West Marin is a bit of a drive, but well worth it – for both the scenery and the food. Separated from “the other side of the hill” by swaths of open space, the inland towns of Nicasio, Lagunitas, and Point Reyes and the stunning coastal venues of Marshall, Bolinas, and Stinson offer a bounty of farm fresh cuisine and markets, bakeries and cafés, and, of course, oyster bars. There’s no excuse not to make a day out of it.
Be sure to check each restaurant’s website or social pages to confirm its most current hours of operation and services.
Cafe Reyes | Dillon Beach Coastal Kitchen | Due West at Olema House | Nick’s Cove | Parkside Cafe | Rancho Nicasio | Saltwater Oyster Depot | Side Street Kitchen | Sir & Star at the Olema | Smiley’s Saloon | Station House Cafe | The Siren Canteen | Tony’s Seafood | William Tell House
Cafe Reyes
Pizza
Though there’s no oyster pizza on the menu, a short menu of bivalves and Neapolitan-style pies at this cozy spot means the brick oven is a hub of activity. Margherita with hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes is a classic but the Farallon with crimini mushrooms and pepperoni is equally popular.
11101 California One, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.9493
Dillon Beach Coastal Kitchen
Californian
Inspired by Marin’s foodshed, Dillon Beach Resort, locoated west of Tomales, offers seasonal coastal cuisine like local line-caught fish and chips, classic clam chowder and Stemple Creek burger. The accompanying Dillon Beach General Store also features Double 8 Dairy soft serve ice cream and a local selection of wines and beers.
1 Beach Ave, Dillon Beach, 707.878.3030
Due West at Olema House
Californian
The dark blue walls accented with recessed golden light give the refreshed restaurant-cum-saloon at Olema House a modern feel. The menu, including a burger, linguini and clams, and a chopped salad, skews all-day casual and speaks to the inn and restaurant’s crossroads locale.
10005 Highway 1, Olema, 415.663.1264
Nick’s Cove
American
This escape along Tomales Bay is famous for barbecued local oysters, Dungeness crab mac ’n’ cheese and cocktails incorporating homegrown ingredients. Large windows in the 120-seat restaurant provide picturesque views of Tomales Bay, or enjoy a seat outside along the pier or in the waterfront lounge. The cozy bar and fireplace in the main dining room makes the most of fog-whipped and rainy days.
23240 Highway 1, Marshall, 415.663.1033
Parkside Cafe
American
Perfect for a sit-down alfresco meal or for grabbing a burger to enjoy on the beach. Beautiful patio garden seating, ocean views, and private wood-fired dinners make this cafe a relaxing retreat. If you’re on the go, check out the market and bakery. Choose from an array of organic locally grown produce, artisan meats, and wild seafood.
43 Arenal Ave, Stinson, 415.868.1272
Rancho Nicasio
American
Known for live music and an extensive menu featuring everything from crispy calamari to braised lamb shanks, Rancho Nicasio is open seven days a week, including brunch. Be sure to stop in for happy hour, 4–6 p.m. Monday–Friday.
1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio, 415.662.2219
Saltwater Oyster Depot
Seafood
A seat at the room-length bar or on the patio at this snug spot on Tomales Bay’s west shore can be tough to snag on a busy summer weekend but oysters pulled straight from the bay moments before, served broiled and on the half shell, are worth the wait. Locally-sourced ingredients get equal billing in dishes like halibut crudo and a lamb burger.
12781 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Inverness, 415.669.1244
Side Street Kitchen
American
The fast-casual eatery led by chef Aaron Wright (formerly of Tavern at Lark Creek and Canlis) serves favorites like rotisserie chicken, smoked oysters, and pork-belly BLTs as well as wholesome vegetarian fare. This is one of the few spots in West Marin that serves gluten-free beer. The cozy patio is dog-friendly. A new weekend brunch program launches March 6–7.
60 Fourth St, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.0303
Sir & Star at the Olema
Californian
The historic inn is now a roadhouse-style restaurant featuring rustic decor and a menu with just about everything sourced from Marin. Try the house-made bread and honey butter, the kale Caesar and the stuffed quail, then come back and work your way through the ever-changing menu.
10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Olema, 415.663.1034
Smiley’s Saloon
American
The self-proclaimed oldest saloon on the West Coast and best party in town reopened in October after a lengthy remodel to improve everything from the deck to the sewer system. The new menu at Smiley’s Cantina leans Mexican-American with dishes like local catch mezcal ceviche, vegan tortilla soup and a rotating menu of family style plates and a kids’ menu. Yes, the house margaritas are still here.
41 Wharf Rd, Bolinas, 415.663.0303
Station House Cafe
American
Known for their house made popovers which chef Aaron Wright makes available at every meal, this cozy cafe is also recognized for fresh oysters, grass-fed burgers, and an “everything fresh, local and homegrown” ethos. Dining in the garden will resume once shelter-in-place restrictions are lifted.
11180 Highway 1, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.1515
The Siren Canteen
American, temporarily closed. Expected reopening date: Summer 2023. Check the website for information on weekend pop-ups.
One of the few places in Northern California to enjoy a taco at a restaurant nestled directly under a lifeguard tower, this smart beach shack perched on the sandy shores of Stinson serves up burritos, burgers and creamy Meyer lemon milkshakes. Though the food is solid, we think the BYOW option with a $10 corkage fee and million-dollar views is reason enough to give this shack a shout-out.
3201 Highway 1, Stinson, 415.868.1777
Tony’s Seafood
Seafood
The crowds still come on sunny weekends for the barbecue oysters and amazing views of Tomales Bay but the restaurant’s purchase by the Hog Island Oyster Co team meant a refresh of the interior and a spiffed-up menu of salads and seafood pulled from the bay’s waters.
18863 Shoreline Hwy, Marshall, 415.663.1107
William Tell House
American
The oldest continuously operating saloon in Marin makes a mean apple brandy cocktail aptly named for the Swiss folk hero, William Tell (who famously shot an arrow off his son’s head), but the revamped restaurant strives to make its name around food with a seafood chowder made with local cod, a Cobb salad with applewood bacon, and a butcher’s cut of the day sourced from nearby Stemple Creek Ranch and grilled to order.
26955 Highway 1, Tomales, 707.879.2002
