Sophistication, quality and attention to detail define a fine dining experience. From artfully constructed small plates packed with flavor, craft cocktails, and incredibly knowledgeable and attentive servers, these nights out are always a treat. The 2024 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Madcap (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Fine Dining picks see below.
Our 2024 Dining category sponsor is Rodney Strong. View the rest of the Dining category here.
Because there are so many great ones, we’ve broken it down by region: Southern and Central Marin.
Southern | Central
Southern Marin
Buckeye Roadhouse
Mill Valley
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. The warm dark-wood bar with red leather booths is a popular spot for cocktails, conversations or a light meal. Heated patio seating offers a moments respite with a fresh espresso and breakfast burrito from the weekday Buckeye Joe Coffee Kiosk out front.
15 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley, 415.331.2600
Gravity Tavern
Mill Valley
With locally sourced ingredients suited to reflect modern tastes, Gravity Tavern is here to provide a unique culinary experience with a twist on classic American and European dishes. From land and sea pastas, to burgers and steaks, along with weekly specials such as Wellington Wednesdays and Prime Rib Sundays suited with a locally brewed full bar, Gravity Tavern provides a must-try incredible dining experience.
38 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.888.2108
Bungalow Kitchen
Tiburon
A party lounge and restaurant from chef Michael Mina boasts epic views and a menu of seasonal California fare executed by chef Harrison Chernick — crispy Liberty duck wings glazed with Grand Marnier and black pepper, garganelli Bolognese, jalapeño shrimp toast — at night. Brunch cocktails pair with sweet potato pancakes and hot chicken and waffles on weekends while the upstairs lounge boasts late-night service (until 12 a.m.), a billiards table, a gas-powered fireplace, and a live DJ on weekends.
5 Main St, Tiburon, 415.366.4088
Ditas
Sausalito
Perched above The Trident on Sausalito’s expansive waterfront, the restaurant’s interior design includes stone tabletops, velvet chairs, hand-woven wall coverings and glass accents in an understated palette. The European-Asian fusion menu features dishes like king salmon with Szechuan chili oil and Mishima Reserve Wagyu strip loin, with expansive wine and bar programs. Weekends also include a dignified brunch, best enjoyed from the patio with prime bay views.
562 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 628.261.9267
Luna Blu
Tiburon
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. The restaurant complies with Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, so all the seafood is sustainable. Not just a Marin County favorite, Luna Blu was voted one of the Top 100 Neighborhood Gem restaurants in America in 2014.
35 Main St, Tiburon, 415.789.5844
The Caprice
Tiburon
Enhanced bay views from every seat are just one of many charms after an extensive remodel reworked the entire space. The revamped menu of well-crafted comfort food from land (bone-in filet mignon, French onion omelet) and sea (gnocchi with crab, abalone dore) options features classic cocktails and a wine list that leans towards American, Italian and French bottlings.
2000 Paradise Dr, Tiburon, 415.435.3400
Central Marin
Left Bank Brasserie
Larkspur
This authentically Parisian-style brasserie by Chef Roland Passot 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. An all-day menu features authentic French cuisine utilizing seasonal, local and organic ingredients, along with an extensive cocktail menu, a wide range of beer options, and an expertly-curated wine selection.
507 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.927.3331
Restaurant Picco
Larkspur
Popular since its inception, Picco has a seasonally driven menu featuring items such as risotto (made every half hour), ahi tuna tartare, avocado bruschetta & gnocchi with house made sausage that keep attracting return visits. The warm wood and brick interior is fronted by a popular, ten seat bar.
320 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.924.0300
Insalata’s
San Anselmo
If you’re looking for some great Mediterranean dishes, award-winning chef Heidi Krahling’s downtown restaurant has featured soulful Mediterranean plates for over 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.
120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.457.7700
Madcap
San Anselmo
The sleek aesthetic — cool gray concrete walls, dark woods and plush banquettes — remains the same for the 2021 Michelin one star restaurant, but chef Ron Siegel and wife Kimberly Siegel, who runs the front of the house, have streamlined the menu of Japanese-inflected dishes. That means a single tasting menu that hews to the seasons and understated, ever-present service.
198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo; 415.453.9898
Il Davide
San Rafael
The large selection of innovative and classic Tuscan dishes and house-made pasta has kept locals coming back for years. With fresh locally sourced ingredients, Il Davide serves an authentically delicious Tuscan menu. Enjoy their curated selection of fine wines and decadent desserts as you savor the true essence of Italian cuisine. At II Davide, every meal is a celebration of flavor and tradition.
901 A Street, San Rafael, 415.454.8080
Best of the County Dining Sponsor
Rodney Strong
Rodney Strong was an acknowledged visionary who understood the potential that Sonoma County’s soil and climate held for producing world-class wines and was one of the first to plant Pinot Noir in Russian River Valley and the first to produce a Chalk Hill appellation Chardonnay.
How can I arrange a tasting appointment?
We are open Thursday through Monday from 10:30am – 5:00pm. We recommend making a reservation but we are happy to host walk-ins when we have availability for tastings until 3:30pm. Please visit rodneystrong.com/visit-us to see our tasting options and to make a reservation.
Where can I find a list of upcoming events at the winery?
Please visit rodneystrong.com/events for our upcoming events.
I’m looking for a wine country venue for an upcoming private event; could I host my event at Rodney Strong Vineyards?
Absolutely! Please visit rodneystrong.com/private-events for more information on our private events.
Rodney Strong | Healdsburg | 707.431.1533 | rodneystrong.com
