If there is one surefire takeaway from the madness of recent years, Marin reaaaaally likes bread and pastries. With more shops, farm stands, home bakeries and pop-ups in Marin to partake of yeasty sweet and savory treats, the only question is: which town boasts the best croissant or batard?
The 2026 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Creekside Bakery (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County bakery picks see below.
Our 2026 Dining category sponsor is Marin Dish. View the rest of the Dining category here.
Southern
Mill Valley – Sausalito – Tiburon
Central
Corte Madera – Fairfax – Greenbrae – Kentfield – Larkspur – Ross – San Anselmo – San Rafael
Northern
Novato
West
Bolinas – Forest Knolls – Inverness – Lagunitas – Marshall – Nicasio – Point Reyes – Stinson Beach – Tamales – Woodacre
Southern Marin
Bob’s Donuts
Mill Valley
Established in the 1960s, Bob’s Donuts and Pastries has become a staple for donut lovers in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area, including at its shop in Mill Valley. Famous for its apple fritters, giant donuts (see it to believe it) and quality baked goods, Bob’s Donuts should be your next stop for a sweet treat.
252 Almonte Blvd, Mill Valley, 415.322.6278
Jane/Marin
Tiburon
The legendary Sweet Things bakery is now part of Jane. Even though it is tucked into a corner of The Cove shopping center, lovers of Hungarian coffee cake, apple cheese tart and raspberry-apricot rugelach line up every day for all-day, cake and coffee cafe.
1 Blackfield Dr, Tiburon; 415.388.8583
Madrona Bakery
Mill Valley
Located in downtown Mill Valley, Madrona Bakery is a cozy café known for its wood-fired bread, laminated pastries and an ever-changing selection of baked goods.
Upside
Mill Valley
In the heart of Mill Valley’s Tam Junction, you can find the crossroads of community and coffee at Upside. Partnered with San Francisco coffee roasters Lady Falcon Coffee Club, Upside brings delicious coffee while cultivating a gathering place for people and experiences. Sip a cappuccino while enjoying some of Upside’s events like Doggy Days, one regular event where patrons are invited to bring their pups to the cafe.
215 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley
Central Marin
Amélie Café & Wine Bar
Fairfax
A charming French bakery and wine bar nestled in Fairfax, Amélie offers a farm-to-table menu featuring fresh salads, sandwiches, quiches and delectable French pastries.
71 Broadway, Fairfax, 628.253.5161
Baked Blooms
San Rafael
If you are in need of a beautiful centerpiece, a tasty dessert or both, then you should browse Baked Blooms’ beautiful bouCAKEs. Decorated as extremely realistic bouquets of flowers, Baked Blooms’ small-batched, exquisitely arranged cupcakes never fail to impress. You can create a custom batch, or choose from one of its prearranged bouCAKEs. If you are having any doubts, just ask the judges of Cupcake Wars.
2100 4th St Suite A, San Rafael, 415.419.2646
Bordenave’s Bakery
San Rafael
Well-known for its bread at many Bay Area restaurants, the brand also runs a storefront in San Rafael’s West End where you can buy the same dinner rolls, strawberry cheese croissants and Dutch crunch “longie” baguettes as everyone else.
1512 4th St, San Rafael; 415.453.2957
Cookies by Shannon
Kentfield
In 2023, a self-taught cookie artist opened a home bakery in Kentfield, and Cookies By Shannon was born. With her specialty for custom-decorated sugar cookies for any occasion, as well as Paint-Your-Own cookies and holiday presale cookies for all major holidays, you can find the perfect baked good for any occasion. Cookies by Shannon has developed a strong reputation over the last few years, and now has a strong following with the Marin community that placed her among the Best of County.
Emporio Rulli
Larkspur
During the holiday season, panettone Milanese is a highlight of a bakery dedicated to the Italian pastry cannon. The rest of the year, opt for the tartufo, tiramisu, apricot almond torta and pastries like sfogliatelle and cassata siciliana.
464 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur; 415.924.7478
M.H. Bread and Butter
San Anselmo
M.H. Bread and Butter continues to be voted onto Best of the County, thanks to its loyal following and flaky croissants. This San Anselmo-based bakery is named for owner Nathan Yanko’s great grandfather Maximillian Hirtreiter, who owned a patisserie in New York City.
101 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo; 415.755.4575
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Corte Madera
This bakery favorite is known for its unique shape, said to be inspired by the Germanic cake known as a Gugelhopf, but there is no need to “hopf” in-between its distinctive pointy ridges. Choose little bundlets or a regular size in a range of flavors from lemon and confetti to red velvet and, yes, pumpkin spice.
47 Tamal Vista Blvd, Suite G, Corte Madera; 415.924.2500
Ponsford’s Place Bakery & Innovation Center
San Rafael
Open one day each week (Saturday), Craig Ponsford’s shop is a self-proclaimed “eccentric place, where things change all the time.” Ponsford’s style leans into traditional European breads and viennoiserie, with a focus on locally milled flours from Petaluma’s Central Milling, Community Grains in Oakland and Marin’s Hono Farm and Mill. Chocolate coins (mendiants), savory pumpkin pie, sour rye, pumpernickel and a baguette with a crisp crust and tender crumb said to be “the best” by the French (Ponsford’s team won the baguette category in the 1996 Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie) are all items that you should be able to find when you stop in.
117 Shaver Street, San Rafael.
Red Hill Cake and Pastry
San Anselmo
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” — hand pies and pot pies like beef or sun-dried tomato quiche.
Red Hill Center, 908 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.457.3632
SusieCakes
Greenbrae
Marble cake and vanilla cupcakes topped with pink or blue icing are just a few of the classic American treats on hand. Special treats like gender reveal cupcakes — with a surprise center to cut into — add a playful, memorable touch to the selection.
310 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae; 415.461.2253
Victoria Bakery & Café
Greenbrae
Strawberry shortcake is just one of the heritage (and seasonal) desserts perfected by the century-old bakery at Bon Air Center. Look for croissant-wrapped raspberry ricotta cheesecake and princess cake among the many treats in the wide case.
292 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae; 415.461.3099
Northern Marin
Creekside Bakery
Novato
House made levain toast, quiche (the smoked ham and Marin French brie is a favorite) and sandwiches on griddled ciabatta are part of the appeal of this long-running bakery and café, but it’s the large assortment of cakes — from carrot and coffee crunch to St. Honoré and Black Forest — that have a dedicated following at Creekside Bakery.
1719 Grant Ave, Novato; 415.892.7655
Flour Chylde
Novato
This 100% gluten-free bakery makes seasonal treats like soft pretzels for Oktoberfest and s’mores for Fourth of July. Many items, like the gooey cinnamon roll, snickerdoodles and multi-grain bread, are vegan too. At Flour Chylde, you can find treats that are as inclusive as they are delicious.
850 Grant Ave, Novato; 415.893.7700
West Marin
Brickmaiden Breads
Point Reyes
The daily bread list includes country white sourdough and ficelle rolls, but people often shop by day of the week for apricot hazelnut scones and lemon poppyseed poundcake. Find whole grain bread on Thursdays, while Saturday means half or whole Khorasan miche — a French country-style sourdough made with ancient kamut.
40 4th St, Point Reyes Station; 415.663.1203
Parkside Bakery
Stinson Beach
Stone fruit pies, fruit galettes and baguettes are just a few of the items pulled from the hearth on the other side of the building that also houses the namesake restaurant. The breakfast menu serves up brioche French toast, too.
43 Arenal Ave, Stinson Beach; 415.868.1272
Multiple Locations
Flour Craft Bakery
Flour Craft Bakery is Marin County’s premier gluten-free bakery and café, offering artisan pastries, fresh breads and plant-forward meals.
702 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.453.3100
129 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.384.8244
Le Marais Bakery
Le Marais Bakery serves classic French pastries and dishes using natural levain and long fermentation, made from scratch in small batches. The main draw here, though, is the selection of artisanal croissants.
2201 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur,
250 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, 415.888.3695
Rustic Bakery Cafe
Organic pastries, breads, salads and sandwiches are mainstays on the menu, including daily seasonal specials. Try the Marin Melt — Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt. Tam and Point Reyes Toma cheeses grilled on honey whole wheat, served with dressed baby greens and crisp apple slices. It’s even better on the patio.
2017 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, 415.461.9900
1139 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur, 415.925.1556
1407 Grant Ave, Novato, 415.878.4952
5800 Nave Drive, Suite E, Novato, 415.612.4016
1550 Tiburon Blvd, Belvedere Tiburon, 415.797.6123
Serves Marin
Babaloo Bakes
Babaloo Bakes is a mom-owned bakery creating custom royal icing cookies, cakes, cupcakes and festive treats. You can even order royal icing cookies that you can paint yourself, if you’re looking for a fun DIY project that ends in a sweet treat.
Popular Pop Ups
Fire Swamp Provisions
Fire Swamp Provisions originated with chef and owner Alex Tishman, who contributed his passion of cooking toward donating bread and bagels to anti-racism fundraisers during the pandemic. These donations developed into a Facebook page where Alex sold baked goods, which has since become a business. Fire Swamps Provisions strives to use fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and in turn produces delicious desserts with a local flair.
Pop-ups around Marin.
Portside Bakery
Starting with experimental breadmaking in a Sausalito houseboat to selling out at local farmers markets, Portside Bakery has become quite the hit among Marin residents, and for many, an important trip in their weekly routine. The flavorful, fan-favorite olive bread, a decadent, flaky, seasonal croissant or simply just the welcoming environment of this quintessential family business will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Pop-ups around the Bay Area.
Explore Marin County’s top restaurants, cafés, and culinary experiences through Marin Magazine’s Best of the County. This annual guide spotlights the dining destinations locals love most — from fine dining to casual favorites.
Each listing is backed by reader votes, ensuring that only the most recommended restaurants make the list. Top-voted businesses earn Readers’ Choice recognition, making this a trusted resource for discovering where to eat in Marin.
See more top-rated spots across categories in the full Best of the County guide, featuring top businesses across dining, wellness, services, shopping, and more.
Know a business that should be included? Submit a suggestion to our editorial team and look out for nominations in early 2027.
Are you a BOC business but want to change your photo, or did we miss including it? Submit your new photo here.
Dining Sponsor
The Marin Dish
The Marin Dish is your go-to guide for food and fun in Marin. From buzzworthy restaurant openings and hidden wine bars to mouthwatering happy hours, can’t-miss foodie events, and live music, we uncover the places that make Marin such a vibrant place to live, dine, and explore.
Founded by lifelong Marin County resident Kevin Blum, The Marin Dish celebrates the people and businesses that give the county its unique flavor. More than just a local guide, it’s a community where restaurants, bars, and small businesses share their stories, promote seasonal specials and events, and connect with an engaged audience of food lovers and local explorers. Whether you’re on the hunt for your next favorite burger, planning an unforgettable date night, or looking for the hottest event in town, The Marin Dish is here to help you make the most of Marin.
The Marin Dish | Mill Valley, CA 415.290.2767 | themarindish.com
