Southern Marin
Sausalito – Mill Valley – Tiburon
Cavallo Point Farley Bar
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. Hours are 11:30am to 10pm Sunday through Thursday, 11:30am to 11pm Friday and Saturday. cavallopoint.com
Kitti’s Place
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. Hours are Monday through Friday 12pm to 6pm. kittisplace.com
Depot Cafe and Bookstore
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. Hours are 8am to 5pm Sunday through Wednesday, 8am to 8pm Thursday through Saturday. depotcafeandbookstore.com
Floodwater
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. Hours are 4pm to 9pm Monday through Thursday, 12pm to 10pm Friday and Saturday, 12pm to 8pm Sunday. floodwatermv.comÂ
Piatti
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. Hours are Monday through Sunday 11:30am to 9pm. millvalley.piatti.com
Watershed
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. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11:30am to 8:30pm, Friday 11:30am to 9pm, Saturday 10:30am to 9pm and Sunday 10:30 to 8:30pm. watershedmv.com
Central Marin
Corte Madera – Larkspur – Kentfield – Ross – Fairfax – San Anselmo – San Rafael
Comforts
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. Cafe hours are Wednesday through Sunday 8am to 2:30pm. Take-out hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 8am to 3pm. comfortscafe.com
RH Marin
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. Hours are 10am to 9pm daily. rh.comÂ
Farmshop
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. Lunch hours are 11:30am to 2:30pm weekdays, brunch hours are 10:30am to 2:30pm weekends, dinner hours are 5:30pm to 9pm every day. farmshopca.comÂ
Rustic Bakery
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. Hours are 7am to 5pm daily. rusticbakery.comÂ
Sol Food
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. Hours at both locations are Monday through Friday 11am to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 9pm. solfoodrestaurant.com
West Marin
Stinson Beach – Point Reyes – Marshall – Tomales – Lagunitas-Forest Knolls
Tony's Seafood Restaurant
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. Hours are Thursday through Tuesday 11am to 5pm. Closed Wednesday. tonysseafoodrestaurant.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.
