Best Restaurants for Local Ingredients in San Rafael

The appetizers, salad and entrees were consistently delicious. Service was attentive and professional. We were thrilled to discover that we could hold a conversation and be heard. The chairs were comfortable too. We will be back!

The food is always the best of the best. The gnocchi I call pillows of heaven so light, fluffy, and delicious. There are usually standards and some seasonal specialties. Right now the chef Duhlio is making an ink squid fettuccine with prawns and a Calabrian chile sauce. It’s spicy but not too much with a delicious tangy sauce over perfectly cooked sauce, it’s quite incredible. There is nothing on the menu that isn’t cooked to perfection. Personally I think it’s one of the best Italian restaurants in the Bay Area.

I was a little surprised at the clam chowder, which is shellfish in a broth, not the creamy kind I am used to. It was good, but it is a lot of work to separate the clams from their shells, dispose of the shells, then dig out the clams from withinthe broth. Interesting experience! The shrimp risotto was excellent, the Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc accompanied it well, and to finish, the affogato was really nice. Mency was attentive and professional. And we had a perfect table, in the corner overlooking the water. The weather was drizzly and foggy, which the restaurant can't control (I'm sure they wish they could), so I'll try to be back when I can enjoy the view.

This is a wonderful gem of a restaurant. During the day, a lively, buzzing cafe then transforms into a neighborhood comfortable French experience that makes you feel welcome with beautiful food, soft music, great wines and joyful professional not stiff service. Look forward to going again soon!

The staff was very accommodating to our holiday get together group: kind, attentive and flexible. We highly recommend the happy hour draft menu and small plates. Great to hang with friends or watch a game.