15 Best Restaurants & Places in San Rafael – 2024 (Top Eats!)
San Rafael has a diverse culinary scene with mouthwatering dishes available in several vibrant restaurants.
The place is known for having many cozy cafés and fine dining restaurants in the heart of San Rafael, California.
It’s a great place to explore every form of culinary dish to soothe your palate in the best way possible.
Therefore, if you ever decide to visit this glorious city, then make sure to check out some of the best restaurants in San Rafael that will embark you on a gastronomic adventure.
Let’s take a look at some of those restaurants.
The Best Restaurants in San Rafael This Year
1. Lou’s Takeaway
Why it’s a must visit?
The Lou’s Takeaway restaurant is a hidden gem that is known for serving decadent and unique food options.
This restaurant is an outstanding place to experience different kinds of food varieties and feel special.
Also, the place has few people serving various delectable options and is a stand-out option among several other restaurants in San Rafael.
The place also offers takeout that can be taken from their window.
Chef’s choice
This restaurant serves perfectly seasoned food with authentic varieties and several local favorites.
The pork belly is a delicious mix of crab papaya salad and vegetables that are super fresh, and with spicy sauce, it gives the right amount of kick.
People also love the homemade plum jam here, which is a delightful option that you can try.
Location and Contact
- 621A Del Ganado Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903-2300
- Website
- Phone:- +1 415-226-7994
- Email:- iNFO@LOUSTAKEAWAY.COM
2. Caribbean Spices Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
The Caribbean Spices restaurant is a perfect place for a weekend dinner to get blown away by its impressive service and delicious food.
Apart from serving decadent food, the restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
It’s one of the top restaurants that is worth driving from the East Bay and will definitely make you come back again because of how incredible it is.
Chef’s choice
As a top-rated restaurant, it serves incredible complementary dishes like Mandarin dressing that is just divine.
Their oxtail is also a solid option, as well as their jerk chicken.
Both these dishes come with overflowing flavors and will make you happy with your choices.
Also, give their goat curry a try, as it is an incredibly juicy dish that you will not stop raving about.
Location and Contact
- 819 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States
- Website
- Phone:- +1 628-253-5385
- Email:- cspices.felix@gmail.com
3. Il Davide
Why it’s a must visit?
The Il Davide restaurant is an incredible place to enjoy Italian cuisine with remarkable Tuscan cuisine inside its bustling and enjoyable space.
It’s a lively restaurant that has several delicious lunch specials and a fascinating menu full of delectable options that will make it harder for you to decide which to order.
The restaurant is a perfect place for a romantic date as it has an outdoor patio and provides a fine dining experience on a cool Summer night.
Chef’s choice
All of the dishes here are made with quality ingredients that are simply impressive in every bite you take.
People love enjoying their various lunch specials here that are always a treat to the taste buds.
Their truffle ravioli is one of the crowd favorites of this restaurant that gives pleasure in every bite.
Other highly recommended dishes here are their Cacio E Pepé as well as their sweet peanut butter gelato with their tasty Gavottes Fan Wafer as dessert options.
Location and Contact
- 901 A St Ste A, San Rafael, CA 94901-3025
- Website
- Phone:- +1 415-454-8080
4. Banh Mi Zon Vietnamese Gourmet
Why it’s a must visit?
The Banh Mi Zon Vietnamese Gourmet restaurant is a perfect place to explore a variety of different food options, especially when it comes to Asian cuisine.
This restaurant is an exclusive Vietnamese luxury restaurant and one of the cool places to eat all sorts of delicious Vietnamese offerings.
Every single dish year is made from top-notch ingredients that will make your day and your time worthwhile.
Also, it’s one of the cutest dining spots as it has an outdoor setting side parking and serves luscious food choices in the best manner.
Chef’s choice
The restaurant is known for its tasty banh mi sandwiches, which are pretty famous here.
People also enjoy the freshness of the sandwiches here, mostly complemented with their iced or Boba coffee.
Another great thing about this restaurant is that almost every single year is made from the highest quality of ingredients to make sure it maintains its freshness and authentic taste.
Location and Contact
- 76 San Pablo Ave, San Rafael, CA 94903, United States
- Website
- Phone:- +1 626-241-4342
- Email:- banhmizonus@gmail.com
5. New Delhi Indian Cuisine
Why it’s a must visit?
Are you interested in South Asian cuisine and wondering where to eat delicious Indian cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere? Then, the New Delhi Indian Cuisine restaurant is the perfect choice.
The restaurant has a staff that has very courteous behavior to make you feel right at home without feeling awkward.
The place is known for offering a variety of options, including a buffet with several decadent choices.
This charming restaurant has a cozy atmosphere as it is designed in a boutique style and is perfect for intimate dining.
Chef’s choice
People enjoy both non-veg and vegetarian varieties here, and a rigorous policy of dividing dishes is also followed here.
Every single this year is flavorful, hot, and fresh, with delicious spices, including high-quality buffet choices.
Location and Contact
- On the corner of Tamalpias Ave, 704 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901, United States
- Website
- Phone:- +1 415-295-7162
- Email:- info@restaurant.com
6. Lo Coco’s Authentic Italian Pizzeria
Why it’s a must visit?
The Lo Coco’s Authentic Italian Pizzeria restaurant is one of the best family restaurants for a fun night out in the famous neighborhood of San Rafael.
The restaurant has been serving delicious Neapolitan pizza since the year 1971 and is also a perfect place to celebrate birthdays.
It’s one of the nicest places to enjoy delicious pizza variety that is made with lots of care and effort to make sure that every single bite feels fantastic.
Chef’s choice
The restaurant is known for serving authentic Italian pizzas and is also one of the oldest restaurants using generational Italian recipes.
People love devouring the pies here, which is one of the best options and has a fresh taste with authentic seasoning.
They also have several other varieties of pizzas, including Margarita, pesto, pepperoni, and sausage.
The pizzas also have a delicious crust, cheese, and sauce, especially their Arlecchino pizza, which comes with flavor some toppings of sausage, pepperoni, and salami.
Location and Contact
- 631 Del Ganado Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903-2331
- Website
- Phone:- +1 415-472-3323
- Email:- lococos@lococospizza.com
7. Magnolia Park Kitchen
Why it’s a must visit?
The Magnolia Park Kitchen restaurant is one of the newest restaurants that was opened recently in San Rafael and has become a favorite of many.
It’s one of the must-eat places to visit in San Rafael if you are looking for a trendy place that serves fantastic fast food options.
Also, the restaurant has an open kitchen, which provides a delightful site of the food being cooked right in the open in front of people’s eyes.
It’s a thrilling experience dining here and is a perfect spot for anyone looking for an aesthetic place to eat.
Chef’s choice
The restaurant serves the tastiest burgers in town that are flavorful and juicy with crispy side fries.
The food service here is consistently excellent with their options; like turkey sandwich is beautifully presented and is a delicious choice.
Other things like their house-made BBQ chips, which come with overflowing flavors, go nicely with the grilled salmon sandwich and tortilla soup.
Location and Contact
- 1016 Court St, San Rafael, CA 94901-2980
- Website
- Phone:- +1 415-521-5591
- Email:- robert@magnoliaparkkitchen.com
8. LaVier Latin Fusion Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
The LaVier Latin Fusion restaurant is perfect for a mouthwatering meal in a unique and vibrant setting.
The restaurant is a perfect place to come with your friends in large groups and enjoy a chilly night next to there to heat lamps that will keep you warm and comfortable.
The place is known for offering a vibrant variety of dishes and having a funky decoration that has made it one of the cool places to eat dinner in San Rafael.
It’s also super accommodating towards various dietary account requirements like gluten-free and vegetarian options.
It has a 5-star rating because of provides a fusion of different flavors and an overall fine dining experience.
Chef’s choice
The restaurant sells incredible options like a vegetarian queso fondue dish with a tortilla that is a yummy combination.
It comes with vegetarian Chile rellenos and mole enchiladas, which are a dynamic combination and should be finished with a tasty dessert.
Other excellent options, like their pan-seared salmon with polenta and vegetables, along with three enchiladas with different sauces, will make for a worthwhile option.
Location and Contact
- 1025 C St, San Rafael, CA 94901-2807
- Phone:- +1 415-295-7990
- Email:- laviercuisine@sbcglobal.net
9. Sonora Market & Taqueria
Why it’s a must visit?
The Sonora Market & Taqueria restaurant is an enjoyable place to try delicious Mexican cuisine inside their spacious dining area, which is beautiful.
It’s a Hidden gem that has become a favorite burrito spot of many people in town who love trying a different combination of Mexican dishes.
A lot of customers here consistently rave about the quality of ingredients used here while also not using shredded iceberg lettuce, which has won the hearts of people.
Chef’s choice
Their super Carne Asada burrito is a reasonably priced dish available at cheap rates that is truly excellent.
The burrito comes with a serving of tortilla chips and green and red salsa that are both spicy and balanced in flavors.
Other than that, their super steak burrito is a fantastic carnivore choice that is made with quality ingredients and juicy meat.
Location and Contact
- 649 Del Ganado Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903, United States
- Phone:- +1 415-479-1190
10. Arizmendi Bakery & Café
Why it’s a must visit?
The Arizmendi Bakery & Café is a great place to treat yourself on a beautiful morning, as this restaurant is worth every minute that you spend here.
This restaurant is a perfect place for those who are looking for a rejuvenating morning meal and are greeted by an aroma of freshly baked goods.
It’s one of the most famous restaurants in San Rafael that has a pleasant seating area with a beautiful view of the central city Square right next to the Bank of America.
The service is also speedy here and polite to make sure that you get to taste your favorite food as soon as possible.
Chef’s choice
The restaurant is known for serving delicious baked goodies like a blueberry scone, short-bread cookies, and con-dried cherries scone.
Also, one of the most popular dishes that you can try here is the thin-crust veggie pizza, which is a hit among the people of San Rafael.
People also love their cheesy pizzas and a slice of the day that comes with several delicious veggies like roasted peanuts, carrots, and zucchini.
You will absolutely love devouring their crispy, buttery, and crunchy crust pizzas that will make your day exceptional with their seasonal latte.
Location and Contact
- 1002 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901-3101
- Website
- Phone:- +1 415-456-4093
- Email:- arizmendi.sanrafael@gmail.com
11. Redwood Cafe
Why it’s a must visit?
The Redwood Cafe is a favorite breakfast place for many people who like enjoying an authentic Caribbean breakfast with some seasonal dishes.
The restaurant is known for its generous portions and top-notch beverages and is frequently visited by the local fire department and police for regular meals.
It’s a convenient place to stop by if you’re driving around San Rafael and want to grab a tasty bite.
Also, you can order straight from your vehicle, and the people will bring you your order, which will make your day more enjoyable.
Chef’s choice
The restaurant provides a delicious Caribbean breakfast with well-seasoned potatoes, hand-cut soft ham, and fresh veggies that are generously layered.
The coffee is also top-notch and is made from the highest quality coffee beans, which will leave you fresh and rejuvenated.
Therefore, if you’re driving around Clearlake in San Rafael, don’t forget to stop by this restaurant.
Location and Contact
- 175 Paul Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903-2041
- Website
- Phone:- +1 415-479-8989
12. Bogie’s Too
Why it’s a must visit?
The Bogie’s Too restaurant serves rich and flavorful dishes that are incomparable to this restaurant.
It’s one of the best places to eat a delicious brunch in San Rafael, mostly on special occasions.
Nothing compares to this restaurant in offering the loveliest brunch in San Rafael, as the place is full of incredible and vibrant varieties that are all equally delicious.
Chef’s choice
These are the best eggs Benedict in the entire city of San Rafael, and this is not an exaggeration but an actual fact.
It’s also a great place to celebrate birthdays and enjoy delicious pancakes and other sweet varieties with your friends or family.
Location and Contact
- 1335 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901-2809
- Website
- Phone:- +1 415-492-1530
- Email:- info@bogiestoo.com
13. Julie’s Hummus Bar & Grill
Why it’s a must visit?
Julie’s Hummus Bar & Grill restaurant is one of the best Mediterranean restaurants that never disappoints in its service and quality.
They have an outdoor seating space that provides a soothing experience while devouring their several incredible dishes.
The place is also beautifully lit, and the dishes are nicely presented with generous portions.
Chef’s choice
The restaurant serves delicious skewers and chicken Shawarma, which are a favorite of many.
They also serve wines and beers that go nicely with their beef, chicken, lamb, and falafel, which go nicely seasoned with an extra layer of sauce.
Their baklava is another fascinating dish you can try here, which is an authentic Mediterranean option that comes nicely presented.
Location and Contact
- 1026 Court St, San Rafael, CA 94901-2980
- Website
- Phone:- +1 415-755-4818
- Email:- julieshummusbar@gmail.com
14. Chonmage Japanese Restaurant
Why it’s a must visit?
The Chonmage Japanese restaurant is an excellent place for any enthusiastic Asian food lover to visit.
This Japanese restaurant has a beautiful, inviting atmosphere with an impressive variety of Asian food selections and various specials.
It serves authentic Japanese variety and plays some fantastic live music, which will keep you entertained throughout your visit.
Chef’s choice
People enjoy their various unique options, including pork rib ramen, which is a delectable choice that comes with lots of substance and great flavors.
Their cold beer and hot sake are also delicious options that you will love with their ramen.
Location and Contact
- 1020 Court St, San Rafael, CA 94901-2980
- Website
- Phone:- +1 415-419-5919
- Email:- info@chonmage-ramen.com
15. Miracle Mile Cafe
Why it’s a must visit?
The Miracle Mile Cafe is a little gem in the neighborhood of San Rafael and has become a go-to brunch spot for many people.
It’s a family-owned American plus Peruvian restaurant that provides magnificent lunch and breakfast varieties with a unique spin.
People keep coming back here to try to arrange sweet dishes that provide a perfect balance of both richness and sweetness without being too overpowering.
The restaurant has a very attentive and friendly service so that you can feel pampered here.
It is a cozy restaurant that has a very soothing vibe to it and is a great place to catch up with your friends or even enjoy a solo meal.
Chef’s choice
The pancakes here are life-changing, especially their cinnamon roll pancakes, which are just out of the world.
They also have several dietary preferences included in their menu, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Their fluffy pancakes are a dreamy delight, as well as their sweet cinnamon rolls, which are a heavenly dish.
One of the crowd favorites is there marine avocado toast, which comes with fresh avocado and crispy bread with over easy egg oozing on top of it.
They also have several delicious deconstructed egg Benedict that are both healthy and tasty choices.
Location and Contact
- 2130 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901-2693
- Website
- Phone:- +1 415-454-7700
- Email:- Miracleorderss@gmail.com
Final Thoughts
San Rafael is a great place to enjoy diverse cuisine options right in the heart of California.
This city has great restaurants located in every corner of the town and does not disappoint through its many incredible places to eat.
It’s also a perfect place to enjoy and meet people from all over the world and share diverse culinary exchanges.
If you’re a traveler here or even a resident, you might be looking to find some of the best restaurants in San Rafael if you need a gastronomist kick.
In that case, we hope the article will help you find some decent restaurants that will fit your interests.
Bon appétit!
