6 minute read
Dine
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS IN MARIN EDITED BY CHRISTINA MUELLER
There are more choices than ever in Novato for answering that eternal question “where should we eat?” San Marin Plaza recently welcomed Trailhead and Bliss, while on the other side of town, The Boardroom opened next to The Speakeasy in the Del Prado Shopping Center. Check out more new choices and familiar favorites below.
Chopped caesar salad at Crave, Novato
NOVATO
Active Culture Café
American This all-day café serves up plantforward fare like a lentil burger with slaw and barbecue beet sauce or wholesome bowls of quinoa and veggies and a breakfast burrito stuffed with eggs, potatoes and cheese. All menu items can be customized to suit dietary needs — just be sure to state your preference when ordering at the counter. 464 Ignacio Blvd, 415.475.1128
Ayawaska Peruvian This outpost of the Petaluma original fittingly fills the landmark space that once housed Hilltop 1892. A tight opening menu of regional classics includes lomo saltado and the country’s famous ceviches (try the a la Huancaina with the catch of the day) that will expand with the rollout of lunch service. Huge glass-paned doors in the front room slide open to reveal the view, and a beer garden out back is also planned. 850 Lamont Ave, 415.944.2066
Beso Bistro and Wine
Bar Californian This Hamilton Field bistro highlights locally sourced organic produce, fresh sustainable seafood, and pastureraised and free-range meat. Wine lovers can embrace their inner Dionysus — more than 20 selections by the glass and more than 50 by the bottle are available. The patio is naturally shaded by local oaks. 502 S Palm Drive, 415.883.6700
Blue Barn Gourmet
Californian The second Marin outpost of the San Francisco-based eatery (the first is in Corte Madera) is popular for its customizable salads (we love the Casbah with toasted chickpeas and feta), toasted sandwiches (try the Buffalo Fry), seasonal soups and more, all prepared with locally harvested produce and proteins. 819 Grant Ave, 415.895.6577
Boca Pizzeria Italian Enjoy authentic pizza prepared with housepulled mozzarella and tomatoes imported from Italy, or go for a grilled rosemary chicken sandwich or the braised beef short rib pappardelle. 454 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.2302
Chianti Cucina Italian This cozy eatery offers an array of Italian and American dishes, including a long list of pastas; try the house-made ravioli cooked up by chef Edgar DeLon. It's all available for takeout and drive-through via their app. 7416 Redwood Hwy, 415.878.0314
Cocina Antigua Latin American With a sign that’s hard to see from South Novato Boulevard, this family-style Central American restaurant and market serves meals that represent the Mayan culture and family meals of owners Mayra Ordoñez and Juan Cutz. Look for spices, beans and fresh produce at the market and the region’s famous dishes — pupusas, tacos chapines and hilachas — as some of the daily offerings. 1559 South Novato Blvd., Suite J, 415.895.5960
Crave Californian Executive chef Christian Pulido serves up seasonally driven California cuisine on the shaded terrace and in a modern dining room, replete with George Nelson bubble lamps. Char siu octopus and a soba noodle salad push the flavor boundary while a CAB burger and halibut with corn pudding are instantly familiar. 340 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.0901
Finnegan's Marin
American The dark wood-paneled booths and high backs on bar stools mean it is easy to linger over Irish-inspired meals like corned beef and cabbage or nachos made with waffle fries instead of corn chips. They taste just as good on the heated outdoor patio. 877 Grant Ave, 415.899.1516
Ghiringhelli’s Novato
Vino American The Ghiringhelli family, lifelong Marin residents who own Trattoria Ghiringhelli in Novato, FairFix Cafe, Ghiringhelli Pizzeria and Deer Park Villa in Fairfax, added a new wine shop and tasting room adjacent to their Novato restaurant. Unique and hard-to-find wines by the bottle or taste, light bites of cheese boards and flatbreads and indepth dinner menus are available to go or enjoy onsite. 1535 South Novato Blvd, 415.878.4915
Hopmonk Tavern
American The beer garden-style outdoor patio and live music keep fans coming back to this Novato brewhouse tucked into the Vintage Oaks Mall. And let’s not forget the ample selection of beers on tap. 224 Vintage Way, 415.892.6200
Jerrys Downtown BBQ
American Southern flavors and plenty of smoked meats are highlights of an all-day menu that includes a classic BLT updated with house-smoked salmon or a barbecue plate with tri-tip and chicken. Brunch is available on the weekends (breakfast sandwich, Swedish pancake stack) and there is picnic-style shaded seating outside, too. 7380 Redwood Blvd, 415.895.5592
Le Col Rouge American Owner Robin Lindsey is a huge fan of the Nashville hot chicken, and the sandwiches here range in heat from Death by Redneck (also the restaurant’s name) to plain with no cayenne or hot sauce added. Get your bird grilled or fried, layered into a bun with coleslaw or atop a salad. There’s even a side of fried okra, because, well, Nashville. 1531 South Novato Blvd, 415.895.6466
Marvin’s Restaurant
American This place, known for “Best Breakfast in Novato,” also serves up generous portions for lunch. The corned beef hash, Benedicts and superb service draw a consistent crowd yearround. 1112 Grant Ave, 415.892.4482
Michael’s Sourdough
American The bread is made on site and is said to have magical qualities. It better, as it is the only holder for the overstuffed wonders served at this Best of the County winner. Fans return over and over to the San Rafael and Novato locations for their faves, ordered by number, then swoon over the huge sandos piled with meat, cheese and enough shredded lettuce to ooze out the sides and onto your lap. 999 Andersen Drive, Suite 165, 415.485.0964
Rustic Bakery
Californian Organic pastries, breads, salads and sandwiches are on the menu at this location downtown, including daily seasonal specials. Try the Marin melt — Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt. Tam and Point Reyes Toma cheeses grilled on honey whole wheat, served with dressed baby greens and crisp apple slices. It’s even better on the patio. 1407 Grant Ave, 415.878.4952
The Boardroom
American The Speakeasy owner and executive chef Munther Massarweh calls his next-door restaurant a “piano dining room” influenced by Prohibition-era Chicago. A piano sits under photos of Elvis and Marilyn Monroe but it’s the a secret library door that drives home the concept. The white linen-covered tables and dark leather chairs are a good match for a martini, itself designed to pair with a classic wedge salad, escargot or herb crusted filet mignon. 504 Alameda Del Prado, Novato; 415.883.7793
The Speakeasy
American There’s nothing like the comfort of a solid burger and beer when you’re kicking back and watching the game. In addition to the 10 beers on tap, cocktail inspo ranges from the 1920s to the 2020s. A new menu includes buffalo chicken lollipops and mini street tacos to savor on the patio. 504 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.7793
Trailhead American Order shareable snacks, salads, sandwiches and bun fun (savory hot dogs and sausages) at the counter before grabbing a seat on the all-day café’s shaded patio. The baked goat cheese is a standout and pairs with the 10 local beers and two wines available on tap or from the craft can program. 127 San Marin Drive, Novato; 415.493.6902
Toast American With outdoor dining and spacious inside seating at Hamilton Marketplace, large parties, families and everyone else dives in on comfort food favorites. 5800 Nave Drive, 415.382.1144
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