Larkspur’s two hubs, downtown and the Marin County Mart, provide an impressive array of fine dining, trendy hot spots, wine bars, and al fresco dining. Popular mainstays such as Restaurant Picco and Rustic Bakery, plus newer additions like Locanda Marin and Hog Island, add up to make Larkspur a dining destination for locals and out of towners.
Be sure to check each restaurant’s website or social pages to confirm its most current hours of operation and services.
Backstage | DJ’s Chinese Cuisine | Don Antonio | El Huarache Loco | Emporio Rulli | Equator Coffees | Farm House Local | Farmshop | Hog Island Oyster Co. | Left Bank | Locanda Marin | Perry’s | Picco | Pizzeria Picco | R’noh Thai | Rustic Bakery | Shake Shack
Backstage
Californian
The U-shaped bar makes a comfortable, sociable setting for wine tasting, light appetizers (warmed nuts, artichoke dip) and small plates (avocado toast, charcuterie boards) in downtown Larkspur. Or nab a seat on the patio to enjoy the warmth of the fire pits and flights of exclusive picks from small-scale California vineyards.
Brunch | Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Outdoor Seating
295 Magnolia Ave, 415.898.6778
DJ’s Chinese Cuisine
Chinese
The not so secret back patio is a scene stealer for its cozy, cheerful vibe where regulars hang out with a plate of kung pao chicken or Hong Kong-style pan-fried noodles. After 34 years in business and counting, the Mongolian beef still attracts a following for its crispy, saucy, hot and spicy hit of happiness.
Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
435 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0717
Don Antonio
Italian
Antonio Volpicelli, of the former Don Antonio in Tiburon, runs this location in Larkspur. Choose from standbys like gorgonzola gnocchi, veal parmesan, and carbonara to be paired with wines from an extensive list, all served either inside or out on the shaded patio. Look for the Maine lobster special on Tuesdays.
Date Spot | Full Bar | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating
455 Magnolia Ave, 415.924-3332
El Huarache Loco
Mexican
Known for dishes that are authentic Mexico City dishes, especially the sandal-shaped huaraches (filled corn masa cakes) and tlacoyitos served solo or with toppings ranging from nopales to ham, the kitchen also turns out familiar north of the border fare like quesadillas and tacos. The expansive outdoor patio at the Marin Country Mart is a must.
Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
1803 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.925.1403
Emporio Rulli
Italian
Renowned for its Northern Italian specialties and treats (don’t miss the house made sfogliatelle or the panettone Milanese), the Larkspur location is a favored spot for pizza or a morning espresso and chocolate bomboloni.
Date Spot | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly
464 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7478
Equator Coffees
American
The downtown Larkspur location of Equator features their iconic drinks like the shakerato (coffee shaken with cream) and rotating, seasonally-focused beverages. Satiate your hunger any day with a fan favorite breakfast sandwich and Austin style breakfast tacos from Mill Valley based Early Bird Tacos and goodies from Cibo Bakery.
Dogs Welcome | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
240 Magnolia Ave, 415.720.5701
Farm House Local
Californian
A downtown Larkspur gem that is sure to please with simple, healthy food in a warm, cozy atmosphere, both indoors and on the covered patio. The seasonal menu, inspired by American classics, includes biscuits and gravy; a “BLAT” (with avocado) sandwich; and a daily fluffy omelet stuffed with local meats, vegetables, and artisanal cheeses.
Brunch | Date Spot | Meal Under $20 |
25 Ward St, 415.891.8577
Farmshop
American
Located in the Marin Country Mart, Farmshop Marin is a top spot for people-watching and earns raves for its avocado hummus and Neapolitan style pizzas pulled from the beehive oven. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
Date Spot | Full Bar | Outdoor Seating | Private Party Room | Watch the Game | Worth the Hype
2233 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.755.6700
Hog Island Oyster Co.
Seafood
The full-service Marin Country Mart location features a full bar with seasonal cocktails, beer and wine and the same bay-to-bar philosophy as the Tomales Bay original. Sit inside or at one of the picnic tables facing the bay before satiating that oyster craving; then check the day’s menu to see what was most recently pulled from Marin’s waters before deciding what else to eat.
Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Full Bar | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating
2401 Larkspur Landing Circle, 628.253.5905
Left Bank Restaurant
French
Meet the Team
This authentically Parisian-style brasserie by Chef Roland Passot has been serving the Larkspur community for more than two decades. Whether on the patio, at the European-style bar or in the casually elegant main dining room with a huge fireplace, it’s a fun and French downtown experience. An all-day menu features authentic French cuisine utilizing seasonal, local and organic ingredients, along with an extensive cocktail menu, a wide range of beer options, and an expertly-curated wine selection.
Date Spot | Full Bar | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating | Private Party Room
507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331
Locanda Marin
Italian
Pinza Romana, fried rice balls, caprese burrata, and cacio e pepe pasta are just a few of the dishes that reflect the regional Roman ingredients and style of this sister restaurant to the San Francisco Roma Antica. In Marin, look for fresh seafood pastas on the day’s specials menu and a shaded, dog-friendly front porch for outdoor dining.
Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Full Bar | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating
286 Magnolia Ave, 415.891.3979
Perry’s
American
BOC Bar
Perry’s on Magnolia has the same classic American cuisine, bustling bar and warm service and personality the San Francisco original has always been famous for. Plentiful outdoor dining options – the patio, the front garden or the redwood grove – are in addition to the three cozy indoor dining spaces. It’s bar is a perennial best of the county winner.
Brunch | Date Spot | Full Bar | Outdoor Seating | Private Party Room
234 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.1877
Picco
Californian
Popular since its inception, Picco has a seasonally driven menu featuring items such as risotto (made every half hour), ahi tuna tartare, avocado bruschetta & gnocchi with house made sausage that keep attracting return visits. The warm wood and brick interior is fronted by a popular, ten seat bar.
Date Spot | Full Bar | Watch the Game
320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300
Pizzeria Picco
Pizza
This family-friendly parlor next door to Picco in downtown Larkspur offers California-influenced Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven. Fresh mozzarella is pulled in-house and the menu also features organic salads, antipasti and Straus Dairy soft-serve ice cream. Heated outdoor seating is available.
Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
316 Magnolia Ave, 415.945.8900
R’noh Thai
Thai
This cozy place with a patio by the Corte Madera Creek has a reputation for fresh flavors. It’s all here, from curries and Thai barbecue to noodle dishes and the classic tom kha (coconut lemongrass soup). For an indulgent treat, try the fried sweet potato appetizer.
Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
1000 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.0599
Rustic Bakery
Californian
The Marin-grown bakery is known and loved the world over: Pope Francis famously requested Rustic Bakery flatbread and crostini when he visited the U.S. in 2015. Organic bread, croissants and pastries baked fresh each morning and salads, sandwiches, and soups for lunch make Rustic a local staple at the Marin Country Mart or a second Larkspur location on the town’s west side.
Dogs Welcome | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
2017 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.9900
Shake Shack
American
Burgers and shakes are the name of the game at the second Bay Area outpost of the New York burger restaurant. California- sourced Angus beef is amped up with white cheddar cheese, pickles and smoked garlic aioli on a potato bun and the only-in-Marin Mount Tam Graham and Larks-brr shakes are perfect for sipping on the bi-level patio.
Dogs Welcome | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
1401 Larkspur Landing Circle, 628.212.2050
