Restaurant Partner Profiles 2025: 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.

San Rafael | Sausalito | Greenbrae | San Anselmo | Larkspur | Mill Valley | Berkeley | Tiburon

San Rafael

Hot Italian Pizza & Panini Bar

A Slice of Italy, Served with Style in Marin

Authentic Italian restaurant serving handmade pizzas with fresh ingredients, prosciutto, arugula, and gourmet desserts

This holiday season, gather over Italian wines, artisanal pizza, and gelato at HOT ITALIAN. The holidays are about connection, and HOT ITALIAN brings people together around food, wine, and community. In Marin, this modern Italian restaurant blends tradition and design into a dining experience that feels festive yet timeless. Founded by Maestro Pizzaiolo Fabrizio Cercatore, HOT ITALIAN was created with a simple philosophy: pizza made with passion, organic ingredients, and Italian soul — presented in a fresh, urban style. On the menu you’ll find signature Pinsa Romana, handcrafted 12” and 16” pizzas, and comforting lasagna specials, each prepared with organic flours and premium Italian products. To finish, there’s nothing better than a scoop of artisan gelato. The experience is complemented by a curated Italian wine list, imported Italian beers, and a lively Happy Hour from 4–6 pm. For pasta lovers, sister restaurant Passione Emporio in Berkeley extends the journey, while Passione Brands supplies the doughs, sauces, and gelato that ensure every bite is authentic.

909 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael, 628.285.8630

Sausalito

Spinnaker Restaurant

65 Years of Waterfront Dining

A bright moon shines over the dark ocean, creating a serene and reflective nighttime scene.

The Spinnaker Restaurant showcases panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, Angel Island, and the city skyline. Celebrated for fresh seafood, Creekstone steaks, and California coastal cuisine, The Spinnaker pairs timeless elegance with genuine hospitality. A cherished Sausalito landmark, it continues to delight locals and visitors seeking an unforgettable waterfront dining experience.

100 Spinnaker Drive, Sausalito, 415.332.1572

Angelino Restaurant

Book Your Holiday Party Now!

A group of people gathered around a long table filled with various dishes, enjoying a meal together.

Since 1983, the Ancona family has brought the flavors of Campagna, Italy, to Sausalito with Chef Alfredo Ancona’s farmer’s market-inspired Italian cuisine. Angelino Restaurant would be honored to host your next celebration, be it a birthday, wedding, or graduation, and is happy to create a custom menu for any special event, large reservation, or private party. Let us make it unforgettable.

621 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.331.5225

Poggio Trattoria

Benjamin Balesteri, Executive Chef

Poggio Trattoria - Benjamin Balesteri, Executive Chef
Benjamin Balesteri, Executive Chef | Photo credit: Matt Spinetta

Poggio is a classic Italian trattoria with comfortable neighborhood charm and destination-caliber cuisine. 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 sole and halibut.

777 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.332.7771

Barrel House Tavern

Book Your Holiday Celebrations Now

Two chefs stand side by side on a dock, wearing uniforms and smiling at the camera.
Executive Chef Maicold Valesquez and Sous Chef Deroshan Jayakumar

Barrel House Restaurant in Sausalito recently was named one of “9 U.S. Restaurants Where the Views Are As Amazing as The Food” by Afar magazine. Executive Chef Maicold Valesquez and Sous Chef Deroshan Jayakumar lead the kitchen with a Northern California vibe and a locally sourced seasonal menu. Barrel House is open every day for all your social gatherings. Nestled in historic downtown Sausalito overlooking the Bay with breathtaking views of San Francisco’s cityscape, Treasure Island and The Bay Bridge. Barrel House Tavern is an inviting waterfront oasis and a lively destination fit for an intimate dinner for two or a celebratory venue for large groups. Landmarked as a historical building, this location was once home to the first ferry terminal to and from San Francisco before the Golden Gate Bridge was built.

660 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.729.9593

Greenbrae

Squared Pizza

Detroit-Style Pizza Lands in Marin

Squared Pizza - Founder Joe Garfola and his wife Vicki
Founder Joe Garfola and his wife Vicki

What began as a home cooking passion project has turned into Squared Pizza, a new Detroit-style pizzeria bringing bold flavors and crispy-edged pies to Greenbrae’s Bon Air Center. Founder Joe Garfola, a former tech executive, grew up in and around Detroit, inspired by the legendary Buddy’s Pizza. After years of perfecting his recipe in his own kitchen, he and his wife Vicki — his high school sweetheart and part-time partner in the shop — decided to make the dream official. The couple first worked together at a Pizza Hut while attending Michigan State, and now they’re bringing that full-circle moment to Marin. In addition to the signature square pies, the menu includes monthly specials, wings, and boba (at their daughter’s behest).

140 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae 415.300.0353

San Anselmo

Creekside Pizza & Taproom

Pat Townsley, Founder and Owner

Pat Townsley Founder An Owner of Creekside Pizza & Taproom
Pat Townsley, Founder and Owner | Photo credit: 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

Comforts

A food display case presenting an array of dishes, including desserts and savory options, attractively arranged.

Consistently voted “Best of the County,” Comforts has been serving elevated comfort food since 1986, featuring seasonal, local and organic ingredients. We are a family-run enterprise (second generation now), and recently underwent a massive renovation of both our sit-down restaurant and marketplace.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch in our inviting dining room, or head into the marketplace where you can choose from a wide selection of seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and family dinners for take out. Our retail shop features artisan food and gift items, as well as a great selection of wines.

The holidays are fast approaching, and Comforts has delicious offerings for an easy and stress-free holiday! Please visit our website for our special holiday menus. Open 7 days.

335 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo 415.454.9840

The Baan Thai Cuisine

Celebrating 12 Years of Flavor, Freshness and Community

Front entrance of a restaurant featuring a sign that reads "Ban Thai," inviting guests to enter and enjoy Thai cuisine.

For twelve wonderful years, The Baan Thai Cuisine in San Anselmo has lived up to its name, offering a warm, inviting sanctuary where the vibrant, balanced flavors of Thailand are always on the menu. For those in search of a midday escape, look no further: The Baan Thai Cuisine is your quintessential San Anselmo lunch spot.

Step inside the cozy, intimate space on San Anselmo Ave and let the fragrant aromas of lemongrass, galangal, and fresh basil transport you. Their commitment to using the premium quality of the ingredients to their use of compostable packaging. Join the celebration and taste the dedication for yourself. Visit Baan Thai, where tradition meets freshness, and every meal is a reminder that the best Thai cuisine is truly a feast for the senses.

726 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo 415.457.9470

Cucina s|a

Donna Seymour, Owner

Donna Seymour, Owner of Cucina sla
Owner Donna Seymour

Cucina s|a is a friendly neighborhood spot that has been satisfying diners for over 26 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

Larkspur

Left Bank Brasserie

Taste the Transformation

A plate featuring a juicy steak alongside golden French fries.

Discover the all-new Left Bank Larkspur! Completely transformed, we’re offering hand-cut Flannery Beef, elevated menus, inventive cocktails, live music, wine dinners, and holiday events. Every detail has been reimagined to celebrate local ingredients, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences. Come see what’s new, taste the difference, and let us make your visit truly memorable.

507 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.927.3331

Perry’s on Magnolia

Perry Butler, Owner

A large house with a patio and trees illuminated at night, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

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

Mill Valley

Cafe Del Soul

Chyna Kennedy Honey and Reggie Hunter, Partners

Cafe Del Soul - Chyna Kennedy Honey and Reggie Hunter, Partners
Chyna Kennedy Honey and Reggie Hunter, Partners

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

Berkeley

Humbowl

A display of five plates, each featuring different types of food, highlighting a range of culinary styles and ingredients.

Humbowl is a locally owned, fast-food alternative, serving healthy bowls made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Our menu accommodates most diets, including vegan and gluten free, and our catering—perfect for offices, teams, and events—offers nutritious, reliable delivery. Order at humbowleats.com with code MarinMag5 for $5 off your first order, or MarinMag20 for $20 off your first catering order ($200+).

2975 College Ave, Berkeley, 510 984 3970
1016 Court St, San Rafael, (415) 795-8922

Tiburon

Via Piccola Trattoria

Authentic Italian, Heart of Tiburon, Family Owned, Family Run

Via Piccola Trattoria - Family Owned, Family Run

Founded by Pedro and Maria Ulloa in 2020, Via Piccola Trattoria is the culmination of his 30+ year journey in the restaurant industry — from dishwasher to chef, manager, and partner. After decades at Café Arrivederci, Pedro launched this new chapter with his family. They invite you to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and become part of their warm, welcoming tradition. Buon appetito!

1 Blackfield Dr, Tiburon, CA, 415.388.9100

Salt & Pepper

Paulino Monterroso, Owner

A table displaying an assortment of colorful plates filled with various dishes and food items.

Salt & Pepper provides comfortable indoor and outdoor neighborhood dining, nestled in the heart of downtown Tiburon. For over 15 years, this popular spot has offered a tranquil atmosphere, excellent service, and familiar American fare — served seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

38 Main Street, Tiburon, 415.435.3594

Troya Mediterranean

From Istanbul to Tiburon: A Journey Through Flavor and Soul

Betül Akdag Kinalilar, Owner

Betül Kinalilar Owner of Troya Meditteranean
Betül Akdag Kinalilar, Owner | Photo credit: Zùbeyde Sheth

Since opening on May 1, 2025, Troya Mediterranean has become a warm and welcoming part of the Marin community. Owner Betül Kinalilar brings the essence of Turkish hospitality to Marin, blending her passion for connection, creativity, and conscious living into every detail.

The menu celebrates vibrant, seasonal ingredients — with locally sourced organic produce — featuring grilled lamb dishes, Mediterranean branzino, homemade Turkish dumplings, and the beloved Istanbul breakfast, all paired with a curated selection of regional Mediterranean wines. With its soft arches, natural textures, and serene white palette, Troya transports guests to the Mediterranean coast — where food, beauty, and togetherness create a soulful dining experience.

1 Blackfield Dr, Suite 12, Tiburon, 415.888.9281