Where to Find the Best Sushi in Marin

It’s hard to think sushi, our beloved Japanese delicacy, was once considered a cheap street food, and furthermore, didn’t originate from Japan at all. It began as a method of fermenting fish in rice from Southeast Asia in various locations near the Mekong River basin. The 2024 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Sushi Ran (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Sushi picks see below.

Our 2024 Dining category sponsor is Rodney Strong. View the rest of the Dining category here.

Because there are so many great ones, we’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central and Northern Marin.

Southern | Central | Northern 

Southern Marin

Sushi Ran

Sausalito

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.

107 Caledonia St, Sausalito, 415.332.3620

Robata Grill & Sushi

Mill Valley

Robata translates as “by the fireside”; fittingly, many dishes here are cooked on an open fire and served in appetizer-size portions to pass around the table. Try the grilled rice balls and beef kushi to get a sense of the smoky flavors. Or simply order your own sushi or entree from the menu to enjoy on the patio or in the traditional dining room.

591 Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley, 415.381.8400

Samurai Sushi

Mill Valley

Samurai Sushi incorporates new cooking styles into traditional Japanese fundamentals to develop creative and innovative sushi dishes for Mill Valley.

425 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.381.3680

Central Marin

Oyama Sushi

Greenbrae

Oyama Sushi Bar blends innovative Japanese cuisine with the classic options of a sushi bar. The Bon Air location is incredibly popular for takeout and dining in, ensuring that Central Marin gets its sushi fix. 

282 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae, 415.295.7130

Keiko Fish

Larkspur

Chef Yobi Abe’s traditional style brings out the best flavors of the fresh, high-quality fish used in his delicious sushi creations.

250 Magnolia Ave SteB, Larkspur, 415.891.8395

Village Sake

Fairfax

Chef Scott Whitman’s izakaya is a Japanese-style community pub with a 2021 Bib Gourmand designation from Michelin and a place on the Top 25 Restaurants list from the San Francisco Chronicle. In the compact interior space and at the seven outdoor tables, you’ll find sushi and skewers, salads and small plates, plus sake and craft beer. The daily waitlist opens online at 5 p.m.

19 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, 415.521.5790

Kamikaze

San Rafael

Montecito Plaza’s resident sushi restaurant, Kamikaze, has the basics for those looking for Japanese cuisine and a traditional sushi menu. 

223 Third St, San Rafael, (415)457-6776

Northern Marin

Masa Sushi

Novato

For a traditional dining experience with high-quality fish, masterly crafted sushi dishes, and more, reserve your spot for Masa’s Omakase style (chef’s choice) twelve-course prix fixe menu.

813 Grant Ave, Novato, 415.892.0081

Sushi Tri

Novato

Novato’s Sushi Tri has become popular amongst locals of the northern Marin town. The restaurant offers all the traditional options those with a need to get their sushi fix will be looking for along with special rolls that keep people coming back. 

333 Enfrente Rd, Novato, 415.382.9988

Taki

Novato

Taki Japanese Restaurant is another Novato sushi and Japanese restaurant offering popular with the people of northern Marin. Taki has offerings for everyone, whether it is fresh maki or gluten-free low-fat options, the Taki team has you covered. 

452 Ignacio Blvd, Novato, 415.883.2423