French restaurants in Marin County bring together the elevated nature of French cuisine with our region’s fresh, local ingredients. Whether you’re getting coq au vin, escargots or crème brûlée, these restaurants provide a taste of France’s rich culinary heritage in a beautiful Northern California setting. The 2024 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Left Bank Brasserie (pictured above). For the rest of Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County French restaurant 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, Central and Northern Marin.
Southern | Central | Northern
Southern Marin
Le Garage
Sausalito

Trade the tourist crush for the local one at a spot right near Schoonmaker Beach and enjoy an indulgent meal on the water in a spacious room that was once, well, you know. The atmosphere is animated with French music (à la Amélie) and plenty of natural light from the often open garage door. A Nicoise salad is gussied up with white anchovies and the croque monsieur oozes with Gruyere and mustard-infused bechamel sauce. Escargot, tucked into puff pastry, is easily reheated at home.
85 Liberty Ship Way #109, Sausalito, 415.332.5625
Petite Left Bank
Tiburon

A traditional French café and sister restaurant to Larkspur’s Left Bank, this downtown Tiburon joint brings classics to life. Escargot en croute, salade Niçoise, moules frites, beef bourguignon and more delicious options are available, alongside delicate wines and cocktails. Stop by for dinner, lunch or brunch.
1696 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon, 415.910.1010
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
Le Marais Bakery
Mill Valley & Larkspur

A Parisian-style French bakery with three San Francisco locations also calls Marin home, with cafés in Mill Valley and a new one in Larkspur (Buvette du Marais). An assortment of take-and-bake favorites like cinnamon buns, butter croissants and kouign amann, freshly baked items and a “breakfast all day” menu are popular. There is quiche and salad at lunch but those in the know opt for avocado croissant toast, chicken paillarde with fresh herbs and the Chartreuse cappuccino.
250 A, E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, 415.888.3695
Northern Marin
Beso Bistro
Novato

This Hamilton Field restaurant, Beso Bistro, highlights locally sourced organic produce, fresh sustainable seafood and pasture-raised and free-range meat. Wine lovers can embrace their inner Dionysus — Beso Bistro offers more than 20 selections by the glass and more than 50 by the bottle. The patio is naturally shaded by local oaks, giving it an enjoyable ambience.
502 South Palm Drive, Novato, 415.883.6700
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