Best Gluten Free
Kicking wheat and gluten to the curb? These eateries take the sacrifice factor out of this dietary shift.
AMICI'S A pioneer of pizza, Amici’s has offered gluten-free crust by request on its entire menu of drool-inducing brick oven pizzas for years. (San Rafael) amicis.com
CAFE DEL SOUL This Marin mainstay is health-conscious to the core, with the majority of the menu leaning GF. Curry Soul Good and Quinoa Cool rank as Marin staff favorites. (Mill Valley, San Rafael) cafedelsoul.net
FLOUR CHYLDE Novato’s own gluten-free bakery offers loaves, pastries and cookies, along with tortes and cakes. Try the Pure Chocolate Torte to reevaluate your relationship with gluten. (Novato) flourchylde.com
GOOD EARTH NATURAL FOODS The selection skews organic and GMO-free, with gluten-free options available throughout. We recommend the wheat-free pizzas. (Fairfax, Mill Valley) genatural.com
HARMONY RESTAURANT This Chinese haven can provide gluten-free versions of practically every item, but the menu’s must-have is the naturally GF Sweet Rice Dumpling. (Mill Valley) harmonyrestaurantgroup.com
LOTUS CUISINE OF INDIA The North Indian fare here is predominantly gluten-free and augmented by a menu of GF desserts featuring kheer, chilled rice pudding made with almond milk. (San Rafael) lotusrestaurant.com
PIZZA ANTICA The restaurant offers a separate gluten-free menu centering on pizza dough and pastas made in a GF facility, making for a super considerate slice. (Mill Valley) pizzaantica.com
WORLD WRAPPS Gluten-free bundles are a signature item at this spot. Try the Hawaiian Poke Nori Wrapp or the Tahini Tofu Rice Paper Wrapp for a new take on portable eats. (Corte Madera) worldwrapps.com
Best Fish Tacos
COPITA TEQUILERIA Y COMIDA
These flavorful Baja-style folds are 100 percent gluten-free. Cod is coated in Omission beer batter and topped with a cabbage and seaweed slaw. (Sausalito) copitarestaurant.com
GREEN CHILE KITCHEN
White corn tortillas offer an edible plate for crispy battered rock cod and crunchy cabbage doused in palate-puckering additions: pickled onions, chipotle crema and habanero salsa. (San Rafael) greenchilekitchen.com
JOE’S TACO LOUNGE
Grilled, breaded or battered, Joe’s fish tacos feature Pacific snapper garnished with habanero mayo, cabbage, lime and a variety of taco-tailored salsas. (Mill Valley) joestacolounge.com
LAVIER LATIN FUSION
Grilled fish is served on addictive deep-fried or fresh corn tortillas, finished with roasted tomatillo-avocado salsa and plated with white rice and beans. (San Rafael) lavierlatinfusion.com
THE SIREN CANTEEN
These street-style tilapia tacos are drizzled in special sauce and pico de gallo. But the secret ingredient? Sand-strewn ocean views. (Stinson Beach) thesirencanteen.com
TACO JANE’S
While the grilled snapper and chipotle aioli strikes a tried-and-true chord, the salmon tacos — slathered in cilantro pesto — demand consideration. (San Anselmo) tacojanes.com
Photo of Green Chili Tacos by Debra Tarrant
Best Outdoor Dining
Considering Marin’s natural beauty, it’s no surprise that most meals taste a bit better — and make you linger longer — when enjoyed alfresco.
Beso Bistro and Wine Bar
502 S Palm Drive, Novato. 415.883.6700 besobistro.com
Fish
350 Harbor Drive, Sausalito. 415.331.3474, 331fish.com
Playa
41 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.384.8871, playamv.com
Panama Hotel
4 Bayview St, San Rafael. 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com
Sam’s Anchor Cafe
27 Main St, Tiburon. 415.435.4527, samscafe.com
Sand Dollar Restaurant
3458 Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach. 415.868.0434, stinsonbeachrestaurant.com
Servino Ristorante
9 Main St, Tiburon. 415.435.2676, servino.com
Terrapin Crossroads
100 Yacht Club Drive, San Rafael. 415.524.2773, terrapincrossroads.net
Photo of Sam's Anchor Cafe by Tim Porter
Best Pizza
It’s a good time for pizza — brick ovens, gluten-free dough, creative toppings. Go out and grab a slice, or a whole pie, at one of these spots.
BAR BOCCE
A bayfront fire pit and bocce ball court make for a special slice, and, somehow, the thin-crust pizzas still steal the show. (Sausalito) barbocce.com
FARMSHOP
A brick oven — positioned near the full bar — churns out artisanal pies replete with local cheese and toppings. (Larkspur) farmshopca.com
MULBERRY STREET PIZZERIA
This restaurant is named for Mulberry Street in Manhattan’s Little Italy, and for good reason: hand-tossed crust, traditional toppings, family-owned. (San Rafael) mulberrystreetpizzasanrafael.com
PIATTI
A quartet of cheesy offerings is topped off by some serious atmosphere. Try the asparagus pie, finished with lemon cream, parmesan and sea salt. (Mill Valley) piatti.com
PIZZA ANTICA
This family favorite offers a variety of pizzas with opportunities to mix and match tasty toppings — think portobello mushrooms and house-made ham — making for an ideal slice experience. (Mill Valley) pizzaantica.com
PIZZERIA PICCO
Neapolitan-style thin crust serves as a base for house-made, local and organic toppings. In a rush? Grab a flash-frozen pie and transform your kitchen into an instant pizzeria. (Larkspur) pizzeriapicco.com
TAMALPIE PIZZERIA
This Mill Valley hot spot features a menu of pies named for local trails. Try the Troop 80, finished with house-made fennel sausage, or the Tenderfoot, topped with wild mushrooms. (Mill Valley) tamalpiepizza.com
WAYPOINT PIZZA
This seaworthy pizza joint serves up unforgettable specialty pies along with “Between the Sheets” (pizza-style sandwiches), with crusts crafted from a honey beer dough. (Tiburon) waypointpizza.com
Photo of Bar Bocca Pizza by Lindsay Upson
Best Lunch Deal
Lunch isn’t the meal on which to blow your buck. Fortunately, these county establishments know a thing or two about eating on the cheap, satiating your midday cravings for $10 or less.
AMBERJACK SUSHI
Lunch Box combos make medleys of tempura, teriyaki, sushi and sashimi a lunchtime steal, each served with rice, miso soup and salad for around $9. (Mill Valley) 415.383.1327
FALAFEL HUT
In the mood for Middle Eastern? This San Rafael favorite shells out the Falafel Deluxe, which takes the traditional falafel wrap up a notch with eggplant and potatoes. (San Rafael) falafelhut.net
HARMONY RESTAURANT
A go-to of Marin’s executive editor Mimi Towle, Harmony’s lunch special is only $7.50 and contains a shareable amount of scrumptious bites — trust us, we tested. (Mill Valley) harmonyrestaurantgroup.com
LOUIE’S DELI
A light lunch of tabbouleh and hummus will keep the wheels turning until dinnertime — and cost you $7.95 or less. (Sausalito) louiesdelisausalito.com
SOL FOOD
Skip the food coma without missing out on Sol Food’s addictive pique sauce and plantains with the Vegetariano: rice, beans, plantains, salad and half an avocado, $7.50– $9.50. (Mill Valley, San Rafael) solfoodrestaurant.com
TAM TAM RAMEN
While ramen is always a comfort, it’s the Bao Sliders stuffed with shrimp tempura — priced $3.99 per — that will keep you coming back for more. (Mill Valley) 415.381.3008
Best Ice Cream
For those seeking a lick of nostalgia or a simple sunny day sampling, a scoop of ice cream — or two, or three — is a classic way to beat the heat.
DOUBLE RAINBOW
860 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.457.0803, doublerainbow.com
FAIRFAX SCOOP
63 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax. 415.453.3130
HONEYMOON
34 Miller Ave, Mill Valley. 415.888.2307, honeymoonbrands.com
POSIE
250 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.891.8395
SILBERMANN’S ICE CREAM
196 Northgate One, San Rafael. 415.479.1657, silbermanns.com
THREE TWINS ICE CREAM
2231 Larkspur, Landing Circle, Larkspur. 415.461.8946, threetwinsicecream.com
Best Vegetarian
Herbivores rejoice! An array of international food freckles Marin’s restaurant scene, making tracking down vegetarian options as easy as 1-2-3.
AVATAR'S RESTAURANT
Start with the Vegetarian Samosa Plate before indulging in a Punjabi Enchilada stuffed with mixed vegetables, smoked eggplant or curried sweet potato. (Sausalito) enjoyavatars.com
BURMATOWN
The Tea Leaf Salad centers on a mixture of fermented tea leaves, romaine hearts, fried garlic and more — but don’t forget to request it vegetarian. (Corte Madera) burmatown.com
CAFE DEL SOUL
Have we mentioned Cafe del Soul? Everything on the menu is vegetarian to begin with, with add-ons available for omnivores. (Mill Valley, San Rafael) cafedelsoul.net
DAVEY JONES DELI
This deli is home to the Vulcan Wrap, with hummus, almonds, avocado, quinoa, almond pesto and the “Twerks” — a medley of veggies — testing the seams of a spinach
tortilla. (Sausalito) daveyjonesdeli.com
LE GARAGE
Le Garage Chef Olivier Souvestre must add a bit of magic to the delicious Vegetarian Basquaise consisting of bell peppers, tomatoes concasse and poached egg — or maybe it’s just the garlic croutons. (Sausalito) legaragebistrosausalito.com
THEP LELA THAI RESTAURANT
Each savory curry — yellow, red or green, simmered with coconut milk and veggie extras — is available served over tofu. (Mill Valley) theplela.com
Best Sushi
When you make your home near the Pacific, sushi becomes a savory way of life. And whether you favor your seaborne fare artfully laid over rice, rolled in conical fashion or swaddled tightly in seaweed, Marin’s own company of itamae (sushi chefs) are always ready to roll. Below, the most popular maki on the menu.
ROBATA
CATERPILLAR ROLL
591 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley. 415.381.8400, robatagrill.com
SAKURA SUSHI
RED HEART ROLL
100 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael. 415.785.8151, sakurasushisanrafael.com
SUSHI 69
HIRO’S ROLL
69 Center Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.459.6969
SUSHI RAN
CRUNCH ROLL
107 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.332.3620, sushiran.com
SUSHI TO DAI FOR
ASK OUR CUSTOMERS
816 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.721.0392
VILLAGE SAKE
VILLAGE ROLL
19 Bolinas Road, Fairfax. 415.521.5790, villagesake.com
Photo of Village Sake Sushi Roll by Debra Tarrant
Best Breakfast
Breakfast is a time for catching up while you wake up. And whether you’re part of the weekend brunch brigade or fancy yourself an everyday diner, these local eggs-any-style institutions make rising with the sun a great way to start the day.
BAYSIDE CAFE
This unassuming bay-adjacent joint is family-operated, with an extensive menu of favorites destined to become your next “usual.” (Sausalito) baysidecafe-sausalito.com
BREAKERS CAFE
Breakfast is better by the beach. Owned by brothers Sam and Augie Temer, Breakers aims to honor West Marin’s kickback culture with local, organic eats and a relaxed vibe. (Stinson Beach) stinsonbeachcafe.com
CIBO
A local favorite and by-thebay cyclist destination, Cibo boasts a host of outdoor seating ideal for coffee sipping, pastry nibbling and people watching. (Sausalito) 415.331.2426
FRED’S PLACE
Those who prefer their French toast deep fried and sides of bacon candied will find fast favorites at this well-loved breakfast nook. (Sausalito) 415.332.4575
MARVIN’S RESTAURANT
This Marin mainstay is worth the potential wait. Expect large portions, friendly service and expertly executed diner fare — from a variety of benedicts to corned beef hash. (Novato) 415.892.4482
M.H. BREAD AND BUTTER
Keep up with trends in toast at MHBB. A menu of egg dishes and breakfast salads is augmented by thick-sliced bread slathered with a selection of spreads. (San Anselmo) mhbreadandbutter.com
SHORELINE COFFEE SHOP
This old favorite got a facelift a few years back, with old customers and new sidling into brightly colored booths to enjoy a medley of traditional and Mexican-inspired a.m. dishes. (Mill Valley) shorelinecoffeeshop.com
THERESA & JOHNNY’S COMFORT FOOD
Your go-to breakfast may have some competition in Theresa & Johnny’s menu of specials, which includes chicken and waffles and seasonal changeups to supplement a menu of classic pre-noon fare. (San Rafael) theresajohnnys.com
Photo of Fred's Place by Jack Wolford
Best Burger
All burgers are not created equal. Some are crafted quickly and designed to be eaten just as fast, while others boast a certain something — a secret sauce, if you will. If you find yourself polishing off a patty at one of these places, you can bet that your burger is one of quality. Here’s what our favorite grill masters have to say about their take on the American staple.
BELCAMPO MEAT CO.
“Our beef comes from our own farm; it’s all grass-fed, organic certified and aged three weeks before we grind it. That’s unparalleled quality — and you can taste it!” — Anya Fernald. (Larkspur) belcampo.com
BUCKEYE ROADHOUSE
“The Roadhouse Cheeseburger is grilled over a wood fire, the slightly smoky flavor furthered by Welsh sharp cheddar, house-made pickles and a toasted poppy-seed bun.” — Peter Schumacher. (Mill Valley) buckeyeroadhouse.com
FAST FOOD FRANÇAIS
“The BOS burger is our French take on a bacon cheeseburger. We add St. Nectaire cheese and béarnaise sauce — what could be more French and delicious than that?” — Susannah Souvestre. (Sausalito) eatf3.com
JOINERY BEER HALL AND ROTISSERIE
“The Joinery Burger is a classic done really well. The burger is excellent as is but we are partial to the bacon/cheddar upgrade.” — Yella Catalana. (Sausalito) joineryca.com
M&G BURGERS
“Everything we have is delivered fresh every day. We use Prather ranch organic beef, which is hormone free, antibiotic free and grass fed. But we’re still a burger joint.” — Mark Escobar. (Fairfax, Larkspur) 415.454.0655
PARKSIDE CAFE
“A juicy grilled burger after a day at Stinson Beach is simply perfection. Our burger is made with local beef and served on a brioche bun. Eat well, be happy.” — Maxine Gilbert. (Stinson Beach) parksidecafe.com
PERRY'S
“The Perry’s Burger is classic and simple. High-quality meat, handled minimally, seasoned with salt and pepper, grilled and placed on a lightly toasted brioche bun.” — Perry Butler. (Larkspur) perryssf.com
PHYLLIS' GIANT BURGERS
"Our signature Giant Burger is delicious, savory and juicy. Since 1981, we have provided the Bay Area community with the highest-quality burgers, fries and milkshakes.” — Michelle Cho, owner. (Mill Valley, San Rafeal) phyllisgiantburgers.com
