Restaurant Partner Profiles 2024: The Top Places to Eat Out in Marin and the Restaurateurs Behind Them

We love highlighting the best of our community, and with its thriving foodie scene, Marin has some stellar people working in food industry. Welcome to our restaurant partner profiles, where every November we feature a few of our favorite restaurants and the chefs and owners behind them that keep Marin well-fed.

Want even more ideas? Check out our Marin restaurants guide here.

Fish

A table spread with bowls of seafood, hot dogs with sauce, meats, fries and two glass jars of drinks.
Photo: Credit Kelsey Joy Photography

This story began when a new resident of Sausalito stumbled upon the former waterfront Caruso’s Sportfishing and Cafe in 2000. He ordered a grilled fish sandwich, sat on the patio and fell in love. A fateful encounter with the owner transformed the love into a permanent relationship. From the start, Fish was designed to be a business that sold seafood supporting local fisherman and healthy fisheries, prompting Fish to be the first restaurant to partner with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program. The menu celebrates Sausalito through staples such as the Glad Hand salad to fabricated Portuguese red chowder serving as an homage to the fishing community of Sausalito. Now celebrating the 20th anniversary, the menu changes with the seasons and creative whim, but commitment to our ocean and community remains. Photo Credit: Kelsey Joy Photography and Travel Agent Apparel

350 Harbor Drive, Sausalito, 415.331.3474

New at Piatti Mill Valley

Crafted by Hand but from the Heart

Food at Piatti, Mill Valley

As a beloved waterfront dining option in the valley, we are pleased to unveil a fresh menu that features several new seafood-inspired offerings and reimagined classics including the Linguine di Mare and the Lumache Pesto. No stranger to celebrations, we invite you to gather with your loved ones this holiday season whether a holiday party or family night out as our semi-private spaces are the idyllic backdrop for your celebration of choice.

In the spirit of the season, we’re proud to offer a Feast of the Seven Fishes experience on select dates in December. Follow along for updates and make Piatti your gathering place this holiday season.

Please call or visit our website to make a reservation.

625 Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley, 415.380.2525

Comforts

Food at Comforts, San Anselmo

Consistently voted “Best of the County,” Comforts has been serving sophisticated, homestyle food, featuring seasonal, local and organic ingredients, for almost 40 years. Comforts is a family-run enterprise (second generation now!), and recently underwent a massive renovation of both the sit-down restaurant and take-out.

Come and enjoy breakfast and lunch in our warm and inviting dining room, then stroll to our new marketplace to take in all our offerings, including fresh salads, sandwiches, soups and family meals. We even have fantastic, unique retail items, perfect for a gift or your home!

Comforts also offers catering! With the holidays fast approaching, you can enjoy easy, delicious and comforting holiday dinners at home! Let Comforts be your one- stop shop this holiday season! Open 7 days.

335 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.454.9840

Cucina s|a

Donna Seymour, Owner

Donna Seymour, Owner of Cucina, San Anselmo

Cucina s|a is a friendly neighborhood spot that has been satisfying diners for over 25 celebrated years. Owner Donna Seymour added a parklet and expanded the space to include a full bar with a selection of spirits and craft cocktails. These new offerings complement award-winning dishes cooked in a wood fired oven and the seasonal, organic- focused menu showcasing Southern and Central Italian cuisine.

Chef Roberto Avila brings fresh spins on classic dishes like goat cheese and fig salad and brined and braised pork chop with red cabbage and smoked pineapple chutney.

510 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.454.2942

Left Bank Brasserie

Roland Passot, Chef Propriétaire

Exterior of Left Bank Brasserie, Larkspur

Inspired by the birthplace of the original Parisian brasseries along the Left Bank of the River Seine in Paris, an area known for being a creative hub and haven to artists and Bohemians, Left Bank Brasserie is a group of authentic Parisian-style brasseries by Chef Roland Passot. Guests are invited to step into French culture, in a vibrant, social atmosphere that captures all the charm of traditional brasseries and iconic alfresco dining of France. An all-day menu features authentic French cuisine utilizing seasonal, local, and organic ingredients. Inspired by the Parisian-style Bar Américain, an extensive cocktail menu showcases classics of a bygone era, along with a wide range of rotating taps, seasonal drafts and bottled beer, and an expertly-curated wine selection.

507 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.927.3331

Petite Left Bank Tiburon

Roland Passot, Chef Propriétaire

Exterior of Petite Left Bank Tiburon

Set in the heart of Marin County, in the charming downtown area of the coastal Tiburon peninsula, Petite Left Bank by Chef Roland Passot is named in homage to and inspired by the iconic brasseries of La Rive Gauche, the southern or “left bank” of the River Seine which winds its way through the center of Paris. Petite Left Bank’s all-day menu features French recipes and classics, a notable wine list, an extensive beer selection, an artisan craft cocktail menu, and refreshing spirit-free beverages. Whether grabbing a glass of wine at the bar or on the patio, celebrating with a meal of French favorites, or picking up dinner to go, Petite Left Bank is a fun and lively experience for locals and visitors alike.

1696 Tiburon Blvd, Belvedere Tiburon, 415.910.1010

Creekside Pizza & Taproom

Pat Townsley, Founder and Owner

Pat Townsley, Founder and Owner of Creekside Pizza & Taproom
Photo by Ross Pelton

Creekside Pizza & Taproom is home to Marin’s award-winning hand-crafted artisan pizzas, fresh salads, hearty pastas, shareable appetizers, deli-inspired sandwiches, with many gluten-free and vegan options. Our 40 handle taproom has the finest craft beer selection on tap, plus a collection of fine California wines. Creekside’s friendly staff looks forward to your next visit to San Anselmo.

638 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.785.4450

Cafe del Soul

Chyna Kennedy Honey and Reggie Hunter, Partners

Chyna Kennedy Honey and Reggie Hunter, Partners of Cafe del Soul

Since 2004, Chyna and Reggie have worked together serving quality, organic ingredients in an award-winning, one-of-a-kind quick-serve menu. She is the founder and visionary and he is the master of daily operations. Together, with the help of an exceptional team, they operate two locations in California and co-own a location in Florida.

247 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley, 415.388.1852

1408 4th Street, San Rafael, 415.457.5400

Valenti & Co

Chef Valenti and Maitre d’ Cristiano

 Chef Valenti and Maitre d’ Cristiano of Valenti & Co

Guided by legendary Chef Valenti and Maitre d’ Cristiano, Valenti & Co. has been serving farm-fresh Italian cuisine to discerning San Anselmo diners for over ten years. Fresh ingredients and skilled execution keep the kitchen in sharp focus here. Sit in the courtyard or at the curved marble bar and be instantly transported to Northern Italy. The wine list has numerous small label gems to be deliciously discovered and paired with the Italian inspired menu. Reservations recommended.

337 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.454.7800

La Toscana Ristorante & Bar

Michael Mori, Marilyn Mori, Laura Mori Riella, Owners

Michael Mori, Marilyn Mori, Laura Mori Riella, owners of La Toscana Ristorante & Bar

Celebrating 39 years serving Marin, La Toscana is still family owned and operated. Marilyn Mori and two of her three children, Laura Mori Riella and Michael Mori work together to bring Marin a great place to gather with friends and families or to meet business colleagues. Sunday evenings are back starting at 4 PM. Open 7 days a week (lunch M-Fri, Dinner – 7 days), full bar, and a Tuscan inspired menu.

3751 Redwood Hwy, San Rafael, 415.492.9100

Perry’s on Magnolia

Perry Butler/Owner

Exterior of Perry’s on Magnolia

Perry’s on Magnolia opened in Larkspur in 2015, in the historic Lark Creek Inn building originally built in 1888. Perry’s brings its hallmarks to Marin County: the classic American menu, a bustling bar, and the warmth and personality for which Perry’s has always been known.

Nestled among the Redwood trees, Perry’s on Magnolia features a variety of dining spaces. Outdoor options include the heated Patio, the Redwood Grove, Upper Terrace and the front Garden. The interior features unique dining spaces, a lively bar area and the substantial energetic bar itself.

Perry’s is open for Dinner seven days a week starting at 3pm, for Lunch Thursday and Friday at 11am, Brunch Saturday at 11am and Sunday at 10am. We hope to see you soon!

234 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.927.1877

La Gastronomia di Porchetta

Chef/Owner Elena Fabbri, Chef/Owner Gustavo Mutul, Managers Alberto Díaz and Maria Sole Rozzuoli

Chef/Owner Elena Fabbri, Chef/Owner Gustavo Mutul, Managers Alberto Díaz
and Maria Sole Rozzuoli of La Gastronomia di Porchetta

La Gastronomia di Porchetta serves a farmers’ market inspired Italian menu, combining it with the classic recipes of Tuscany, complemented by an exclusively Italian wine list, locally sourced ingredients, and pasta making craftsmanship. You can swing by Wednesday through Monday to say hi to Elena or a member of the family, who will be there to welcome you and share more about the amazing story behind the restaurant. The restaurant’s signature porchetta, a savory Italian pork roast, is a must-try and can be pre-ordered for events or enjoyed during regular meals. In addition to in-house dining, La Gastronomia offers catering.

123 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, 415.419.5465

The Baan Thai Cuisine

Nina Simma, Chef and Yenni Soberanis, Assistant Chef

Nina Simma, Chef and Yenni Soberanis, Assistant Chef of The Baan Thai Cuisine

At the heart of The Baan Thai’s success is an extraordinary team led by the talented Chef Nina Simma, who has been the culinary force behind the restaurant for an impressive 12 years. Known for her ability to fuse traditional Thai flavors with modern touches, Chef Nina has become a cornerstone of the restaurant’s identity. But behind every great chef is a strong support system, and for the past three years, Chef Yenni Soberanis has been by Nina’s side as her trusted assistant. Overseeing this powerhouse duo is Jackie, their boss and the visionary behind Baan Thai. Jackie’s leadership and guidance have been instrumental in shaping the restaurant’s atmosphere and driving its reputation as a go-to spot for authentic Thai cuisine with a modern twist.

726 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.457.9470

Kuro Nami Japanese Kitchen

Miyuki Acevedo, Chef and Takashi Kamimura, Chef

Miyuki Acevedo, Chef
and Takashi Kamimura, Chef of Kuro Nami Japanese Kitchen

Nestled in the heart of San Anselmo, Kuro Nami Japanese Kitchen offers more than just a dining experience it is a culinary journey through the mastery and dedication of two of the most seasoned sushi chefs. With Chef Miyuki wielding over 20 years of sushi-making expertise and Chef Takashi bringing an impressive 30+ years to the sushi counter, Kuro Nami is a true celebration of tradition, precision, and passion for Japanese cuisine. Under the visionary leadership of Jackie, Kuro Nami has quickly become a local favorite, blending time-honored techniques with modern flair. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or someone seeking an unforgettable dining experience, the restaurant provides an authentic taste of Japan while pushing the boundaries of contemporary Japanese cooking.

69 Center Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.459.6969

Copita Tequileria y Comida

Candy Diaz, Executive Chef

Candy Diaz, Executive Chef of Copita Tequileria y Comida

Copita is delighted to announce that Candy Diaz has been promoted to Executive Chef of Copita Tequileria y Comida. Candy will work with co-owner Joanne Weir to craft the seasonal menus that have made Copita a Bay Area dining destination for the past thirteen years. Candy joined Copita not long after the restaurant opened in 2012 and oversees the kitchen in the 100% gluten- free restaurant. She becomes the first female chef in Copita’s history and is excited to pair her Oaxacan heritage with Joanne’s experience to craft the dishes and flavors that make Copita unique among Sausalito’s dining landscape.

739 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.331.7400

Poggio Trattoria

Benjamin Balesteri, Executive Chef

Benjamin Balesteri, Executive Chef of Poggio Trattoria

Poggio is a classic Italian trattoria with comfortable neighborhood charm and destination-caliber cuisine. The entire team at Poggio is delighted to recognize Executive Chef Benjamin Balesteri’s 10th anniversary as Poggio’s culinary leader. For the past decade, Chef Ben has sourced local ingredients from the best purveyors and highlighted these quality products in the daily changing menu. Poggio offers a menu that features soulful classics of Northern Italy including a variety of antipasti, house- made pasta, spit roasted meats, and wood-fired pizzas. Chef Ben often catches the fresh fish served at Poggio with daily specials that include line-caught local tuna, black cod, petrale and halibut.

777 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.332.7771