Sophistication, quality and attention to detail define a fine dining experience. From artfully constructed small plates packed with flavor, craft cocktails, and incredibly knowledgeable and attentive servers, these nights out are always a treat.
The 2026 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Poggio Trattoria (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Fine Dining 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
Buckeye Roadhouse
Mill Valley
The warm dark-wood bar with red leather booths is a popular spot for cocktails, conversations or a light meal. Heated patio seating offers a moment’s respite with a fresh espresso and breakfast burrito from the weekday Buckeye Joe Coffee Kiosk out front. Feeling hungry? Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs and chili-lime “brick” chicken are a few of the satisfying comfort-food menu items that have made this classic roadhouse a favorite since the ’30s.
15 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley, 415.331.2600
Bungalow Kitchen
Tiburon
The Bungalow Kitchen entered new ownership as of June 1, 2026, and while some of the menu items have gone with the previous owners, the spirit of the restaurant remains. Find an upscale dining experience, with sushi, steaks and more, all while overlooking views of the Bay.
5 Main St, Tiburon, 415.366.4088
Luna Blu
Tiburon
Executive chef Renzo Azzarello serves Sicilian seafood and homemade pastas with a Californian touch. The seasonal menu incorporates fresh and organic produce, local naturally grown meat and poultry from small farms. The restaurant complies with Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, so all the seafood is sustainable. Not just a Marin County favorite, Luna Blu was voted one of the Top 100 Neighborhood Gem restaurants in America in 2014.
35 Main St, Tiburon, 415.789.5844
Poggio Trattoria
Sausalito
Veal sliced excruciatingly thin and topped with lemon and tomato sauce is a singular dish in the hands of executive chef Benjamin Balesteri, who creates Northern Italian fare using local and Italian ingredients. The bar may be the most hopping in town and is recognized for its killer Negroni. Private dining rooms above the restaurant can accommodate larger parties (10 to 150 guests).
777 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.672.3211
The Caprice
Tiburon
Enhanced bay views from every seat are just one of many charms after an extensive remodel reworked the entire space. The revamped menu of well-crafted comfort food from land (bone-in filet mignon, arugula farro salad) and sea (gnocchi with crab, abalone dore) features classic cocktails and a wine list that leans towards American, Italian and French bottlings.
2000 Paradise Dr, Tiburon, 415.435.3400
Central Marin
Farmshop Local
Larkspur
Along with its exceptionally crispy, yet chewy thin-crust, Farmshop serves up innovative flavor combinations and ingredients that you won’t find on many pizza menus in the Bay Area. While the classic tomato and mozzarella combo is tried-and-true, you won’t regret trying one of Farmshop’s more unique dishes. Crowd favorites include the lamb merguez, yogurt and the kale and three cheese pizza with honey drizzled on top. Another scrumptious dish to try is the wild mushrooms, pickled onions and arugula pizza.
2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur,707.758.0745
Guesthouse
Kentfield
Guesthouse is a restaurant founded by longtime friends, sourcing ingredients from local producers. Chef Jared Rogers brings over a decade of fine dining experience. Dustin Sullivan leads the beverage program, featuring seasonal cocktails and a diverse wine list.
850 College Ave, Kentfield, 415.419.5101
Il Davide
San Rafael
The large selection of innovative and classic Tuscan dishes and house-made pasta has kept locals coming back for years. With fresh locally sourced ingredients, Il Davide serves an authentically delicious Tuscan menu. Enjoy its curated selection of fine wines and decadent desserts as you savor the true essence of Italian cuisine. At Il Davide, every meal is a celebration of flavor and tradition.
901 A Street, San Rafael, 415.454.8080
Insalata’s
San Anselmo
If you’re looking for some great Mediterranean dishes, award-winning chef Heidi Krahling’s downtown restaurant has featured soulful Mediterranean plates for over 25 years. An expansive takeout counter offers a wide range of selections for family meals, celebrations or a quick lunch option.
120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.457.7700
La Gastronomia di Porchetta
Fairfax
La Gastronomia di Porchetta is a rustic Italian eatery and market known for its slow-roasted porchetta, housemade pastas and imported specialties.
123 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, 415.419.5465
Madcap
San Anselmo
As the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Marin, Madcap’s Chef Ron Siegel serves Japanese-inspired dishes, while his wife Kimberly runs the front of the house.
198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.453.9898
Restaurant Picco
Larkspur
Popular since its inception, Picco has a seasonally driven menu featuring items such as risotto (made every half hour), ahi tuna tartare, avocado bruschetta and gnocchi with house made sausage that keep attracting return visits. The warm wood and brick interior is fronted by a popular, 10-seat bar.
320 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.924.0300
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
