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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Novato

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11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Chianti Cucina - Novato restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(905)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Novato
Booked 12 times today
Chianti Cucina, an Italian restaurant in Novato, welcomes you to our family, where great food, service and atmosphere await you Italian style. We invite you to our table, offering a casual & memorable experience. At Chianti Cucina, you'll feel like a neighborhood regular, even if you're just visiting us for the first time. Our restaurant is a family friendly venue where you can feel equally at home as a solo diner, as a family, or as a small or large group of friends.
A photo of Insalata's restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4053)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • San Anselmo
Booked 55 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 La Toscana Ristorante restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1530)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Rafael
Booked 21 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
4.7
Exceptional(1685)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Ross
Booked 11 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 Amélie Café and Wine Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(51)
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 Valenti & Co. Ristorante restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(842)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • San Anselmo
Booked 7 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 Monk's Kettle Terra Linda restaurant
4.5
Awesome(51)
Price: Moderate
• American • San Rafael
Booked 3 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.
A photo of Chalet Basque restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1065)
Price: Expensive
• Basque • San Rafael
Booked 2 times today
The Chalet Basque restaurant is a family style restaurant serving dishes inspired by the Basque regions of France and Spain. Located in San Rafael, California, the owner and proud staff would like to invite you to come join us for our delicious cuisine, full bar and outdoor patio. In keeping with traditional Basque culture, our restaurant has an old school, comfy feel. We serve hearty Basque dishes and make a different fresh soup each day. Dishes such as escargot, frog legs and rack of lamb keep us anchored to our deep Basque and French roots. While our vegetarian plate, and similar dishes, show our influence by Northern California. Join us for a romantic first date, a night out with the guys, a relaxing end to a stressful day at work or a wedding rehearsal and everything in between. Our restaurant is also available for Banquets and parties upon reservation.
A photo of Marinitas restaurant
4.4
Awesome(840)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Anselmo
Booked 4 times today
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.
A photo of Cafe Villa restaurant
4.2
Awesome(10)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Rafael
Booked 2 times today
Cafe Villa is a family-owned restaurant serving fresh, homestyle, Italian food.We're located on the same property as the Villa Inn at 1602 Lincoln Avenue in San Rafael.Come by and check us out - we look forward to seeing you!
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Everett
    Denver / Colorado •1 review
    4.0
    Dined today
    All the food was incredible! Service team made solid efforts to be friendly and courteous. However, there were some organizational struggles; our table was not ready until about 15 min after the 8pm reservation time. Party was left standing by the bar. Eventually, we were seated at a table that I saw was actually empty and prepped for at least 5 minutes. Then our courses were a bit rushed since they wanted to wrap up our meal by closing time. Overall would return. But be prepared to wait
    More info
    The ProgressPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Western Addition
    4.9
  • Denisevip
    San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Whenever we travel to San Francisco from Hawaii to visit our son, we always have dinner at the House of Prime Rib. Everything is fantastic! So delicious food in a perfect ambiance with superb service! We are so blessed to experience this wonderful restaurant!
    More info
    House of Prime RibPrice: Very Expensive• Steak• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.8
  • Bita
    San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We absolutely love the flavors and food presentation at FC. It's a fun spot, especially with the casual outdoor seating. The selection of international wines is fantastic. If you're coming with a large group, you're sure to have a great time. We've had many memorable family dinners here and always look forward to the next one!
    More info
    Foreign CinemaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Mission District
    4.8
  • Dr. Maria
    San Francisco Bay Area •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    absolutely amazing food and ambience.. had the pork chop, the halibut, bread, greek salad and calamari.. absolutely delicious $150 no alcohol… highly recommend as one of the best restaurants in SF! i will be back
    More info
    Kokkari EstiatorioPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.9
  • Steven
    Phoenix / Arizona •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 26, 2024
    We were greeted nicely seated promptly after our reservation confirmed. The seating area is nice, tables set apart. Our server was very nice and did a good job. The food was very good. Crab cakes crispy and tasty. I had the chicken piccata and the meat was tender but the sauce was more creamy and thicker than is my preference. I didn’t taste much lemon but there were plenty of capers. My wife had the pomodoro pasta and was quite pleased with that. Overall a pleasant experience.
    More info
    Chianti Cucina - NovatoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Novato
    4.8
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