truly welcoming. The cozy atmosphere made our meal even more enjoyable. Love this place! We will definately come back.”
“Contrary to what people say about the food, it’s good and fresh. From my experience, people just don’t know how to look and read the menu. Glad this is a smaller shop so they have more autonomy to deal with people’s lack of reading skills. Some people are just never please. Perfect place to get food with a group of 4 too.”
Latest Reviews
“Have dined at Le Chalet Basque for more than 20 years. Our recent meal with lamb chops, fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes and split pea soup served with crumbled blue cheese salad couldn't have been better. Fresh ingredients, great wine and excellent service will keep us returning again and again.”
“I have always loved the Gloria Jeans drinks in fact I used to work at the Ontario Mills Mall in Ontario California at Gloria Jeans there it was owned by Katie Chuck a very nice lady to work for but unfortunately she closed her business I miss working there that was back in 2002 -2006 4 years I had worked for her I still know how to make every drink we had back then cold and hot drinks speciality drinks which were the holiday drinks I remember the measurements to brew coffee ☕️ for the day when you work there for that long everything sticks with you but as for today I’m sure many things have changed as the years went by but I do still see some of the same coffee beans we had back then I wish we had one here in applevalley California we used to have one in the Victorville Mall years ago but that one has gone out of business as well years ago please ?? someone bring Gloria Jeans back to the High desert of California Applevalley California we need one here desperately I’m so sick of Starbucks they overroast their beans which gives the drinks a burnt taste of course they will deny it there is nothing like a Gloria Jeans coffee ☕️ hot or cold simply the best you can’t get any better then Gloria Jeans Coffee..❤️”
Most Popular Restaurants
“Went here after a long day on Mount Tamalpais…it was undoubtedly the best part of the trip. We came at around 8:30pm yesterday and almost nobody was there—It was cozy and relaxing. The server (whose name I unfortunately didn’t catch) was amazing; he was funny, sweet, and attentive. I ordered a chocolate malt and it was absolutely delicious!! To eat, I got the chili bowl and was not disappointed. I scarfed that, along with the cornbread muffin, down quick lol. I also stole a bite of my mom’s chicken fried steak and YUM. Food came out super fast, and the prices were reasonable! Overall, great place. :)”
“Sanaa Cafe offers an excellent selection of coffee, desserts, and delicious Fatayer. The atmosphere is truly unique, featuring authentic Yemeni architecture and Coffee. It is a perfect environment for productivity; it’s inviting, bring your laptop and work while enjoying a Sanaa Adani Chai or a Pistachio Mocha. I also highly recommend trying our delicious pistachio cheesecake.”
“Popped in on July 4 and we’re so lucky this place was open! Owner was super friendly and let me try a few flavors before I landed on the flavors mint and dark chocolate and sea salt (sorbet).
My partner got the blueberry cheesecake - also delicious. Flavors change every month so we’ll definitely be back
Plenty of parking out front. I wish we lived closer so we could’ve bought pints that wouldn’t melt by the time we got home”
“My favorite taqueria in Marin at the level of SF and Oakland/Berkeley taquerias. Their super seafood burrito is awesome 🌯
Really good nachos, really good grilled fish tacos. I just had their fajita burrito for the first time and loved it. Nice selection of beers on tap too at reasonable prices.”
“I was really impressed with this McDonald’s — the service here is honestly top-notch. The staff was quick and friendly, and everything came out fresh. The atmosphere inside is surprisingly chill too, super quiet, almost like having noise-cancelling on while you eat.
I was especially happy to see my favorite burger, the Daily Double, back on the menu — that’s actually the reason I came to this location, and it didn’t disappoint. Great food, great vibe, definitely one of the better McDonald’s I’ve been to.”
“I am from Kansas City Missouri. We like to eat at places we dont have at home. Habit burger was the second place we chose and we should have chosen habit burger first. The food was amazing. The fries were perfectly salted. The employees were really helpful since we are from out of state.”
New Restaurants
“Popped in on July 4 and we’re so lucky this place was open! Owner was super friendly and let me try a few flavors before I landed on the flavors mint and dark chocolate and sea salt (sorbet).
My partner got the blueberry cheesecake - also delicious. Flavors change every month so we’ll definitely be back
Plenty of parking out front. I wish we lived closer so we could’ve bought pints that wouldn’t melt by the time we got home”
“Always drive past on the way to work, tried it for the first time today. Kind staff and a variety of drink options. More importantly, DELICIOUS sandwiches. Mine had brie and tomato in it. The brie was so creamy and you can taste the freshness of the tomatoes and the bread tasted nice and soft. Definitely coming here again!”
“*TLDR: Order on the app*
I called via phone, they spoke in Spanish only (good thing my Duolingo lessons paid off)..I ordered a hot & ready, and yes it was ready in 7min..Daniel and Hector, good customer service, reassured my order in person and gave receipt. Cut pizza properly out the oven and served well. Order on the app for rewards and for sure easier pickup.”
“Place is great. Great customer service. The sushi's are amazing and yes, all you can eat for $40. Place has people conversing and a soccer game showing but best of all is the sushi. Worth visiting. Park from behind 4th street, you'll get a 2 hour limit parking fee for 75 cents and hour. The place has a fair amount of tables. My Pastor referred me and I tried. At first the male waiter didn't recognize me as a customer until I spoke up but the female customer who took over was nicer to me. Didn't charge me for the extra dish I couldn't finish for this one time only but gave her a big tip. Even though some discrimination took place I enjoyed it.”
Recommended
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This spot is SO good…I eat here all the time since it’s right down the street and I’ve honestly never had a bad meal…🔥…great food, great service, always hits… Plus Bad Bunny stopped by here a few years ago…and he also said it was good…😍…he wasn’t lying…🇵🇷✨ Highly Recommend 💯”