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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in San Rafael

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24 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Insalata's restaurant
1. Insalata's
4.8
Exceptional(4051)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • San Anselmo
Booked 47 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 Perry's on Magnolia restaurant
2. Perry's on Magnolia
4.7
Exceptional(2152)
Price: Moderate
• American • Larkspur
Booked 46 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 Left Bank Larkspur restaurant
3. Left Bank Larkspur
4.6
Exceptional(4499)
Price: Moderate
• French • Larkspur
Booked 42 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 Marché Restaurant restaurant
4. Marché Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1685)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Ross
Booked 2 times today
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 La Toscana Ristorante restaurant
5. La Toscana Ristorante
4.7
Exceptional(1530)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Rafael
Booked 22 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 Il Fornaio - Corte Madera restaurant
6. Il Fornaio - Corte Madera
4.4
Awesome(3170)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Corte Madera
Booked 30 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(842)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Anselmo
Booked 12 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(2063)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Mill Valley
Booked 26 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
4.8
Exceptional(50)
Price: Moderate
• French • Fairfax
Booked 6 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 Monk's Kettle Terra Linda restaurant
10. Monk's Kettle Terra Linda
4.5
Awesome(50)
Price: Moderate
• American • San Rafael
Booked 5 times today
The Monk’s Kettle Terra Linda is a neighborhood tavern and bottle shop, offering upscale pub fare, a broad and balanced craft beer list, and a smaller food-friendly wine list. A place where all are welcome, where the mission is simply to create a place people want to be. Featured on Check Please, Bay Area. And also named as one of the Best Burgers and Best Fried Chicken Sandwiches in the Bay Area.For reservations of 8 or more, please email Christian@monkskettle.com.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Georgevip
    San Francisco Bay Area •43 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our Thanksgiving 2024 dinner was outstanding from beginning to end. Bread and little nibbles (olives, roasted pecans) were followed by a shot glass of truffled celery root and cauliflower soup and a copious salad featuring persimmons, fennel, endive and walnuts. For mains, we got a choice between turkey plus trimmings, grilled salmon and mushroom-stuffed squash. We chose the turkey and were glad – a generous serving of sliced bird with yummy gravy, buttery mashed potatoes, sweet potato rounds, wild rice stuffing, blue lake green beans and cranberry-orange-ginger relish. Everything was excellent and copious enough to take home the makings of another meal. Our dessert was a double chocolate bavarian cake with caramel sauce – superb. A couple of glasses of good wines and coffee rounded out a marvelous meal.
    More info
    Insalata'sPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• San Anselmo
    •
    4.8
  • Scottvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •34 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our waitress was outstanding and the food quality superb. It was noisy, but understandably the night before Thanksgiving.
    More info
    La Toscana RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• San Rafael
    •
    4.7
  • Lisa
    San Francisco Bay Area •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Left Bank at Larkspur is always favorable experience! The service is good and the food is even better.! We appreciate the continuity and attention to detail that comes from the kitchen makes our meals memorable every time. Kevin, the manager, is always so warm and welcoming; it just feels like family whenever we visit our favorite restaurant.
    More info
    Left Bank LarkspurPrice: Moderate• French• Larkspur
    •
    4.6
  • Jeannievip
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •50 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We had a wonderful late lunch at Perry’s! Always happy with the food😋‼️
    More info
    Perry's on MagnoliaPrice: Moderate• American• Larkspur
    •
    4.7
  • Lisavip
    San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 10, 2024
    Overall, great service, nice selection on the menu. I could select any of the items on the menu. Will be back!
    More info
    Marché RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Ross
    •
    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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