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Picante
Located in the heart of San Rafael, Picante stands out as a beacon for lovers of authentic Mexican fare. With its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it rivals well-known taquerias across San Francisco and the East Bay. The highlight here is undoubtedly the Mission-style burrito — generously packed, bursting with freshness, and paired perfectly with a selection of four salsas, especially the fiery and flavorful habanero, which you can serve yourself to your heart’s content.
Seafood enthusiasts will find a true gem in the super seafood burrito, praised for its rich taste and satisfying portions. The grilled fish tacos are another standout, celebrated for their delicate balance of smoky and fresh elements. Those seeking variety shouldn’t miss the Chile Verde plate, a hearty choice featuring vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. Vegetarian options shine as well, with burritos cooked to perfection and complemented by fresh juices that refresh and cleanse the palate.
Beyond the food, Picante offers more than just a meal. Its pleasant outdoor seating area invites diners to linger, making it a great spot for both casual bites and relaxed gatherings. The atmosphere complements the culinary experience, mixing authentic flavors with a welcoming vibe. The beer selection on tap is thoughtfully curated and reasonably priced, adding to the overall enjoyment.
Whether you’re after a flavorful burrito or craving nachos that are nothing short of divine, Picante delivers with consistency and passion. Their use of high-quality, fresh ingredients and traditional techniques makes each dish memorable. It’s a place worth driving to, no matter where you are in the Bay Area, and the loyal following is proof of its culinary charm.
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“ My favorite taqueria in Marin at the level of SF and Oakland/Berkeley taquerias. Their super seafood burrito is awesome Really good nachos, really good grilled fish tacos. I just had their fajita burrito for the first time and loved it. Nice selection of beers on tap too at reasonable prices. ”
“ Wow! This place is great. We had the Chile Verdi Plate and a salad with shrimp. The plate was a good size portion and both were delicious. I loved the vinaigrette dressing on the salad and the flavor on the shrimp. We’ll be back to try more- in saw the nachos as we were leaving and they looked devine. The outdoor area was really pleasant as well. We had a very good meal here. Edit to add- both the grilled chicken burrito and the butternut squash burrito were fantastic. The squash had a delicious char to it. ”
“ This is my go to place for a Mission style burrito. I live in San Francisco and i’d rather drive to San Raphael than try to find parking in the Mission. The ingredients are super fresh. They have 4 kinds of salsa available and my favorite is the Habanero. It’s spicy and is full of flavor. The salsa is self serve and you can have as much as you want. The prices are great, the portions are really big, and the flavors are great. I always get the super vegetarian burrito and my friends get carnitas or some of the other meat dishes. They always have parking available. The people who work there are very nice and they play good music. This place is awesome! Update 12/28/2025 The only thing better than their Super Vegetarian Burrito is their Wet Super Vegetarian Burrito. I think I just died and went to heaven. I asked for it with verde sauce and then sprinkled in the habanero sauce. It was incredible. The perfect blend of guacamole, salsa, beans, rice, sour cream, cheese. The proportions were perfect. Not too much rice. It was just perfect. One of the best burritos I’ve ever had in my quest for the most delicious burrito. Update: 1/5/2026 Went back again for a Wet Super Vegetarian Burrito…it’s $13.38…even with the Golden Gate Bridge Toll it’s cheaper than going to the Mission. Plus you can just park. I’m adding some new photos. ”
“ Vegetarian burrito with both juices. Great food, always cooked to perfection with great ingredients, the fresh juice is the perfect compliment to any of their dishes and leaves you completely satisfied and refreshed. The white cheese they use is immaculate and not too sharp to overpower the taste of the other ingredients. Some times there’s no parking, but that is just a testament to how beloved and great the food is. ”
“ It’s my sister’s favorite Mexican dive place to get her burrito fix. The food is unremarkable but the tile work is epic. So I’d say go for the art work and have a bite to eat while you’re there. ”