Best of Marin Dining – San Rafael Winners
Best Indian - Lotus Cuisine of India
Take comfort in award-winning Indian cuisine from a long-running, family-run, certified green business with an energy-efficient kitchen and eco-friendly appliances. There is an abundance of organic vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, not to mention their famous all-you-can-eat, everyday lunch buffet, wine and beer. A pet-friendly patio fronts Fourth Street while the family’s adjacent Lotus Market Indian Grocery on Fifth means free parking in the back.
Best Italian -Il Davide
The large selection of innovative and classic Tuscan dishes and house-made pasta has kept locals coming back for years. Ingredients are organic and locally sourced where possible, and there’s a vast selection of both Italian and California wines by the glass.
Best Latin American - Sol Food
This Puerto Rican spot has won the hearts of Marinites by serving up everyone’s favorite dishes, including Creole prawns, mofongo maduros, and tostones, and a chuleton sandwich on French bread. The line for takeout can get long, but at least it’s outside.
Best Ramen -Uchiwa Ramen
Marin’s OG ramen house has been slinging tonkatsu and shoyu, tantan and shio for seven years. Owner Kevin Fong says the tonkatsu, a cloudy, slow-simmered pork bone broth, remains his most popular menu item, but the vegetarian broth, the base for the hearty miso, is nearly as popular. Though he won’t divulge the secret behind the animal-free broth’s umami thunder, he will admit to using as many vegetables as he grew up eating both in the base and as toppers for the vegan and vegetarian bowls. Pan-fried ramen is also available, as are gluten-free noodles.
Best Vegan/Vegetarian - Café del Soul
Healthy options become addictive at this eatery that now has locations in both Tam Junction and San Rafael. Once you stop in for the deliciously fresh quinoa wrap, you’ll want to return to try the chipotle rice bowl. A casual lunch spot and great for takeout, Cafe del Soul also serves smoothies and pressed juices.