Where to Eat: Ross and San Anselmo

Ross and San Anselmo may appear a bit way out of the way on the map, but for those in the know, they’re just the right size, offering plenty of options for dining out. The town has a few heavy-hitters, such as Iron Chef winner Ron Siegel’s one star Michelin Madcap and Heidi Krahling’s Insalata’s, a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner. A plethora of restaurants, bakeries, and cafes make this spot more than trek-worthy for those seeking a dining destination deep in central Marin, and provides tempting incentives to never stray beyond the borders for the local residents.

Be sure to check restaurants’ websites and social channels for their most current operating hours and formats.

The Baan Thai Cuisine

Thai

Meet the Team

BOC Thai

Known for its mango sticky rice, crispy corn cakes and The Baan Thai salad, new menu items like fresh spring rolls and steamed dumplings and old favorites such as the tom kha soup entice with fresh flavors and just the right amount of sweet heat. The outdoor patio is heated on chilly days and evenings.

Date Spot | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating
726 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.457.9470

Bistro Viz

Californian

Owner-chef Soo Young Kim’s petite restaurant focuses on an expansive international wine list, many available by the glass, and bistro favorites that showcase locally-sourced ingredients. Dishes, such as squash blossoms stuffed with makrut lime and Thai curry-infused wild salmon, or vegetarian fritto misto and halibut with romesco and garlic lemon yogurt, shift with the seasons. The light-bedecked patio is cozy, even with fog or rain’s chill.

Date Spot | Outdoor Seating
115 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.902.9084

Comforts Cafe

American

Meet the Team

Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. Their large takeout section offers a wide selection of house-made bakery items, seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and family meals for dinner at home. Besides the famous Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stuffed pecan-crusted French toast, chicken Okasan (nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by fans), Korean BBQ flank steak and Wor Won Ton soup. Catering services are also available.

Creekside Pizza & Tap Room

American

Meet the Team

A perennial Best of the County winner known for their artisan pizzas, hearty sandwiches, flavorful pastas and fresh salads, Creekside offers plentiful gluten-free and vegan options too. Their copper bar with a 40-handle selection of craft beer (including gluten-free beer), plus wine and kombucha on tap makes Creekside a beloved destination for fresh drinks in equal measure.

Date Spot | Grab ‘n Go | Happy Hour | Kid-friendly | Watch the Game
638 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.785.4450

Crown & Crumpet

American

A tidy back patio shaded by roses and cascading pear trees is ideally suited for sipping a pot of loose leaf tea, cup of pour-over coffee or a hot chocolate at this outpost of the Japantown original. Savory croissants and crumpets are just part of the breakfast menu and a traditional sausage roll and chicken pot pie are highlights at lunch. A signature Afternoon Tea service is available on weekends.

Brunch | Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
22 Ross Common, Ross, 415.771.4252

Cucina sa

Italian

Meet the Team

Open for lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner six nights a week for the house’s famous homemade pastas, seasonal salads, and wood-fired pizzas that strike a balance between southern Italy and northern California. Full bar and cocktails are available to go or enjoy a tipple on premise at the heated parklet or inside.

D.G. Cafe

American

Serving the community he loves was the idea that eventually became D.G. Cafe. But when Covid hit, owner and San Anselmo resident Clive Nisse turned the idea into reality, defying gravity (get it?) to open this sliver of a restaurant. Sandwiches are named for local landmarks (Mt. Baldy, Creek Park), salads are customizable and the picnic packages are, yes, designed for eating outside. A takeout window makes to-go a snap.

Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20
411 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.295.7500

Flour Craft Bakery

American

Along with artisan gluten-free and an assortment of vegan pastries, breads, and special-occasion cakes, this petite cafe serves a lunch menu of so-called fancy toast (avocado, ricotta) and big green salads with seasonal flair. Customer favorites include oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, decadent cinnamon rolls, flourless hazelnut brownies, and the bakery’s signature granola.

Brunch | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
702 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.453.3100

The Hub

American

Craveable grass fed burgers and hand cut fries, like the #1 Hub Burger with white cheddar and special sauce, are at the heart of this order-at-the-counter spot in Red Hill Shopping Center. While the #4 Chicken Burger with melted Swiss, crispy onion strings and house-made sriracha chili mayo is not to be missed, big salads and tap beer and cider are also available to be enjoyed on the sunny patio.

Dogs Welcome | Happy Hour | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
Red Hill Shopping Center, 882 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.785.4802

Insalata’s

Mediterranean

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.

Kientz Hall

Californian

Chef Gary Faulkner helms a kitchen where live fire cooking is the focus. Rotisserie chicken with caper salsa verde pairs with roasted eggplant with harissa and olives or carrots with spiced tahini yogurt and dill. The lamb burger is not to be missed. Try one with a sabe margarita, a blend of distilled tequila and premium sake. Sit inside the sunny atrium, at one of the sidewalk tables, or enjoy the views of Mt. Tam from the rooftop terrace.

Madcap

Californian

Chef Ron Siegel’s contemporary art-filled space is known for its urban edge. The vegetable-centric menu, available as a tasting menu, incorporates seafood and Japanese techniques in colorful dishes like trout with baby bok choi, purple daikon and dashi that are bold, balanced and bright. The restaurant earned a Michelin one-star rating in 2019 and again in 2021.

Date Spot | Worth the Hype
198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.453.9898

Marché

Californian

Into the former Marche aux Fleurs space comes Marché from owners Darren and Alicia Banks. Their focus on seasonal ingredients in plates of avocado toast with Urfa chile, shishito peppers with togarashi, house made gnocchi with shiitakes, and corn and duck confit with green lentils is Californian all the way and the Tuesday night tradition of fried chicken with corn bread and cole slaw remains intact.

Date Spot | Full Bar | Grab ‘n Go | Outdoor Seating
23 Ross Common, Ross; 415.925.9200

Marinitas

Mexican

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.

M.H. Bread and Butter

Californian

A one-stop shop for everything from coffee and pastries to artisan bread, with a seasonal brunch menu. High-quality ingredients and a comfortable atmosphere make MH worth checking out. A “front porch” patio bustles during the morning hours.

Pizzalina

Italian

Owners Michael and Jacquelyn Baker’s so-called dream come true restaurant hews traditional with Neapolitan pizza made with farm-sourced and house made ingredients. Seasonal specials like hand-rolled garganelli pasta with ragu Bolognese (that’s meaty) and a porchetta sandwich at lunch layered with Fontina and chopped broccolini are for those days when less carbs are called for.

Sushi 69

Japanese

Opened in 2007, Sushi 69 has been a favorite for locals looking to get their fill of no-frills sushi. The owner hails from Japan and has created an extensive menu featuring traditional tempura and the popular Hiro’s roll (spicy tuna with avocado, salmon and ponzu sauce wrapped in sushi rice).

Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating
69 Center Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.459.6969

Taco Jane’s

Mexican

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.

Tony Tutto’s

Pizza

Owner Greg DiGiovine (just call hime Tony) relocated to Ross after nine years in Mill Valley, bringing his familiar farm-to-table pies and kid- and dog-friendly vibe to downtown. The vegan pies are still here and a gluten-free crust is available.

Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating
16 Ross Common, Ross, 415.383.8646

Valenti & Co.

Italian

Meet the Team

The bright yet cozy indoor space and warmly lit back patio are ideal environments for authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients. The menu changes daily but look for the carpaccio of beef, the pan-seared Pekin duck and chef Valenti’s famous tower of triple chocolate love at dessert. A seat at the chef’s table gives a prime view of the open kitchen.

Date Spot | Full Bar | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating
337 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.454.7800

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Where to Eat: Ross and San Anselmo

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