My favorite Indian restaurant in marin. Food so tasty, and breathtaking curries. The staff were very polite and friendly. The tables and chairs and well designed and setting for India is another world. I love this restaurant and you got to try it to believe it read more

My first time in San Rafael! This restaurant has a surprisingly large area inside. I ordered the couscous stew and a carrot/beet/celery juice. I think it was pretty good. If i had to be nitpicky, i would say it's very good, but not mindblowingly good. Still, i would not say no to coming here again. read more

Aroma Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

I go here all the time to get coffee, to work on my laptop or to meet friends! A super chill spot with a large menu of tasty meals. The coffee is high quality, internet is fast and front-of-house staff is consistently friendly! The Avocado Beet Salad is a must-have! I also like the hummus plate! read more

Great food, good atmosphere. Authentic food , staff was very friendly. I will definitely be coming back for the delicious sandwiches

We like to come to this place once in a while. Service can be bit dry and staff can take a minute to acknowledge your presence at the register even when they are right there in front of you. There is plenty of seating inside and enough outside. I have only ordered the chicken pesto sandwich because it's so good I don't feel like trying anything else. It's a bit pricy for the size but quality is nice and we don't come too often. A bit of a treat if we're in the area. read more

Love x 10. Fab solid yummy food. Lovely service. So glad to have this. Had a burrito. Another time had a salad. Both fresh and yummy and filling and a good price for what you get. read more

Great service and it's a huge space they have very delicious soups of the day today was green split pea and it was delightful. The cold and the hot sandwiches agreed for the Panini and the pizzas are also very tasty. But if you ever want coffee they have all sorts of amazing coffee's Italian sodas , teas and chai. Not to mention that it's in the beautiful historic building formally the lyric theater originally built in 191 read more

Aroma Cafe - Historic Lyric Theater building - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Nice clean and large coffee shop in Central San Rafael . Variety of food , mostly Mediterranean cuisine . I order Falafel Pitta and was great. It is San Francisco price which means it is expensive for San Rafael but worth to try. read more

Aroma Cafe - Falafel Pita - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

So-so food and lackluster service at all levels. Not a terrible experience, but in this day and age, customer service is how a business distinguishes itself from the he abundant competition. read more

Came here to say for smoothies the other day & they were so delicious - paired perfectly with a fruit cup!

Unfriendly & cold hospitality service. Not at all a pleasant experience to order and get one's coffee in the mornings. Location is the only good factor making it convenient & easy to access from the back door. read more

I recently discovered this place after my therapist recommended it. I have therapy every week with Shannon Myers in downtown San Rafael and I told her I was craving a good salad. She said her one of her favorite salads is the Greek Salad at Aroma Cafe. I had driven by Aroma many times, but never been there. So I decided to treat myself to lunch before therapy today. I am sitting here almost done with the Greek Salad and it's fabulous. Light but hearty, if that makes sense. The feta is so fresh and yummy. The dressing is so flavorful but not too strong. Even the bread that came on the side is awesome. My new favorite lunch spot read more

A recent Google review informed me the patron witnessed Qatari propaganda on their TV there. The owner apologetically replied and merely stated they will not have the TV on showing this. No disavowing the content or explanation for why it was on. Was it a mistake? An employee? Does not represent the views of the owner? Unless I see a star of David in the window, an American flag sticker,or at the very least a # freepalestinefromhamas or FCK HMS sticker in the window, I will not be going back to pay over $14 for bagel and lox I have to assemble myself. I wanted to like this place. I tried very hard. Great place to chill and get some work done. read more

I went for a Turkish Coffee. What I got was mild warm sludge. Horrible !! Never going back! read more

A very underrated restaurant. Cozy atmosphere, very hearty dishes and prices are reasonable. I ordered a half falafel with large salad and it tasted amazing, price was just $15.50. Interior is spacious and quiet enough for a nice morning brunch with friends or loved ones. They have very nice coffee too, I ordered a Cappuccino which tasted very nice, nothing amazing but not bad. Service was quick as well! Will definitely come back, if not for the food I am sure I can just get a cup of coffee and enjoy it at a table by the window. read more

This cafe has staying power...has been open for many years. I recently started having weekend breakfast there, but the woman working behind the counter on Saturdays is not very welcoming: stone-face, no smile, no intentional eye contact and no greeting. Big turnoff. Think I'll venture to a more friendlier venue on Saturdays read more

Terrific, authentic middle Eastern food. Almost a study hall so many people meet and work there. It's always buzzing and delicious. The Fattoush salad is the best in the Bay Area! read more

Fast, friendly service. Super spacious interior with large and smaller tables. Perfect for work or reading. The chocolate cake was excellent. And open til 8pm. What coffee place closes at 6pm? Hello nite shifters. read more

Aroma Cafe - Chillin and reading and chilling and reading. Neuro divergents unite. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

This café is an absolute gem. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and a cozy ambiance. It was as if I was a regular and now I am! I literally make the hour drive just to have brunch here. Everything I've tried has been flavorful and scrumptious! read more

As someone who rarely crosses bridges other than the Bay Bridge, I must say that the air is different in Marin County. Cue the "Whole New World" song. The roads are smooth (no potholes), the people appear happy, and the coffee shops are filled with Gen Xer's. The token millenial, I came to Aroma Cafe on a whim to meet with my business partner. Honestly, I felt a little out of place and out of pocket as I pulled my dusty 2003 Honda Civic with the hanging front bumper next to pristine Teslas and colorful Corvettes. Even the teenagers rolled up in Mercedes-Benz's and other luxury cars. Anyway, feeling the Marin Vibes, I came to Aroma Cafe and drank my Kombucha in this spacious shop. That Kombucha cost $5--a little much for me. I bet you my mother in Texas has never heard of Kombucha, yet her son is "making it" in Cali. Manifest Destiny, right?. The barista was friendly and welcoming, reviewing the extensive menu with me. Of course, I felt like THAT guy staring at the large menu (over 50 food and drink options) with indecision and hopes of low prices; and, from the looks of the people behind me, I was that guy--a "noob" as my middle school students would say. My belly (due to gluten intolerance) and my wallet (due to debt) could stomach only so much, so I decided to sip my Kombucha slowly and thoughtfully consume the free artwork on the wall. The paintings gave me a lot to ponder and appreciate, especially when my business partner had to go to feed the meter. This place had public parking within walking distance, and it is central, sitting in the middle of a range of shops from record/vinyl stores to a movie theater. This place is perfect for a nice, quiet day of introspection or a meetup with friends and colleagues. All in all, I gotta get out more; maybe even spend a day in San Rafael. Maybe I'll retire here; I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. read more

Aroma Cafe - Art on the wall... - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

I love Aroma. This Israeli coffee shop has so many things I love! For starters it's right next to the movie theatre on Fourth Street in San Rafael. It's the only place I can think of in Marin that offers enough seating to allow a great place for laptop coffee work. There's seating inside and outside. I'm obsessed with the Halva candy dipped in chocolate and covered in toasted almonds. It's next to the cash register. This is NOT to be missed. I also love the Fattoush Salad. You can add chicken and avocado. All the salads come in small or large sizes. This Fattoush has Belgian Feta, Kalamata Olives, red onion, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled banana peppers, feta, and romaine lettuce. They also have Sumac and lemon dressing. It's the best Fattoush in Marin Hands down. It comes with little soft slices of sourdough bread. They have fresh squeezed juices, every coffee drink you can imagine, and Turkish coffee. I adore their Turkish coffee. The soups are homemade and change everyday. Fantastic staff and managed beautifully this place is wonderful. read more

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I was walking by and figured I would get a coffee and walked in wasn't greeted at all the guy who helped me wasn't even looking at me and talking to someone else. No smile nothing when my order was done no "Thank you for coming" Awful customer service. This is why I don't like giving small business my business they don't know what customer service is!? You'd think they'd want people to come back and support them. I won't be returning plus the coffee tasted like shit. read more

Great food, great ambiance. I met up with my friend who recommended this cafe and it was worth it! Will definitely come back.

Love the ambiance of this spot. I've gotten both an Arnold Palmer and a chai latte from them and felt pretty satisfied on both occasions. They have lots of beautiful nature photography for sale on the walls. Taken by locals, I assume. There's a nice outdoor seating area as well. read more

This is the best breakfast wrap I've ever eaten. Service was wonderful despite how busy it was and the coffee is excellent. I have a new fave San Rafael brunch spot! read more

Aroma Cafe - Breakfast wrap - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

Great news. They know about espresso dopio lungo. (Double espresso long pull). A taste of Italy in San Rafael. I had the shakshuka. Served with pita it was very good. My wife split the shakshuka and had an afrogatto. The menus is large, prices reasonable and the art on the wall exceptional read more

Very nice little coffee shop to visit and have a coffee or hot chocolate. Place is very clean and the staff is very friendly The deserts are super great! read more

Such a cute little cafe located in downtown San Rafael! I usually come here when I have a meeting at my work headquarters. I really enjoy their hot cocoa and Chai tea here! They make them super sweet upon request. I have a bit of a sweet tooth, so I always request them to be super sweet! They have an assortment of pastries available for breakfast or for snacking. Their croissants are some of the freshest and softest that I've tasted in the area... way better than Starbucks down the street. I've also come here for lunch a few times. They have awesome salads, sandwiches, and soups. My go to lunch dish here is their chicken and sausage gumbo! It is SO good! It's extremely flavorful and I'm so picky when it comes to southern type dishes. I love my gumbo with seafood and although it's only chicken and sausage, it's still damn good! After all, they are merely a local cafe. I hope they never get rid of the gumbo here! It's also accompanied by a loaf of fresh sourdough bread. I only wish that they provided a larger portion because I could eat bowls of this stuff if the let me! They have several tables inside for dining in. This is the perfect spot for a nice breakfast or dinner meeting. They keep this establishment super clean! The restrooms are always very clean and they require a key for entry which you can ask for at the front counter. I've never driven to this location because I can walk from work, but there is virtually no street parking on the Main Street. Parking in a garage nearby would be recommended. It's never been super busy when I've come here, but they do have a pretty big lunch crowd during their peak hours. This location used to be cash only but I believe that they have recently started accepting credit and debit card which is a plus! I'm not sure if they require a minimum for card use, but I would call ahead just to verify. It's worth a visit if you are in the area! I highly recommend the chicken and sausage gumbo for lunch! read more

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4 stars out of 5 for: -eats are a bit on the pricey side but they are yummy -great selection of eats and bevvies -friendly staff -free wifi -clean inviting interior with large colourful paintings on the walls (they are by a local artist & are for sale) -i think this used to be part of an old movie theatre read more

Aroma Cafe - breakfast is served: iced chai latté, toasted garlic bagel + plain cream cheese & avocado slices - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

Fabulous latte in a glass mug - nice presentation. Lemon chicken and rice soup was very very yummy and filling, served with a little French bread on the plate. read more

Yuck. Dirty and needs some serious ventilation. I've been here before, a few years ago for a study group, and I wasn't impressed with Aroma Cafe then either. Came here today out of convenience. Smells dirty, tables are dirty, bathrooms are gross. It's a shame because the space could be utilized in a much better way! Lots of potential, somethings gotta five soon. I had the spicy chai, and it was bland and not spicy. Bummer. Food and drinks are expensive for what they are. read more

Aroma Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

Really nice ambiance and staff. We witnessed a gorgeous anniversary performance, it was magical! But the food... not so magical. We paid $11 for this pizza, and became tragically upset when it was like a microwave pizza ): read more

Aroma Cafe - Cheese Pizza - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

Fatoush salad is my go to. It's huge and they always use the freshest ingredients. Love love love this place.

I went back today and got their "full size" Avocado & Beet Salad (romaine, baby spinach, tomato, shredded beet, cucumber, onion, avocado), with added chicken, to go. Again, it was so large I ate half for lunch and saved the other half for tomorrow. Also again, it was really good. The photo is of 1/2 of the order. read more

Aroma Cafe - 1/2 Avocado & Beet Salad with added chicken - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

If you don't need to use the internet, for free at least, then I would recommend this place. While not cheap ITTET, items are not expensive either. Their $7 prosciutto sandwich (http://static1.px.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/5z9X27OkyjtJCIv6k4XRbQ/l) was really good. Even with lots of pickle slices, it was not too salty. Sandwich orders come with a small garnished salad and tangy vinaigrette-like dressing. I wolfed that thing down right quick (the $6.75 smoked turkey was the backup). A 16oz cup of not-that-strong-for-a-medium-blend coffee was $2.75 IIRC, and costs $0.50 to refill (a larger cup costs more; regular and refill prices). This cafe is located in downtown SR, almost next door to the movie theater. Inside, the place was quite big, well, big for a cafe and it was a third full during weekend lunch hours. An L-shaped design has tables for twos to benches for up to half a dozen people. All orders are at register near the cookie jars, and pick-up is to the right of the glass case (http://static1.px.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/9eZpnTwQdv-o8V3iwBMxMg/l). There are paintings all around (http://static1.px.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/n9QGvruphq6WHEsi7grwtw/l) and give the place a warm feel - wherever there's a wall (http://static1.px.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/mPAo7NSdPuVBBnx5lAaROQ/l). There are a couple of outdoor tables. The unisex restroom requires a physical key. However, doubt I'd return because you have to pay for WiFi. "It's 2010. time for free internet, like every other decent coffeehouse in the country......PLEASE" (just reiterating what reviewer Brian M said). With many other cafes in the vicinity - and not just chains - there are substitutes as they say. Milestone: the 2000th "Cool" vote's review! :D read more

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We ordered a breakfast bagel - very good! And a breakfast scramble - it was good. And breve lattes which were served in glass water type cups. They were average. Service was prompt. read more

The workers are stellar, the food is good - but the owner who sometimes works the cash register seems like a total *ss. I can't imagine working under him; I feel sorry for the workers. read more

I've been here a few times and find their chicken sandwich (on foccacia?) really good. The last time around I had the "shatsouka" which was essentially three eggs on what seemed like a cross between a ratatouille and a marinara sauce. It was served with some bread but the quantity left a little to be desired; I expected the sauce to be more than just a thin coat on the plate/bowl/plate-like-bowl. My colleague-and-friend always swears by their mediterranean platter --- that's what I would be having the next time I happen to be around. That they take only cash is, personally, a turn-off. read more

Aroma Cafe - Shatsouka - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California

Took the Smart Train from Santa Rosa to San Rafael and walked around to check out the local shops. I wanted some coffee and didn't want the typical Starbucks and we stumbled upon this place. I knew it was a place to try by the long line of people waiting to order. The location is convenient and there is street parking if you need it. The building has an old charm feel to it with beautiful brick details and local artist paintings on the wall. There is plenty of space inside to sit and relax or work on your laptop. I ordered a White Mocha. It was absolutely one of the best I've ever had. My daughter who is more of a tea drinker even enjoyed her white mocha so that says alot about the quality and taste. I'll definitely come back on my next Smart Train ride and try some of their food items. I overheard several patrons rave about their meals during my visit. read more

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I love aroma! Everything I've tried here has been amazing. My go-to's are usually the fatoosh salad and an espresso shake, but I went for the tofu salad and a strawberry/mango/berry smoothie and OMG. The smoothie was so refreshing- not overly sweet. It tasted so natural which I loved. The tofu is marinated beautifully and overall the salad was completely delicious. read more

Aroma Cafe - Tofu Salad, Smoothies Smoothie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Rafael, California