There’s no denying Marin is a dog-friendly place for eating out. We are so lucky to live somewhere where it is not only allowed, but encouraged to bring your four-legged friend with you. From shaded areas, to provided water bowls and sometimes even a gifted ‘good boy’ treat — Marin restaurants go all out for canine companions. It’s always a comforting feeling when you go somewhere where they’re genuinely happy your dog is there with you too.
Here’s my go-to list for where you can have an enjoyable time with you and your pup, no matter what part of Marin you might be spending time in.
Feature Photo: Kitchen Novato, courtesy of Megan Stewart
Southern Marin
The Junction Beer Garden
226 CA-1, Mill Valley
Right off the 101 and within minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, this outdoor beer and pizza spot in Marin is always a good place to have lunch with your dog. Their thin-crust style pizza is made by Pizza Hacker, served along with an impressive localized beer menu and a worldly wine list.
With plenty of walking paths and hikes nearby that run throughout Mill Valley and Sausalito, you’ll be surrounded by groups of bikers, families and dog owners relaxing at the endless picnic tables outside.
Le Marais, Mill Valley (outdoors)
250 A, E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley
Le Marais made its start in San Francisco and quickly picked up buzz for their authentic-French baked goods and menu items. Today, they’ve expanded with multiple locations in Marin — each with their own little uniqueness.
The Mill Valley location is meant for you to bring your furry friend, with plenty of outdoor seating with shade so you can enjoy your meal without worrying your best friend is getting too hot. This might even become their favorite spot to go to if you’re nice enough to share some of your fresh croissant with your pup.
Fish.
350 Harbor Dr, Sausalito
You see this restaurant on so many best restaurants lists here in Marin, but it really is that good. A little outside the main downtown part of picturesque Sausalito, Fish. is serving up incredible seafood dishes with an equally incredible view. Your dog will love the smells coming out from the kitchen, along with that of the fresh ocean air.
Everything on the menu is flavorful and a generous portion. Make sure not to miss their specials board, featuring items like mussels in saffron broth.
Central Marin
69 Center Blvd, San Anselmo
This newest restaurant in downtown San Anselmo might seem familiar since it used to be a sushi spot, but the owners of Kuro Nami have ensured that when you walk into their Japanese kitchen, you will feel transported into a completely new space.
The inside is dark and moody, representing the name of the restaurant: ‘black wave’. Outside, you and your pup can enjoy an airy, covered patio experience. With white, flowy décor hanging throughout to create a juxtaposition with the dark interior, you and your dog will have a lovely time enjoying this popular establishment. This restaurant serves some of the highest quality seafood in Marin, and dishes vary from the traditional dishes like Kani Miso, to fan favorites like crispy rice with spicy salmon.
I recommend walking Phoenix Lake with your bestie before heading to lunch, which is just a few minutes away in the town of Ross. With its natural beauty, this is one of the most magical places in Marin.
2257 Larkspur Landing Cir, Larkspur
How could I not include the beloved Marin Country Mart in Larkspur?! It’s hard to believe what this outdoor haven has transformed into over the years. This might be the most dog-friendly restaurant enclave in all of Marin. If you are a dog lover but don’t have a pooch of your own, I highly recommend “dog watching” here to get your fix!
With plenty of outdoor spaces at restaurants such as Le Marais Buvette, Souvla and Hog Island Oyster Co., you can let your dog take lead with their nose to decide where you grab a bite.
5800 Northgate Dr
The only outside setup of a beer garden situated between Kohl’s and Century Theaters at Northgate Mall is 100% dog friendly. Yes, there are water bowls, treats, and lots of attention from our staff. “We often have dog-centric events and regularly hold dog adoption events, and dog rescue fundraisers,” says owner Waz Hewerdine. Look for a “paint your dog day” in June and a menu of snacks (local cheese plate, hot soft pretzel) and larger dishes (beer garden brat, Caprese sandwich roll). Plus beer, of course.
Northern
6 Hamilton Landing, Novato
One of the true gems in Northern Marin, Kitchen Novato is a place you will fall in love with. This European-inspired café is the creation of Debbie Keith, who has owned her catering company for over 30+ years here in Marin.
Tucked away in the Hamilton Landing Hangers, this is the perfect place to bring your furry friend for an adventure. Start the day with a lovely walk along the Hamilton Levy for views of the East Bay and plenty of wildlife.
Post walk, head over to Kitchen Novato to sip on a latte, bite into one of their many baked goods that are created in-house, along with enjoying one of their heartier meals.
With fresh grass, tables, umbrellas and even an oversized water bowl out front – your pup will be very happy with your decision to go here!
454 Ignacio Blvd, Novato
With two locations in Marin, Boca Pizza has become a staple here in the county for good modern Italian cuisine. Their South Novato location offers a large outdoor patio space in front, along with a covered section on the side, so you and your dog can have your pick of seating.
With various happy hour deals throughout the week and a different menu special every day, this place always has locals coming back for fresh pizza and pasta.
If your furry friend has behaved well during your meal, you can walk over to Woodlands Pet Food & Treats in the same shopping center to reward them with a treat of their own. Then walk down the beautifully landscaped walking path of Ignacio Boulevard where they even have doggie bags and trash cans provided!
West Marin
7510 Pt. Reyes-Petaluma Rd., Petaluma
Only 20 minutes away off the 101 in West Marin, the Marin French Cheese Factory is one of the oldest cheese factories in the United States. This unique establishment has been making some of the tastiest cheeses in all of California since 1865.
You can pick up everything you need for a charcuterie board in this most adorable and well-supplied shop, along with incredible made-to-order sandwiches – this is one of the best picnicking spots in Marin. Your furry friend is not allowed inside, but there are plenty of picnic tables alongside their on-property pond, or pack your own picnic blanket to lay down on the surrounding grass. Your dog will likely be entertained by the resident geese and will enjoy getting a few treats of delicious cheese.
18863 Shoreline Hwy, Marshall
When you close your eyes and imagine the most picturesque day in Marin with your dog, most likely you will envision eating fresh oysters, sipping on a local beer or glass of wine, and of course – enjoying one of our many beaches. In West Marin this is everyday life — this is truly one of the most special places in the entire state – and Tony’s Seafood is right in the heart of it.
Part of the Hog Island Oyster Co. group, this seafood mecca is the perfect place to enjoy incredible scenery and food together. Their large outdoor deck lines up right next to the water, perfect for enjoying the scenery with your pooch.
