Marin has an appetite for new restaurants, and Guesthouse is the latest restaurant to fill that craving. And who better to helm this addition than the critically acclaimed chef behind Larkspur’s Picco Restaurant and a well-known Bay area mixologist? Chef Jared Rogers and bartender Dustin Sullivan have partnered up and staked their spot in Kentfield’s once sleepy pocket adjacent to the College of Marin. Appropriate to its name, Guesthouse strives to create a community minded culture and an atmosphere of genuine hospitality.
With a menu driven by California seasonality and ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors, Guesthouse’s vibrant American cuisine is powered by a brand new 6-foot long J&R wood grill. The open kitchen delivers creative classics such as mini lobster rolls; roasted squash bisque with tahini; ricotta and black truffle agnolotti with grilled wild mushrooms; and kurobuta pork chop with crispy potatoes, spiced apple, and Brussels sprouts. The drinks menu is equally inspired with a craft cocktail list incorporating classics with a twist, such as Dry Mezcal Negroni with mescal, cappalletti, dry vermouth, bitters, and grapefruit zest, and a wine list, overseen by John “AJ” Anderson, which is dominated by organic and biodynamic varieties from around the globe.
Guesthouse’s 110-seat remodeled interior was designed by Dustin, with assistance from well-known San Francisco interior design firm Hannah Collins Designs (now called ROY) whose work includes A Mano, Media Noche and Bar Vale. The dining room features an open kitchen with inviting and understated interiors combining textured and wallpapered walls, wainscoting, warm wood floors and aged brass accents. A 16-seat concrete bar running the length of the room is centered between the welcoming dining room lined with tan leather and grey flannel banquettes, and a side room with a marble-topped communal table.
The aim of Guesthouse is to embrace and welcome the community with fine food and drinks, and the lively and spirited atmosphere does just that. This little pocket in central Marin is sleepy no more.
WHO Chef Jared Rogers, mixologist Dustin Sullivan
WHAT Guesthouse in Kentfield
WHERE 850 College Avenue, Kentfield, 415.419.5101, guesthousemarin.com
Meals served and friends made at the 16-foot-long concrete bar.
Wolf Ranch Quail
Kale Salad
