Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines share many common ingredients like olives, olive oils, pitas, honey, and chickpeas. Not surprisingly, they also share similar dishes like hummus, falafel, and kebab variations. Mainly using fresh, clean, and veggie-focused ingredients, these diets are known as some of the healthiest ways to eat. The Mediterranean is a blue zone (an area identified for having the happiest, healthiest and longest-living populations). The 2024 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Insalata’s (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food picks see below.
Our 2024 Dining category sponsor is Rodney Strong. View the rest of the Dining category here.
Insalata’s
San Anselmo
Award-winning chef Heidi Krahling’s downtown restaurant features soulful Mediterranean fare for 25+ years. Dinner favorites include cataplana with mussels and chorizo, Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian platter, Moroccan lamb flatbread, house made pastas and of course, the fattoush salad. 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
Kientz Hall
San Anselmo
Discover the bold and bright flavors of Kientz Hall, nestled on San Anselmo Avenue in downtown San Anselmo. Kientz Hall specializes in California-Mediterranean cuisine, where vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients are prepared over a wood-fire grill and rotisserie. If you have cravings anywhere from a hearty fried chicken to a light, flavorful green salad, all paired with a beautiful Marin view, Kientz Hall is the place for you.
625 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.991.1502
Julie’s Hummus Bar
San Rafael
Julie and Elias started Julie’s Hummus Bar & Grill from their love of healthy, Mediterranean cuisine and the joy of bringing friends and family together. From salads, platters, hummus, falafel and more, they have all the Mediterranean dishes you’re looking for.
1026 Court St, San Rafael, CA 94901, 415.755.4818
Kababbq Grill & Cafe
San Rafael
The go-to dish at owner Ali Mobasser’s Persian barbecue restaurant is the koobideh. Seasoned with grated onion and seven spices, including turmeric, saffron, sumac and white pepper, the meat is “koobidehed” (meaning, beaten with the spices) before grilling. While the outside is charred, the beef’s skewering allows for even internal heat and easy turning during cooking, locking in flavor. “It keeps the juices from spilling out,” says Mobasser.
555 Francisco Blvd E, San Rafael, 415.256.9878
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
