Take a break and grab some lunch during your busy day in Marin! We have several great places for you to try, guaranteed to be a hit. From quick bites that you can grab between activities, to casual sit-downs where you and your friends can take a load off your feet while you recharge. No matter what style of lunch you’re looking for, hopefully our list can help you get started.
Feature Photo: Active Culture
464 Ignacio Blvd, Novato
415.475.1128
This counter service café is all about food that’s as healthy as it is delicious. For those with dietary restrictions or those who are just more about that made-from-scratch life, this is the place to go for quick, affordable, and tasty options. Grab one of their many gluten-free and vegan bowls, like their Eastern Trade Winds bowl with garbanzo beans, peanuts, red pepper and their Slammin’ sauce. Try one of their smoothies as well, such as the Strawberry-State-of-Mind made with house-made almond milk and agave. Hours are 9am to 8pm Sunday through Wednesday and 9am to 9pm Thursday through Saturday.
127 San Marin Dr, Novato
415.493.6902
As the name implies, Trailhead is a great place to grab some lunch or pick up something for a picnic before embarking on a hike in the hills. If you’re craving a hearty sandwich, go for their Sasquatch, with meatballs, mozzarella, pepperoncini, and more — all on a dutch crunch roll. If you’re feeling something lighter, grab their miso ginger chicken salad with edamame, scallion, and miso vinaigrette. On a hot day, opt for one of their refreshing smoothies or creamy milkshakes. Hours are 8am to 8pm every day except Monday, on which they are closed.
104 Vintage Way, Ste. A-1, Novato
415.895.1525
Soups, salads, and sandwiches — everything you could want from a casual café — all served on, with, or in San Francisco sourdough bread. For one of their hot, specialty sandwiches, try the chicken Cholula with jalapeño ranch dressing, crisp jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese. Or opt for the fresh fire-roasted vegetable soup served in a sourdough bread bowl. If someone in your party is gluten-free, they do offer gluten-free wrap substitutions for most sandwiches. Hours are 10am to 7pm everyday.
128 Vintage Way #1o1, Novato
415.895.2620
Yeah, it’s a California chain, but it’s a damn good one, and we’d be remiss if we left it off this list completely. Conveniently located in Vintage Oaks, this is a great place to grab a fresh, flavor-packed gyro bowl complete with tzatziki and spicy yogurt, or a piping hot plate of souvlaki with crispy, seasoned fries. There’s plenty of indoor seating and a few tables outside as well, so don’t worry about having to rush off with your meal as soon as it’s ready, instead take a seat and relax. Hours are 11am to 9pm everyday.
