Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge lies a patchwork of small cities and towns known for their natural spaces, health-conscious culture and laid-back vibe. While the breakfast scene isn’t as bustling as the city, it is thriving in its own way — think morning coffee accompanied by birdsong. Whether you want French toast, eggs and the works or freshly baked pastries, here’s where we think you should start your day in the North Bay.
These are our North Bay Best Breakfast winners for 2023, selected by our editors — look for our readers’ choice winner, selected by our audience.
Southern Marin
Sausalito – Mill Valley – Tiburon
Bootjack Wood Fired
17 Madrona St., Mill Valley
This little gem, located on a small side street just off downtown Mill Valley, offers coffee drinks, artisan pastries, breakfast sandwiches and focaccia pizza. A perfect place to fuel pre- or post-Dipsea hike. And it’s not uncommon to walk in when the baker is pulling an assortment of scones, muffins or galettes out of the oven. Hot, buttery pastries on a foggy Bay Area morning — need we say more? (Vegan and gluten-free options available.) Hours are Wednesday through Sunday 7:30am to 2pm. bootjackwoodfired.com
Bayside Cafe
1 Gate 6 Road, Sausalito
A harborside joint frequented by bicyclists and yacht owners alike boasts eggs and omelets in nearly infinite combinations. Sandwiches (the BLTA has avocado, of course), burgers can all be paired with drinks from an espresso and juice bar. Hours are 7:30am to 3pm Wednesday through Monday. Closed Tuesday. baysidecafe-sausalito.com
Farley
601 Murray Circle, Sausalito
Fresh off a full remodel, Farley (formerly Farley Bar) has an energetic feel and snazzy look. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends, menus have the feel of an American bistro. All-day favorites such as the Niman Ranch Burger, Grilled Ahi Tuna Sandwich, and Umami Fries make appearances on both the dinner and lunch menus. The Huevos Rancheros is a breakfast standout; in addition to a Classic Benedict you can opt for a version loaded with Dungeness crab. But whether you have a sweet tooth or not, we recommend you start off with the Vanilla Bean Donuts. Topped with a brown sugar streusel, it’s like coffee cake disguised as doughnuts and with three to an order, they’re easy to share. The front porch boasts dog-friendly seating with, fog-permitting, amazing views of the Golden Gate and San Francisco skyline. Hours, Monday through Friday, 7am to 11am, Saturday and Sunday, 7am to 2pm. eatatfarley.com
Lighthouse Café
1311 Bridgeway, Sausalito
Feel like breakfast followed by a two-minute walk to the Sausalito Marina? Look no further – Lighthouse Café is the place to go. Try one of their many variations of eggs, from benedicts to omelets and everything in between. Enjoy additional sides such as bacon, pancakes, hashbrowns, or, for a sweet treat, try their famous French Toast. Open daily from 7 am to 3 pm. lighthouse-restaurants.com
Sausalito Equator
1201 Bridgeway Suite A, Sausalito
Apart from serving some of the most popular coffee in the area, this particular Equator (there are five others in the Bay Area) has ample patio seating and a full kitchen on the “local end” of Sausalito’s main strip. Their menu features seasonal toasts, sandwiches, salads, soups and some of the best gluten-free waffles around — both sweet and savory varieties. Pastries like fruit galettes and browned butter banana bread are also made in house. Hours are Monday through Friday 7:30am to 3pm. Saturday and Sunday 7:30am to 4:30pm. equatorcoffees.com
Shoreline Coffee Shop
221 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley
A former diner that subscribes to Marin’s holy trinity (sustainable-local-organic) churns out hot Stumptown Coffee and eggs and hash brown plates named for former waitresses. The eggs come from a farm down the street, the meatloaf is Stemple Creek grass-fed and gluten-free and the cochinita pork taco is a nice change of pace from a burger with a ‘62 set-up. Hours are 7:30am to 2:30pm daily, but open later if busy. shorelinecoffeeshop.com
Sam’s Anchor Cafe
27 Main Street, Tiburon
Seafood is the focus here, even at brunch when tower of fresh seafood and oysters sparkles in the sun glinting off Richardson Bay. Regulars come for the crab Benedict and smoked lobster roll; tourists love the ginormous prickly pear margarita bowl and everyone loves the deck — lines are known to stretch down the street on Sunday afternoons. Hours are 12pm to 10pm Monday through Friday, 10am to 10pm Saturday and Sunday. samscafe.com
Central Marin
Corte Madera – Larkspur – Kentfield – Ross – Fairfax – San Anselmo – San Rafael
Half Day Cafe
848 College Avenue, Kentfield
The small touches on each dish — coffee and Kahula-infused French toast, fresh corn on the fiesta chicken salad — and all-day brunch menu on holidays attracts a dedicated following. The side patio is shaded and a large, tented outdoor space out back can accommodate larger groups. Hours are 7am to 2:30pm Monday through Friday, 8am to 2:30pm Saturday and Sunday. halfdaycafe.net
MH Bread & Butter
101 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo
This snug breakfast, brunch and lunch place offers heated outdoor seating and plenty of fluffy omelet and traditional or spicy Benedict options, all with a side of the crispiest home fries or hash browns. Not into a savory breakfast? Their French toast is made with homemade cinnamon walnut bread and their griddle cakes nearly cover the circumference of the plate — add bananas, pecans and/or the seasonal berry for a treat in every bite. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday 7am to 2pm. Closed Monday. facebook.com/marvinsbreakfastclub
Northern Marin
Novato
Marvin’s Breakfast Club
Nestled in the town of San Anselmo, MHBB is a local favorite for their artisan breads, pastries and farmers’ market-inspired menu. Sit outside and enjoy a slice of crispy-chewy toast with almond butter, orange blossom honey and banana; dip into a bowl of shakshuka; or feel the crunch of a fried egg sandwich with aged cheddar cheese, bacon and tomato basil aioli. The Josie — an iced cortado with a drizzle of honey — and matcha oat latte are popular additions to any early, mid, or late-morning meal. Hours are 8am to 3pm. mhbreadandbutter.com
West Marin
Stinson Beach – Point Reyes – Marshall Tomales – Lagunitas-Forest Knolls
Parkside Cafe
43 Arenal Avenue, Stinson Beach
Perched where the beach meets the redwoods on the Marin coast, a cafe and market is a perfect spot to grab an outdoor table and savor the sunshine. A wood-fired oven turns out burnished loaves of bread and pizzas with just the right amount of char. Kids and beachgoers love the ice cream and hot dog takeout window; adults queue up for espresso and pastries. Hours are 7:30am to 9pm daily. parksidecafe.com
More Local Favorites in the North Bay
Who’s writing these?
Meet our always-hungry team of foodies who compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
