India is expansive with an extensive range of climates, cultures, soil types, and more that result in a beautifully diverse range of cuisine that falls under the blanket name Indian. Some favorites are naan, tandoori chicken, curries, and masala spice. The 2023 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Lotus Cuisine of India (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Indian food picks see below.
Our 2023 Dining category sponsor is Rodney Strong.
Because there are so many great ones, we’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central, Northern and Western Marin.
Southern | Central | Northern | Western
Southern Marin
Avatar’s
Sausalito
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.
2656 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.332.8083
Sartaj India Cafe
Sausalito
Established in 1996, owners Basi and Balbir have been bringing the tastes of the Punjabi are of North India to Marin for decades. Try one of their many vegetarian or vegan options and legendary chai tea.
43 Caledonia St, Sausalito, 415.332.7103
India Palace
Mill Valley
Known for its wide variety of North Indian delicacies, Indian Palace serves up a true Indian dining experience.
707 Redwood Highway Frontage Rd suite 66, Mill Valley, 415.388.3350
Prabh Indian Kitchen
Mill Valley
Colorful garlands bedeck the patio (and stand out amidst the natural redwood drapery), but families frequent the downtown Mill Valley restaurant for the South Indian specialties available at lunch (thali, dosa, uttappam) and the house special chicken tikka kabab marinated in a tandoori masala with turmeric, fenugreek leaves, cardamom, mace, red chili and lemon.
24 Sunnyside Ave, Mill Valley, 415.384.8241
Central Marin
Cafe Lotus
Fairfax
Run by Surinder “Pal” Sroa and his son Jyoti Sroa, also founders of the award-winning Lotus Cuisine of India in San Rafael, Cafe Lotus uses organic, local ingredients and fresh spices in their authentic, home-style Northern Indian. Their quality and tasty dishes have made them a local Marin favorite.
1912 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax, 415.457.7836
Lotus Cuisine of India
San Rafael
Take comfort in award-winning Indian cuisine from a long-running, family-run, certified green business with an energy-efficient kitchen and eco-friendly appliances. There is an abundance of organic vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, not to mention their famous all-you-can-eat, every day lunch buffet, wine and beer. A pet-friendly patio fronts 4th while the family’s adjacent Lotus Market Indian Grocery on 5th means free parking in the back.
812 4th St, San Rafael, 415.456.5808
Himalayan Kitchen
San Rafael
Serving up traditional and innovative Himalayan style cuisine with natural and local ingredients for high quality, delicious cuisine.
227 Third St, San Rafael, 415.526.3161
Northern Marin
Little Goan
Novato
A western Indian state with a history of Portuguese colonization, Goa’s cuisine reflects unique dishes like xacuti with toasted coconut and regional spices. The vindaloos of Goa are known for their balanced flavor, but don’t come expecting the chef here to lay off the chiles — just be sure to order a vegetable biryani and a side of raita to cool things down.
2007 Novato Blvd, Novato, 415.878.0490
Western Marin
Arti Cafe
Lagunitas
We love the mozzarella-topped quesadilla/pizza/naan cultural mashup that emerges from the tandoor fragrant with fenugreek, chaat masala and fresh coriander leaves and the lamb wrap infused with masala and tamarind chutney, a plentiful repast to be enjoyed on the sunny patio. The gluten-free onion fritters are a must for first-timers, while experienced eaters will savor the mushroom makhani and malai kofta —they’re mild and slightly sweet.
7282 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Lagunitas, 415.488.4700
Sponsor
Rodney Strong: 2023 Best of the County Dining
Rodney Strong was an acknowledged visionary who understood the potential that Sonoma County’s soil and climate held for producing world-class wines and was one of the first to plant Pinot Noir in Russian River Valley and the first to produce a Chalk Hill appellation Chardonnay.
How do you cater to both oenophiles and newbies?
At our winery, we pride ourselves on creating an exceptional experience that caters to both connoisseurs and newbies alike. We offer a diverse range of offerings and services that accommodate the varied preferences and knowledge levels of our guests and are committed to providing a custom experience.
What sets you apart from other wineries?
Our winery has achieved national recognition for its exceptional craftsmanship, with our wines consistently earning high scores and accolades from esteemed critics and competitions.
How do you cater to both oenophiles and newbies?
At our winery, we pride ourselves on creating an exceptional experience that caters to both connoisseurs and newbies alike. We offer a diverse range of offerings and services that accommodate the varied preferences and knowledge levels of our guests and are committed to providing a custom experience.
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- The Best Hot Dogs and Sausages in Marin and the Bay Area for Fast-Casual Feasting This Summer
- Where to Get the Best Seafood Sandwiches in Marin: 5 Top Restaurants
Christina Mueller is a long-time Bay Area food writer. She hails from the East Coast and has spent way too much time in South America and Europe. She discovered her talent as a wordsmith in college and her love of all things epicurean in grad school. She has written for Condé Nast Contract Publishing, Sunset, and the Marin Independent Journal, among others. She volunteers with California State Parks and at her child’s school, and supports the Marin Audubon Society, PEN America, and Planned Parenthood. When she is not drinking wine by a fire, she is known to spend time with her extended family.
