
6 minute read
Auntie E’s Child Care
from Marin March 2023
by 270 Media
License # 214005631
Corte Madera
Cafe Verde
Californian The all-day cafe offers Neapolitan pizza, Sicilian calzone and a tight menu of pasta, risotto, and salads. Enjoy any of these items inside or out on the patio. 502 Tamalpais Drive, 415.927.1060; cafeverdecm.net $
Flores Mexican With an emphasis on regional Mexican dishes and flavors sourced from family recipes, the menu is based on California seasonality. The dailymade tortillas are a highlight in dishes such as tostadas de atún and a masa section of the menu features traditional dishes like sopes de frijol and tinga tamal. 301 Corte Madera Town Center; 415.500.5145; floressf. com HH BB
Marin Joe’s Italian
A mainstay for over 50 years for a reason: the menu calls to you with garlic bread, a calamari sandwich and mesquite-grilled prime rib. Sautéed classics of the ItalianAmerican cannon and oysters doré and a mix and match menu of pasta shapes and pastas have withstood the test of time. 1585 Casa Buena Dr; 415.924.2081; fmarin joesrestaurant.com
RH Marin American
Ride up the goldenhued elevator to the top floor 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. Epic view of Mount Tam and a feeling of floating above it all.1750 Redwood Highway at The Village 628.266.2040; rh.com HH BB
Larkspur
Left Bank Restaurant French
This Parisian-style brasserie by Chef Roland Passot has been serving the community for more than two decades. An all-day menu features seasonal, local and organic ingredients, along with an extensive cocktail menu, beer and wine. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331; leftbank.com
Perry’s American Perry’s on Magnolia has the same classic American cuisine, bustling bar and warm service and personality the San Francisco original has always been famous for. Plentiful outdoor dining options in addition to the three cozy indoor dining spaces. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.1877; perryssf. com BB
Rustic Bakery
Californian The Marin-grown bakery is known and loved the world over: Pope Francis famously requested its flatbread and crostini when he visited the U.S. in 2015. Organic croissants and pastries baked fresh daily and salads, sandwiches, and soups for lunch. 2017 Larkspur Landing

Circle, 415.461.9900 and 1139 Magnolia Ave; 415.925.1556; rusticbakery.com
$ MILL
Valley
Buckeye Roadhouse
American Oysters
Bingo and chili-lime
“brick” chicken are a few of the comfortfood menu items that have made this favorite since the ’30s. The bar with red leather booths is a popular spot for cocktails, conversations or a light meal. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600; buck eyeroadhouse.com
BB HH
Bungalow 44
American The bustling bar is ideal for savoring a seasonal cocktail or an order of the house’s famous kickin’ fried chicken. The heated outdoor patio is a town hot spot. 44 E Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500; bungalow44.com
Cafe del Soul
Californian
Healthy options become addictive at this eatery that now has locations in 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; cafedelsoul.net $
Floodwater
Californian Order a handcrafted “Gold Rush” (Old Forester bourbon, local honey, lemon) at the long 20 seat bar and watch the game on 5 huge flourcraftbakery.com
$
Gravity Tavern
American Featuring American classics like grilled chicken Waldorf salad with pickled grapes, lobster roll with toasted challah and veggie slaw, and a land and sea pasta with house made egg pasta. Enjoy them on the popular patio. 38 Miller Ave, 415.888.2108; gravitytavern.com
BB HH
Harmony Chinese
Enjoy classical and innovative Cantonese fare with the house specialty, hand crafted dim sum. Local favorites include savory Peking duck with steamed tea buns, juicy Shanghai dumplings, and a definite must, the famous signature beef. Also available from Harmony Take Home which has its own entrance. 401 Strawberry Village, 415.381.5300; harmony restaurantgroup.com
Hook Fish Co.
Seafood The indoor, wood-ceilinged dining room feels like a boat’s galley and the spot’s popular outdoor beer garden has 13 taps, but the draw is the seafood. The transparent supply chain means you can enjoy the fish tacos knowing exactly where and when the meal was plucked from the sea. 254 Shoreline Hwy; hookfishco.com
BB
Shoreline Coffee Shop American
This coffee shop is a vintage diner with a small-town feel. The mix of Mexican and traditional breakfast fare hits the comfort food spot, gussied up with organic and local goodies like eggs from Tennessee Valley neighbor, Woolly Egg Ranch. 221 Shoreline Hwy, 415.388.9085; shorelinecofee shop.com
$ BB
NOVATO
Rustic Bakery
Californian
Piatti Ristorante and Bar Italian
Menu items such as house made ravioli lemon cream and citrus gremolata, or roasted mushroom pizza with taleggio fonduta and black truffle oil. Expanded indoor spaces and on the patio with views of Shelter Bay. 625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525; piatti. com BB
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; playamv.com
BB HH
Organic pastries, breads, salads, and sandwiches are on the menu at this location downtown.
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. 1407 Grant Ave, 415.878.4952; rusticbakery.com $ BB
San Anselmo
The Baan Thai Cuisine Thai Known for its mango sticky rice, crispy corn cakes and The Baan Thai salad, new menu items like fresh spring rolls and steamed dumplings. The outdoor patio is heated on chilly days and evenings. 726 San Anselmo Ave, 415.457.9470; baanthaimarin.com
BB
Comforts Cafe
American In addition to in-house dining, their large takeout section offers a wide selection of house made bakery items, seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and family meals for dinner at home. 335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840; comfortscafe.com $ BB
Creekside Pizza & Tap Room American
Known for their artisan pizzas, hearty sandwiches, flavorful pastas and fresh salads, Creekside offers plentiful gluten-free and vegan options too. Enjoy a 40-handle selection of craft beer (including gluten-free beer), plus wine and kombucha on tap. 638 San Anselmo Ave, 415.785.4450; creeksidesa.com
Cucina sa Italian
Open for lunch, brunch, and dinner six nights a week for the house’s famous homemade pastas, seasonal salads, and wood-fired pizzas that strike a balance between Italy and Northern California.
510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942; cucina-sa.com
Taco Jane's Mexican
The full bar features plentiful tequila and mezcal selections and its regional Mexican cuisine includes Oaxacan mole, fish tacos and vegetarian options. Enclosed patio seating is available year round.
21 Tamalpais Ave, 415.454.6562; tacojanes.com
HH $ BB
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. A seat at the chef’s table gives a prime view of the open kitchen. 337 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.7800; valentino.com
San Rafael
Bruno’s Deli Market
Cafe Italian
One part market, two parts deli and cafe just off the downtown strip features all things Italian. Sandwiches, salads and entrees and a range of imported Italian packaged goods, wines and coffee/espresso are available. Don’t miss the house made cannoli. 1304 Second St, 415.785.7487; brunostaliandeli.com
$
Il Davide Italian
The large selection of innovative and classic Tuscan dishes and house-made pasta has kept locals coming back for years. Ingredients are organic and locally sourced when possible, and there’s a vast selection of Italian and California wines by the glass. 901 A St 415.454.8080; ildavide.net
LaVier Cuisine Latin
American Free-range chicken and sustainable seafood plus vegan and vegetarian dishes are the focus at this all-organic Latin fusion eatery run by Mexico City native, Gabriela and her husband Guillermo, who hails from Yucatán. Try the top selling pescado asado, puffy fish tacos with slaw and black beans, or chile rellenos. 1025 C St, 415.295.7990
Le Comptoir French
In the heart of San Rafael, the bistro, complete with bright red chairs and a small adjoining grocery, serves up traditional French favorites like beef cheeks bourguignon and onion soup gratinée in a chic and cozy setting. 1301 Fourth St, 415.454.5454; lecomptoirsr.com
Sausalito
Angelino Restaurant
Italian Multiple generations of the Ancona 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. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225; angel inorestaurant.com
Barrel House Tavern
Californian Stop by Barrel House for a feeling of rising above it all where the soaring ceiling work reflects the restaurant’s name. The barrel-aged cocktails are worth a visit 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; barrel housetavern.com
BB HH
Ditas Californian
Perched above The Trident on Sausalito’s expansive waterfront, the tasting-menuformat restaurant from chef Aiki Terashima leans international with dishes like spicy kimchi and tofu stew and truffled mushroom paté, with an expansive wine and cocktail list. 558 Bridgeway, ditas.ca
Fish Seafood
It has been said that this restaurant and fish market launched the sustainable seafood movement. The menu changes daily but usually has a variation of fish tacos, ceviche and grilled fish. 350 Harbor Dr, 415.331.3474; 331fish.com
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. The bar may be the most hopping in town and is recognized for its killer Negroni. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771; poggio trattoria.com
BB




