Reserve now:
Chalet BasqueReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
San Francisco Bay Area Restaurant Reviews >
Marin Restaurant Reviews >
San Rafael Restaurant Reviews >
Basque Restaurant Reviews
Chalet Basque Reviews List
Chalet Basque
Welcome to the Chalet Basque restaurant, 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. Our restaurant is also available for Banquets and parties upon reservation.
See more Chalet Basque details
63 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 63 reviews
5 stars
(29)
4 stars
(24)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(45)
- great for outdoor dining(35)
- good for groups(26)
- fit for foodies(21)
- special occasion(21)
- great for lunch(18)
Chalet Basque Reviews List
Review 1 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was wonderful service outstanding."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mothers Day
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Glad we had reservations for Mothers Day. It was busy. We had the Chicken Cordon Bleu. Wow. Best Escargot in Marin!!!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, kid-friendly, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Mother's Day dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We chose Chalet Basque randomly as it was between Novato and San Mateo, had a good reputation, space for us .... and our grandson is a pescaterian.. eats only fish. They offered a variety of good fish dishes. We were a party of 8 and really enjoyed our meal. Our seating was a little tight near the water station but our waitress was terrific and really took care of us, especially the two children in our party. Food was delicious.. watercress soup and shrimp, lamb stew and veal all prepared very well. We would recommmend it!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The potatoe leek soup is so good.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been coming for years and the environment, food, and service was always good. !"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our waitress was outstanding, she was friendly and excellent at her job.
The food as always was delicious."
The food as always was delicious."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Would go again.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Always love their special spinach salad. Tried the special pork chop, done perfectly, but thought the tomato based sauce overwhelmed the delicate dish. Very friendly, great service."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Best Basque food in the whole bay area!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was a great spot for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was a great spot for our early dining 10 party group. We had the private room to ourselves for the first 1-1/2 hour so that was a treat and even after another large party came in the noise level was fine. Service was spot on. Wine was excellent. We'll be back."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a great time with a
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a great time with a party of eight, and the restaurant was very accomodating."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Marin gem...consistant over
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"A Marin gem...consistant over the years. I always take a freind who has not been before and they RAVE."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Little Local Restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really good restaurant, we have visited several times. I ordered the duck, which was excellent, my wife had sweetbreads which was just OK.Service was great, and all the staff very pleasant."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful menu. Good is always
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful menu. Good is always served hot from the kitchen. Unique dishes are available. Basque food at its finest. The service is terrific and the setting is also lovely."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Take a trip to France
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"One of my all time favorites. I have come off and on for the last 40 years. Great place to meet people from opposite ends f the county, middle ground if you will. The full dinner for an extra $4.00 is amazing, pâté, homemade lovely soup, excellent salad, main course and save room for dessert, flan, rice pudding and the best Spumoni ice cream. Loving wine list and the Argentinian wine at $24.00 is delightful. Great evening anytime of year. Linda our server has been part of this legacy for as long as I have been coming here. For many years she was voted the best waitress in Marin and because she won every year there was no need to continue. I love Linda and this place. Oxoxox to all."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Go for the paella special
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went on a Thursday and had the paella special. It was chock full of meats and seafood which was cooked just perfectly. Had enough for leftovers the next day. Dinner came with fresh warm bread, salad, and a very good lentil soup. Service was excellent."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
There is an atmosphere of
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
"There is an atmosphere of being in a foreign country. There is a wide selection of Basque dishes, however they are small and do not always complement each other with the side dishes. This is not a place for one who is on a budget. Overall, it's a fair restaurant if you want to have something to eat and are not worried about the getting your moneys worth."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our experience from our pre-dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our experience from our pre-dinner cocktails through desert was exquisite. Our corner table provided a quiet, romantic spot for my wife and I to enjoy each other. The service was beyond reproach ... unhurried yet timely. (.. and the dessert ws marvelous!)"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The services was great, timely and helpful in ordering. The window table looked out onto parking. The food was average and the price was a bit above average. The restaurant has tried to squeeze out all of the dining and parking space to the detriment of the dining experience. It needs to be cleaned up in order to have a good experience. And, the food needs to be cranked up a notch."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Hidden Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had show tickets at the Marin Veteran's Memorial auditorium. The Chalet Basque was a perfect find. Nearby, excellent food, friendly staff. Great lamb shanks. You have to keep you eyes open to find it nestled within the neighborhood."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
First time, definitely not the last
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"First time and we loved it! Wasn't crazy about the watercress/potato soup, but everything else was scrumptious. Good wine list without too much of a mark up. Will definitely return, probably on a Thursday night when we can eat outside and have paella!!!!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Average meal, crass service
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Average meal, crass service and terrible decor. My family comes here often because it's the most convenient but certainly does not deserve it. Google around, you can find better in the neighborhood."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2006
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I took my friend visiting
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I took my friend visiting from Japan for dinner before a show at the Marin Memorial Hall, very good food, great atmosphere and service. Would recommend and return."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
great place!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This has become our "go to" restuarant. We live right down the street so enjoy the short walk and catching up with other neighbors who stop in. The food is great, the staff are very pleasant, service excellent. Great job Roger and Patrick!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Several well prepared, difficult
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Several well prepared, difficult to find dishes. Escargots, Sweetbreads etc. Funky bar scene, so un-Marin you really feel like you have left town!!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Engagement Dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Wonderful food, staff and ambiance."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was out second Valentines
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was out second Valentines Day here and they have impressed us both times with great atmosphere and friendly staff. The food is always delicious! Coming back again for sure."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
This is our third time dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is our third time dining at this place after being introduced by friends who were local Marinites a couple of years ago. We keep coming back because we absolutely love their cuisine. Notable picks are rabbit stew and the beef tongue!"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2006
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 27 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Le Chalet Basque has been
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Le Chalet Basque has been a favorite for years. VERY rustic French. Modestly priced considering the quality of the food. Wonderful value!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 28 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was very good and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was very good and our server was very gracious andmade sure that we had everything that we needed to enjoy our everning."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 29 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Pleasant place,good service...
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Pleasant place,good service... but probably much more satisfying for summer outdoor dining. Our meals had some good points, but overall, not cooked to a high standard or using best ingredients. Average overall. Definitely don't go if you need good selection of wines. Atmosphere is okay, but very basic and dated. The patio would be the way to go when it's warm."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 30 for Chalet Basque
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I have been coming here for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been coming here for over 30 years and it is good and very dependable. If you are looking for a good time for a very reasonable price, come on in."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Chalet Basque
Based on the average of (33) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic