Though tourists do love to visit the town often favorably compared to the Amalfi Coast, Sausalito is favored by locals who enjoy its one-of-a-kind mix of families, artists, house boaters, and retirees. Dining options reflect the diverse tastes of the town’s residents, from French to Japanese to Himalayan and Mexican with fresh seafood at the center of the culinary conversation. A walk along Bridgeway from downtown to the bridge displays the dichotomy of eating and drinking establishments while quieter Caledonia Street, Sausalito’s downtown, hosts eateries frequented by locals.
Be sure to check each restaurant’s website or social pages to confirm its most current hours of operation and services.
Angelino Restaurant | Arawan Thai | Aurora Ristorante & Pizzeria | Avatar’s | Bar Bocce | Barrel House Tavern | Bump Bar | Copita | Dario’s Restaurant | Davey Jones Deli | Fish | Fred’s Coffee Shop | Joinery | Kitti’s Place | Le Garage | Lighthouse | Napa Valley Burger Company | Osteria Divino | Poggio | Salito’s Crab House & Prime Rib | Sausalito Equator | Saylor’s Restaurant and Bar | Scoma’s of Sausalito | Seafood Peddler Restaurant and Fish Market | Seahorse | Sula | Sushi Ran | Taste of the Himalayas | ThaiTanic Street Food | The Spinnaker | Tommy’s Wok | The Trident | Zalta
Angelino Restaurant
Italian
Multiple generations of the Arcona family create an authentic Italian eatery with handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti that has showcased the cuisine of the Campania region for more than 20 years. The newer Angelino Pastry Bar features classic croissants, focaccia and a raspberry-polenta Pop Tart, among other treats with pickup from 8 a.m.–1 p.m., Friday–Sunday.
Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating
621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225
Arawan Thai
Thai
Sure, this downtown favorite serves up popular dishes like pad Thai and vegetarian Siamese rolls but the menu runs deeper into regional Thai flavors with offerings like a fermented tea leaf salad and soft shell crab curry.
Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
47 Caledonia St, 415.729.9395
Aurora Ristorante & Pizzeria
Italian
Novato’s Aurora has a counterpart in southern Marin. Traditional Italian food, a full bar, and friendly service make it a great option for families and sports fans, who can keep up-to-date on the game via flat-screen TV. The location on the south side of town is a boon, too, when a quieter meal is called for.
Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
300 Valley St, 415.339.8930
Avatar’s
Indian
If you’re on the hunt for innovative, multi-culti Indian fare, head to Avatar’s. Sip masala chai sweetened with brown sugar before digging into Cajun-spiced shrimp on the heated and shaded patio. A curried sweet potato enchilada in the casual one-room restaurant makes a quick vegetarian lunch or dinner.
Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
2656 Bridgeway, 415.332.8083
Bar Bocce
American
Food just tastes better on a bayside patio with a huge fire pit and a bocce ball court. Order one of the sourdough bread pizzas pulled from the almond wood-burning oven, or try a locally-sourced kale salad or a shrimp po’boy sandwich with a glass of wine. You can even ride your paddleboard around the harbor and right up to the restaurant.
Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
1250 Bridgeway, 415.331.0555
Barrel House Tavern
Californian
Stop by Barrel House for a feeling of rising above it all (it’s on the second floor) where the soaring ceiling work reflects the restaurant’s name. The barrel-aged cocktails are worth a visit (try the Negroni) but dishes like maitake mushroom flatbread and tartare tacos reflect a locally-focused ethos that is enhanced by the cool setting and fantastic bay and city views.
Date Spot | Full Bar | Happy Hour | Outdoor Seating | Watch the Game
660 Bridgeway, 415.729.9593
Bump Bar
Californian
The bar and cafe boasts an intimate 12 seats facing the kitchen, an array of sustainably sourced caviar and roe and a seafood-centric menu that makes the most of the sea’s briniest delight. Stick with the traditional presentation and delight in tiny bubble bursts atop blini, egg, creme fraiche and minced red onion or go all out with the seven-course tasting menu. Plates like binchotan grilled lobster with herbs or black cod topped with truffles as well as the aforementioned easy to pop eggs make this a great place for a bite and a glass of bubbly or to savor an extended caviar experience.
Date Spot
1403 Bridgeway, 415.332.0826
Copita
Mexican
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.
Brunch | Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Happy Hour | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
739 Bridgeway, 415.331.7400
Dario’s Restaurant
Italian
Dario’s, a 40-year-old pizza joint, is known for thin-crust pizzas. You can spice up an order of pepperoni ‘za with items like lamb meatballs, chicken shawarma, and falafel wraps.
Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20
2829 Bridgeway, 415.332.6636
Davey Jones Deli
American
Stationed in the New Bait Shop Market, Davey Jones Deli offers house-roasted sandwich meats, healthier condiments and organic vegetables; the deli serves generously-sized sandwiches, wraps and salads with vegetarian, vegan and meat-lover options. The shop stays open late, too, for those nights when you need a sandwich and a soda ’round midnight.
Dogs Welcome | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoors
Gate 6 Rd, 415.331.2282
Fish
Seafood
Best Seafood
It has been said that this restaurant and fish market launched the sustainable seafood movement, making it the ultimate place for freshly caught, unobjectionable fare. Order any of the day’s offerings–the menu changes daily but usually has a variation of fish tacos, ceviche and grilled fish–then take in the bay views on the open-air deck. Though cash is still king, credit cards are now accepted (woot!).
Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating | Worth the Hype
350 Harbor Dr, 415.331.3474
Fred’s Place
American
Famous for its breakfasts, Fred’s and its patio is a Sausalito institution. Locals rave about dishes like the Millionaire’s Bacon, a sweet and sticky delight. It is perhaps best known for a dish called the Italian Swedish. That’s wheat toast topped with a lean patty, cheese, poached eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, and peppers. Get it?
Brunch | Dogs Welcome | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating | Worth the Hype
1917 Bridgeway, 415.332.4575
Joinery
American
This large waterfront restaurant features a broad patio whose big salads and shareable plates make it a destination for families and other groups. Order at the front, then grab a seat to enjoy the craft beer, Joinery or Impossible burger, rotisserie chicken and other hearty, seasonal fare.
Date Spot | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
300 Turney St, 415.766.8999
Kitti’s Place
Thai
This home-style family-run restaurant has been in town for over 20 years. It features California-inspired favorites like lettuce cups stuffed with chicken and almonds, soft spring rolls and a curried turkey burger. A patio out front gets midday sun, even in winter.
Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390
Le Garage
French
Trade the tourist crush for the local one at a spot right near Schoonmaker Beach and enjoy an indulgent meal on the water in a spacious room that was once, well, you know. The atmosphere is animated with French music (à la Amélie) and plenty of natural light from the often open garage door. A Nicoise salad is gussied up with white anchovies and the croque monsieur oozes with Gruyere and mustard-infused bechamel sauce. Escargot, tucked into puff pastry, is easily reheated at home.
Brunch | Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating
85 Liberty Ship Way, 415.332.5625
Lighthouse
American
Weekend classic breakfasts — eggs Benedict, fruit pancakes, a Norwegian omelet with smoked salmon–is the little engine that could for this restaurant on Harbor Point, with long lines typical on sunny Sundays. Locals head over on weekdays for Nordic-inspired lunch and dinner fare–try the meatballs or the burger topped with horseradish, capers, and beets.
Brunch | Happy Hour | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
1311 Bridgeway, 415.331.3034
Napa Valley Burger Company
American
Incorporating local, all-natural and organic produce and meats, burger is the word at this casual joint. Though chicken, beef and turkey are all options, the James Beard Competition Burger blends beef with mushrooms and Parmesan for a gentler on the planet, just as delicious burger option. Of course there are fries and root beer floats, all available at outdoor and indoor tables.
Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
670 Bridgeway, 415.332.1454
Osteria Divino
Italian
Authentic Florentine cooking with an eye on local and seasonal means fresh fare all year long. The extensive artisan pasta selection includes vegan and vegetarian options and a breakfast menu includes frittatas and English muffin sandwiches. Live music on weekend evenings and at Sunday brunch lifts everyone’s spirits.
Brunch | Date Spot | Kid-friendly
37 Caledonia St, 415.331.9355
Poggio
Italian
Best Italian
Meet the Team
Vitello sliced excruciatingly thin and topped with lemon and tonnato sauce is a singular dish in the hands of executive chef Benjamin Balesteri who creates Northern Italian fare using local and Italian ingredients. The bar may be the most hopping in town and is recognized for its killer Negroni. Private dining rooms above the restaurant can accommodate larger parties (10 to 150 guests).
Brunch | Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating | Private Party Room | Worth the Hype
777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771
Salito’s Crab House & Prime Rib
Seafood
The large stations layered with oysters and other creatures of the sea alert you to the fact that this is a place for seafood. And, indeed, a whole crab with garlic sauce is a classic order. The large seafood menu is buttressed with fare for landlubbers (prime rib, sandwiches) but you didn’t come here for that, now did you? Either way, large decks overlooking the water, an all-day menu, and onsite parking make this a popular spot for groups of all sizes.
Date Spot | Full Bar | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating | Private Party Room
1200 Bridgeway, 415.331.3226
Sausalito Equator
American
The coffee menu includes Equator’s iconic drinks like the shakerato (coffee shaken with cream) and rotating, seasonally-focused beverages. The farmers breakfast with two eggs, bacon, avocado and housemade hot sauce is insanely popular at breakfast, as are the pastries from Cibo Bakery, which pair beautifully with chai from San Rafael’s Silk Roads. Locally-sourced salads, sandwiches and paninis easily transition from breakfast to lunch.
Dogs Welcome | Grab ‘n Go | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
1201 Bridgeway, 415.521.5770
Saylor’s Restaurant and Bar
Mexican
Chef/owner Sean Saylor uses fresh local ingredients and seafood to create a distinctively Cabo combination of Californian and Mexican cuisine. That means polenta with green chili and mozzarella or a Caesar salad with ancho chili croutons and queso fresco. Choose from more than 200 varieties of tequilas that are even better when enjoyed in the private Cabo Wabo room, named for (and approved by) Mill Valley’s own tequila master, Sammy Hagar. Sip and savor on the heated Agave Terrace out back where the vibe is as festive as inside.
Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Full Bar | Grab ‘n Go | Happy Hour | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating | Private Party Room | Worth the Hype
2009 Bridgeway, 415.332.1512
Scoma’s of Sausalito
Italian
Sausalito’s oldest seafood house has its own boat, berthed at Pier 47, that fishes seasonally and is approved for salmon and Dungeness crab, resulting in fresh catches year-round. The menu at both the Sausalito and Fisherman’s Wharf locations were revamped by chef (and Mill Valley’s own) Gordon Drysdale in accordance with the environmentally responsible Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program and regularly features whole crab, chowder and grilled fish.
Date Spot | Full Bar | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating | Round Tables | Worth the Hype
588 Bridgeway, 415.332.9551
Seafood Peddler Restaurant and Fish Market
Seafood
The fish is bought daily from local fishers, who are also restaurant patrons and make the bar scene one of the liveliest in town. (A separate, quieter dining room is often open as well.) The fish market features everything from cioppino and flash-fried Monterey Bay calamari to crab cakes and clam chowder by the pint. Recipes are adjusted to incorporate the freshest catch.
Date Spot | Full Bar | Happy Hour | Kid-friendly | Private Party Room
303 Johnson St, 415.332.1492
Seahorse
Italian
The spacious dining area, accompanied by a dance floor and stage, make Seahorse ideal for celebrations large and small. Enjoy a modern twist on classic Tuscan coastal cooking while grooving to the nightly live music and entertainment in a historic building. A cozy patio welcomes dogs of all kinds.
Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating
305 Harbor Dr, 415.331.2899
Sula
Californian
Cavallo Point’s signature dining room refreshed point of view tilts Mediterranean with local influences from chef Mike Garcia. The menu includes a not-to-be-missed Fuyu persimmon salad, beets with shiitake mushroom blini, and porcini-crusted Wagyu filet. The adjacent Sula Lounge boasts plentiful couches from which to enjoy a glass of bubbles with Tsar Nicoulai caviar service or small plates of grilled uni butter oysters. Across the foyer, Farley continues its all-day meal service.
Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Full Bar | Kid-friendly | New Hot Spot | Outdoor Seating
601 Murray Circle, 415.339.4750
Sushi Ran
Japanese
Sample innovative small plates just big enough to share before enjoying some of the best sushi the Bay Area has to offer; the prices don’t deter the herd of enthusiasts who line up nightly to partake. Just stopping by? The wine, cocktail and sake lists keep even the pickiest barfly satisfied. Reservations are a must in the main room.
Date Spot | Full Bar | Outdoor Seating | Worth the Hype
107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620
Taste of the Himalayas
Himalayan / Indian
Popular for lunch and dinner, serving dishes from countries close to the famous mountain region. Stick with familiar curry and tandoori or dive into regional specialties like jasha maroo (from Bhutan) and churi pama (from Tibet) found nowhere else. The petite dining room is especially cozy on a chilly evening.
Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20
2633 Bridgeway, 415.331.1335
ThaiTanic Street Food
Thai
Sausalito gets a Thai spot from the owners of My Thai in Mill Valley, San Rafael and Novato. The nautical-themed restaurant offers Bangkok street favorites like sriracha wings, pad thai and barbecued meats.
Dogs Welcome | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
1001 Bridgeway, 415.331.8007
The Spinnaker
Seafood
Chef Phil Collins excels at preparing seafood, and it shows in the beautifully plated presentations like a classic shrimp Louie salad or linguini with clams. Set right on the water with sweeping views of San Francisco, this romantic spot is great for sipping a Sausalito Sunset at any time of day.
Date Spot | Kid-friendly | Meal Under $20 | Outdoor Seating
100 Spinnaker Dr, 415.332.1500
Tommy’s Wok
Chinese
Fresh ingredients, free-range chicken and traditional dishes like mu shu pork and Hong Kong street style noodles fulfill the Chinese food craving with a nice atmosphere for dining in or takeout for a night at home.
Kid-friendly | Grab ‘n Go | Meal Under $20
3001 Bridgeway, 415.332.5818
The Trident
Seafood
Set in a turn-of-the-century building constructed for the San Francisco Yacht Club, this waterfront restaurant is a shoo-in for date night where every seat has a water view. Famous for musician sightings in the 1970s, the room with the great vibe is now known for supporting local farmers, fishers and organic food producers in everything from its well-regarded cioppino to a Louie salad with crab or prawns and beer-battered fish and chips.
Full Bar | Happy Hour | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating | Worth the Hype
558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232
Zalta
Mediterranean
BOC New Restaurant
The menu–with a wine and cocktail list to match–reflects influences from Greece, Italy, Spain, the Middle East and France. A mezze plate is filled with muhammara, dolmas, and an eggplant spread known as mutabal, while a kofta burger is topped with tzatziki and green zhug on a focaccia bun. All the share-size plates can also be enjoyed at the bright blue and white bar.
Brunch | Date Spot | Dogs Welcome | Full Bar | Kid-friendly | Outdoor Seating | Round Tables
39 Caledonia St, Sausalito; 415.887.9047
