The best restaurants in San Rafael

No-frills neighborhood spot serving up informal Mexican grub such as tacos, burritos & tortas.

4610 International Blvd (Oakland)

Shopping-center Japanese joint serving sushi & typical cooked fare, Monday to Friday only.

3730 N First St #115 (San Jose)

Pizzeria chain offering build-your-own pies, along with spaghetti, wings & salad.

1347 S Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

Relaxed, late-night eatery featuring pizzas, burgers and wings for dine-in, pickup and delivery.

1438 Broadway (Oakland)

Comfortably laid-back, fan-favorite eatery turning out NY-style pies along with thin-crust options, wings and cannolis.

1917 San Pablo Ave (Oakland)

Upscale Oaxacan-Californian cuisine offered in a chic, cozy space with culturally inspired accents.

2135 Franklin St (Oakland)

Indian-flavored eatery featuring creative pizzas such as tandoori chicken and paneer, plus wings and beer.

4190 N First St Unit 50 (San Jose)

Mother-daughter outpost serving traditional Mexican fare in a tiny outpost with outdoor seating.

907 Washington St (Oakland)

Comfortable option for fresh, flavor-packed sushi handrolls plus sake, drinks and seafood starters.

1738 Telegraph Ave (Oakland)

Low-key joint offering a wide array of fresh sushi rolls and rice bowls for takeout.

4150 Piedmont Ave (Oakland)

Spacious no-frills spot featuring Mexican fare & a full bar along with live music & karaoke.

1001 Fruitvale Ave (Oakland)

Neighborhood pizza place with hearty American dishes & drinks served in hip, industrial-chic digs.

1801 14th Ave (Oakland)

Fast-food chain outpost known for Mexican classics made with fire-grilled chicken.

1299 S Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

Salvadoran and Mexican comfort food served in a casual space that's known for pupusas.

5479 Mission St (San Francisco)

Chill, wood-clad eatery offering Hawaiian poke made with a variety of seafood & Asian flavors.

1308 S Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

1298 Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ & hot pot meals are the specialty at this bright, informal restaurant.

3085 Meridian Ave (San Jose)

Taqueria known for huge portions and Mexican comfort food served into the wee hours.

4817 Mission St (San Francisco)

Breakfast spot for Southern grub featuring beignets (traditional fried-dough pastries), waffles, biscuits and chicken fried steak.

2071 Camden Ave (San Jose)

Sneak out to Sailing Goat Restaurant for seasonal coastal cooking, local beer and wine, and live music in the tucked-away creative vibes of…

1900 Stenmark Dr (Richmond)

Perbacco is your move when you want an authentic Italian dining experience that still feels like a treat. Seasonal dishes, big flavor, and…

230 California St (San Francisco)

Craving something that hits the spot this week? Big Rock Deli is slinging slow-smoked brisket, tri-tip and ribs, hearty breakfast burritos,…

1500 Lucas Valley Rd

When you want a meal that tastes like SF at its best, Rich Table delivers a constantly changing menu shaped by what’s good at the market,…

199 Gough St (San Francisco)

At La Pizza & La Pasta, watch pizzaioli blister wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies while housemade pasta lands perfectly al dente. Pair with…

2855 Stevens Creek Blvd (San Jose)

Milan Italian Restaurant brings the comfort-food side of Italy to your week with handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a bar pouring rich…

1712 Meridian Ave F (San Jose)

Lamella Tavern pairs a casually sophisticated vibe with excellent cocktails, bubbles, and small plates that lean oceanward... think…

1109-10/A Lincoln Ave (San Jose)

Asiento is that friendly neighborhood bar where craft drinks meet creative cocktails and shareable bar bites, plus a steady stream of live…

2730 21st St (San Francisco)

Housemade pastas are among the Italian classics served at this warm neighborhood trattoria.

3854 Geary Blvd (San Francisco)

Casual restaurant featuring rustic pizzas, salads and Italian fare made with fresh ingredients.

1901 Ocean Ave (San Francisco)

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

10700 MacArthur Blvd #2a (Oakland)

Casual takeout joint offering Italian comfort food, including popular garlic bread.

336 Commercial St (San Jose)

Outlet of a BBQ chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space.

61 Curtner Ave (San Jose)

Cozy eatery serving French, Creole, and Southern cuisine, including beignets and po' boys.

652 Polk St (San Francisco)

Casual hamburger chain for juicy patties, fried-chicken sarnies and onion rings.

1685 Mariposa St (San Francisco)

A charming neighborhood brasserie offering French-Californian fare & wine in modern, airy quarters.

3853 Piedmont Ave (Oakland)

Casual restaurant serving authentic Mexican fare, including signature burritos, plus beer.

336 E William St (San Jose)

Upscale chain for aged prime beef, seafood & other traditional steakhouse fare in a clubby space.

184 S Market St Ste 100 (San Jose)

Eatery serving Italian staples and offering pizza, pasta and other cooked dishes.

2855 Stevens Creek Blvd (San Jose)

Bustling late-night spot offering pho plus a mix of Vietnamese & Filipino fare in casual digs.

3074 Landess Ave (San Jose)

Contemporary pizzeria earns fans with wood-fired pizzas & seasonal Italian eats in a lively setting.

5008 Telegraph Ave (Oakland)

Classic Italian fare including pizza, pasta, and meat dishes are offered at this modest restaurant.

1132 Valencia St (San Francisco)

Pancake restaurant serving eggs and hashes for breakfast and brunch in a casual diner-style setting.

1205 The Alameda (San Jose)

Homey eatery featuring standard Mexican fare, plus a bakery serving pastries and bread.

1098 Leigh Ave (San Jose)

No-frills counter-serve joint for creatively topped beef, buffalo, turkey & vegetarian burgers.

708 Post St (San Francisco)

Creative & traditional wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas turned out in cozy environs with exposed brick.

87 N San Pedro St (San Jose)

Bustling, dog-friendly beer garden hangout with a variety of grilled eats & a relaxed outdoor patio.

2318 Telegraph Ave (Oakland)

Casual, beer-serving eatery featuring creatively topped hot dogs in a simple, comfortable, dog-friendly space.

364 Hayes St (San Francisco)

American breakfast & lunch sourced from local farms, in a rustic space with a lone communal table.

754 Post St (San Francisco)

Contemporary waterside seafood eatery serving local oysters and clams, plus craft cocktails.

Ferry Building, #11 (San Francisco)

Old-school trattoria with red-leather booths, sidewalk seating & traditional Neapolitan cuisine.

59 Columbus Ave (San Francisco)

Pizzeria chain specializing in innovative pies customized with unusual toppings.

104 Vintage Way Ste A-9 (Novato)

Easygoing Southern Italian eatery offering pizza & pasta dishes alongside beer, wine & cocktails.

791 Auzerais Ave (San Jose)

Popular gourmet deli & market offering unique & locally sourced meals in a small, casual space.

576 Grand Ave (Oakland)

Casual eatery featuring sourdough-crust pizza, sandwiches and wings in a family-friendly setting.

354 E Santa Clara St (San Jose)

Cozy spot with open kitchen serving a seasonal tasting menu sourced from local gardens, plus wines.

2875 18th St (San Francisco)

Fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.

8430 Edgewater Dr (Oakland)

Neighborhood Italian restaurant serving handmade pasta, wine, and beer in an intimate setting.

1550 Hyde St (San Francisco)

Market-fresh California cuisine & cocktails offered in a warm eatery with a cool warehouse vibe .

3311 Grand Ave (Oakland)

Historic mountainside destination for classic American cuisine offering beef, veal & seafood dishes.

15005 Mt Hamilton Rd (San Jose) · ✓ checked Aug 4

Modern-day general store with eco-friendly breakfast & lunch, packaged goods & home furnishings.

25 Ward St (Larkspur)

Casual, colorfully decorated eatery featuring Mexican staples, cocktails and a dance-club vibe after 9pm.

155 W San Fernando St (San Jose)

Airy spot for Mediterranean fare, with a well-stocked wine cellar and popular take-out options.

120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd (San Anselmo)

Counter-serve chain specializing in bagels. Also sells breakfast sandwiches & pastries.

1140 Lincoln Ave (San Jose)

Casual eatery, known for its smoked-meat sandwiches on Texas Toast and Dutch cruch bread.

4077 18th St (San Francisco)

Family-friendly spot serving a big array of breakfast specials & lunch fare like sandwiches & soups.

1583A Meridian Ave (San Jose)

Charbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads & fries.

496 Las Gallinas Ave

Diners share small plates & sangria pitchers amid colorful, art-filled walls or on an outdoor patio.

3120 16th St (San Francisco)

Intimate restaurant for filet mignon and seafood, plus wine and cocktails. Live piano music is a feature.

504 Alameda del Prado (Novato)

Low-key eatery serving BBQ classics and smoked meats (brisket, ribs) as well as tacos and baos.

2181 Irving St (San Francisco)

Rotating menu of local food trucks plus beer & sangria in a festive outdoor setting.

601 Mission Bay Blvd North (San Francisco)

Casual spot offering chicken wings, burgers, and sandwiches for dine-in or takeout.

520 Alameda del Prado (Novato)

Casual pizza chain featuring traditional pies, gluten-free crust & assorted appetizers.

1561 S Novato Blvd (Novato)

Homemade sauces complement down-home dishes atop checkered tablecloths at this Southern BBQ joint.

576 Haight St (San Francisco)

Upscale casual eatery featuring steaks, seafood, small-batch bourbons & a cozy outdoor fire pit.

1580 Hamilton Ave (San Jose)

Casual, shack-style eatery featuring a rotating menu of fried chicken, salads, noodles, and more.

621A Del Ganado Rd

Casual restaurant in a shopping center with a bar, live music, and a speakeasy vibe.

504 Alameda del Prado (Novato)

Elevated tacos and Mexican sides, plus sangria and spirits in modern quarters with cultural accents.

679 Sutter St (San Francisco)

Neighborhood bistro offering elevated Italian cuisine & wines served in a chill space.

5403 College Ave (Oakland)

Friendly sushi spot offering chef's choice menus and sake.

198 Valencia St (San Francisco)

Local fast-food chain serving beef, turkey & vegan burgers in old-school surroundings.

2202 4th St

Casual Italian spot serving freshly made pasta, seafood classics and pizza, plus wine.

516 Green St (San Francisco)

Stylish spot serving Mediterranean staples such as shawarma, hummus and baba ghanoush, plus outdoor seats and beer and wine BYO.

198 Guerrero St (San Francisco)

Laid-back pizzeria with a modern interior dishing up pies as well as Italian staples.

532 Columbus Ave (San Francisco)

Brunch spot with outdoor seating serving mimosas and breakfast standards.

860 Willow St #100 (San Jose)

Hip Spanish restaurant with a courtyard serving tapas, paella & classic desserts, plus beer & wine.

2708 24th St (San Francisco)

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

528 Lake Park Ave (Oakland)

Carefully sourced & presented fish stars at this miniature, art-splashed sushi & sake bar.

3856 24th St (San Francisco)

Fried chicken sandwiches and sides spiced to five levels, served in a casual, graffiti-decorated restaurant.

5800 Nave Dr Ste D (Novato)

Generous plates of BBQ & sandwiches are the draw at this down-to-earth counter serve with a patio.

1362 S Winchester Blvd (San Jose)

Nigiri, sashimi, and other traditional Japanese eats are on the menu at this casual eatery with beer and sake.

1380 9th Ave (San Francisco)

Lively locale with hardwood-smoked meats, craft beer & cocktails, plus big-screens for sports.

680 8th St (San Francisco)

All-day option for burgers, brunch fare and cocktails, plus beer and wine.

43 Post St (San Jose)

Burgers, ribs, Texas BBQ & beer served in a roomy tavern with Wild West decor & an outdoor patio.

73 N San Pedro St (San Jose)

Casual American eatery in Terminal B of San Jose Mineta International Airport serving breakfast and quick bites.

SJC Terminal B (San Jose)

Local chain offering Korean BBQ grilled tableside & ban-chan in a trendy, modern setting.

1628 Hostetter Rd f (San Jose)

Compact counter-serve Mexican joint serving tacos & burritos with drinks in a low-key space.

854 N 13th St (San Jose)

Popular brunch spot serving farm-to-table American comfort food in a cozy ambience.

1299 18th St (San Francisco)

Strip-mall eatery serving a menu of Sichuan & Mandarin eats with many seafood & vegetarian options.

905 B St

Modest counter-serve featuring burgers, salads & sandwiches, plus vegan options & outdoor seating.

6228 Telegraph Ave (Oakland)

Student-friendly quick fix for Mexican mainstays topped with the trademark "orange sauce" condiment.

140 E San Carlos St (San Jose)

Italian fare made with local ingredients & modern techniques in a lively setting with a patio.

3000 20th St (San Francisco)

Relaxed pizzeria and eatery dishing up Italian staples and cocktails, plus happy-hour deals.

1200 Grant Ave (Novato)

Easygoing counter-service operation serving a menu of crêpes, omelets & sandwiches.

150 S Second St (San Jose)

Charbroiled burgers star at this fast-food chain also offering deli-type sandwiches, salads & fries.

924 Diablo Ave (Novato)

Featuring traditional and gluten-free pinsas, this airy, casual restaurant also offers wine and beer.

2101 Fillmore St (San Francisco)

Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.

201 3rd St Ste 100 (San Francisco)

Restaurant mixing modern twists on American gastropub standards with rock 'n' roll artwork.

2140 Union St (San Francisco)

Casual spot serving sandwiches, salads, and fries, plus beer, and live music.

819 Grant Ave (Novato)

Snack joint dishing up burgers, chicken sandwiches, waffle fries and milkshakes in a casual space.

87 N San Pedro St Suite 123 (San Jose)

Thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas draw a bustling scene at this casual Italian standby with patio seats.

334 Santana Row Apt 1065 (San Jose)

Thin-crust pizza joint with fresh ingredients and some pan-baked options.

643 Clay St (San Francisco)

Urban-rustic storefront setting for a changing menu of American small plates served dim-sum style.

1529 Fillmore St (San Francisco)

Chill environment with quirky decor & nautical-themed drinks for East Coast-style seafood & plates.

4180 N First St Unit 10 (San Jose)

Minimalist neighborhood locale for nigiri, sashimi & Japanese small bites.

1040 Polk St (San Francisco)

Traditional tapas, paella & other fare draw diners to this colorful, casual Spanish restaurant.

3295 22nd St (San Francisco)

Globally influenced breakfast and lunch options, including vegan choices, served in a vibrant space.

392 Fulton St (San Francisco)

Relaxed, family-run venue for beer, burgers, dogs, wine and sandwiches, plus outdoor seating, games and live music.

205 Cutting Blvd (Richmond)

Long-standing osteria serves up classic Italian comfort eats in a homey, family-friendly atmosphere.

2220 Mountain Blvd #100 (Oakland)

Fast-food outlet serving up namesake root beer, plus burgers, chicken & fries.

3741 Redwood Hwy

Cozy, long-running Italian eatery featuring seafood dishes, homemade pasta & Neapolitan-style pizza.

759 Columbus Ave (San Francisco)