Southern Marin
Sausalito – Mill Valley – Tiburon
Serving authentic Vietnamese food, build your own lunch experience here. Start by choosing a base — from a banh mi (of course) to a vermicelli bowl — before choosing a protein. There are other equally flavorful menu options, too.
Cavallo Point, 601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito
The deck is one of Marin’s most popular for its stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco but on a fog-whipped day, sitting inside by the fire is extra-sweet. Savor some umami fries (that porcini dust!) and a glass of wine from the Wine Spectator Grand award-winning list; stay for a hearty meal of vegetable pot pie or tamari-glazed black cod.
3001 Bridgeway, Sausalito
Kitti Suthipipat and his wife Payao (known to most as Mama) know Thai food. Classics like Pad Thai, Tom Ka and Thai iced tea have turned local customers into regulars. But their Asian chicken (or tofu) salad provides a refreshing crunch and their curried turkey burger with sauteed onions and mango chutney packs a flavorful punch. Start by sharing the chicken potstickers (or vegan potstickers, when available) with ginger soy sauce, or keep them for yourself — they’re that good. When you show up, you’ll need to be patent, they have local following, comprised of many local top chefs, so it can get crowded. Check their website or Instagram for weekly specials.
173 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley
415.888.3266
The second outpost of a no frills, family-friendly restaurant (the first is in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond District) from chef Brandon Jew features nostalgic Chinese-American fare chef grew up eating, like kung pao chicken and crunchy cabbage salad, reimagined for today’s diners. The vegetable-forward and vegan-friendly approach means sweet and sour cauliflower, mushroom ma po tofu and kung pao tofu are given equal billing and care.
87 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley
With patios on either side and the broad sweep of historic Lytton Square out front, a spot at Mill Valley’s renovated train depot is a fine place to do some people watching. Hikers coming off Mt. Tam, young families and tourists keen to see a piece of Marin history stop by for Cibo Bakery’s pastries and fresh coffee or a happy hippie salad with a draft beer or glass of wine.
152 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley
Sip a quarantini at the lively bar on game night or any night or stop in for a burger, house made fettuccine, or the famous Shorty’s tall Reuben with just the right amount of Russian dressing to sate any hiker after a day of hiking Marin’s peaks.
625 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley
At this welcoming neighborhood Italian trattoria that opened in 1987, pasta is made in-house every day to be enjoyed in winning combinations like mushroom campanelle with kale, sofrito, oregano, pecorino and walnuts, or prawn spaghetti with broccoli rabe, basil, saffron, chili and garlic. (Gluten-free penne and spaghetti is also available.) Fans also enjoy the warm focaccia and pizzas. The selection of Italian and Californian wines pairs perfectly with the food, as do the signature cocktails like the Piatti Spritz, made with aperol, prosecco, grapefruit bitters and rosato brut. If you have room for dessert, try the zeppole — warm, fluffy Italian donut holes dusted with orange zest. Sit in the recently remodeled dining room or on the waterfront deck.
129 Miller Ave., Mill Valley
Located in the heart of the Mill Valley Lumber Yard in Mill Valley’s original sawmill building, Watershed serves seasonally-inspired and sustainably-sourced California cuisine. From starters like grilled broccoli with almonds and grilled lemon to fluffy, crisp pancetta and peach pizza, they have nailed a contemporary twist on rustic flavors. Side note: the thick-cut fries with herb aioli are worth a trip alone. Sit outside by the creek, relax with a locally-crafted beer or a glass of wine and take in a prime view of Mt. Tam.
46 Caledonia St, Sausalito
For months, owner and chef of Gilligan’s Poke Shop, Zane Chess, walked into Sausalito Market and asked owner Dhruba Phandey for a turkey sandwich with mustard from the market’s non-existent deli. Fed up by Chess’s impertinence, Phandrey threw down a gauntlet: “why don’t you do something?” Along with life and business partner Jeffrey Konen, Chess accepted the challenge and soon launched a poke shop, opening a counter inside the market in late October. Born and raised on Oahu, Chess leaned into his knowledge as an outrigger captain, fisherman and catering chef to pull together a tight menu of freshly made pokes, transforming the once empty “deli” into a Hawaiian food hub.
256 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley
Owners and San Rafael residents Hong Phan and Luan Nguyen plan to open the second location (the first is in San Rafael) of their Vietnamese sandwich, rice bowl and salad shop in the former Subway location in Mill Valley’s Tam Junction in mid-December. “We home cook everything (sauces, mayonnaise, meat, broth, even the bread,” said Phan, who is planning a self-service kiosk in Mill Valley. In addition to the regular menu, look for short rib pho, crab spring rolls, and house made desserts that are planned for this location only.
Central Marin
Corte Madera – Larkspur – Kentfield – Ross – Fairfax – San Anselmo – San Rafael
335 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo
Since 1986, this family-owned restaurant has been feeding locals a global mix of comfort food favorites prepared with many local and sustainable ingredients. The menu of soups, salads, entrées, house-baked pastries and desserts changes regularly — recent offerings included a seasonal vegetable quiche; roast chicken enchiladas and bacon fried rice with veggies, soy-oyster sauce and fried eggs. One item that’s a sure bet, however, is Comforts’ Chinese Chicken Salad, which is so popular that the restaurant even bottled the dressing for customers to purchase.
1750 Redwood Highway at Town Center, Corte Madera
Never mind the view of Mount Tamalpais, the shaved rib eye on charred bread or the classic lobster roll. See and be seen in a restaurant on the top floor of RH’s gallery where ladies who lunch give each other the once over while ensconced on plush sofas under glittering chandeliers.
Gather with friends from around the Bay for shareable dishes like the seasonally-changing avocado hummus (deserving of a shout out for its cheffy flavor and freshness) or wild mushroom pizza with buffalo milk mozzarella pulled from the beehive oven. The patio is umbrella-shaded and the coffee and pastry bar has plenty of seating, too.
A cracker made in a Marin kitchen morphed into a bakery business with locations in Larkspur, Tiburon, and Novato. The pastries and bread, including the legendary croissants and pain de mie, are hand made in the store, the breads a noble foundation for avocado toast or a club sandwich. The lemony, anchovy-spiked Caesar dressing is worth standing in line for.
One of the most popular restaurants in Marin County, Sol Food is known for their Puerto Rican cuisine that gets customers lining up around the block. Established in 2004, they got their start serving the community at the San Rafael farmers’ market — now they have two brick and mortar locations. Rice, beans and plantains are at the heart of their menu, but toasted sandwiches and plates with pollo, camarones, pork or steak are also available. Want vegan and/or gluten-free? You’ll find plenty of satisfying items on their menu. Pro tip: a side of pique — a vinegar-based sauce made with hot peppers — is almost always a good idea.
817 Francisco Blvd W, San Rafael
Korean sweet and sour pork, black bean pork ribs and Singapore rice noodles are just a few of the Asian-influenced cross-over dishes from chef Wing Pak (Morimoto, Michael Mina). The restaurant, hidden in a strip mall where 580 and 101 merge, is California-style, flavorful with deep attention paid to ingredients and presentation. There’s beer, wine, and cocktails, like Bloody Monday, poured with sake instead of vodka. Don’t miss the Westlake Beef Soup, a rarity outside of San Francisco.
A “Jew-ish” deli from chef Christopher and Martina Kostow updates traditional favorites — matzo ball soup is flavored with lemongrass and chiles, kimchee and gochujang step in for sauerkraut and Thousand Island in the Reuben — with plentiful cheffy touches. Sourdough bagels, pickles, cured and smoked meats are all house made. The all-day café has indoor-outdoor seating, a grab-n-go fridge, and even an ice cream float with Dr. Brown’s cream soda.
1815 4th St, San Rafael
In a tiny store front, Betzy Becker turns out rave-worthy quesabirria and street style carne asada and al pastor tacos on house-made corn tortillas. Sopes and picaditas — blue corn tortilla topped with fried beans and queso fresco — are part of a Mexican-Central American menu rounded out with aguas frescas and a tamarind “cocktail.” There’s even a pizzabirria, a large flour tortilla with three layers of cheese, meat and cilantro onions and La Mamasota (a big pupusa) which serve eight.
901 B St., San Rafael
Roasted in the brick oven, then brushed with sweet and spicy garlic sauce, Red Rooster wings are a must-order at an all-day Italian American restaurant with a sprinkling of Asian flavors. A thin crust pizza pulled from the brick oven is available at breakfast, too (gluten-free crust is available), and a changing menu of daily offerings. The buttermilk-fried chicken sandwich with house made chipotle aioli has a dedicated following and the Boston clam chowder might just convince a few New Englanders to relocate.
2165 Francisco Blvd E unit c, San Rafael
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.
25 Broadway, Fairfax; 1230 4th St, San Rafael
With over 40 years of Thai Food Making experience, My Thai brings the fresh and flavorful tastes of Thailand to Mill Valley, San Rafael and Fairfax.
906 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo
Father-daughter duo Janelle Loiselle and Greg Bernson’s café and deli updates traditional Jewish foods for breakfast (blintzes, kippered salmon, bagels and lox) and lunch (matzo ball soup, house made pastrami sandwiches, house-smoked fish). Loiselle’s pastries (hand pies, honey cake) and real rye bread, challah, and bagels from Novato’s Fire Swamp Provisions are available in the market, too.
Located in Montecito Plaza, the restaurant has a robust menu of standard Vietnamese fare, including a wide selection of rice plates, pho, and of course, iced coffee.
Northern Marin
Novato
This hidden gem tucked in Hamilton Landing’s Hangar 6 boasts tasty breakfast and lunch, all of which can be enjoyed from its patio between hangars 5 and 6. Owner Deb Keith leans into her Italian background to create a nourishing menu, including dishes like the pupusa Benedict, the tri-tip sandwich (a bestseller) and an open-faced grilled eggplant and burrata toast. Pastries and desserts, all made in house, also draw the eye. With its fair share of regulars and visitors from around Marin, Kitchen is a top choice for a delicious meal.
West Marin
Pt. Reyes – Marshall – Bolinas
18863 Shoreline Hwy., Marshall
Are you a seafoodie? How does mouthwatering fish and chips, smokey BBQ oysters or rich clam chowder sound? They offer plenty of worthy non-seafood options as well, including a three-cheese grilled cheese and a little gem Caesar salad. If you’re not already hooked, the waterfront views will seal the deal. Located right on the Tomales Bay, sunny days here are tough to beat — they also attract a lot of patrons, so plan accordingly. Good news: cocktails are available while you wait for your perch.
80 4th St, Point Reyes Station
The local fermented foods producers Wild West Ferments opened a shop in Point Reyes Station dedicated to their craft. Both a market hall and lunch counter, foodies can enjoy artisan sandwiches Friday through Sunday courtesy of The Farmer’s Wife, a.k.a Kendra Kolling, who has been using Wild West’s products in her sandwiches and salads for years. Or, you can check out other offerings, like a cheese counter curated by a former Cowgirl Creamery cheesemonger and products from Mill Valley Pasta Company, Dooryard Provisions, Shared Cultures and Brickmaiden Breads. For dessert, try Double 8 Dairy’s soft serve ice cream swirled with seasonal flavor.
41 Wharf Rd, Bolinas
The self-proclaimed oldest saloon on the West Coast and best party in town is a must for the house margarita, best enjoyed on the sunny patio, or one of the 11 local beers on tap. The menu at Smiley’s Cantina leans Mexican-American with dishes rich pozole verde, warming vegan tortilla soup, house made guacamole, and filling, flavorful burritos, tacos, nachos and more. Look for menu specials @smileyssaloon.
1 Old Rancheria Rd, Nicasio
Known for live music and an extensive menu featuring everything from crispy calamari to braised lamb shanks, Rancho Nicasio is open seven days a week, including brunch. Whatever you choose, a newly reconfigured outdoor space welcomes all with plenty of shade and space between tables.
11285 Highway 1, Point Reyes Station
A multi-year retrofit created three dining areas — at the bar, in the sunny, original dining room and in a new room for dining and live music. Yes, the popovers are still here, on their own or in a basket with cornbread, as is the flank steak salad and other classics. Executive chef Aaron Wright’s new dishes (shrimp lettuce cups, market vegetable pasta, rock cod sandwich with pickled vegetable slaw) lean into the way we eat now with the same commitment to supporting local.
10005 Highway 1, Olema
The dark blue walls accented with recessed golden light give the refreshed restaurant-cum-saloon at Olema House a modern feel. The menu, including a burger, linguini and clams, and a chopped salad, skews all-day casual and speaks to the inn and restaurant’s crossroads locale. The market next door offers grab and go sandwiches and outdoor tables to enjoy it all.
20215 Shoreline Hwy, Marshall
This full-service outdoor cafe at the Hog Island Oyster Farm serves some of the best and freshest seafood in Marin. Try their seasonal menu of raw and BBQ oysters, salads, and seafood specials like this soft shell crab sandwich. Seating is by reservation only, so plan ahead!
23240 Highway 1, Marshall
Top Chef Masters winner Chris Cosentino (Cockscomb, Incanto, Acacia House) is in the house, reimagining the shellfish and seafood-focused menu. While many classic Nick’s dishes remain (Nick’s BBQ oysters, Nick’s Cove Louis), East Coast dishes — lobster roll, mussels with sausage — have been added and Bay Area flavors have been boosted. Look for steak frites with Point Reyes blue cheese butter and order the burger Hangtown style (with a fried egg and fried oysters).
1 Beach Ave, Dillon Beach
Inspired by Marin’s foodshed, Dillon Beach Resort, located west of Tomales, offers seasonal coastal cuisine on the weekend like local line-caught fish and chips, classic clam chowder and a Stemple Creek burger. The accompanying Dillon Beach General Store also features Double 8 Dairy soft serve ice cream and a local selection of wines and beers to enjoy at one of the picnic tables facing the beach.
12781 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Inverness
A seat at the room-length bar or on the patio at this snug spot on Tomales Bay’s west shore can be tough to snag on a busy summer weekend but oysters pulled straight from the bay moments before, served broiled and on the half shell, are worth the wait. Locally-sourced ingredients get equal billing in dishes like halibut crudo and a lamb burger.
More Local Favorites in the North Bay
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Meet our always-hungry team of foodies who compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
