With immediate access to the wild catches of the Pacific Ocean, nearby sustainable farming, and the bounty of the Bay, it’s no wonder that Marin County has some incredible sushi options. Our handy guide features great places for bombastic rolls, scrumptious sashimi, and unique spins on Japanese classics, so no matter what kind of sushi you’re craving, we have an option for you.
Feature Photo: @villagesake on Facebook
Southern Marin
Ignacio - Mill Valley - Sausalito - Tiburon
5 Main St, Tiburon
Something’s fishy over at The Bungalow Kitchen. Michael Mina’s waterfront hideaway is expanding its menu to include sushi crafted by Chef Yukinori Yama. Sushi offerings will be popping up on the brunch and dinner menus, in addition to an intimate omakase tasting menu with just 12 seats per night.
591 Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley
415.381.8400
Robata translates as “by the fireside;” fittingly, many dishes here are cooked on an open fire and served in appetizer-size portions to pass around the table. Try the grilled rice balls and beef kushi to get a sense of the smoky flavors. Or simply order your own sushi or entree from the menu to enjoy on the patio or in the traditional dining room.
425 Miller Ave, Mill Valley
415.381.3680
Samurai Sushi incorporates new cooking styles into traditional Japanese fundamentals to develop creative and innovative sushi dishes for Mill Valley.
107 Caledonia St, Sausalito
415.332.3620
Sample innovative small plates just big enough to share before enjoying some of the best sushi the Bay Area has to offer. The prices don’t deter the herd of enthusiasts who line up nightly to partake. Just stopping by? The wine, cocktail and sake lists keep even the pickiest barfly satisfied. Reservations are a must in the main room.
721 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley
415.888.8228
Dreading planning dinner as you make your trek to the grocery store? Skip the cooking and stop into Oni Kuma right across the way from the Mill Valley Whole Foods for hand rolls, grilled skewers and oysters.
Central Marin
Corte Madera – Fairfax – Greenbrae – Kentfield – Larkspur – Ross – San Anselmo – San Rafael
This Mexican-Japanese fusion restaurant boasts a sushi bar with flavors that you’re not likely to find at a traditional Japanese restaurant. Start your meal with one of their pokes or ceviches, like the classic yellowtail ceviche with pomegranate and crispy quinoa. For mains, try the ahi chirashi, with serrano poke, sesame ahi tataki, and spicy cucumber banchan. Feeling adventurous? Opt for their sushi tacos, fresh Pacific yellowtail, spicy salmon, and more served on sushi rice with a nori seaweed ‘tortilla’ to hold it.
19 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax
415.521.5790
Chef Scott Whitman’s izakaya is a Japanese-style community pub with a 2021 Bib Gourmand designation from Michelin and a place on the Top 25 Restaurants list from the San Francisco Chronicle. In the compact interior space and at the seven outdoor tables, you’ll find sushi and skewers, salads and small plates, plus sake and craft beer. The daily waitlist opens online at 5 p.m.
282 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae
415.295.7130
Oyama Sushi Bar blends innovative Japanese cuisine with the classic options of a sushi bar. The Bon Air location is incredibly popular for takeout and dining in, ensuring that Central Marin gets its sushi fix.
Keiko offers both bar and table seating, whether you’re in a larger party or just by yourself. The menu isn’t as extensive as some sushi places, but everything is of the highest quality, and the fish is as fresh as can be. Don’t miss their limited availability sushi selection, which is based on what seasonal items the chef has picked out.
69 Center Blvd, San Anselmo
Keiko offers both bar and table seating, whether you’re in a larger party or just by yourself. The menu isn’t as extensive as some sushi places, but everything is of the highest quality, and the fish is as fresh as can be. Don’t miss their limited availability sushi selection, which is based on what seasonal items the chef has picked out.
223 Third St, San Rafael
415.457.6776
Montecito Plaza’s resident sushi restaurant, Kamikaze, has the basics for those looking for Japanese cuisine and a traditional sushi menu.
821 B St, San Rafael
415.524.2727
This stylish restaurant in downtown San Rafael is a great place to swing by after a long day at work. For a simple yet classic option, go for their spam musubi, sprinkled with sesame seeds and laced with spicy, tangy kimchi. They’ve also got traditional side dishes down, like their steamed dumplings glazed with a sweet and spicy sauce, or their piping hot Takoyaki, drizzled with Kewpie mayo, Takoyaki sauce, furikake and bonito flakes.
Genji prides itself in making their menus with sustainably sourced seafood, no small feat for a quick service sushi joint. Get one of their famous combo packs, which could include anything from a classic crab roll to their shrimp tempura, cucumber, unagi sauce, and green onion rolls. They also offer large party platters to take home, and brown rice or lettuce wrapped-rolls for those watching their carb intake.
Northern Marin
Novato
813 Grant Ave, Novato
415.892.0081
For a traditional dining experience with high-quality fish, masterly crafted sushi dishes, and more, reserve your spot for Masa’s Omakase style (chef’s choice) twelve-course prix fixe menu.
333 Enfrente Rd, Novato
415.382.9988
Novato’s Sushi Tri has become popular amongst locals of the northern Marin town. The restaurant offers all the traditional options those with a need to get their sushi fix will be looking for along with special rolls that keep people coming back.
452 Ignacio Blvd, Novato
415.883.2423
Taki Japanese Restaurant is another Novato sushi and Japanese restaurant offering popular with the people of northern Marin. Taki has offerings for everyone, whether it is fresh maki or gluten-free low-fat options, the Taki team has you covered.
