Breakfast still means eggs and plenty of protein at restaurants around Marin, but the county’s passion for pastry means expansive offerings of laminated dough in every nook and cranny.
The 2026 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Half Day Cafe (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Breakfast picks see below.
Our 2026 Dining category sponsor is The 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
Bayside Café
Sausalito
Calling this homey café “Southern-inspired” captures the chicken-fried steak and eggs vibe as well as the from-scratch biscuits. But that would leave out the Smokin’ Philly Omelette and breakfast nachos with bacon or chorizo so let’s just agree on “all-American.”
1 Gate 6 Rd, Sausalito, 415.331.2313.
Fred’s Coffee Shop
Sausalito
In addition to the deep-fried French toast, there’s one thing regulars will never let a newcomer walk away without trying at this no-frills café: Millionaire’s Bacon. Thick-cut bacon finds a new level when it’s baked for four hours with brown sugar, cayenne, chili flakes and black pepper. We’d call the sidewalk seating “à la Parisienne,” but that seems too fancy for a café that offers bottomless mimosas.
1917 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.332.4575
Kitchen Sunnyside
Mill Valley
This brunch stop brings some gourmet to your morning with options like Dungeness crab hash, cornflake French toast, eggs Florentine and bottomless mimosas. Lunch choices like paninis and burgers are also available for enjoying on the open air patio.
31 Sunnyside Ave, Mill Valley, 415.326.5159
Lighthouse Café
Corte Madera
Breakfast is served all day and while most of the Danish dishes the restaurant is known for are only on the lunch menu, you can still get the Danish meatballs as a side order at breakfast. Omelettes are a signature, and the Mickey Mouse-shaped pancakes are a hit with kids of all ages.
12 Tamalpais Dr., Sausalito,415.945.8902
Salt & Pepper
Tiburon
At Salt & Pepper, culinary excellence meets a warm and inviting atmosphere, and you’ll find that each dish is made with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
38 Main St, Tiburon, 415.435.3594
Shoreline Coffee Shop
Mill Valley
Tucked in at the back of the parking lot of a Mill Valley strip mall, Shoreline is an unexpected treat. Serving breakfast and lunch all day, the menu has a Mexican flare. With strong coffee and wine and beer on tap, there is something for everyone at this diner-style favorite since 1962.
221 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley 415.388.9085
Central Marin
Barefoot Cafe
Fairfax
In a breezy, sun-dappled room, chef Tony Senehi serves up plates of carefully considered California fare. Breakfast is served daily, so a chorizo scramble or made from scratch cornmeal waffles are always available, even on weekdays. Tony often works the room, checking in on regulars and everyone else to ensure the food in front of you is as you like it.
1900 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Fairfax 415.927.7777
Comforts
San Anselmo
Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. Its large takeout section offers a wide selection of house-made bakery items, seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and family meals for dinner at home. Besides the famous Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stuffed pecan-crusted French toast, chicken Okasan (nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by fans), Korean BBQ flank steak and Wor Won Ton soup. Catering services are also available.
335 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.454.9840
Farm House Local
Larkspur
Though inside is cozy on chilly days, the covered, enclosed back patio is a major draw for regulars who come for the Bicycle Coffee and homemade biscuits with sausage gravy. The menu changes with the seasons but house made gravlax draped over a celery root pancake is eternal.
25 Ward St, Larkspur, 415.891.8577
Garden Cafe
San Rafael
A cozy Latino-American diner near Gerstle Park, Garden Café offers a vibrant menu featuring dishes like country fried steak, cinnamon roll pancakes and soft scrambled eggs with chicken apple sausage.
718 B St, San Rafael, 415.295.7285
Half Day Cafe
Kentfield
Photo courtesy of Half Day Cafe
Former owner Tory Mohahan’s parents opened the one room restaurant in 1986, and she took over in the ’90s where she figured out what the people wanted: really good food. Now, current owner Morad Elkamraoui seems to be making a name for himself as well.
848 College Ave, Kentfield, 415.459.0291
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
Miracle Mile Cafe
San Rafael
Craving anything brunch? Miracle Mile is sure to have it. Beyond serving freshly made benedicts, omelettes, pancakes, sandwiches, waffles and more, it also offers the Bay Area’s largest gluten free menu for gluten free choices.
2130 4th St, San Rafael, 415.454.7700
Red Rooster Brick Oven
San Rafael
Red Rooster Brick Oven is a longtime San Rafael dining spot. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and quality food, the restaurant offers both lunch and dinner with a focus on classic, memorable dishes.
901 B Street, San Rafael, 415.234.8414
Ryan Scott 2Go Boutique Food Trailer
San Anselmo
Celebrity Chef Ryan Scott’s permanent food trailer offers California-inspired comfort food with a local twist. Favorites include cornflake-crusted fried chicken sandwiches, blueberry soufflé pancakes and Asian crispy chicken salad.
1119 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.419.2588
Northern Marin
Bacon
Novato
You’ll find bacon throughout the menu in Benedicts and frittatas, on salads and burgers, and so on. Be sure to check out the special Honey Bee Bacon: slabs are coated with brown sugar, chile flakes and cayenne plus a little bit of honey added during baking. Yum.
1500 Grant Ave, Novato, 415.892.9900
Marvin’s Breakfast Club
Novato
A cult classic for about half a century, the restaurant is currently owned by Chuck and Nichole Drefs, whom you can find pictured in the menu as characters from Conan the Barbarian. The restaurant is known for its corned beef — try it on the Julia Benedict or alongside eggs your way and shredded hash browns.
1112 Grant Ave, Novato, 415.892.4482
Multiple Locations
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 A E. Blithedale, Mill Valley, 415.888.3695
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.
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