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Jason's Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Italian Restaurants Asian Fusion Restaurants American (New) Italian, Asian Fusion, American (New) [Edit]
300 Drakes Landing RdGreenbrae, CA 94904
(415) 925-0808
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 2:30 pm
Mon-Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Jim L. said: "This place is one of my Novato favorites. Their BBQ chicken pizza is great. I really like the sourdough crust and I've never had a greasy pie like you get at some places. For pasta, the spaghetti with meat sauce and ravioli both…" read more »
124 reviews for Jason's Restaurant
Review Highlights
"This wonderful dish is called Dragon Prawns."
(in 13 reviews)
"The sea bass literally melts in your mouth."
(in 18 reviews)
"Possibly the best food in Marin-really innovative."
(in 34 reviews)
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124 reviews in English
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Review from Richard T.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/26/2012
The last few times I've been here I have re-ordered two dishes, and they are worth writing about. One is a special off-the-menu request, called Broccoli Bolognese.
That is broccoli florets, meat sauce (no pasta), and fresh grated cheese over it. Totally carb-free and very delicious!
The other dish is the salmon. Usually, salmon is salmon, and it is difficult for the chef to make it special. But Jason does! He coats the salmon with an herb crust that is really special. I rate it the best salmon dish I've ever had, and that is after eating a lot of salmon in my life!
Jason is personally in the kitchen almost every night. The dedication and time he puts in shows up in the quality of the food.3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/17/2011
Again, totally great! The food and menu and servers are all wonderful!
I have been pleasantly… Read more »
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Review from Nancy W.
Washington, DC
1/21/2012
One of my grandma's favorites and a staple when I come visit her. Jason's has a fabulous selection of salads, pastas, pizzas and meat dishes. The bread and olive tapenade that opens the meal is delicious and I always have to try not to eat too much of it before the main meal. The crab louis, scallop appetizer, salmon salad, prawn pasta, pizzas, and sushi appetizer are all knock-outs. All of the desserts are worth the extra calories.
The atmosphere is classic and warm, though sometimes noisy, but not usually on weeknights. Crowd is middle to old aged. Service is always expedient, professional, and accommodating. -
Review from Nick P.
Larkspur, CA
1/20/2012
I had forgotten just how great this place is . Stopped by there last night for their Happy Hour event. I ordered a glass of wine and appetizer.
The bartender brought me a generous pour of Save. Blanc,not a small glass 1/2 full like many other places
.
The jumbo scrimp plate couldnt have been better ,
Service over the top too .
Met two new friends there and shared a variety of appetizers with them. All were outstanding!
This will be my once a week spot to visit after a long day at work!
GO THERE AND YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT ! -
Review from Patrick S.
Oakland, CA
2/2/2012
Hidden gem up north, loved my meal and the service. The lamb was really outstanding. Sort of a romantic spot I would say, especially if you dine out doors.
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Review from Ashley M.
Salinas, CA
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place was good. Had the miso glazed sea bass that everyone was raving about and it wasn't as flavorful as I had hoped? It had a very light flavor and the spinach was surprisingly good though it looked like grits. I did enjoy the meal.
The hubby had the rattlesnake pasta dish which had a nice rich cream sauce with lots of peppers and chicken. Tried a bite and was a little too spicy for my (weak)buds.
Portion size is medium so we had plenty of room for dessert. Enjoyed the vanilla bean cream brule - Do try this! Delish!
Don't know if we will be back? Wasn't WOW'd and was pricey...
Do come on Tues night for 50% off bottles of wine over $40... -
Review from MarinMama w.
San Rafael, CA
Updated - 1/17/2012
We went back yesterday and the food is surprisingly good. Fresh seafood, perfect execution. Yes, the crowd was a little older but the service is friendly, attentive and most of all fast...the food is top notch.
if you have not gone, you def. need to check it out. As others have said, the miso glazed sea bass is great. So were the seared scallops, calamari, and the wasabi prawns...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/1/2011
I read the reviews of this place and was excited to try it.
We went for my mom's birthday because she… Read more »
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Review from Jade R.
3.75 plus extra love
I've been here a couple of times now and it's been a
consistent 3.75 for me.
3.75 because the atmosphere is nice,
has a bit of a "cheesecake factory" feel to it
without being a chain of overly greasy foods and sticky tables.
3.75 because the hosting and bussing staff is
always friendly and efficient.
3.75 because the food has actually been quite tasty.
I've done my share of tasting other people's entrees
and haven't found anything bad yet.
3.75 because they are always so nice,
despite us always being the second-to-last to leave.
Extra love for the dessert..
and the fact they add candles if it's a celebration of any sorts,
even to a pile of banana-nanas or pistachio profiteroles (yums!).
What's the non-5 star then?
Unfortunately on my first visit, we had a less-than-mediocre waiter,
which left a still-bitter taste in all our mouths.
He started taking our orders, and then left
to charge someone's credit card, and came back later..
sorry but that's just awkward.
He also was not attentive AT ALL, nor ever looked at any of us
for more than 2 seconds or in the eyes. which is even more awkward.
We just felt like the whole time he barely waited on us
because he knew he was getting a 20% tip anyway
(that's the rule for a party of 5 - or over).
I'm personally a good tipper and if service is good,
I go well beyond 20%, so I found that rather insulting.
Will I be back? Well, yes, of course..
everything but that one server was great,
I'm just disappointed that I have reservations for what would otherwise-be a 5-star go-to dining spot. -
Review from alfred w.
San Jose, CA
1/29/2012
I ate at Jason's this weekend and it was fantastic. I've relied on yelp to help me find good places to eat and this restaurant will not let you down. I had the fetticuine camarones and it was the best I've ever had. The pastas are fresh made and you can really tell the difference. Another crazy good dish is the hot shots. Seriously, you won't believe so much flavor can be delivered in what my girlfriend calls "cute sake cups". Try them. You won't be disappointed. Overall, I give the place an A+. Great food, will be there again
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Review from Susan C.
8/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Susan: Where in the world are we going?
L: You'll see.
Susan: You are taking me out to the docks to kill me and throw me in the ocean aren't you?
L: You'll see.
Susan: Dear God, I don't want to die... I'm sorry I was snappy before! I'm just really hungry! I hope there are people in these office park looking buildings who will see me and call the cops.
L: TADA! Jason's Restaurant!
Susan: Phew. Gawd I'm hungry....
Hands down some of the best prepared, seasoned, and all around delicious food in the entire area! I never would have known about this place myself.
The interior ambiance is homey and rustic. It has a bit of an old world class that I never would have expected from the outside.
Fantastic food meets fantastic service. Not only when I was there, but when I thought I had left my credit card there they were really supportive and looked very hard before telling me that they didn't have one.
Their "healthy fries" are probably one of the most addictive things ever. Perfectly fried green beans have a light crunchy coating that is seasoned to perfection.
Their cocktails are also on point with yummy yummy combinations.
Lastly, I love their seafood dishes. Chioppino, seafood (homemade) pastas, and fish fillets are all expertly cooked and all around mouth watering.
I was not taken out to die, instead I was put into a total food coma! -
Review from Rose J.
San Rafael, CA
9/24/2011
I used to love Jason's when it was that secret little restaurant in San Rafael that some of us had discovered. I've tried the newer restaurant in Greenbrae and can't say the same.
It caters to an older crowd who live around the restaurant. On a Saturday night it was crowded and noisy. Our server was pleasant and tried her best on a busy schedule, but the helpers were cold and rushed.
I started with a glass of Zin that was very good. My hubby thought his Vegie with pesto pizza was good. A beginner salad of Heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and balsamic was very simple. The tomatoes were tough and perhaps needed to marinate. I noticed that almost every main course came with mashed potatoes so I ordered the scampi with rice pilaf. My scampi was plentiful and tasty, but the prawns and asparagus were a little tough.
The dessert menu looked great, but no room this time! -
Review from Janice C.
Mountain View, CA
9/8/2011
Came by here for dinner over Labor Day Weekend with a couple friends and we ordered the Sea Bass, Pesto Penne, Linguini Bolognese, and Salad w/ Rasberry Vinagrette.
Salad - The salad was very tasty. It was a little tangy but also sweet, and the bacon added an interesting flavor to the salad.
Sea Bass - The sea bass was very soft and tender and absolutely amazing.
Pesto Penne - The penne was pretty good. It was creamy and just the right consistency. -
Review from irina a.
Pinole, CA
8/22/2011
Oh yes!
Saturday dinner was a success!
I'll work my way backwards.
Desserts:
My husband had Truffle Chocolate Cake which was good.
I had a TIRAMISU.
***THIS is how tiramisu is supposed to taste*** Absolutely amazing.
I kept thinking of it the entire weekend!
Entrees:
*Seared Cajun Ahi Tuna* - not bad. Pretty generous on Tuna. Rare, just the way I like it. Mashed potatoes were tasty. Dont really care for the deep fried green beans. Not sure if it was worth $26 but I enjoyed it
*Linguini Bolognese* - husband loved it.
Appetizers:
*Ceviche* - very fresh & tasty.
*Crab cakes* - not bad at all... but have had better.
Pleasant atmosphere, attentive service.. good wine.
Will definitely go back to try other things on the menu. -
Review from Mario P.
South San Francisco, CA
In the mood for something bad for you that tastes really good? Get the Lobster BLT and the Truffle Chocolate Cake (see photos). Absolutely delicious! Only my second time here and still no complaints about the food. The sea bass melts in your mouth BTW! Don't overindulge on the free bread though or you won't be able to finish you entree (or have room for dessert).
Service is great and the food arrived in a timely manner. Although the prices are a little high, the food is very good. The atmosphere is very low-key and you can certainly concentrate here if you have work to do (wi-fi signal is available nearby). -
Review from Meghan B.
New Orleans, LA
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Passing through Greenbrae, CA we decided to have dinner at the highest rated restaurant in the area so off we were to Jason's Restaurant.
We started off with the shrimp appetizer and we scarfed down every bit. It was delicious.
I got the sea bass without rice extra veggies and it was perfect. The sea bass was done to perfection and the amount of food was perfect for me.
Glad I was able to stop in and try Jason's Resturant! -
Review from Barbara W.
Greenbrae, CA
Updated - 4/7/2011
Stopped by to meet my hub for an early bit, after a long drive from work (SF) today. Noshed in the bar with appetizers for dinner. We each had out favorite food. Hub- pizza (although his fav is deep dish). Me- salad and calamari - together. Perfect!!!!
Our server extrodianare "Tracy" was attentive, informative and made us feel at home. She is a gem. And Tracy's support team (not sure what we call the people who bus tables now) was equally professional and attentive.
Jason continues to provide Marin with excellent food, great service and a homey atmosphere.Listed in: Top Restaurants
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/19/2009
We hosted a small dinner party for our son's 18th birthday at Jason's.
The event was fantastic.… Read more »
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Review from Irene K.
San Rafael, CA
12/11/2011
This was our second time here..just as good as the first! Excellent bar..no watered down drinks here..strong and yummy . The menu has something for everyone..however we enjoy the strong asian fusion accents layered throughout. You can basically make a meal just off the appetizer menu..the place was packed, but service was efficient. A bit pricey..but worth it..there are no views (at all)..but a warm feel..can't wait to go back!! LOVE the 'HOT SHOTS'..could do those all night long!!!!
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Review from Traci M.
San Anselmo, CA
Updated - 11/27/2010
Since I last reviewed Jason's, I have been back five times - of which, I was able to eat there four times. The food was nearly as good the next couple of times I went and then was less enjoyable the last couple of times. We did notice that the crowd tended towards the older side as was noted in some other reviews. I believe the time I went in early January 2009 was an exception to their normal clientele.
The fifth time we went back, we sat in the lounge hoping for a quick dinner and nobody came to our table for the fifteen minutes that we sat there. (Fifteen minutes is a long time when nobody even acknowledges you) During that period of time, the hostesses could easily see us from their station, the bartender could see us as he only had one person sitting at the bar and the wait staff that congregated to talk with each other could have easily seen us. It was one of the worst experiences of service we have encountered in Marin. Since that time, which has been over nine months ago, we have never been back and don't plan on going back.
What appealed to me before was their relatively creative menu, though that can not make up for poor service and then a declining quality of preparation.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/2/2009
This is my first Yelp review. I felt compelled to sign up as I was astonished to finally find a… Read more »
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Review from Donald M.
San Rafael, CA
7/27/2011
Heard a lot about Jason's we had bad service ok food would not go back
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Review from Suzanne S.
Kentfield, CA
7/21/2011
My grandfather likes to eat here because it is near his house. I have been here maybe 4 times, but he and my brother have been here maybe 50-75 times in the past couple of years (no exaggeration). The food is very good, a bit expensive, but you get what you pay for. I have had the Crab Louie Salad, the Brandy Chicken, and the prawns. All very, very good and rich in flavor. Here's why this place only gets 3 stars: the service is lousy. My grandfather has to be their best customer, and the waiter is still always very delayed in coming to check on us, taking our order, and bring the check. Even when the place has only 6-8 tables filled... is there a party in the back we weren't invited to? We'll keep coming back because the food is good and it's convenient but it would be nice to see the waiters have a refresher course in courtesy.
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Review from Hot S.
San Francisco, CA
7/16/2010
Jason is perhaps the most talented chef in Marin - his skills span numerous genres ranging from italian to asian and new american cuisine with consistently strong performance. He is always at his restaurant and insists on delivering quality meals with attentention to detail and plating. His staff is courteous and familiar with the menu.
This restaurant is really, really good - but it remains a largely undiscovered gem, hiding in the Drakes Landing Office Park where Georgios and Joe LoCoco's used to be. The elderly crowd, I think, and dated decor, seem to scare away discerning food afficionados - but don't be a lemming and give Jason's a try - trust me.
I specifically recommend the Blackened Salmon Caesar, the Pizzas, the Pastas, and the fish specials - one of my friends ordered the chilean sea bass last night and it was beautifully prepared and plated on a skewer with some chiles that really framed the fish. My wife had the cajun pasta and it look artfully prepared. Some people think that the Pizza here is almost as good as Pizzeria Picco, which, I think, says a lot about Jason's skills. -
Review from patricia I.
Sunnyvale, CA
6/27/2011
Yummy pasta, very fresh!
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Review from kevo m.
East Bay, CA
6/17/2008
The evening started out rather poorly. We were early for our reservation and were sat in the lounge to wait for our table. Our server was great, she caught CB before she placed our order at the bar. But I noticed that she said, "You're waiting for *A* table..." instead of *YOUR* table...?" Fortunately I caught that and it turned out there was a miscommunication with our reservation. It was busy so our wait was long.
But we were finally seated and were comped an awesome appetizer because of the reservation mishap. This wonderful dish is called Dragon Prawns. The description on their menu doesn't do it justice. It's not just a fancy dragon roll sans rice. It is a yelpgasmic tower of fantastic tempura aioli wonderfulness.
We also ordered the ceviche and poke for appetizers. Both were great! The poke tastes a lot like mine does. But the fish was cut a little smaller than I make it...but mine is made with something borrowed (not oppressed, Euge) from my Korean brethren, sesame oil.
For dinner, I had the brandy chicken. Just a hint of brandy so that it's not overpowering. Can you say Creamy Goodness?
Then to top it all off, I had the tira misu for desert. I ate so much, I didn't need to eat for a few days. It's a little loud so it's not a great place for an intimate date. But after the dinner rush, it quieted down significantly.
There is a window that you can watch the Chefs do their thing. I later found out Jason was the younger looking guy that I was watching. I realized he was who he was when he thanked us as we left.
Apparently Koreans know how to make more than just kim chee. I hope to one day dine at Eugy's.Listed in: My Best of the Bay Area List
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Review from catherine b.
El Cerrito, CA
6/10/2008
FIVE STARS!
I would like it if there was a way to measure levels of food deliciousness, sort of like the fire danger signs in the national forest or the terrorist threat warning color charts. Allow me my pathetic fantasies, please...
*pulls out poster board with color wheel and adjusts non-existent tie*
In appetizer news tonight, reports indicate that Jason's ceviche has come dangerously close to high level orange, with a 100% probability of deliciousness and that the dragon prawns are... so good they just broke my damn chart. Jeez, and I just bought that thing, too!
I'll continue without props.
My entree: baked salmon, asparagus and wild rice pilaf. How good can that plain jane sounding meal really be? Just the best salmon I think I have ever had, with some crusted something or other baked on top, to which I formed an immediate addiction. The rice was so nicely seasoned and buttery -- I ate every last morsel. The asparagus was cooked perfectly. I wanted more, and asparagus isn't even one of favorites.
Jason's is in what looks like a business park. And the clientele were NOT the Marin-ites I had been expecting. In fact, most of them looked like they'd had a very hard day of golfing and then counting their money.
And since I'm on a sociological field trip every time I come to Marin... will someone tell me who thinks it's a good idea to give those rich, old, white people all that alcohol? It's a scientifically proven fact: when wasted, they will approach or exceed yellow-orange levels of obnoxiousness, with a 92% chance of yelling to each other, knocking into my chair and generally embarrassing themselves. If you're interested, I just so happen to have a pie chart with all the details! -
Review from Dave K.
San Francisco, CA
5/6/2008 ROTD 6/16/2008
EVERY STAR IS WELL EARNED! I have ate at Jason's three times now, and each time thought I couldn't possibly have a better meal. I was wrong. It gets better every time! This is my absolute favorite restaurant in the Bay Area, hands down. If I could afford it, I would eat there every night.
The Ahi was to die for. The Chilean Sea Bass, was extraordinary (and I don't even like fish usually.)
The service is excellent, and very knowledgable. Sure the location is so so, but they have taken great lengths to make it cozy. Word is they are moving, and from the spot I have heard it to be moving to.... WHOA.. This will be one of the finest, tastiest restaurants in California.
I read the reviews on Yelp before going there. I had high expectations... Jason's exceeded my expectations in everyway.
(only gripe... The stuck up young hostess with the chip on her shoulder. Try to smile...and mean it...)
A+++ -
Review from Nils E.
San Francisco, CA
6/22/2009
Jason's Restaurant is quite a find.
Literally. It's hard to find, even though it is hidden in plain sight. Located in an office park off of Sir Francis Drake, you need to be looking for it (or very lost) to find the place.
On my first visit, the appearance of Jason's was a challenge to my biases. There were quite a few older patrons who had flocked to the restaurant, and I had to overcome the sense that I was stumbling across a spot for blue plate specials. This was heightened by the fact that the décor seemed suited to the crowd, with furnishings and accoutrements that were reminiscent of my grandparents' era (think plastic coverings on cushy chairs).
So? Who cares and what does this have to do with the food? Nothing. I was completely humbled by my experience and was eating crow by the end of my meal. The patrons are mostly regulars who know damn good food when they taste it, and they're definitely on to something. There was a sizable group of loud geezers at the bar during our visit, and it turns out that they get together every week for cocktails and happy hour snacks (at reduced prices). They were a blast: exceedingly generous, they bought us some drinks and they made great food recommendations. I wish they would have invited us to join their merry band permanently.
The décor, while not to my taste, kept the noise levels down and enabled terrific, private conversation. This is a great place to take your parents or other relatives when they come to visit. No complaints about the servers or the service - it was unobtrusive and timely, which is always a bonus, especially when bringing the folks.
The grub? Tempura Dragon Prawns with a wasabi aioli dressing was our favorite for the evening; Ahi Tuna Poke prepared just as you would find it in Hawaii or any other tropical Pacific Island and served in a martini glass; Rattlesnake pasta with a spicy jalapeno cream sauce; blackened rib eye steak seared perfectly on the outside and medium rare on the inside; and Cajun Ahi Tuna with mashed potatoes and mango salsa that made my dinner companion a very happy man. There's something for everyone on the menu, with even a few items that you'd be hard pressed to find elsewhere. (Supposedly their chicken is the bomb, according to the woman next to me, but I'm hard-pressed to order chicken when eating out.)
Complaints or cons? I wouldn't call this Italian. This was Californian cuisine with Asian (and Cajun) influences on some Italian ingredients. The desserts were not as impressive as the courses, and there wasn't a single item that spoke to us. We were tempted to eat out on their covered patio, but it didn't have much appeal. The bar fare offers pizzas and other appetizers and looks like a great spot to have a night out with friends, but the bartender wasn't as capable as I would have hoped.
Since my first visit, I've been back to Jason's a number of times and it has yet to steer me wrong. If I were looking for a local, regular spot to have food that won't disappoint, this would be it.Listed in: My Neighborhood's Eateries
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Review from Elle C.
Berkeley, CA
6/7/2008
Last night I dined at Jason's with two yelpers. Because it was my birthday, I was chosen to write the review.
OOOps- first snag....one did have the reservations made days before.
What the Hey is wrong with these otherwise super eateries??? This keeps happening toooo often.
I guess you have to say-- We'll be dining Tuesday night with Sean Penn and the Brad Pitt family to impress the personnel.
But... Apologies were made.... and those are hard to come by.....
The great Lars was our waiter- I think he's the headwaiter.
Star him in your next film, Sean
We were in a fish mood, so by gumbo- that's what we had. NO, not gumbo. as in Cajun, silly
Raw fish for appetizers--- Poifek.
Shrimp, Mahi tuna , whatever, it was excellent. Beautifully plated.
Desserts, yes Doctor, I had dessert.
With a tastefully skinny candle on mine, cause it was my bday
The decor- oh you want to know about that, too, eh?
Caramel walls ( makes you hungry, maybe.
However I would scrap the large mirror. It must be jarring to look up from your plate, and see yourself shoveling food into your mouth, however dainty you are
So Lars and Co- thanks for a great evening -
Review from Peter N.
Marin County, CA
Updated - 1/7/2010
Jason's menu hasn't changed, but the decor has changed. The decorations of previous tenants have been removed.
The result of this decor change is to attract a younger clientele. This time I saw a great many young people under sixty.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/10/2009
OK, now that Jason's has moved to a respectable neighborhood, the geezers come out at night to eat… Read more »
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Review from Jason R.
San Francisco, CA
9/13/2007
So I've been twice, once with my dad and the second time for my mom's 65th birfday and I think there were about 9 of us.
The problem with Jason's is, and it's the only one I can think of, is that if you're a group of more than 4 they just aren't equipped to deal with you.
It's a tiny little kitchen that puts out delicious food every time, but if you're a larger group that deliciousness is gonna come out at different times and we all know how annoying that can be.
Still, the food is great and I can't fathom how a restaurant in the mos industrial part of Marin, with no signage, can be packed every night of the week.
You and someone special should check it out soon. -
Review from Vin F.
San Diego, CA
8/1/2009
Jason's seems a conundrum: How can people who create a restaurant that serves the most inventive, well-presented, and delicious food lack the vision to locate in an appropriate neighborhood, hire and train a top-notch waitstaff, and create an ambience that matches the food in both style and substance?
I took my aged parents here because they've been before and liked the food. From their description beforehand I'd expected the type of atmosphere as, say, Betelnut, and a location in some neighborhood like Tiburon. I was shocked to find Jason's located in a deserted office complex in the Greenbrae marshlands. It was 7pm on a Sat night and the area looked like a scene in the Andromeda Strain.
The second shock came when we walked through the entrance to the restaurant - it's a glass hallway with a facing door opening into a bleak empty concrete courtyard. The actual dining area is down the hall to the right. I felt like I was in the dorms. What a buzzkill from the word go.
The dining room was passably decorated, but looked pretty much as if a restaurant decoration team had redone the commons area at my college dorm. With all this dorm flashback material, I was praying that the food was better than the dorm food.
And, as a third shocker, apparently I wasn't the only one to bring my aged parents. The crowd looked like a cast party from Cocoon.
Our waitress was nice enough but she couldn't answer much of what we asked. She was prompt and courteous, however, but would have been closer to her level working at Denny's.
So why the three stars?
Because the food is fantastic. We started with the "healthy fries" which are lightly tempura battered green beans and broccoli in a spicy thai sauce. Very unique and tasted fantastic. I had the seared ahi tuna, which was perfectly prepared, a large portion, served over mashed potatoes and spinach, and served with more healthy fries. My mom had the linguini with clams which was delicious and my dad had the chilean sea bass, which was also delicious.
But in the end, the whole experience was like eating five-star food served in a bingo hall.
Put this place in a good location with a cool, asian interior, and hire some hipsters to wait tables and the place would be off the charts, rather than off the map. -
Review from Colleen C.
San Francisco, CA
10/20/2008
WARNING....WARNING!!! PURPLE HAIRED FOLKS DWELLING!!!
The reviews DON'T LIE!! This place was FILLED with old people. So much so that me and two other coworkers who went here for lunch to see if we wanted to have our holiday party here, couldn't help but laugh at the atmosphere. Definitely not a place for a first date, or if you are under the age of 75 for that matter!!!
I must say though, the food was FANTASTIC!!! Such fresh ingredients, cooked perfectly, just amazing!!!! Too bad the atmosphere is so old folks home style. I'd go here more often if the crowd was different. -
Review from EdwardF A.
Hollywood, FL
3/30/2011
This place is OUTSTANDING! I been in this place more then 100 times. The food is out of this world! Saddly, I am NO LONGER in mine MARIN CA! Where I live now can't compare to this place!
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Review from Somebody X.
San Rafael, CA
Updated - 6/28/2009
Yes, there are a lot of older folks that enjoy this restaurant.
But Wednesdays' Happy Hour brings out the lesbians .
Everyone can enjoy this place.
(As to the reviewer who asked if anyone had been to A16, etc. --
Do you compare every restaurant to this standard??)
This is Marin and we are lucky our food scene is slowly getting better.
Jason's is consistent.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/6/2009
This is a good spot that I've been going to before Jason bought it. I've also been to the other… Read more »
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Review from Linda M.
West Linn, OR
5/23/2011
Great happy hour ! Went with colleagues and took advantage of their Tuesday 1/2 price on select bottles of wine. Food was well above average -- dragon prawns were excellent! Also had the hot shots and margarita pizza -- all savory and delicious. Poor bartender was working his back-side off so service was a bit pokey; nonetheless, he tried to be attentive given the circumstances. An overall wonderful food and drink value.
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Review from Gabrielle C.
San Rafael, CA
9/24/2008 1 Check-in Here
I never knew this restaurant existed, seeing that the location is in a commerical office site and that the enterance is only a one-way, from Sir Francis Drake, heading east. Wierd....but anyways I had to go for a social mixer and was excited to see what the place had to offer. First off, the restaurant itself is very nice nice, along the lagoon in Greenbrea.
Second, the food is melt-in-your-mouth, can't put down the appetizer tray, follow the server around good. I'm not kidding. The bay scalllops literally melted in my mouth and I usually dislike scallops cause no one knows how to actually cook them. The prawns with wasabi sauce and roe was so divine, I swear, the tears in my eyes were due to unbelieveable taste, not to the wasabi. The ceasar salad was crisp, the dressing perfect. And these were just appetizers at a mixer!
Have a good meal out...go to Jason's!! -
Review from Tom C.
Fairfax, CA
5/10/2008
As of May 6, 2008, Jason's has moved to this larger upscale location in Greenbrae. If you have ever been to his original restaurant in San Rafael, you know the food is outstanding. He is a talented, well-trained and inventive chef.
This is an update to my original review. After shaking out the bugs over the first couple of weeks, he's mostly done it again. The food is still amazing. All the dishes were prepared perfectly, presented well, and completely met our expectations. The wine list is still excellent, and fairly priced. Many (perhaps all) of the staff from his San Rafael restaurant came with him to the new place, so there is continuity in the new, larger location.
The crowd is different in the Greenbrae area; it seems like we're seeing the doctors, lawyers and executives with their wives and families, rather than the kind of chic-and-edgy San Rafael crowd. For me, this actually makes the experience less enjoyable. So I won't come here as often, even though the food is wonderful. I hate to say this -- the cuisine is so good -- but it's just the truth: for an outstanding evening of dining, I would rather go to Picco in Larkspur (which has a bit more edge, and a fine designer touch) or El Paso in Mill Valley (the best and most romantic French restaurant in the county).
It's rapidly become a very popular place, so reservations are a must during the core dinner hours. The space is pretty loud when it's full. The carpet and table cloths help to keep the sound manageable, but it is still difficult to carry on a conversation in the room. My only other criticism is that bar service is a bit slow (it took a while for us to get a bottle of wine after getting our table), but I would expect that this wrinkle will be ironed out soon.
The restaurant is in an office complex that has housed several Italian restaurants over the last 20 years. It's a nice building, with expanses of lawn and views of Corte Madera Creek. There is lots of parking, plus an outdoor dining area that should be great in the summer. The inside is generally pleasant and 'old world Italian', with a tasteful bar area. Large floral arrangements are used to create some separate spaces in the room. There are faux finishes, and colonnade decorations built into the walls. A really good classical guitarist was playing in the bar area, although we couldn't hear him once we were seated.
Strongly recommended, if you like the Greenbrae/Kentfield/Ross scene. -
Review from Shirley F.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2007
Hats off to the Chef!
So the decor is a little awkward and the neighborhood is a tad scary, but the food is EXCELLENT. For the food alone, it's worth fighting through traffic up to Marin on a Friday night, getting lost in middle of nowhere, and then finding it next to a car repair lot.
Everything we had was a treat. From the fried calamari, seafood salad, to seared ahi tuna and cioppino, Jason did not miss a single beat. The food alone is definitely worth 5 stars... and for everything else, it's just minor or mixable when the food is that great.
When I was waiting for the restroom in the back, I stood right by the kitchen and observed the chef. Setting aside that Jason is surprisingly young for being such a great culinary talent, you can also see the proud that he has... leaning over each dish and plating everything carefully... I could almost see that he kissed each dish as he handed it to the wait staff. Such a joy to watch someone doing something with a passion and pride! This is definitely a chef to follow...
Reservation highly recommended. -
Review from Idit O.
Green Brae, CA
12/26/2009
If you didn't know about Jason's, you could miss it easily, and it would be you loss! It's a bit "Off The Bitten Path", but really close to everything.
The food is Deeeelish, and the service is good, and it has the ambiance of a lucrative restaurant.
Take your honey on a surprise night out to a place that will bothsurprise & delight the both of you! -
Review from Melanie L.
San Rafael, CA
5/31/2011
I had my wedding reception at Jason's last weekend and can not say enough kind words.
1) The food was perfect - 92 entrees cooked to order from a choice of 4 items. People ordered rare to well done steaks and all were happy. The sea bass and chicken got rave reviews too.
2) Service was excellent. Well paced, friendly and careful
3) Appetizers - we had three served in cocktail hour - were a huge hit - especially the prawns and healthy fries.
4) When our beautiful wedding cake was delivered it looked lonely on the display table - Jason's mother did a wonderful job with flowers and ruched napkins to make the setting very pretty.
Overall it was a wonderful evening and many of our guests have said it was one of the best parties ever. We had Ken the Saxman play and DJ and I'll post my great review of him separately.
I wholeheartedly recommend Jason's for special events. -
Review from Ari C.
Corte Madera, CA
6/16/2008
I took the SO to Jason's last nice for his "first father's day", since the kid is due in November, its just an intro to father's day. We made reservations and were seated on time. I did over hear several people without reservations try to get in and Jason's was unable to accommodate them..probably because it was father's day.
We had a horrible waiter who did not even have an ounce of personality...zero .....ziltch...nada. We started with Calamari, which was good. It was not as good as Boca, and a few pieces actually had kind of a fishy taste, but otherwise it was cooked well etc. The Blue Cheese salad was great, the dressing was wonderful, and the lettuce was crispy.
For am entree I had the Fettuccine al Pollo. The chicken was previously boiled, which was disappointing. The sauce was good, overall it was fine. My husband got the Rib Eye, which he liked, but the blackened seasoning was not particularly "blackened", it just tasted like a light seasoning.
I would probably give it 4 stars if the waiter had more personality then my purse, but he didn't. -
Review from Ash P.
Hayward, CA
3/31/2010
We go here for company lunches and the food is consistently great. I ordered the crab cakes and it turned out to be a mini meal, I could barely finish my main course.
The staff was very attentive and helpful. My boss couldn't decide on what she wanted to order, and the waiter made some great suggestions for her. They also made me an off menu dessert item, a bowl of raspberries with whipped cream (yummy!).
