Locally-sourced food, incomparable ambiance and creative seasonal dishes — these are all qualities that the top North Bay dining experiences have to offer. Our restaurant picks fall somewhere on the spectrum of romantic date night restaurants to hip eateries for meeting up with friends and other loved ones (including kiddos). So let’s get to it.
Featured Photo: Farmhouse Inn
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Italian
Deep and tufted red banquettes frame a room that opens on one side to a streetside patio where locals and tourists flock for a la minute Italian cuisine and great people-watching. Grab a Negroni from Tony at the bar while seated on a cushy stool, then shift to a table for a plate of vitello tonnato or a mista salad with fresh herbs sourced from the hillside garden. The pappardelle with braised lamb and pork ragu and the in-season seafood are musts.
777 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.332.7771
Southern Marin
Sausalito – Mill Valley – Tiburon – Belvedere
Italian
Multiple generations of the Ancona family create an authentic Italian eatery featuring dishes like arrosticini which is a find outside of Abruzzo, handmade pastas, and seasonal antipasti that has showcased the cuisine of the Campania region for more than 20 years. Enjoy indoor or outdoor seating, especially popular on a sunny day.
621 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.331.5225
Thai
Grab n' Go | Kid-Friendly | Watch the Game
This downtown favorite serves up more than just popular dishes like pad Thai and vegetarian Siamese rolls, the menu runs deeper into regional Thai flavors with offerings like a fermented tea leaf salad and soft shell crab curry. They do not accept reservations.
47 Caledonia St, Sausalito, 415.729.9395
Italian
Kid-Friendly | Dogs Welcome | Outdoor Seating | Private Party Room
Novato’s Aurora has a counterpart in southern Marin. Traditional Italian food, a full bar, and friendly service make it a great option for families and sports fans, who can keep up-to-date on the game via flat-screen TV. The location on the south side of town is a boon, too, when a quieter meal is called for.
300 Valley St #207, Sausalito, 415.339.8930
Chinese
Watch the Game | Kid-Friendly | Grab n' Go
Organic, wheat-free and peanut-free menu selections are a boon to many who stop in for the reliably fresh veggie dishes and sustainably-sourced seafood at Mill Valley’s Harmony. Local favorites, the signature beef and signature chicken, are part of their takeout menu and the fried rice includes slivers of BBQ pork for added richness. Call to make a reservation.
800 Redwood Highway, Suite 401, Frontage Road, Mill Valley, 415.381.5300
Italian Seafood
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Private Party Room | Date Spot | Full Bar | ADA-compliant
Executive chef Renzo Azzarello serves Sicilian seafood and homemade pastas with a Californian touch. The seasonal menu incorporates fresh and organic produce, local naturally grown meat and poultry from small farms. The restaurant complies with Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, so all the seafood is sustainable. A recent expansion tripled the size of the patio to accommodate more diners. In 2014, diners voted Luna Blu one of the Top 100 Neighborhood Gem restaurants in America.
35 Main St, Tiburon, 415.789.5844
Seafood
Kid-Friendly | Dogs Welcome | Outdoor Seating | Full Bar | Watch the Game
Sausalito’s oldest seafood house has its own boat, berthed at Pier 47, that fishes seasonally and is approved for salmon and Dungeness crab, resulting in fresh catches year-round. The menu at both the Sausalito and Fisherman’s Wharf locations were revamped by chef (and Mill Valley’s own) Gordon Drysdale in accordance with the environmentally responsible Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program and regularly features whole crab, chowder and grilled fish.
588 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.332.9551
Thai
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Brunch | Dogs Welcome
From the owners of My Thai in San Rafael and Fairfax comes Sausalito’s own Thai spot. The nautical-themed restaurant offers Bangkok street favorites like sriracha wings, pad thai and barbecued meats. They do not accept reservations.
1001 Bridgeway, Ste B1, Sausalito, 415.331.8007
Thai
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Meal Under $20
At this tucked away spot in the back of Strawberry Village, the kee mao noodles, pad thai, and fresh rolls stuffed with beets and herbs have a dedicated following as does the extensive bar menu (try the Amazing Mai Tai). Call to make a reservation.
615 Strawberry Village, Mill Valley, 415.383.3444
Chinese
Fresh ingredients, free-range chicken and traditional dishes like mu shu pork and Hong Kong street style noodles fulfill the Chinese food craving with a nice atmosphere for dining in or takeout for a night at home. They do not accept reservations.
3001 Bridgeway, Ste. H, Sausalito, 415.332.5818
Italian
Pedro and Maria Ulloa (formerly of San Rafael’s Arrivederci) serve dishes like veal saltimbocca and handmade pappardelle alla Abruzzese (gluten-free pasta is available) at lunch and dinner with tiramisu or key lime pie for dessert. The heated patio is shaded from the lights in the nearby parking lot. Call to make reservations.
1 Blackfield Dr. #11 at The Cove, Tiburon, 415.388.9100
Mediterranean
Corner Bar is downtown Mill Valley’s first cocktail lounge… ever! Bring a date or simply come to unwind in Corner Bar’s sleek interior, which features two bars and plenty of lounge/window seating overlooking the town square. A menu of Mediterranean bites, crafted by chef Michael Siegel of Playa and Floodwater, complements Corner Bar’s artfully crafted cocktails. No reservations required. Just go already! They do not accept reservations.
106 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, 415.888.8001
American
Marin’s OG steakhouse with lodge-style dining room and bustling bar boasts a smoker out back that turns out epic chicken wings and barbecue baby back ribs in equal measure. A classic wedge salad is the perfect entree to a 12-ounce rib eye or filet mignon but some return just for the sesame-crusted ahi tuna salad.
15 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley, 415.331.2600
Californian
Michael Mina landed his first restaurant in Marin, with a bar-lounge upstairs and seated restaurant downstairs and the same views of San Francisco from both decks. Favorites like Mina’s ahi tuna tartare and lobster pot pie pair nicely with an aptly named City Lights cocktail, shot of tequila or zero-proof Forget Me Not with cucumber and tonic.
5 Main Street, Tiburon, 415.366.4088
Pizza
Thirty taps pull a rotating assortment of mostly Californian, small batch beer, kombucha and cider, perfect for pairing with a classic margarita pizza or a Romeo pizza with grass-fed meatballs. Take your brew to the expansive back garden to enjoy at a picnic table but bring a jacket for those chilly afternoons by the bay. They do not accept reservations.
226 Shoreline Highway, Tam Junction, Mill Valley, 415.888.3544; 415.662.3212
Californian
No one wants to say goodbye to a favorite haunt, but the transformation at Cavallo Point’s new signature restaurant Sula is turning heads. Long known as Murray Circle, Executive Chef Michael Garcia remains at the helm of Sula; standout menu items include Lobster Velouté, Wagyu Filet of Beef, and Pan Seared Scallops. Try to save room for dessert — the Sticky Toffee topped with orange zest ice cream is a winner. It’s big enough to share, but that doesn’t mean you’ll want to.
601 Murray Circle, Sausalito, 415.339.4751
Italian
Chef Massimo Covello is back at the stoves, cooking up California fresh fare which tilts southern Italian. The heart of the menu is the house-made pasta program, such as chicken liver-stewed mezzalune pasta in a mushroom sauce or pappardelle with an eight-hour beef ragu. A crudi menu — halibut with mango chutney, carpaccio with rolled beef, arugula, and trule oil– is listed alongside dishes that have carried over from the previous menu such as roasted half chicken a jus with herbs and broccolini. Seasonal cocktails from returning lead bar tender, José Valdiviezo, like a spritz with house-made limoncello or a white Negroni with gin made on the Amalfi Coast, lean into Old World flavor. Enjoy one, or a glass from the extensive list of Italian wines, when the enoteca opens at 4 p.m. The Servino brothers, who also run Cae Acri down the street, will continue the dinner program at that location, too.
114–116 Main St, Belvedere, 415.435.2676
Steakhouse
Flip your coin to green to begin the flow of 17 cuts of meat from an all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse with all the steak, lamb, pork and salmon that carnivores can handle. For vegetarians and pescatarians, a gourmet salad bar sports 55 offerings — everything from sushi and ceviche to more traditional green salads — and can be ordered separately. A full bar and 200+ wine selections round out the offerings.
196 Donahue St, Sausalito, 415.729.0170
Central Marin
Corte Madera – Larkspur – Kentfield – Ross – Fairfax – San Anselmo – San Rafael
Thai
Kid-Friendly | Watch the Game | Outdoor Seating | Meal Under $20
Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Bay Thai Cuisine is a go-to for authentic Thai lovers. Whether getting take-out or dining in, make sure to bring cash as they don’t take card. They do not accept reservations.
809 4th St, San Rafael, 415.458.8845
Irish
A new Irish pub-style restaurant is downtown San Rafael’s newest arrival. Complete with an immersive and friendly atmosphere, the food (and drinks) also reflect the same Irish authenticity. They do not accept reservations.
925 4th St, San Rafael, 415.690.1222
Asian
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly
Though the menu remains largely the same (that tea leaf salad! Those bao!) at the new location down the street from the original, the addition of a grill boosts the menu with dishes like kalbi ribs or smoked salmon collars. A long bar on one side of the room serves wine and beer and the front windows slide open for easy access to a large patio. They do not accept reservations.
18 Tamalpais Dr, Corte Madera, 415.985.5060
French
Outdoor Seating | Brunch | Grab n' Go
Buvette du Marais has arrived at the Marin Country Mart. The owners of Le Marais Bakery in Mill Valley have expanded their ventures with this new bakery and soon-to-be full-service restaurant in Central Marin. They do not accept reservations.
2201 Larkspur Landing Cir, Larkspur, 415.461.5700
Italian
Cafe Arrivederci has been located in the heart of San Rafael for the past 27 years. Chef Tito is proud to serve fresh homemade pastas and dishes from all over Italy. Visit the expansive dining room, full bar, garden patio and private rooms for parties and events.
1 G St, San Rafael, 415.453.6427
Brewery
Fairfax Brewing Company is Marin’s newest restaurant and brewery, opening its revamped location on September 9. With beers on tap like the Sleeping Lady Hazy IPA and the Fuego Fuerte Mexican Lager, as well as a diverse array of munchables like poke tacos, a crispy chicken sandwich, lumpia and Thai noodle salad, there truly is something on this menu for everyone. They do not accept reservations.
765 Center Blvd, Fairfax, 415.859.9551
Italian
Fradelizio’s combines of authentic Italian cuisine and a Californian atmosphere with dishes made using fresh and local ingredients. There’s even a gluten free and vegan menu for those that are worried about missing out. Call to make reservations.
35 Broadway, Fairfax, 415.459.1618
Californian
Jared Rogers, the former executive chef of Picco, heads up the kitchen, partnering with restaurateur Dustin Sullivan on this 110-seat space. Look for well-executed California cuisine with weekly specials like Prime Rib on Mondays and fried chicken on Sundays, plus killer cocktails – the Sunburn and Easy Money are local favorites.
850 College Ave, Kentfield, 415.419.5101
Nepalese
Grab n' Go | Outdoor Seating | Watch the Game
Serving up traditional and innovative Himalayan style cuisine with natural and local ingredients for high quality, delicious cuisine. Call to make reservations.
227 3rd St, San Rafael, 415.526.3161
Italian
The large selection of innovative and classic Tuscan dishes and house-made pasta has kept locals coming back for years. Ingredients are organic and locally sourced where possible, and there’s a vast selection of both Italian and California wines by the glass.
901 A St, San Rafael, 415.454.8080
Italian
Family owned and operated since 1985, La Toscana completed an extensive interior and exterior renovation, transforming an already popular San Rafael gathering spot into a place for any occasion. The menu features daily specials and classics like gnocchi and carbonara and an ample selection of wine.
3751 Redwood Hwy, San Rafael, 415.492.9100
Vietnamese
Of course you come for the namesake bowl of hearty soup with clear broth, beef, noodles and vegetables at this Best of the County winner. But the family-style favorite tucked behind a carpet store on an industrial stretch of Francisco Boulevard beckons with beautiful plates of pork chops with broken steamed rice and fried eggs as well as the fresh spring and imperial rolls. Call to inquire about reservations.
555 E. Francisco Blvd, Ste. 22, San Rafael, 415.455.8063
Thai
Royal Thai focuses on quality, fresh, and delectable food. Using fresh veggies from local markets, their large variety of vegetarian options are popular choices for everyone. Call to inquire about reservations.
610 3rd St, San Rafael, 415.485.1074
Italian
Outdoor Seating | Dogs Welcome | ADA-compliant
This Californian Italian restaurant already found in San Francisco Duboce Triangle has opened a branch on the main street of Larkspur in the space where Roma Antica once occupied. The Rustic is owned by Chez Panisse alum Zoti Ali Turap, and serves mostly Italian dishes as well as Mediterranean specialities like vegetable tagine.
286 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.891.3096
Korean
Brunch | Grab n' Go | Watch the Game | Dogs Welcome | Meal Under $20 | ADA-compliant
Monica Chang’s sliver of a cafe at the southern end of San Rafael specializes in Korean food with dishes such as bibimbap, kimbap and bulgogi. The breakfast and lunch café also makes more familiar fare such as tofu protein rice bowls, banh mi sandwiches and breakfast burritos with eggs and kimchi fried rice. They do not accept reservations.
2165 Francisco Blvd E, Unit C, San Rafael, 415.306.7093
Thai
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Grab n' Go | Watch the Game
Thai Smile brings a small slice of Thailand to San Rafael with its traditional style of cooking and Thai decor. Call to dine in for lunch, dinner, or take out and bring the tastes of Thailand home. Call to inquire about reservations.
534 4th St, San Rafael, 415.454.2626
Californian
Brunch | Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Full Bar
Vin, formerly Vin Antico, “where passion meets the plate,” serves seasonal market-inspired cuisine like stone-oven-baked flatbreads, handmade pastas and organic salads, all innovatively prepared. The kitchen is open to the dining room and there’s a full bar with artisan cocktails. Black sesame-crusted tuna is classic, even better with an Il Capo negroni.
881 Fourth St, San Rafael, 415.721.0600
Chinese
Watch the Game | Kid-Friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating | Full Bar
Named for the founder’s wife (“Yet” refers to the moon, “Wah” to brightness), this beloved downtown mainstay has a traditional Chinese menu and daily dim sum. Live music is sometimes on offer in the Kung Fu Lounge and a gluten-free menu is available. Call to make reservations.
1238 4th St, San Rafael, 415.460.9883
Aisan
Watch the Game | Kid-Friendly | Meal Under $20
Marin families flock to Yu Shang for its family-style service and the Japanese and Chinese-American-inclusive menu. That means platters of Mongolian beef and Moo Goo Gai Pan are right at home next to plates of salmon teriyaki and pork tonkatsu. Call to inquire about reservations.
180 Bellam Blvd, San Rafael, 415.457.9199
Fusion
Date Spot | Private Party Room | Worth the Hype
The one-Michelin rating earned by the restaurant is reflected in each dish on the 11-course tasting menu that reflects chef Ron Siegel’s passion for Japanese flavors. Once seated in the small dining room, sit back and enjoy treats like Santa Barbara sea urchin with white ponzu, somen with shrimp hasami or duck breast with black truffle and caramelized sunchokes.
198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.453.9898
Italian
Families flock here for the fresh pastas (bombolotti al sugo, gnocchi a la bava) and pizzas. But the wide bar and upstairs lounge makes it easier than ever to share a plate of carpaccio di zucchini or petrale sole served piccata style.
510 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.454.2942
Thai
Outdoor Seating | Happy Hour | Grab n' Go
A perennial go-to for locals since it opened in 2013, The Baan Thai Cuisine serves all the curries, stir-fried noodles, and spicy soups and salads you would expect at a traditional Thai restaurant, but the elevated execution, beautiful presentation and excellent service sets it apart. Among the fan favorites are the crispy, sweet corn cakes; Thai samosas filled with taro, sweet potato, pumpkin and corn; spicy drunken noodles; and yellow curry. Make sure to try their in-house specialty tom yum and tom kha wheat beers.
726 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo, 415.457.9470
New American
Now with its own heated parklet and open-air back patio strung with market lights, Stillwater provides an upscale atmosphere filled with warm, rustic tones. The music always creates a good vibe and the menu matches their eclectic taste. You’ll find items like fish (or roasted sweet potato) tacos with pineapple salsa, a fried chicken sandwich on a poppyseed bun, a cheeseburger 3.0, and a little gems and avocado salad with a sweet and sour vinaigrette that puts other leafy meals to shame. Also of note — in an otherwise dated bar scene (hello, hippy Fairfax), this little restaurant serves up craft beer, specialty cocktails — their “No Voodoo” drink with mezcal, green chartreuse, fernet, lime and lemongrass hits all the flavor profiles — and has a walk-up wine window.
23 Broadway, Fairfax, 415.524.8478
Italian
New Hot Spot | Brunch | Date Spot | Outdoor Seating | Worth the Hype
After 15 years at Sausalito’s Osteria Divino, chef Elena Fabbri, who grew up in the restaurant business in Tuscany, decided that focaccia sandwiches with porchetta would be her niche, launching a catering company that highlighted the dish in 2017. (Her husband, Gustavo Mutul, runs Pibil, serving Mexican and Italian pork tacos and sandwiches at the San Rafael Sunday farmers’ market.) Cooked on the in-house rotisserie, pork belly is cut right at the ribs to remove the loin. It’s a one-two punch that makes Fabbri’s porchetta juicy, crispy, irresisitible. Fabbri’s full-service restaurant, which opened last spring, leans into Tuscan flavors with a complete menu of antipasti, primi and secondi. The porchetta — on a sandwich at lunch, with eggs at brunch, with Brussels sprouts and roasted squash at dinner – is destination dining-worthy.
123 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, 415.419.5465
Aisan
A sit-down restaurant in downtown San Rafael blends owner Manivone Vongsouthi’s Thai/Lao heritage in dishes of nam kao todd with homemade Lao sausage and plates of papaya salad studded with Thai green eggplant. Large plates of kap piet sem and kao prik sem feature house made noodles and Vongsouthi makes all the curry pastes in house, too, and garlic lovers will swoon over plates of garlic fish. There’s even Lao beer. Email or call to make reservations.
887 4th St, San Rafael, 415.456.4490
Italian
Chef de cuisine David Sypnicki changes the menu of burgers, sandwiches and small plates at the Italian trattoria adjacent to Villa Inn to meet the season. Pappardelle with braised beef and kale and local rock cod with spicy tomato-fennel broth are signatures and the short-rib and brisket burger is not to be missed — try one with a house made limoncello or a Nonna Joe with whiskey, sweet vermouth and Campari.
1602 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael, 415.459.6161
Californian
Into the former Marche aux Fleurs space comes Marché from owners Darren and Alicia Banks. Their focus on seasonal ingredients in plates of avocado toast with Urfa chile, shishito peppers with togarashi, house-made gnocchi with shiitakes, and corn and duck confit with green lentils is Californian all the way, and the Tuesday night tradition of fried chicken with cornbread and cole slaw remains intact.
Northern Marin
Novato
Italian
Kid-Friendly | Grab n' Go | Watch the Game | Happy Hour
This cozy eatery offers an array of Italian and American dishes, including a long list of pastas; try the house-made ravioli cooked up by chef Edgar DeLon.
7416 Redwood Blvd, Novato, 415.878.0314
Chinese
For authentic Chinese cuisine in Novato, China Palace has a variety of tastes and dishes and uses high-quality, fresh ingredients. Stop by for dine-in or take-out when craving your favorite noodle dish. Call to make reservations.
7089 Redwood Blvd, Novato, 415.892.6563
Vietnamese
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Grab n' Go | Private Party Room | ADA-compliant
In the evenings from Sunday through Wednesday, LaVier Cuisine from Chef Guillermo Lara operates as a popup within Novato’s Toast restaurant. Delicious Latin fusion fills the large space in the Hamilton Marketplace. Tacos, ceviche, camarones and plantains complement homey curries and Thai influence. Pasta and plate entrees round out the sophisticated menu, with plenty of options for a range of diets.
5800 Nave Dr, Novato, 415.382.1144
Vietnamese
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Grab n' Go | Private Party Room | ADA-compliant
Not just serving up Vietnamese classics on their lunch and dinner menus — though they do serve great pho, banh mi, vermicelli noodle bowls and so much more — La Maison de la Reine also offers 15 kinds of boba and milk tea, including some dairy-free options. And vegetarians have plenty of options to choose from, making this restaurant a great stop in Downtown Novato.
807 Grant Ave, Novato, 415.927.0288
West Marin
Stinson Beach – Point Reyes – Marshall – Tomales – Lagunitas-Forest Knolls
Californian
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Grab n' Go | Meal Under $20
Highlighting the extensive bounty of the North Bay’s local food shed, Coastal Kitchen at Dillon Beach Resort serves up a curated menu ranging from fish and chips with tarragon remoulade to pulled pork sandwiches with cabbage-fennel slaw, seasonal veggie plates with tzatziki and hummus, and perfectly crispy fries. They also have a kids menu featuring items that coax “the magic word” from anyone’s lips — read: the “Mac and Cheese Please” dish. Located on a mile-long private beach, the restaurant has nearly panoramic views of sand dunes and waves. Fair warning: a pre- or post-dinner walk may be in order. They do not accept reservations.
1 Beach Ave, Dillon Beach, 707.878.3030
Indian
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Dogs Welcome | ADA-compliant
We love the mozzarella-topped quesadilla/pizza/naan cultural mashup that emerges from the tandoor fragrant with fenugreek, chaat masala and fresh coriander leaves and the lamb wrap infused with masala and tamarind chutney, a plentiful repast to be enjoyed on the sunny patio. The gluten-free onion fritters are a must for first-timers, while experienced eaters will savor the mushroom makhani and malai kofta — they’re mild and slightly sweet. Call to make reservations.
7282 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Lagunitas, 415.488.4700
Californian
Outdoor Seating | Full Bar | Watch the Game | Date Spot
Guided by a family ethos for locally sourced and ethically produced food, owners Andrew and Susi Giacomini and chef Alejandro Cano serve food and cocktails all day at a restaurant and bar near downtown Woodacre just off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. That means Stemple Creek eggs in a breakfast dish of steak and eggs and Pt. Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company toma on a lunch order of grilled cheese. Dinner is served three nights a week in a spacious room with a fireplace or on the shaded back patio.
625 San Geronimo Valley Dr, San Geronimo, 415.488.0105
Sonoma County
European
It’s only the freshest ingredients at this charming bistro in Petaluma’s historic mill building near the river. With a seasonal menu that highlights local agricultural producers, Wild Goat Bistro keeps a current and delicious selection of meat, produce and wine. Dinner picks can range from Neapolitan pizzas to mouthwatering short ribs and beautifully crafted salads.
6 Petaluma Blvd, Petaluma, 707.658.1156
European
This Sonoma County gem combines European techniques with California’s seasonal bounty in a warm, welcoming space. Expect thoughtful, beautifully plated dishes like house-made pasta with local truffles or a perfectly seared duck breast paired with stone fruit. It’s refined but unpretentious — just like the best dinner parties.
