Address: | 901 A St, San Rafael, CA 94901, USA |
Phone: | +1 415-454-8080 |
Site: | ildavide.net |
Rating: | 4.3 |
Working: | Closed 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–10PM 4–9PM |
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Johnny Wang
Marin?! North of the city?! Whatever was I doing up here, you wonder? Well, I thought Id try something new for once an-- okay, fine, fine, you got me, it was for a woman. ANYWAY, after super easy parking, and meeting up with my already-seated date, the two of us ordered their: * Gamberi Pancetta - Not quite as tasty as the gamberi I had the night prior at Tropisueno, but, also, a much different dish, and still quite enjoyable. Great flavor, albeit a little too well-done I feel, coming out a bit chewier than I would have hoped. * Chilean Sea Bass - My dates dish, and one of the specials of the night. I only took a bit, but not only was it not overcooked and chewy as is the case with most restaurants, there was some pretty good, albeit lighter, flavor. * Dungeness Crab Risotto - The absolute highlight of the meal (for me, anyway), and another one of the specials that night. Its hard for me to resist ordering risotto when I see it on the menu now, after finding out how good good risotto can actually be. And Il Davide did me no wrong here, with fantastically rich flavors, plenty of seafood, and risotto that was cooked a bit more like rice than pasta (meaning none of that partially uncooked al dente business). Our waitress also suggested an excellent white wine to pair with the seafood, based on my requests, which was another big plus. ***Accessibility Info*** Venue - A mid-size, multi-level restaurant, with the waiting area and bar comprising the upper level, and the dining area comprising the lower level, with both stairs and a long, gradual ramp to get between the levels. While seating may look to be a little cramped, I had no trouble getting in and out, but I think that may have been because of where they seated us. I certainly wouldnt say that every table is actually accessible, but there are definitely a number that are. Bathroom - Didnt try them.
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Raleigh Bettiga
had the prawn with pancetta w/ a spicy sauce for appetizer,probably what Ill remember most it was really good. Short rib w/ polenta and arugala, was good but the polenta could have used a little (more) parmesan for salt/seasoning. Chocolate torte for desert was very good. Girlfriend had calamari appetizer, was so-so in the way fried calamari usually is, the coating was pretty thick, not the more tempura-like batter I like better. The garlic aioli for dipping was milder than it could have been. Get something else for an appetizer. Carbonara -- peas are a nice touch, very tasty. Butterscotch pudding was tasty. Overall we had a very nice time, good service, pleasant interior, food was good to great, just a little underseasoned in a few places, and prices reasonable. Recommend.
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Nubby Shober
Definitely the best Italian restaurant in Marin County. Have tried almost all the others, btw. E.g., Il Fornaio in Corte Madera is the closest in quality--but much, much pricier. My fave Il Davide dish is still their nontraditional pancetta di gamberi (sp?): big prawns wrapped in pancetta over a spicy cajun risotto. Their house reds are always very satisfying, with generous portions. My favorite Italian eatery in Sonoma County is Cucina Paradiso in Petaluma--founded by an Il Davide chef!!
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A Private User
Over the years, Ive been to Il Davide on numerous occasions, both lunch and dinner. Ive never been disappointed and everyone of my clients, colleagues and friends who have dined with me are pleased and return as well. Great idea to have a "Recession Buster " lunch menu as well -- the gesture alone says a lot about these folks. The only complaint I have is the noise level can be really high. Yummy food, great people, inviting environment
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Austin Leonard
Had an awesome late lunch at this great find in SR. Appetizers and mains were well put together, and the wine list had some excellent options. Bill was $200 for 4 people with apps, mains and 2 rounds, but the food and service were on point as we dined outside on a beautiful afternoon. A few recs: -the Cauliflower app was really delicious -ravioli due was good but a bit small -pappardelle bolognese made everyone at the table jealous!
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A Private User
For those that care for the environment and not contributing to the overfishing of our oceans: This restaurant serves Chilean Sea Bass. This fish is one of the most overfished species and should not be sold so fisheries can recover. Very few restaurants and stores sell this fish as most know better. Once I was told by the waiter that is was on special I informed him promised not to return. Anybody who cares should do the same.
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McGibbon Decks
Great food with great service. Very friendly staff and very nice restaurant decor. My daughter and I go for date night. She is 2. She loves the staff here and they accommodate her every wish. The Italian food here is the best the city has to offer. The wine list is phenomenal also. I have taken a few bottles for home from there wine list
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Peter Martinez
I tried hard to love this place... and I do like it. But.... ... its really uninspired. This is decent Italian cooking, and nothing more.... I guess if you want a nice high-end Italian restaurant for date night, this works. Service is good, the room is nice. But the food isnt going to impress anyone, or delight your date.
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Owen Laviano
This place just keeps getting better and better, they have remodeled and it looks so chic and warm! There is so many menu items to choose from Short ribs, Kobe beef, sea bass, salmon all were excellent ! Small plate selection is by far the best! Wine list is pretty good also, love this restaurant! A Marin county must!
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Chip Weiner
Service was excellent but I expected more in food quality. The shrimp scampi ($23) was spot on, but the Sea Bass special (about $40) did not make the mark. It was fairly bland. The accompanying bed of polenta was nicely done, and they have a decent wine list. Id go back for a second try given the opportunity.
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A Private User
I love this place, not only for its excellent food, but for its wonderful wait staff and its warm atmosphere! We typically get the Ceasar Salad with Salmon--its so good that its hard to want anything more. Their lunch menu is also excellent. Always a favorite for our family!
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Antony O.
Took my girlfriend here for her birthday last week and they took care of us with the candle on the cake and I didnt have to say anything. Just left them a note on my Yelp reservation! Couldnt have been more of a perfect evening. Thank you, thank you!
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A Private User
We hosted a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner for 25+ and were all beyond thrilled! David worked with me to choose a great menu, and Don and Susan served us with perfection. Food, atmosphere, wine all wonderful. Thanks Il Davide!
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John Bermudez
Good wine selection.... the weirdest Burrata ever.. came with a salad and pruccioto.no tomatoes or balsamic or basil..hmm good burrata cheese tho... and fig jam? Nice ambiance . .glad i didnt order more than aps
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Joe Rybicki
utterly underwhelming italian fare. service was almost snippy, and prices were outrageous for unimaginative pasta. save yourself the strain on your pocketbook and walk a block east to the outstanding cento stelle.
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Ethan Solomita
Our group of 4 tried several different things and everyone left happy. Their wine flights are very generous pours and give you some good variety. I very much enjoyed the chicken rollatini in a balsamic reduction.
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Aaron Aubrey
Our favorite restaurant in Marin. Go casual or fancy. Spend a lot or not. Treated like family here always. The menu is amazing, but make sure to hear the specials as they are usually what we order.