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Best Italian Restaurants in San Rafael

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15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of La Toscana Ristorante restaurant
1. La Toscana Ristorante
4.7
Exceptional(1540)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Rafael
Booked 21 times today
We are centrally located off Hwy. 101 in San Rafael, across for the famous Frank Lloyd Wright Marin Civic Center. La Toscana is a family owned and operated Italian restaurant and bar located in Marin County. It was established in 1985 by Paolo Mori, his wife, Marilyn, and Michele Quilici. The owners all grew up in Lucca, Italy and immigrated to the U.S. in the late 1950s. They wanted to create an atmosphere that reminded them of home – a place where locals would gather to eat, meet friends and family and celebrate with food and wine as every Italian family does. Chef and co— owner Giovanni Racanello joined La Toscana in 1986. Paolo and Marilyn’s daughter, Laura Mori Riella, and youngest son, Michael Mori, joined the La Toscana team in 1992 and 2002, respectively. Paolo loved to make people feel welcome and, just like all the Moris, enjoyed his food and wine and loved to see others do the same. This is the proud tradition that La Toscana carries on.
A photo of Valenti & Co. Ristorante restaurant
2. Valenti & Co. Ristorante
4.9
Exceptional(846)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Anselmo
Booked 3 times today
Valenti & Co. Ristorante in San Anselmo is a treasure trove of authentic Northern Italian cuisine, offering an unparalleled dining experience that has captured the hearts of Marin locals and visitors alike. Known for its commitment to farm-fresh ingredients and a thoughtfully curated wine selection, Valenti & Co. provides a menu that dazzles with every dish. The restaurant's acclaim is well-deserved, with patrons frequently praising its "superb food" and "excellent attentive service." Highlights such as the Osso Buco and veal chop Milanese are repeatedly celebrated, with one guest recalling, "every bite was delicious." The intimate setting and knowledgeable staff, led by the passionate Chef Valenti, ensure an unforgettable gastronomic journey, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of Italian dining in Marin.
A photo of Il Fornaio - Corte Madera restaurant
3. Il Fornaio - Corte Madera
4.4
Awesome(3180)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Corte Madera
Booked 32 times today
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Corte Madera, Il Fornaio stands out as a beacon of Italian culinary excellence. Celebrated for its authenticity, the restaurant offers a delightful array of Italian specialties, from wood-fired pizzas and housemade pastas to freshly baked bread crafted daily from scratch. Consistently awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2002, Il Fornaio's commitment to quality is evident. Guests frequently praise the "exquisite" food and "exceptional" service, noting the ambiance as "beautifully cozy and elegant." Whether it's the perfectly cooked salmon with lemon caper sauce or the beloved Burrata Prosciutto, Il Fornaio promises a true Italian dining experience that keeps patrons returning. "The food was great, had great ambiance, would go back again," reflects the sentiment of many satisfied diners.
A photo of Cafe Villa restaurant
4. Cafe Villa
4.2
Awesome(10)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Rafael
Booked 1 time today
Cafe Villa in San Rafael delivers an authentic Italian dining experience that locals can’t seem to get enough of. Celebrated for its fresh, homestyle Italian cuisine with a unique California twist, this family-owned gem ensures every dish is a delightful surprise. Patrons rave about the "spectacular food" including favorites like the beef ragu pappardelle and butternut squash ravioli. The ambiance is warmly described as having an "old school Marin vibe," making it both inviting and exhilarating. Reviewers consistently highlight the attentive service, with one noting it as the "best service you have ever experienced." Whether it’s for the praised happy hour or a quiet dinner, Cafe Villa stands out as a top-notch choice for genuine Italian fare.
A photo of Piazza D'Angelo restaurant
5. Piazza D'Angelo
4.7
Exceptional(2075)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mill Valley
Booked 34 times today
Piazza D’Angelo is a family run Italian trattoria located in the heart of downtown Mill Valley. With a bustling bar scene and a natural light-soaked dining room, Piazza D'Angelo evokes a Southern Italian dining experience with a unique sense of home comfort. Enjoy a variety of fresh pastas, wood-fired pizzas, antipasti, as well as fresh fish, prime meats and our signature tiramisu.We offer two patios for al fresco dining, a wood-burning pizza oven, a full service bar, and private dining spaces for your social or business gathering.Named after the restaurant's location right on the piazza of downtown Mill Valley, Piazza D'Angelo is an ode to Southern Italian trattorias - family owned, rustic neighborhood restaurants that serve fresh, unassuming, locally-sourced delicious food.Grazie!
A photo of The Club Restaurant restaurant
6. The Club Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(610)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Rafael
Booked 5 times today
A highlight of The Club Restaurant is the top-notch food prepared by Chef Chris Harman, served in our spacious dining room-or garden terrace, ideal for business or family pleasure.Under the creative guidance of Food and Beverage Director, Erick Jensen the Club bustles everyday during lunch and dinner, with limited brunch being served Saturdays and Sundays. From small plates to full-course dinners, you'll be delighted with various menu selectionsand hospitality awaiting you. Indoor seating hosts 120 guests comfortably. Relax in the ambient glow of the fireplace during the fall and winter months. The Bar offers a wide variety of fine spirits, decadent wines, and local draft beers.The Terrace accommodates 100 guests for al fresco dining in a charming all weathered patio covering. Come by for lunch or dinner after a round of golf or before a night out at the Marin Symphony to be served by award winning staff.
A photo of Poggio restaurant
7. Poggio
4.7
Exceptional(6217)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Sausalito
Booked 38 times today
Nestled in the heart of Sausalito, Poggio is a beacon of Italian culinary excellence, consistently acclaimed as one of the best Italian eateries in the area. This classic Italian trattoria, celebrated for its cozy neighborhood vibe and destination-worthy dishes, is led by the talented Executive Chef Ben Balesteri. Poggio stands out with its daily changing menus that showcase the freshest local ingredients, beautifully integrated into traditional Italian recipes. Authenticity shines through in their wood-fired oven specialties, house-made pastas, and diverse offerings that cater to every meal of the day. Honored with the Bib Gourmand distinction by the Michelin Guide from 2017 to 2018 and voted Best Italian Restaurant in Marin County in 2021, Poggio is a must-visit for its "amazing food" and "exceptional service," creating a dining experience that is both "delightful" and "memorable."
A photo of Piatti - Mill Valley restaurant
8. Piatti - Mill Valley
4.6
Exceptional(2708)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Mill Valley
Booked 26 times today
Established in 1987, Piatti offers finely crafted fresh Italian cuisine. The soul of the menu is our housemade pasta that we roll, cut and cook by hand everyday. Offering a fresh take on the neighborhood Italian trattoria, Piatti combines a warm, inviting atmosphere, seamless service and an immersive market experience so you can enjoy Piatti at home. Whether dining in or taking home, Piatti brings friends and family together.
A photo of Scoma's Sausalito restaurant
9. Scoma's Sausalito
4.7
Exceptional(2615)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Sausalito
Booked 38 times today
Scoma's Sausalito, a gem located in the heart of Sausalito, is celebrated for its exquisite seafood, earning the top spot as TripAdvisor’s #1 seafood restaurant in the area. Guests rave about the "pier to plate" dining experience that offers fresh, authentically prepared dishes such as whole crabs, lobster risotto, and scallops parmigiano. Patrons repeatedly praise the "delicious" flavors and "excellent service," with one noting the seafood is "always fantastic." The restaurant's idyllic waterfront setting enhances the dining experience, making every meal memorable with its breathtaking bay views. Scoma's commitment to quality and its warm, inviting ambiance make it a must-visit for seafood lovers.
A photo of Luna Blu - Tiburon restaurant
10. Luna Blu - Tiburon
4.7
Exceptional(2594)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Tiburon
Booked 13 times today
At Luna Blu in Tiburon, the allure of authentic Sicilian seafood is seamlessly blended with a quintessentially English touch, creating an unforgettable dining experience. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, Luna Blu proudly partners with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, ensuring every dish is prepared with the freshest, organic, and responsibly sourced ingredients. This dedication to quality has not gone unnoticed, as Luna Blu was voted one of the Top 100 Neighborhood Gem restaurants in America in 2014. Guests consistently rave about the "amazing food" and the "excellent meal" with standout dishes like the beet pasta with crabmeat and the squid ink pasta, which are often described as better than those found in Italy. Whether it's the cozy atmosphere, the stunning bay views, or the exquisite flavors of the sea that draw you in, Luna Blu promises a top-tier seafood experience that is both delightful and environmentally conscious.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Lynne
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Great night, menu varied enough to meet the needs of four picky eaters, even one who needed gluten free options. Our elderly hard of hearing member did complain later in the evening, as it got much busier, that he had a little trouble hearing. All in all wonderful food and very pleasant evening.
    More info
    Piazza D'AngeloPrice: Expensive• Italian• Mill Valley
    •
    4.7
  • Allison
    San Francisco Bay Area •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    From the friendly greeting and personal address from the hostess to the exemplary service by Nicole, we had a wonderful festive meal with friends.
    More info
    Il Fornaio - Corte MaderaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Corte Madera
    •
    4.4
  • CharlesVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •41 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Wonderful menu , from appetizers to main courses to desserts , you can't beat anything on it.. we have always enjoyed eating here. Service is exceptional , not intrusive but very attentive. this restaurant is a Gem in San Anselmo .
    More info
    Valenti & Co. RistorantePrice: Expensive• Italian• San Anselmo
    •
    4.9
  • juliaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Cozy Outdoor Dining with Excellent Food & Service We had a wonderful dinner here before a show at the Marin Civic, and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the experience. Although it was a busy night and we made a last-minute reservation, we were lucky enough to get a table on the patio. Despite it being December, the outdoor heaters made the space incredibly cozy and comfortable — we didn’t mind the chill at all. The atmosphere was perfect for a pre-show dinner, and the staff, as always, provided excellent service. The food was delicious, and we appreciated the consistent quality that this place is known for. I’d happily dine outdoors again, even on a chilly night, as the heaters and the ambiance made it more than pleasant. Highly recommend for a casual, yet quality dining experience!
    More info
    La Toscana RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• San Rafael
    •
    4.7
  • steve
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Nov 27, 2024
    Food was very good, service was good but could be better , The cook kept pounding on something I think he was tenderizing some meat but it was very loud and distracting. Every one was very nice and profesional, I don't think I will go back there as there are other places with about the same prices and less distraction,
    More info
    Cafe VillaPrice: Moderate• Italian• San Rafael
    •
    4.2

Discover best Italian restaurants in San Rafael

Discover the charm of Italian cuisine in the heart of San Rafael, Marin, where a diverse array of Italian restaurants offers an authentic taste of Italy in the San Francisco Bay Area. Whether you're craving classic dishes like pasta carbonara and chicken marsala or adventurous options like wild boar pappardelle, the Italian dining scene in San Rafael caters to all palates. Each restaurant prides itself on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that mirrors a true Italian gathering, making every meal a delightful experience. The authenticity of the cuisine is consistently praised, with ingredients and recipes that transport diners straight to the heart of Italy. These establishments not only emphasize the quality and reliability of their food but also excel in service, ensuring a memorable dining experience. The dining scene in San Rafael is vibrant and inviting, reflecting the city’s appreciation for good food and genuine hospitality. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring the Italian restaurants in San Rafael is sure to satisfy your culinary desires.

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