Sol Food is a San Rafael institution serving Puerto Rican food — rice and beans, roast pork, plantains, and hefty sandwiches — in a brightly painted space that looks like a Caribbean street corner dropped into downtown Marin. The line stretches out the door on weekends, but it moves quickly and the food is worth it.
The pernil (slow-roasted pork shoulder) is the dish to order, ideally with a side of tostones (fried green plantains) and a cold agua fresca. This is confident, unfussy cooking with real flavour. The place has a loyal local following and is frequently cited as one of the best restaurants in Marin County. No reservations; expect to wait on busy days.