The Best Mexican Food in Marin County

With tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and, of course, guac, Mexican food has captured the hearts of almost all who have tried it. On top of that, the U.S. has dedicated a whole day of the week to a favorite dish: Taco Tuesday. Let’s celebrate one of the most delicious and diverse cuisines in the world. The 2024 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Playa (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Mexican Food 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

Copita Tequileria y Comida

Sausalito

Co-owner Joanne Weir, along with Chef Aaron Sabido, presents fresh Mexican fare in the heart of Bridgeway. The ever-changing menu is 100 percent gluten-free, masa is prepared and pressed in house for each and every tortilla, and the in-house tequila bar serves over 100 varieties, ideal for crafting your own margarita. Dine at the bar or on the outdoor patio for great people-watching.

739 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.331.7400

Cantina

Mill Valley

The popular family restaurant serves traditional Mexican fare including soups, salads, sandwiches and sizzling fajitas in dinner-size portions at lunch-size prices. An outdoor fire pit and two patios offer plenty of space for the alfresco dining scene, or take in the lively atmosphere indoors. Stop by for a margarita–they are known throughout Marin.

 651 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, 415.381.1070

Joe’s Taco Lounge

Mill Valley

Joe’s serves up fish tacos (which it can never take off the menu), burritos and enchiladas as well as more unusual items like Mexican pizza, and tofu tostada. A colorful interior and quick service make this a fun, easy stop. If you stay, grab a few of the hundreds of hot sauce bottles from the wall and find your perfect match. Cup of Joe’s coffee cart, out front every morning, serves lattes, Mexican hot chocolate and burritos to go.

382 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.383.8164

Playa

Mill Valley

Playa’s food offers traditional dishes with modern flavors and presentations. A Little Gem salad sparkles with tomatillo dressing and enchiladas shine from a glossy coating of house made black mole and micro greens.  The bar highlights exceptional tequilas and mezcals but the el Slushie and house margarita have legions of fans and are perfect for sipping on the large, heated back patio.

41 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, 415.384.8871

Central Marin

Flores

Corte Madera

With an emphasis on regional Mexican dishes and flavors sourced from family recipes, the menu is based on California seasonality and revolves around gluten-free masa. The daily-made tortillas are a highlight in dishes such as tostadas de atún and a masa section of the menu features traditional dishes like sopes de frijol and tinga tamal. There’s a full bar to boot and everything is easily enjoyed on their large, heated patio.

301 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera, 415.500.5145

Marinitas

San Anselmo

This sister restaurant of Insalata’s continues to flourish as a bastion of creative Mexican and Central and South American cuisine. Not your typical south-of-the-border spot, they serve up top-notch margaritas and Latin lusciousness.

218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.454.8900

Taco Jane’s

San Anselmo

The full bar features plentiful tequila and mezcal selections and its regional Mexican cuisine includes Oaxacan mole, fish tacos and vegetarian options. Black Gold salsa arrives with complimentary chips and is created from charred blackened tomatoes and roasted chilis. Enclosed patio seating is available year round.

21 Tamalpais Ave, San Anselmo, 415.454.6562

Celia’s

San Rafael

Fresh home-style Mexican food served with fresh salsa and guacamole made daily, Celia’s prides itself in their quality, natural, health-conscious cuisine.

1 Vivian St, San Rafael, 415.456.8190

Picante

San Rafael

Picante’s mosaic wall art of macaws and giant jukebox for your favorite canciones make a pleasant ambiance for its succulent tacos, positively dripping with flavor. Picante is a go-to neighborhood stop for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and its big dining room, ample patio and long menu make this Canal District taqueria a natural choice for a family meal.

340 Bellam Blvd, San Rafael, 415.485.6050

Sabor a Mexico

San Rafael

Fresh margaritas know no border, while salmon fish tacos are topped with chopped onion and cilantro a la Distrito Federal and a pambazo, a sandwich stuffed with chorizo and potato, is done up with a Jaliscan style sauce. A six table patio offers outdoor seating.

1559 4th St, San Rafael, 415.306.9404

Northern Marin

Carmen’s la Hacienda

Novato

Carmen’s extensive menu of authentic Mexican dishes has a spicy, mild or refreshing dish for everyone. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the accessible location along with its burritos, fajitas and tortas has won the hearts of Novato residents.

1401 Grant Ave, Novato, 415.897.5514

Mi Pueblo

Multiple locations

Dine in or take out, Mi Pueblo serves up Mexican classics to fix any craving. That Mi Pueblo has many locations across Northern California may come as a surprise to many Marinites, who tend to assume their neighborhood joint in Novato, Terra Linda or San Anselmo is one of a kind. Really, Mi Pueblo is one of a kind in a different sense. Its extensive menu uniquely creates that homey feeling that makes an enchilada combo or tacos al pastor taste like family made it.

905 Grant Ave, Novato, 415.878.0122

Mamita’s

Novato

Mamita brings the flavors of the southern Mexican states Oaxaca and Puebla to Novato. Spices and chiles imported from Oaxaca add to an authentic menu of craveable plates like chicken enchiladas with mole coloradito and cauliflower al pastor with achiote and chipotle aioli. Heirloom corn masa is made in house, a fine underpinning for quesabirria tacos at lunch and dinner and chilaquiles at breakfast. Not just great food, Mamita is also a destination for drinks, with tequila and mezcal flights along with a tempting happy hour on weekdays.

340 Ignacio Blvd, Novato, 415.883.0901