Best of the County 2025 Spotlight: Readers' Choice

There are so many great local businesses we’re celebrating with this year’s Best of the County — here are a few of our favorites we put in the spotlight!

Arts & Entertainment

Best Children’s Activity

Bay Area Discovery Museum

A woman and a child peer through a telescope, exploring the stars and planets in a shared experience of curiosity.

Forget over planned weekends and underwhelming outings. At the Bay Area Discovery Museum, joy takes the lead. Immersive Discovery Zones—like Mud Kitchen, Lookout Cove, and Art Studios—let kids explore the world on their terms while you get to slow down, enjoy the moment and make memories.

No schedule. No pressure. Just the good stuff.

Generations of Marin families have grown up here, and we’re proud to be part of that story—again and again. The best part? Confidence, curiosity, and creativity? It’s all happening—without anyone needing to know.

557 McReynolds Avenue, Sausalito 415.339.3900

Beauty & Wellness

Best Cosmetic Dermatologist

Zand Dermatology

Two women in elegant white dresses stand side by side, smiling at the camera in a bright outdoor setting.

At Zand Dermatology, we’re enhancing beauty, confidence, and well-being at every stage of life. Our luxury practice offers expert Botox, filler, non-surgical facelifts, and advanced care for skin cancer, acne, and menopause. Sisters Dr. Sarv Zand and Dr. Paula Zand bring artistry, intelligence, and deep emotional connection to every patient. Dr. Zand believes in a ‘less is more’ approach to beauty. Oscar-nominated actress Naomi Watts, pictured above, chose Dr. Zand as Dermatologist Advisor for her beauty brand Stripes. With degrees from Harvard+MIT, Johns Hopkins, and UC Davis, we are educators who prioritize trust, listening, and natural results. Thank you for voting us Best Cosmetic Dermatologist (2022, 2024, 2025) and Best Dermatologist (MarinIJ 2024, 2025)!

NEW TO MARIN: A Surgery-Free, Scarless Skin Cancer Treatment. In addition to Mohs Surgery, we now offer Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IG-SRT) — a non-invasive treatment for skin cancer that delivers ultrasound-guided precision, high cure rates, and no downtime. Covered by Medicare for eligible patients.

655 Redwood Highway Frontage Road, Suite 246, Mill Valley 415.301.5000

Best Haircut / Salon Service

Aubree Hill, The Business of Beautiful

A woman sitting on a couch with the phrase "exhale house" displayed prominently in the background.

BEAUTY WITHOUT COMPROMISE
Powering confidence through award-winning hair extension transformations rooted in artistry, connection, and integrity. Over 100 women trusted Aubree this past year for natural, seamless extensions designed to feel like your own hair.

With demand at an all-time high, she’s opening something new.

Coming Fall 2025: EXHALE HOUSE — Mill Valley
A sanctuary for ethically sourced, transformative hair artistry.

Great Lengths certified. Invisible. Ethical. Exceptional. XOXO Aubree

Mill Valley 619.241.9266

Best Massage

– Also Rest of the Best Spa / Best Facial –

Evo Spa

A woman undergoing a facial massage, surrounded by calming spa decor and soft lighting.

Thank you for voting EVO SPA Best Massage. It is an honor to serve You for the past 20 years! We sincerely appreciate your loyalty and support.

~ The Evo Spa Team ~

800 Redwood Highway Frontage Road, Suite 216, Mill Valley 415.383.3223

Best Massage Therapist

Alexa Mimeles Massage

A woman in a yellow sweater and scarf stands by the ocean, with waves gently lapping at the shore in the background.

Thanks for voting me Best in Marin! With over 24 years of experience, I use a blend of techniques designed to promote relaxation and relieve tension. My goal is to help people’s bodies thrive, so they can do what they love pain free.

608 Eastwood Way, Mill Valley 415.990.6556

Best Med Spa

Hayes Valley Medical Esthetics

Hayes Valley Medical Esthetics (HVME) is a boutique, owner-operated medical spa specializing in advanced skincare and non-surgical esthetic treatments, including weight loss and body contouring. We offer over 30 carefully curated and FDA-approved medical devices and a wide range of injectables to address skin conditions such as pigmentation, uneven texture, and skin laxity for both the face and body. Our team of highly trained practitioners includes many who have experience training with industry leaders like Allergan, Merz, and Galderma, ensuring exceptional patient care. Whether seeking a luminous, subtle glow or a bold transformation, HVME provides personalized guidance at every step, empowering you to embrace confidence like never before.

With conveniently located clinics in Larkspur, Cow Hollow, and Hayes Valley, HVME makes prioritizing skin health both accessible and effortless. Discover why HVME is setting a new standard for beauty and wellness in the Bay Area. Schedule your complimentary consultation today!

– Your Beauty, Our Secret

265 Magnolia Avenue, Suite 201, Downtown Larkspur, 415.464.8801

Dining

Best Ice Cream / Frozen Yogurt

Fairfax Scoop

A man, woman, and child stand together in front of a restaurant, smiling and enjoying their time outdoors.

Dear community,

We’re so honored and grateful to have received your vote for Best of Marin 2025! At Fairfax Scoop, we strive to create a joyous experience where every visit feels like a celebration to enjoy delicious, homemade ice cream crafted with locally sourced when possible, organic ingredients, and served with a waste-free promise that reflects our care for the planet.

As a family-owned shop nestled in the heart of Fairfax, this award is a tribute to our incredible team and the community that’s cheered us on, cone after cone.

Thank you for letting us be part of your story. We’ll keep scooping with love, joy, and purpose.

63 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax, CA 415.453.3130 IG@fairfaxscoop

Best Italian Restaurant

Poggio Trattoria

A diverse group of people posing happily outside a restaurant, capturing a moment of camaraderie and celebration.

THANK YOU to the readers of Marin Magazine for voting Poggio Trattoria “Best Italian”! Since 2003, our goal at Poggio is to be a neighborhood restaurant serving delicious Italian food in a warm, comfortable surroundings by friendly and kind hospitality professionals. Chef Ben Balesteri sources ingredients from local purveyors and highlights these quality products in the daily changing menus that feature soulful classics of Northern Italy including a variety of antipasti, house-made pastas, spit-roasted meats, and wood-fired pizzas complemented by a wine list that offers the very best of Italian and California varietals and a cocktail program that features the classics with a twist. Chef Ben often catches the fresh fish served at Poggio with daily specials that include line-caught tuna, cod, petrale sole and halibut.

777 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 415.332.7771

Best Latin American Restaurant

Sol Food

A plate featuring shrimp, colorful peppers, and lime slices arranged appetizingly.

Thank you Marin Magazine readers for the years of continued support and overwhelming loyalty!

Our team serves up authentic Puerto Rican comfort food, using fresh ingredients, with vegan and gluten- free options.

Visit Sol Food at one of our 3 locations, and enjoy a delicious and SOL satisfying meal.

903 Lincoln Avenue, San Rafael, CA 415.451.4765
401 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 415.380.1986
151 Petaluma Blvd. South, Petaluma CA 707.347.5998

Best Mexican Restaurant

– Also Rest of the Best Al Fresco Dining –

Playa

Thank you for naming Playa “Best Mexican Restaurant” in Marin two years in a row! We’ve been proud to serve Marin for over 9 years. We look forward to hosting you soon for tacos, carnitas, ceviche, and our famous Kill Bill Margarita. Let’s keep the fiesta going!

41 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 415.384.8871

Best Sandwiches

Michael’s Sourdough Sandwiches

Michael’s Sourdough Sandwiches opened 35 years ago in San Rafael and 28 years ago in Novato. It is a family run business and we are proud to be part of such a vibrant community. We are thankful for our loyal customers, who support Marin’s original sourdough spot. Many thanks!

999 Andersen Drive, #165 San Rafael 415.485.0964
42 Digital Drive, #8 Novato, CA 415.883.5110

Best Steakhouse

– Also Rest of the Best Bar Dining, Fine Dining, Burger –

Buckeye Roadhouse

Thank you for naming us “Best Steakhouse” in Marin! It’s been our privilege serving Bay Area diners for 30+ years. We hope you join us soon for oysters bingo, a juicy steak, and a classic martini!

15 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley, CA 415.331.2600

Best Vegan / Vegetarian

Cafe del Soul

Four plates of assorted foods arranged on a table, showcasing diverse culinary options.

We love our community, thank you for this honor and your vote for Best of Marin!

We love Marin and we love making great tasting, nutrient rich dishes for everyone to enjoy! Our wraps, rice dishes, salads, soups, quinoa dishes and yes, even our nachos should dance on your taste buds while our smoothies, juices, teas and coffee should practically sing, I feel good!

With online ordering it’s easy to order. With locations in Mill Valley and San Rafael (both just off the 101) we’re easy to get to and if you can’t get out, no worries, we deliver!

415.388.1852 247 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley, CA
415.457.5400 1408 4th Street, San Rafael, CA

Fitness

Best Gym

Club Evexia

Club Evexia is a luxury fitness, wellness and social club in Southern Marin. Set on the water overlooking beautiful Richardson Bay, the club offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment, over 70 group classes a week and amazing social gatherings and events that promote connection and community.

Club Evexia | Mill Valley | 415.729.0046 | ClubEvexia.com

Best Pilates Studio

– Also Rest of the Best Yoga Studio/Fitness Class –

Hot Yoga Republic

A joyful woman in a yoga class smiles, embodying the spirit of mindfulness and well-being.

We know you’re scared, we were scared at one time too.

You’ve heard the sanitized humidity + heat at Hot Yoga Republic is intense. It is — and that’s the point.
Heat gets your muscles loose, your heart pumping, and your excuses out of the way.

Hot Yoga Republic is not spa day. It’s strength training in a sauna, it’s “mindset therapy” with a mic’d-up
coach who means it. It’s a full-body wake-up call with bass drops that make quitting impossible.
At Hot Yoga Republic, you’ll shake, you’ll swear, and you’ll leave feeling like a legend.

Women performing various yoga poses in a spacious gym, focusing on their practice.

We don’t whisper affirmations. We blast beats, drop squats, and push past limits. It’s not about being
perfect — it’s about showing up, staying in it, and surprising the hell out of yourself.
This is where you stop playing it safe and start leveling up.

No fluff. No filters.
Just you vs. you…and you’re about to win.

800 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley, CA
4050 Redwood Highway, San Rafael, CA

Best Yoga Studio

Metta Yoga Studios

Three women in athletic yoga outfits walk side by side on a street, showcasing a lively and active lifestyle.

Thank you, Marin County! We’re incredibly honored to be named Reader’s Choice: Best Yoga Studio 2025.

Metta Yoga was created in 2017 to bring beautiful, boutique, community-minded yoga studios to Marin with classes that are dynamic, creative, and grounded in tradition. With three studios across the county, a wide range of teachers and classes — from heated fiery flows to nourishing yin and restorative – and dedicated spaces like Metta Mama for new and expecting mothers, there’s something here for everyone. We are so thrilled to share the yoga practices we love with our community!

Try all three studios with our $59 Intro month, or enjoy 15% off a 10-class pack this summer – just for Marin Magazine readers with code MM15 applied to a 10-class pack at check out.

851 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA
8 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera, CA
Cloudbreak Yoga, 1621 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA

Home & Design

Best Architect

John Clarke Architects

A kitchen featuring a stove and oven, showcasing a functional cooking space.

John Clarke Architects is a full-service architecture and design firm based in Sausalito, serving the Bay Area and beyond since 2003. Specializing in custom residential projects, the firm is known for timeless design, careful listening, and a deep understanding of construction. JCA creates environments that feel personal, functional, and enduring.

Thank you for your continued support in voting us Best of the County!

4000 Bridgeway, Suite 304, Sausalito, CA 415.332.1122

Best Home Organization Company

The Balanced Abode

A group photo of company team, showcasing a collaborative work environment. — *Photo: Saylor Nedelman*

The Balanced Abode is Marin’s premier luxury relocation management company, delivering a white- glove experience with unmatched personalized care. We serve an elite clientele who value seamless execution, discretion, and excellence. From sourcing trusted moving companies and securing storage to coordinating high-end furniture and clothing consignment, every detail is handled with precision.

Our expert team provides meticulous packing, unpacking, and organization tailored to your lifestyle. Whether transitioning estates, downsizing, or relocating across the country, The Balanced Abode ensures a calm, curated, and elevated experience from start to finish. Proudly voted Best of the County five years in a row.

Serving SF + Marin County 415.505.9372

Best Interior Designer

Pamela Lastiri Interior Design Studio

A woman dressed in a suit, seated on a chair, showcasing a poised and professional demeanor.

Thank you for naming us the Best Interior Designer in Marin County! We’re grateful to work in a community that values thoughtful, well-executed design.

At Pamela Lastiri Interior Design Studio, we create refined interiors rooted in architecture and spaces that reflect our client’s lifestyles while honoring the integrity of the home. Every project is approached as its own, with a timeless, curated sensibility, whether it’s a one-room refresh or a ground-up build.

A modern living room featuring white furniture and vibrant blue artwork on the walls. — *Photo Credit: Yulia and Paul Dyer*

Trained as an architect, Pamela leads our team with a deep understanding of how considered design and precise documentation lay the foundation for a smooth construction process. Our studio is known for delivering clear, comprehensive drawing sets that streamline communication and support efficient, cost- conscious execution.

From the first consultation to the final installation, we take pride in making the design journey feel calm, transparent, and collaborative.

480 Gate 5 Road, #238, Sausalito 415.289.9010

Best Kitchen and Bath Design

Lamperti Contracting & Design

A modern bathroom and kitchen with wood cabinetry, marble surfaces, glass shower, and elegant contemporary lighting fixtures.

We are deeply honored to be chosen as Best Kitchen and Bath Design in the Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from you — our clients, neighbors, and community here in Marin.

For over 50 years, Lamperti Contracting & Design has been creating kitchens and baths that reflect your lifestyle and vision, blending timeless beauty, functionality, and artistry. As a full-service design- build firm, we specialize in custom cabinetry, luxury appliances, and curated finishes to bring your dream spaces to life.

Thank you, Marin, for trusting us with your homes and stories.

Lamperti Contracting & Design — Where design meets artistry.

1241 Andersen Drive, San Rafael 415.454.1623

Best Nursery

West End Nursery

A white pergola, covered in lush green vines, forming an archway with various plants, flowers, and shrubs.

We’re honored to be named Best Nursery 2025.

Family-owned since 1909, West End Nursery is proudly celebrating 116 years of helping our community grow. Our knowledgeable staff, exceptional plant selection, and dedication to customer service have kept us rooted in tradition while blossoming into the future.

We’re grateful for your continued support — here’s to many more seasons together!

1938 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael 415.454.4175

Best Painters

Kunst Painting, INC

Several men and women gather in front of a building featuring the message "Leave the painting to the pros" prominently displayed.

Since 1901, the Kunst legacy has been rooted in trust, honesty, and craftsmanship. What began as a family paint manufacturing and retail business in San Francisco evolved into a respected painting company after WWII. Now in our fifth generation, we proudly serve Marin, Napa, and Sonoma counties with expert residential and commercial painting services. Our team of 30+ skilled painters shares our commitment to quality, safety, and service. We also take pride in supporting our employees and their families, believing this foundation enables us to consistently deliver exceptional results — and carry our legacy forward with integrity.

112 Mitchell Blvd, San Rafael 415.457.0100

Philanthropy

Best Community Services

– Also Rest of the Best Family Services –

Postpartum Support Center

Postpartum Support Center offers free, culturally responsive support for families navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting. We provide mental health care, essential supplies, parent education, and peer support to ensure every family feels seen, supported, and empowered during this critical life transition.

4162 Redwood Highway, San Rafael 415.320.6707 support@postpartumsc.org

Best Disability Care

Lifehouse Agency

Thank you for naming Lifehouse Best Disability Service! We are proud to receive this meaningful award and be recognized for the important work that we do. For over 70 years, Lifehouse has been dedicated to inclusion, respect, and opportunity. Your support helps give people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) the opportunity to live full lives throughout our community. This award is a powerful reminder of the impact we can make together. Every voice and every vote advocates for people with I/DD to be valued and included. Thank you for supporting the Lifehouse mission!

18 Professional Center Parkway, San Rafael 415.526.5300

Best Educational Nonprofit

– Also Rest of the Best Fundraising Event / Annual Gala –

10,000 Degrees

Thank you, Marin, for voting us Best Educational Nonprofit, as well as nominating us Best Annual Gala and Best Fundraising Event. For 44 years, 10,000 Degrees has worked with over 60,000 students and awarded more than $105 million in scholarships, helping students from low-income backgrounds get to, through, and beyond college.

1401 Los Gamos Drive, Suite 205, San Rafael, CA 415.459.4240

A man wearing a graduation gown proudly holds a hard hat, representing his transition into the engineering field.

Best Fundraising Event

By the Bay Health 50th Anniversary Black & Gold Gala

A lively event with people dancing in front of a live band, and a woman smiling while holding a bidding card numbered 135 at a formal auction.

By the Bay Health’s Black & Gold Gala, held in March to celebrate our 50th anniversary, was one of the most joyous and anticipated events of the year. The elegant evening brought together community leaders, longtime supporters, and new friends in celebration of our mission to provide compassionate hospice, palliative, and home-based care for all who need it. Highlights included a lively cocktail hour, gourmet dinner, spirited auction, and dancing to a phenomenal live band.

A special tribute honored Mary Taverna, whose visionary leadership helped shape the organization’s legacy. Moving stories shared throughout the night reminded guests of the profound impact of care at life’s most vulnerable moments. It was a heartfelt celebration of the past, present, and future of By the Bay Health.

17 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur 415.927.2273

Services

Best Chiropractor

Dr. Alex L. Brown, DC

A man sits comfortably on a patio, surrounded by a cozy fire pit, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Having been selected as the Readers Choice Best Chirporactor in Marin is a true honor, and I’m grateful to be recognized alongside so many incredible local businesses.

Backed by over 14 years of chiropractic experience — and many more in the fitness space as both an athlete and trainer, I provide a hands-on, personalized approach. At North Bay Health and Wellness, I specialize in soft tissue therapy, assisted stretching, and full-spine and extremity adjustments — designed to help you move, feel, and live better.

Special thanks to Scott Raymond and Warren Gendel — my mentors, brothers, and the visionaries behind Club Evexia, where North Bay Health and Wellness is located. They’ve created a space rooted in wellness, innovation, and community. Their vision and support reflect the same values that guide my work: comprehensive, hands-on, and results-driven.

Visit clubevexia.com/chiropractor to learn more and schedule your visit.

100 Shoreline Highway, Suite 100, Bldg A, Mill Valley, CA 415.729.0046 clubevexia.com

Best Photography

The Enloe Creative

A family walks hand in hand in a sunlit field, with a colorful sunset casting a warm glow around them.

Thank you to my incredible community for voting me Best of Marin.

I create honest, artful photographs of families, maternity, and newborns — the kind that help you remember not just how life looked, but how it felt. My sessions are relaxed and rooted in connection, often unfolding on windswept trails or in the quiet of a family home.

Based in West Marin, I bring deep local knowledge and a calm, creative presence, often working with analog film and my favorite vintage cameras.

I can’t wait to meet your family.

55 Potrero Lane, Lagunitas 415.260.6332

Shopping

Best Cannabis Delivery / Dispensary

Nice Guys Delivery

A group of individuals poses joyfully with their dog, capturing a moment of togetherness in a photo.

Finding premium cannabis products shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why Monica Gray founded Nice Guys Delivery — to bring safe, high-quality cannabis directly to Marin County customers with ease and discretion. Since 2015, her team has provided expert guidance, exceptional service and a carefully curated selection of trusted products. “Our customers deserve a seamless experience, from ordering to delivery,” Monica says. As a leader in the industry, she also fights for fair regulations that keep legal cannabis businesses thriving. With Nice Guys Delivery, customers get more than just cannabis — they get reliability, education and a commitment to their well-being.

Thank you Marin!

We are honored to be the 2025 Best of the County Readers Choice winner and proud to continue to serve our community with the best of Marin’s Cannabis!

Marin County and the Bay Area 415.855.5914

Best Consignment / Thrift Shop

Stella’s Fine Consignment

A small car parked in front of a store, with the store's entrance visible in the background.

For 25 years, Stella’s consignment shop has been a San Anselmo staple — fun, organized, and constantly refreshed with unique items, local designs. New merchandise arrives daily. “We are so grateful to be here. Keep recycling. Thank you community!”

224 Greenfield Avenue, San Anselmo 415.453.6191

Best Eyewear

Wink Optics

A group portrait of seven people, likely family members or colleagues, stands in a row against a plain white background.

Thank You, Marin!

Wink Optics — with locations in Downtown Mill Valley and Downtown San Anselmo — is honored to be voted Best Opticians in Marin County. We’re grateful to our amazing patients and clients for your continued trust and support.

Local owner-opticians Quynh Nguyen (Mill Valley) and Frank Gomez (San Anselmo) are proud to be part of the community. Frank was recently recognized as Bank of Marin’s 2024 Spirit of Marin Business Citizen of the Year.

Our dedicated opticians — Jenny, Kaeley, Mary, and Patrick — are here to serve you with care, style, and expertise every day. Come explore our curated collection of independent and distinctive eyewear. Dr. Nina Margolis, O.D. independently provides eye exams at both locations.

70 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley 415.383.4085
623 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo 415.456.7297

Best Home Furnishings / Home Accessories

Sunrise Home

A cozy living room featuring a couch, coffee table, lamp, and a decorative rug.

Sunrise Home is celebrating their forty eighth year as Marin’s largest, (and oldest!), family Home Furnishings showroom. They’ve just completed re-setting their thirty thousand square foot store in downtown San Rafael.

Championing smaller boutique craftsmen and women many of their offerings are unique one a kind pieces. This year they have curated a lovely bespoke collection, hand made using hundred year old reclaimed wood. They are also working with several artists from Texas who have created large and dramatic pieces ideal for creating a special interior.

When looking for that one wonderful piece which will “make” your house a home we hope to be the first place you stop when you want something out of the ordinary and unique!

831 B Street, San Rafael 415.456.3939

Best Men’s Clothing

Gene Hiller Menswear

Four men stand in front of a clothing store, showcasing various garments displayed behind them.

Honored Once Again — Thanks to You!

As we celebrate our 72nd year in business, we’re deeply grateful to all of our clients and friends who have supported us through the decades.

We’re proud to be recognized once again as the best of Marin — an honor we add to past accolades from Forbes, GQ, and Esquire. Each one is a reflection of the high standard of service and quality we strive to deliver every day.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to many more years ahead.

729 Bridgeway, Sausalito 415.332.3636

Best Womens Clothing

Main St Mercantile

Main Street Mercantile storefront, featuring a variety of local goods and a welcoming entrance.

Thank you, Marin Magazine readers, for voting Main St Mercantile Best Women’s Clothing and recognizing us as Rest of the Best for Men’s Clothing and Home Furnishings! We’re honored by your support and love being part of this amazing Marin community we call home.

16 Main Street, Tiburon 415.435.1916

Best of the County 2025 Spotlight: Readers’ Choice