Dine

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS AND GOOD FOOD IN THE BAY AREA EDITED BY CHRISTINA MUELLER

Floodwater

What’s Hot

‘Tis the Season

Marin knows how to party. This year, more than ever, restaurants are throwing open their doors to welcome the season of group dining with indoor and outdoor spaces, new menus and custom offerings that make each space unique. From Mexican and Italian, to kitschy and refined, these are just a few of the restaurants that are ringing in the season of celebrating with extra cheer.

Piatti

CORTE MADERA

Blue Barn Gourmet

American The first Marin outpost of the S.F.-based eatery has proven very popular. The menu includes customizable salads, toasted sandwiches, soups and more, prepared with locally harvested produce and proteins. A group order takeout menu is available. 335 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.1104 Boca Pizzeria Italian The Italian-inspired pizzeria with a covered outdoor patio at The Village utilizes Northern California’s bounty of seasonal ingredients and showcases local microbreweries and wine country’s boutique varietals. 1544 Redwood Hwy, 415.924.3021

Cafe Verde Californian This revamped cafe offers Neapolitan pizza, pasta, risotto and salads nearly all day long. Enjoy any of these items inside or out on the patio along with local and international wines and beers. 502 Tamalpais Drive, 415.927.1060

Flores Mexican With an emphasis on regional Mexican dishes and flavors sourced from family recipes, the menu is based on California seasonality and revolves around gluten-free masa. There’s a full bar to boot and everything is easily enjoyed on their large, heated patio. 301 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.500.5145

RH Marin American Ride up the golden-hued elevator to the top floor to a restaurant bedecked in RH style and linger over a shaved vegetable salad, a truffled grilled cheese sandwich on Panorama Bakery sourdough or a namesake RH Burger. 1750 Redwood Highway at The Village, 628.266.2040

FAIRFAX

Amelie French Stop in for a French breakfast of coffee and a croissant at this outpost of the original San Francisco wine bar. A petite street-side patio features dining atop wine barrels. 71 Broadway, 628.253.5161

Sorella Caffe Italian Run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella, which means “sister” in Italian, serves fresh Italian with a northern influence. Customer favorites include the cioppino, butternut squash ravioli and Pollo alla Sorella. Another highlight is the giant wheel of Grana Padano cheese. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520

Stillwater Californian Fairfax native Margaret Ruiz and her life and business partner, David, joined forces with chef Cameron Myers to bring the bounty of the county to the table. Two patios provide ample outdoor eating space. 23 Broadway, 415.524.8478

GREENBRAE AND KENTFIELD

Guesthouse Californian Jared Rogers, the former executive chef of Picco, heads up the kitchen, partnering with mixologist Dustin Sullivan on this 110-seat space. Look for well-executed California cuisine, such as mini lobster rolls or kurobuta pork chops with crispy potatoes, or savor a Slingshot at the bustling bar. 850 College Ave, Kentfield, 415.419.5101

Half Day Cafe American Tucked away in a setting of ivy and large open windows, this cafe is the quintessential breakfast nook and is also open for brunch and lunch, including coffee drinks, pastries and much more. Enjoy a casual daytime meal inside or out on the patio. 848 College Ave, Kentfield, 415.459.0291

LARKSPUR

Backstage Californian The U-shaped bar makes a comfortable, sociable setting for wine tasting, light appetizers (warmed nuts, artichoke dip) and small plates (avocado toast, charcuterie boards) in downtown Larkspur. 295 Magnolia Ave, 415.898.6778

Farm House Local

Californian A downtown Larkspur gem that is sure to please with simple, healthy food in a warm, cozy atmosphere, both indoors and on the covered patio. The seasonal menu, inspired by American classics, includes biscuits and gravy; a “BLAT” (with avocado) sandwich. 25 Ward St, 415.891.8577

Hog Island Oyster

Co. Seafood The fullservice Marin Country Mart location features a full bar with seasonal cocktails, beer and wine and the same bay-tobar philosophy as the Tomales Bay original. 2401 Larkspur Landing Circle, 628.253.5905

Left Bank Restaurant

French This authentically classic brasserie has been serving the Larkspur community for more than two decades. Whether on the patio, at the European-style bar or in the casually elegant main dining room with a huge fireplace, it’s a fun and French downtown experience. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331

Perry’s American Perry’s on Magnolia has the quintessentially American fare, bustling bar and warm personality the San Francisco original has always been famous for. Along with three separate dining rooms in a historic building, there’s outdoor dining under the twinkling lights on the patio and in the redwood grove. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.1877

Picco Californian Popular since its inception, Picco has a seasonally driven menu featuring items such as risotto (made every half hour), mesquite octopus tostada and butterscotch pot de creme that keep attracting return visits. The warm wood and brick interior is fronted by a popular, six seat bar. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300

Rustic Bakery

Californian The Maringrown bakery is known and loved the world over: Pope Francis famously requested Rustic Bakery flatbread and crostini when he visited the U.S. in 2015. Organic bread, croissants and pastries baked fresh each morning and salads, sandwiches, and soups for lunch make Rustic a local staple. Marin Country Mart, 2017 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.9900 MILL VALLEY

Bootjack Wood Fired

Californian A transition back to a bakery means hearth-style breads (apple walnut), breakfast sandwiches and pastries (cinnamon buns) from baker Cameron Esaryk are pulled daily from the built-in Alan Scott bread oven. 17 Madrona St, 415.383.4200

Buckeye Roadhouse

American Oysters bingo, baby back ribs and chili-lime “brick” chicken are a few of the satisfying comfort-food menu items that have made this classic roadhouse a favorite since the ’30s. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600

Bungalow 44 American The normally bustling bar is one of Mill Valley’s hot spots, ideal for savoring a seasonal cocktail or an order for their famous kickin’ fried chicken. The $1 happy hour oyster program still operates from 5-6 p.m., Monday–Thursday and the heated outdoor patio remains a town hot spot. 44 E Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500

Cafe Del Soul

Californian Healthy options become addictive at this eatery that has locations in both Tam Junction and San Rafael. Once you stop in for the deliciously fresh quinoa wrap, you’ll want to return to try the chipotle rice bowl. 247 Shoreline Hwy, 415.388.1852

The Cantina Mexican The popular family restaurant serves traditional Mexican fare including soups, salads, sandwiches and sizzling fajitas in dinner-size portions at lunch-size prices. Stop by for a margarita — they are known throughout Marin. 651 E Blithedale, 415.381.1070

Floodwater Californian Sip a “Gold Rush” (Old Forester bourbon, local honey, lemon) at the room-length bar while noshing on pork belly steamed buns or dive into Shorty’s Tall Reuben in the TV-free front room. The patio features fire pits. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.843.4545

Gravity Tavern

American With ingredients suited to reflect modern tastes, American classics like grilled chicken Waldorf salad with pickled grapes; lobster roll with toasted challah and veggie slaw. Enjoy them on the popular patio. 38 Miller Ave, 415.888.2108

Harmony Chinese Enjoy a lighter, fresher take on Chinese at this restaurant in Strawberry Village. The barbecue pork bun is filled with house-made roasted meat in a savory sauce and signature prawns are wok-seared with scallions. 401 Strawberry Village, 415.381.5300

Hook Fish Co Seafood The indoor, woodceilinged dining room feels like a boat’s galley, and the spot’s popular outdoor beer garden adjacent to Mill Valley’s Proof Lab at Tam Junction has 13 taps, but the draw at this counter-service joint is the seafood. The transparent supply chain means you can enjoy the poke, fish and chips or fish tacos secure in the knowledge of exactly where and on what boat your meal came from. 254 Shoreline Hwy India Palace Indian Known as “that great restaurant in the Travelodge,” India Palace is a favorite with the takeout crowd; eating on-site is also a treat for its well-regarded North Indian fare. 707 Redwood Hwy, 415.388.3350

Piatti Ristorante and

Bar Italian A new fireplace lounge and open-concept format invites lingering over refreshed menu items, such as house-made ravioli with lemon cream and citrus gremolata, roasted mushroom pizza. 625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525

Piazza D’Angelo Italian Family owned for over 35 years, Piazza D’Angelo evokes a traditional trattoria dining experience. Enjoy a variety of pastas, meat and seafood dishes, wood-fired pizzas and gluten-free offerings, all house-made with organic and locally sourced ingredients. 22 Miller Ave, 415.388.2000

Playa Mexican With a chef from Mexico City, Playa’s food offers traditional dishes with modern flavors and presentations. A little gem salad sparkles with tomatillo dressing and enchiladas shine from a glossy coating of house made black mole and micro greens. 41 Throckmorton Ave, 415.384.8871

Shoreline Coffee Shop

American Hidden behind Good Earth in a parking lot at Tam Junction, this coffee shop is a vintage diner with a small-town feel. Featuring a mix of Mexican and traditional breakfast fare hits, the comfort food spot is gussied up with organic

CREEKSIDE LOBSTER NOODLE

Delicious pan-seared lobster with stir-fried silver noodles in spicy homemade sauce. We solve your hunger at The Baan Thai Cuisine.

726 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo, CA 415.457.9470 thebaanthaicuisine.com

Cucina sa is open for lunch and dinner 6 days a week! Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday 11:30AM to 3 PM, brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10:30AM to 3 PM, and dinner is Tuesday through Sunday from 5PM to 9 PM. Outside dining on our bridge and parklet. Hope that you can join us soon! Please call for larger parties or special requests.

CUCINA SA

510 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 415.454.2942 cucina-sa.com Let Comforts provide you with a delicious and easy holiday meal with all the trimmings! Whether it’s a cocktail party, office luncheon, or family gathering, we have a menu to please all! And while you’re out doing your holiday shopping, stop by and enjoy breakfast or lunch in our cafe, or take home one of our popular family meals for an easy dinner. Let Comforts be your one-stop holiday shop! Happy Holidays!

COMFORTS

335 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 415.454.9840 comfortscafe.com

CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT Creekside Pizza & taproom Let us cook for you

Reservations & Online Ordering www.CreeksideSA.com

415.785.4450 | 638 SAN ANSELMO AVE. | SAN ANSELMO

and local goodies like eggs from Tennessee Valley neighbor Woolley Egg Ranch. Try them in the roto–soft eggs and house-made chorizo with French fries — or a classic diner dish, two eggs your way. You can get gluten-free bread from Green Gulch, too. 221 Shoreline Hwy, 415.388.9085

Watershed Californian Gather around the fire pit in front of the restaurant at the Lumber Yard or hang out at the long bar for a pre-dinner glass of wine before sampling one of the many dishes curated to reflect the bounty of Marin. The Stemple Creek Ranch burger and fresh pastas are matched with a bevy of simply prepared, easyto-share dishes (like spicy rock cod lettuce cups or lamb riblets) that reflect chef Kyle Swain’s careful sourcing and focus on local flavor. 129 Miller Ave, 415.888.2406

SAN ANSELMO AND ROSS

Comforts Cafe

American Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down patio and serves breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. A large takeout section Besides the famous Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stuffed pecan-crusted French toast, chicken okasan (nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by fans) and roast chicken enchiladas. 335 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.454.9840

Creekside Pizza & Tap

Room American A perennial Best of the County winner known for their artisan pizzas, hearty sandwiches, and flavorful pastas and salads, Creekside offers plentiful glutenfree and vegan options, too. Their copper, 40-handle selection of craft beers makes a beloved local pizza joint a destination for fresh beer in equal measure. There’s even gluten-free beer and kombucha pulled straight from the taps. 638 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.785.4450

Cucina sa Italian Open for lunch Wednesday–Saturday and six nights a week for dinner, takeout or delivery. Homemade pastas, seasonal salads and wood-fired pizzas strike a balance between southern Italy and northern California. Full bar and cocktails are available to go or enjoy a tipple on premise inside or at the new heated parklet. 510 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.454.2942

The Baan Thai Thai Known for its mango sticky rice, crispy corn cakes and The Baan Thai salad, this restaurant reopened in 2020 with a new owner, a new menu and a new heated outdoor seating area. Warm up with new menu items like fresh spring rolls and steamed dumplings, or old favorites such as the tom kha soup. The commitment to serving fresh, local and seasonal food is unchanged. 726 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.457.9470

Valenti & Co. Italian The bright yet cozy indoor space and warmly lit back patio are ideal environments for authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients. The menu changes daily but look for the carpaccio of beef, the pan-seared Pekin duck and chef Valenti’s famous tower of triple chocolate love at dessert. 337 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.454.7800

SAN RAFAEL

Amici’s East Coast

Pizzeria Californian A wide array of thin-crust pizzas, freshly made pastas and salads are the ticket here, along with flame-roasted lemon chicken wings (they are “atomic”). Gluten-free pizza crust is available. 1242 Fourth St, 415.455.9777

Cafe Arrivederci

Italian Pizza, pasta and fresh fish grace the menu in this warm and comfortable environment. Fettucini Carbonara and Pappardelle Bolognese are among the most favorite dishes. 11 G St, 415.453.6427

SAUSALITO

Angelino Restaurant

Italian Multiple generations of the Arcona family create an authentic Italian eatery with handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti that has showcased the cuisine of the Campania region for more than 20 years. The newer Angelino Pastry Bar features classic croissants, focaccia and a raspberry-polenta pop tart, among other treats, with pickup from 8 a.m. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225

Bar Bocce American Food just tastes better on a bayside patio with fire pits and a bocce ball court. Order one of the sourdough bread pizzas, a shredded kale salad and a glass of wine and you’ll see why this casual, beachy eatery, overseen by Robert Price of Mill Valley’s Buckeye and Bungalow 44, has become a local favorite. 1250 Bridgeway, 415.331.0555

Barrel House Tavern

Californian Stop by Barrel House for a feeling of rising above it all (it’s on the second floor) where the soaring ceiling work reflects the restaurant’s name. The barrel-aged cocktails are worth a visit (try the Negroni) but dishes like maitake mushroom flatbread and tartare tacos reflect a locally focused ethos that is enhanced by the cool setting and fantastic bay and city views. 660 Bridgeway, 415.729.9593

Fish Seafood It has been said that this restaurant and fish market launched the sustainable seafood movement, making it the ultimate place for freshly caught, unobjectionable fare. Order any of the day’s offerings — the menu changes daily but usually has a variation of fish tacos, ceviche and grilled fish of the day — then take in the bay views on the open-air deck. Though cash is still king, credit cards are now accepted. 350 Harbor Drive, 415.331.3474

Murray Circle American Cavallo Point’s acclaimed restaurant features local, seasonal fare from chef Mike Garcia at lunch and dinner. Cocktails with a view and the same locally focused ethos. 601 Murray Circle, 415.339.4750

Poggio Italian Vitello sliced excruciatingly thin and topped with lemon and tonnato sauce is a singular dish in the hands of executive chef Benjamin Balesteri, who creates Northern Italian fare using local and Italian ingredients. Private dining rooms available. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771

Sushi Ran Japanese Sample innovative small plates just big enough to share before enjoying some of the best sushi the Bay Area has to offer; the prices don’t deter the herd of enthusiasts who line up nightly to partake. Just stopping by? The wine, cocktail and sake lists keep even the pickiest barfly satisfied. Reservations are a must for the main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620

Zalta Mediterranean The menu — with a wine and cocktail list to match¬ — reflects influences from Greece, Italy, Spain, the Middle East and France. The mezze plate is filled with muhammara, dolmas and an eggplant spread known as mutabal, while the kofta burger is topped with tzatziki and green zhug on a focaccia bun. All the share size plates can also be enjoyed at the bright blue and white bar. 39 Caledonia St, Sausalito, 415.887.9047

TIBURON

Luna Blu Italian Executive chef Renzo Azzarello serves Sicilian seafood and homemade pastas with a Californian touch. The seasonal menu incorporates fresh and organic produce, local naturally grown meat and poultry from small farms. 35 Main St, 415.789.5844

Salt & Pepper American With its hardwood floors and blue-checkered tablecloths, the sun-filled, one-room restaurant is an area favorite. Scallops, ribeye steak, a beef burger and traditional crab cakes with jalapeño dipping sauce are some of the popular choices on the patio. 38 Main St, 415.435.3594

Sam’s Anchor Cafe

American Reopened after an extensive remodel, Sam’s boathouse feel and boat tie-ups remain intact, and spiffy white umbrellas and deck chairs line the expansive waterfront patio. All-day cocktails remain a fixture and a raw bar reflect the menu’s enduring seafood focus. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527

The Caprice Italian Enhanced bay views from every seat are just one of many charms after an extensive remodel reworked the entire space. The revamped menu features well-crafted comfort food from land and sea options. 2000 Paradise Drive, 415.435.3400

Tiburon Tavern

American Renzo and Crystal Azzarello of nearby Luna Blu took the reins in August for the Tiburon Tavern bar and restaurant with Chef Babak Nasser on board to handle the flow from breakfast and brunch through dinner. The same wide patio is back in service, too. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.3133

WEST MARIN

Due West at Olema

House Californian 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. 10005 Highway 1, Olema, 415.663.1264

Point Reyes Roadhouse

American Executive chef Christofer Gutierrez has plans for a bakery program and a backyard beer garden, but for now, look for California cuisine with Latin American flair for three meals a day (Heart’s Desire mussels, Chimney Rock ribeye) and lighter options (Miwok veggie hash, vegan udon, Olema halibut), plus wine and beer, while sitting on one of the cozy, sheepskin-draped chairs inside or at a picnic table out front. 10905 State Route One, Point Reyes Station

Saltwater Oyster

Depot Seafood 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. 12781 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Inverness, 415.669.1244

Side Street Kitchen

American The fastcasual eatery led by chef Aaron Wright (formerly of Tavern at Lark Creek and Canlis) serves favorites like rotisserie chicken, smoked oysters and pork-belly BLTs, as well as wholesome vegetarian fare. This is one of the few spots in West Marin that serves gluten-free beer. The cozy patio is dog-friendly. 60 Fourth St, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.0303

Station House Cafe

American Known for their house-made popovers, which chef Aaron Wright makes available at every meal, this cozy cafe is also recognized for fresh oysters, grassfed burgers, and an “everything fresh, local and homegrown” ethos. Dining in the garden is as popular on weekdays as on the weekends. 11180 Highway 1, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.1515

Tony’s Seafood Seafood The crowds still come on sunny weekends for the barbecue oysters and amazing views of Tomales Bay, but the restaurant’s purchase by the Hog Island Oyster Co team meant a refresh of the interior and a spiffed-up menu of salads and seafood pulled from the bay’s waters. Michelin noticed and awarded Tony’s a Bib Gourmand for 2021. 18863 Shoreline Hwy, Marshall, 415.663.1107

William Tell House

American The oldest continuously operating saloon in Marin makes a mean apple brandy cocktail aptly named for the Swiss folk hero, William Tell (who famously shot an arrow off his son’s head), but the revamped restaurant strives to make its name around food with a seafood chowder made with local cod, a Cobb salad with applewood bacon, and a butcher’s cut of the day sourced from nearby Stemple Creek Ranch and grilled to order. 26955 Highway 1, Tomales, 707.879.2002

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