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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in San Rafael

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23 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Insalata's restaurant
1. Insalata's
4.8
Exceptional(4136)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • San Anselmo
Booked 48 times today
Insalata's has been a neighborhood gem for over 25 years. Known for its 'luscious Mediterranean food, gracious service, and warm atmosphere', it's been hailed as a 'professional well-curated culinary experience' with 'sophisticated dishes' and 'quality ingredients'. The 'consistently great food and service' have made it a favorite among locals. As one reviewer put it, 'Always consistently great food and service. A lively atmosphere'. Insalata's is not just a restaurant, it's a 'great place to celebrate an event or a quiet dinner for two' and a 'San Anselmo gem - not to be missed if you enjoy Mediterranean cuisine!'
A photo of Left Bank Larkspur restaurant
2. Left Bank Larkspur
4.5
Awesome(4573)
Price: Moderate
• French • Larkspur
Booked 30 times today
Inspired by the birthplace of the original Parisian brasseries along the Left Bank of the Seine River, Left Bank Brasserie is an authentic Parisian-style brasserie by Chef Roland Passot. Left Bank pays homage to the joiede vivre that is synonymous with the Left Bank neighborhood in Paris. Guests are invited to step intoFrench culture, in a vibrant, social atmosphere that captures all the charm of traditional brasseriesand iconic alfresco dining of France. An all-day menu features authentic French cuisine utilizingseasonal, local and organic ingredients, and consists of iconic lighter fare such as oysters, tartare andprawns provençal, in addition to heartier classics like coq au vin and beef bourguignon. Inspired by theParisian-style Bar Américain, an extensive cocktail menu features classics of a bygone era, along with awide range of rotating taps, seasonal drafts and bottled beer, and an expertly-curated wine selection.
A photo of Perry's on Magnolia restaurant
3. Perry's on Magnolia
4.7
Exceptional(2181)
Price: Moderate
• American • Larkspur
Booked 38 times today
Perry’s on Magnolia brings Larkspur an outpost of the Union Street original, following the same combination of all-American favorite fare and comfortable, welcoming service that Perry’s first made a San Francisco hallmark in 1969. The décor is warm – featuring the trademark blue and white checked table cloths, framed memorabilia and rich mahogany bar. Perry’s is known today, as much as ever, for its classic American food, its warm personable service and its fun, bustling bar. Perry’s traditional yet innovative menu includes a wide variety of sandwiches, salads, pastas, steaks and grilled fresh fish.
A photo of La Toscana Ristorante restaurant
4. La Toscana Ristorante
4.7
Exceptional(1556)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Rafael
Booked 16 times today
La Toscana Ristorante is a beloved neighborhood gem in San Rafael, Marin County. Reviewers describe it as 'consistently good', 'terrific' and 'an excellent restaurant'. The family-owned restaurant is praised for its authentic Italian food, friendly service, and festive atmosphere. One reviewer notes, 'La Toscana is like dining with Friends, very convivial atmosphere, especially in the bar.' Another review highlights, 'We have dined at La Toscana many times over the years. It is the sort of “go to” place most folks like because it is consistently reliable and enjoyable.' This consistently high-rated restaurant is a local favorite, and it's hard not to fall in love with its delicious food, warm atmosphere, and friendly service.
A photo of Marché Restaurant restaurant
5. Marché Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1687)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Ross
Marché Restaurant is a true neighborhood gem, as per the glowing reviews. The owners' dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere and serving delicious food has earned them a reputation in Ross. Customers praise the cozy dining room, charming patio, and excellent service. One reviewer described it as 'a neighborhood gem' and another as 'our go-to weekly date spot.'
A photo of Il Fornaio - Corte Madera restaurant
6. Il Fornaio - Corte Madera
4.3
Awesome(3211)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Corte Madera
Booked 16 times today
Il Fornaio means "the Baker" in Italian. This award-winning restaurant offers an authentic and unique Italian dining experience. Specialties include wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and game; housemade pastas; pizzas from an oak wood burning oven; fresh salads and housemade soups; a wide variety of desserts; and fresh baked bread made daily from scratch. Winner of the annual Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2002.
A photo of Valenti & Co. Ristorante restaurant
7. Valenti & Co. Ristorante
4.9
Exceptional(856)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Anselmo
Booked 4 times today
Welcome to Valenti & Co, Northern Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar in San Anselmo. Farm-fresh Italian Cuisine, thoughtfully sourced local ingredients and wines.
A photo of Piazza D'Angelo restaurant
8. Piazza D'Angelo
4.7
Exceptional(2101)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mill Valley
Booked 27 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 Amélie Café and Wine Bar restaurant
9. Amélie Café and Wine Bar
4.9
Exceptional(59)
Price: Moderate
• French • Fairfax
Booked 9 times today
the Marin edition of Amelie with large patio, enjoy our baked organic French goods: croissant baguette tarte our french chef prepares a farm to table brunch, lunch and dinnerand a wine list curated by French sommelier and winemaker offering many options by the glass and bottle with a focus on French wine
A photo of Marinitas restaurant
10. Marinitas
4.1
Excellent(843)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Anselmo
Marinitas features a menu inspired by dishes found throughout Mexico and Latin America using local and seasonal products. Through the collaboration of Heidi Krahling and Frank Villa, Marinitas delivers Latin focused lusciousness that is an exciting blend of the new and the familiar. The wine list mainly draws from the expansive selections of the best wine makers from Argentina and Chile. Cocktails focus on the silver and gold liquors of Central and South America. The bar is dedicated to classic cocktail preparations including citrus juice squeezed to order, house made sweet and sour made from unrefined cane sugars, along with the highest quality mixers. Beers include a full Mexican selection from light Lagers to dark regional Latin micro-brewed Ales.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Conrad
    Hawaii •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Highly recommend Insalata's. The server was friendly, efficient and understanding of the logistics of a big table (11). We sat down to dine at 9pm because we had come from an event, and we never felt rushed, we took our time and had a great meal. Food: - The Wagyu beef was excellent, from Snake Hill Farms. As I knew where it came from I had it rare and it was just right. - The grilled chicken marinated in yoghurt was tender as always. - The pasta was great. Portions are generous.
    More info
    Insalata'sPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• San Anselmo
    •
    4.8
  • Jeffrey
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a great Valentines dinner. The waiter was friendly and provided great service and the food was delicious as usual. Highly recommended.
    More info
    Il Fornaio - Corte MaderaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Corte Madera
    •
    4.3
  • DarcyVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •40 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    There were four of us dining at 5pm on Valentine's day for the prix-fixe 3 course menu. It was beyond our expectations.....lobster risotto, duck a l'orange, beef tenderloin and petrale sole. Every dish was served hot, the flavors and presentations superb. Our server Samantha was attentive and charming. We did sit back a bit due to the fact that there was live music and and we wanted to be able to converse among ourselves.
    More info
    Left Bank LarkspurPrice: Moderate• French• Larkspur
    •
    4.5
  • DebraVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •64 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Always a great dining experience. Absolutely love their Petrale sole!
    More info
    La Toscana RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• San Rafael
    •
    4.7
  • Cami
    San Francisco Bay Area •37 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 9, 2025
    Always enjoy this dining spot, great food and service. Only problem I had this visit was the staff and a couple patrons were using the emergency exit which was next our table! it was COLD. Often they would not close it completely finally commented and it slowed down use! Its an emergency exit!
    More info
    Perry's on MagnoliaPrice: Moderate• American• Larkspur
    •
    4.7

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in San Rafael

Discover the charm of "neighborhood gem" restaurants in the vibrant San Rafael district of Marin, San Francisco Bay Area. These hidden treasures encapsulate the essence of local dining, offering a unique blend of cozy ambiance and exquisite culinary experiences. Each location is celebrated for its distinctive character, warm hospitality, and commitment to serving delectable, high-quality cuisine that reflects the diverse flavors of the region. The dining scene in San Rafael is renowned for its eclectic mix of eateries that provide both locals and visitors with a taste of genuine neighborhood dining at its finest. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening, a family gathering, or a casual meal with friends, these neighborhood gems are sure to provide an unforgettable dining experience. They stand out not just for their food, but for their ability to create a sense of community and belonging among their patrons. Explore these culinary delights and make your next meal one to remember in the heart of Marin.

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