Where to Eat: San Anselmo

San Anselmo offers plenty of options for dining out. The town has a few heavy-hitters, such as Iron Chef winner Ron Siegel’s one star Michelin Madcap and Heidi Krahling’s Insalata’s, a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner. A plethora of restaurants, bakeries, and cafes make this spot more than trek-worthy for those seeking a dining destination deep in central Marin, and provides tempting incentives to never stray beyond the borders for the local residents.

Be sure to check restaurants’ websites and social channels for their most current operating hours and formats.

This symbol indicates a Best of the County Readers’ Choice recipient.

Check out our partners:

Comforts Cafe, San Anselmo, Best brunch Marin — Comforts Cafe

Creekside Pizza, San Anselmo, Best Pizza Marin — Creekside Pizza and Taproom

Valenti & co. Radicchio and Bartlett Pear Salad — Valenti & Co

Bakery

For more Bakeries, in Marin check out our Best of the County picks here.

Flour Craft Bakery

Along with artisan gluten-free and an assortment of vegan pastries, breads, and special-occasion cakes, this petite cafe serves a lunch menu of so-called fancy toast (avocado, ricotta) and big green salads with seasonal flair. Customer favorites include oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, decadent cinnamon rolls, flourless hazelnut brownies, and the bakery’s signature granola.

2023 Best of the County for Bakeries.

Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
702 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.3100

M.H. Bread and Butter

A one-stop shop for everything from coffee and pastries to artisan bread, with a seasonal brunch menu. High-quality ingredients and a comfortable atmosphere make MH worth checking out. A “front porch” patio bustles during the morning hours.

2023 Best of the County for Bakeries.

Red Hill Cake and Pastry

All-American classics like chocolate chunk cookies, lemon bars and hot dog rolls share a pastry case with savory Chinese pastries like a barbecue pork bun (char siu bao) and shrimp rolls, and even Cornish “pasties” — savory hand pies and pot pies like beef or sun-dried tomato quiche.

2023 Best of County Winner for Bakeries.

Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20
Red Hill Center, 908 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.457.3632

Bar

For more Bars in Marin, check out our Best of the County picks here.

Matteucci’s

Despite owner Dan Pieri insisting Matteucci’s is NOT a dive bar, we put it on the list anyway. It is the only true bar in San Anselmo and hits almost every dive bar criterion on the list.

2023 Best of the County for Dive Bar.

Full Bar | Happy Hour
114 Greenfield Ave, 415.456.3614

Voyage

Minimal intervention wines by the glass and bottle and a low-ABV cocktail program featuring sherry and vermouth, spritzes, and other drinks are at the heart of a downtown wine bar and lounge. That may mean a ‘trebbiolo’ from Emilia-Romagna’s La Stoppa or a Bonhomme sauvignon blanc from the Loire. Chef Cameron Myers’ menu includes a mortadella hoagie, beef tartare and a Little Gem salad, in addition to meat and cheese plates and a Gilda pintxo. Enjoy at the bar, on the rail in the window, or at one of the lounges in front of the fireplace.

Date Spot | New Hot Spot
500 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, voyagebar.com

Baja Bar by Taco Jane’s

Baja Bar Taco Jane's in San Anselmo — Photo Courtesy of Taco Jane’s

Enjoy a Baja margarita or a red sangria among other south of the border beverages from the handcrafted mobile tiki bar from San Anselmo’s Taco Jane’s restaurant. The hula grass-adorned bar makes its debut at San Anselmo’s Live on the Avenue in June and can be found downtown on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer concert series until its September finale. The free-wheeling spirit of Baja and tiki cocktails is planning future appearances for Day of the Dead and can be rented for corporate events and pool parties. Taco Jane’s owner, Matteo Boussina, is planning a complementary ceviche and taco menu, too.

Grab ‘n Go
21 Tamalpais Ave, San Anselmo; 415.454.6562

Breakfast

For more Breakfast in Marin, check out our Best of the County picks here.

Bubbala’s

Father-daughter duo Janelle Loiselle and Greg Bernson’s café and deli updates traditional Jewish foods for breakfast (blintzes, kippered salmon, bagels and lox) and lunch (matzo ball soup, house made pastrami sandwiches, house-smoked fish). Loiselle’s pastries (hand pies, honey cake) and real rye bread, challah, and bagels from Novato’s Fire Swamp Provisions are available in the market, too.

Meal Under $20 | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-Friendly | Brunch
906 Sir Francis Drake, San Anselmo; bubbalas.com

Comforts Cafe

Meet the Team

Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. Their large takeout section offers a wide selection of house-made bakery items, seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and family meals for dinner at home. Besides the famous Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stuffed pecan-crusted French toast, chicken Okasan (nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by fans), Korean BBQ flank steak and Wor Won Ton soup. Catering services are also available.

2023 Best of the County for Breakfast.

Hilda’s

Serving San Anselmo since 1960, Hilda’s is a go-to stop for breakfast, brunch, or casual coffee. Their diverse menu has all your favorites for the best way to start your day.

2023 Best of the County for Breakfast.

Brunch | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20
639 San Anselmo Ave, 415.457.9266

Burger

For more Burgers in Marin, check out our Best of the County picks here.

The Hub

Craveable grass fed burgers and hand cut fries, like the #1 Hub Burger with white cheddar and special sauce, are at the heart of this order-at-the-counter spot in Red Hill Shopping Center. While the #4 Chicken Burger with melted Swiss, crispy onion strings and house-made sriracha chili mayo is not to be missed, big salads and tap beer and cider are also available to be enjoyed on the sunny patio.

Kid-friendly | Happy Hour | Outdoor seating | Dogs Welcome | Meal under $20
Red Hill Shopping Center, 882 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.785.4802

Coffee Shop

For more Coffee Shops in Marin, check out our Best of the County picks here.

Longway

Two years ago out of Ocean Beach in San Francisco, the Longway team opened a cafe centered around a small, crafted, woman-owned coffee brand, Lady Falcon Coffee. Born from a simple love of roasting beans and a community that supports them, their shop in San Anselmo pours high-quality coffee and local goods from Cibo Bakery, Johnny’s Doughnuts and Urban Remedy.

2023 Best of the County for Coffee Shop.

Meal Under $20
641 San Anselmo Ave, 415.306.7657

Marin Coffee Roasters

Marin-based and obsessed with quality, Marin Coffee Roasters brews specialty coffee and serves fresh food every day.

2023 Best of the County for Coffee Shop.

Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
546 San Anselmo Ave, 415.258.9549

Fine Dining

For more Fine Dining in Marin, check out our Best of the County picks here.

Madcap

Chef Ron Siegel’s contemporary art-filled space is known for its urban edge. The vegetable-centric menu, available as a tasting menu, incorporates seafood and Japanese techniques in colorful dishes like trout with baby bok choi, purple daikon and dashi that are bold, balanced and bright. The restaurant earned a Michelin one-star rating in 2019 and again in 2021.

2023 Best of the County for Fine Dining.

Worth the Hype | Date Spot
198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.453.9898

Italian

For more Italian food in Marin, check out our Best of the County picks here.

Cucina Sa

Meet the Team

Open for lunch, weekend 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 southern Italy and northern California. Full bar and cocktails are available to go or enjoy a tipple on premise at the heated parklet or inside.

2023 Best of the County for Al Fresco Dining.

Valenti & Co.

Meet the Team

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.

2023 Best of the County for Al Fresco Dining.

Full Bar | Kid-friendly | Outdoor seating | Date Spot
337 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.7800

Mexican

For more Mexican food in Marin, check out our Best of the County picks here.

Marinitas

This sister restaurant of Insalata’s continues to flourish as a bastion of creative Mexican and Central and South American cuisine. Not your typical south-of-the-border spot, they serve up top-notch margaritas and Latin lusciousness.

2023 Best of the County for Mexican Food.

Taco Jane’s

The full bar features plentiful tequila and mezcal selections and its regional Mexican cuisine includes Oaxacan mole, fish tacos and vegetarian options. Black Gold salsa arrives with complimentary chips and is created from charred blackened tomatoes and roasted chilis. Enclosed patio seating is available year round.

2023 Best of the County for Mexican Food.

Middle Eastern / Mediterranean

For more Middle Eastern & Mediterranean food in Marin, check out our Best of the County picks here.

Insalata’s

Award-winning chef Heidi Krahling’s downtown restaurant features soulful Mediterranean fare for 25+ years. Dinner favorites include cataplana with mussels and chorizo, Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian platter, Moroccan lamb flatbread, house made pastas and of course, the fattoush salad. An expansive takeout counter offers a wide range of selections for family meals, celebrations or a quick lunch option.

2023 Best of the County for Middle Eastern/Mediterranean Food.

Kientz Hall

Chef Gary Faulkner helms a kitchen where live fire cooking is the focus. Rotisserie chicken with caper salsa verde pairs with roasted eggplant with harissa and olives or carrots with spiced tahini yogurt and dill. The lamb burger is not to be missed. Try one with a sabe margarita, a blend of distilled tequila and premium sake. Sit inside the sunny atrium, at one of the sidewalk tables, or enjoy the views of Mt. Tam from the rooftop terrace.

Pizza

For more Pizza in Marin, check out our Best of the County picks here.

Creekside Pizza & Tap Room

Meet the Team

Creekside Pizza & Tap Room, San Anselmo — Photo Courtesy of Creekside Pizza & Tap Room

A perennial Best of the County winner known for their artisan pizzas, hearty sandwiches, flavorful pastas and fresh salads, Creekside offers plentiful gluten-free and vegan options too. Their copper bar with a 40-handle selection of craft beer (including gluten-free beer), plus wine and kombucha on tap makes Creekside a beloved destination for fresh drinks in equal measure.

2023 Best of the County for Brewery and Pizza.

Kid-friendly | Happy Hour | Grab ‘n Go | Date Spot | Watch the Game
638 San Anselmo Ave, 415.785.4450

Pizzalina

Owners Michael and Jacquelyn Baker’s so-called dream come true restaurant hews traditional with Neapolitan pizza made with farm-sourced and house made ingredients. Seasonal specials like hand-rolled garganelli pasta with ragu Bolognese (that’s meaty) and a porchetta sandwich at lunch layered with Fontina and chopped broccolini are for those days when less carbs are called for.

2023 Best of the County for Pizza.

Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating | Dogs Welcome | Date Spot | Meal under $20
914 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.256.9780

Sandwiches

For more Sandwiches in Marin, check out our Best of the County picks here.

D.G. Cafe

Serving the community he loves was the idea that eventually became D.G. Cafe. But when Covid hit, owner and San Anselmo resident Clive Nisse turned the idea into reality, defying gravity (get it?) to open this sliver of a restaurant. Sandwiches are named for local landmarks (Mt. Baldy, Creek Park), salads are customizable and the picnic packages are, yes, designed for eating outside. A takeout window makes to-go a snap.

Kid-friendly | Grab ‘n Go | Meal under $20
411 San Anselmo Ave, 415.295.7500

Seafood

For more Seafood in Marin, check out our Best of the County picks here.

Bistro Viz

Owner-chef Soo Young Kim’s petite restaurant focuses on an expansive international wine list, many available by the glass, and bistro favorites that showcase locally-sourced ingredients. Dishes, such as squash blossoms stuffed with makrut lime and Thai curry-infused wild salmon, or vegetarian fritto misto and halibut with romesco and garlic lemon yogurt, shift with the seasons. The light-bedecked patio is cozy, even with fog or rain’s chill.

Outdoor Seating | Date Spot
115 San Anselmo Ave, 415.902.9084

Sushi

For more Sushi in Marin, check out our Best of the County picks here.

Sushi 69

Opened in 2007, Sushi 69 has been a favorite for locals looking to get their fill of no-frills sushi. The owner hails from Japan and has created an extensive menu featuring traditional tempura and the popular Hiro’s roll (spicy tuna with avocado, salmon and ponzu sauce wrapped in sushi rice).

2023 Best of the County for Sushi.

Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating | Dogs Welcome | Date Spot
69 Center Blvd, 415.459.6969

Thai

For more Thai in Marin, check out our Best of the County picks here.

The Baan Thai Cuisine

Meet the Team

Known for its mango sticky rice, crispy corn cakes and The Baan Thai salad, new menu items like fresh spring rolls and steamed dumplings and old favorites such as the tom kha soup entice with fresh flavors and just the right amount of sweet heat. The outdoor patio is heated on chilly days and evenings.

2023 Best of the County for Thai Food.

Date Spot | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating
726 San Anselmo Ave, 415.457.9470

Back to Where to Eat

where to eat in ross where to eat in san anselmo

Where to Eat: San Anselmo

Bakery

Bar

Breakfast

Burger

Coffee Shop

Fine Dining

Italian

Mexican

Middle Eastern / Mediterranean

Pizza

Sandwiches

Seafood

Sushi

Thai

Highlights

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