Marin County: Bolinas, Fairfax, Larkspur, Marshall, Mill Valley, Novato, Point Reyes Station, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausalito, Stinson Beach
Bolinas Market and Deli - Bolinas
Daily 9:00am-7:00pm
Location: 40 Wharf Road, downtown (a few doors away from the Bolinas Museum)
Why Go There? Convenient no frills deli within small market offers made-to-order, simple reasonably priced sandwiches, variety of cold beverages, chips, fruit; outlet for Parkside Bakery: Stinson Beach artisan bread (see separate listing)
Access: Nearby street parking (limited, especially on weekends); West Marin Stagecoach bus
More Information: Telephone: (415) 868-1441
Coast Cafe - Bolinas
Monday (coffee drinks only, early morning-11:30am); Tuesday-Fridays, lunch 11:00am-3:00pm, dinner 5:00pm-8:00pm; Saturday-Sundays brunch, dinner
Location: 46 Wharf Road, downtown
Why Go There? Menu focus: freshly prepared locally caught catch-of-the-day fish, sustainably farmed meats, organic produce. Rustic cozy cafe vibe; live music Thursdays, Sundays; front porch outdoor tables catch afternoon sunshine.
Access: Street parking (limited, especially on weekends); West Marin Stagecoach bus
More Information: Facebook
Gospel Flat Farm Stand Market - Bolinas
Daily, year-round, 24 hours/day (seasonal offerings)
Location: Olema/Bolinas Roads, just before stop sign/plant nursery
Why Go There? Artsy, funky market/farmstand run by multi-generation family farm: wood-fired brick/stone oven baked breads (occasional, first-come-first serve); seasonal crops; honor system payment drop box; half-day farm tours, classes (contact for rates, reservations)
Access: Drive; West Marin Stagecoach bus
More Information: Gospel Flat Farm
Fairfax Brewfest - Fairfax (not curator reviewed)
March
Location: 142 Bolinas Road: Fairfax Pavilion
Why Go There? Local celebration features California/regional beers, live Irish music, pub food available for purchase; people's choice voting
Access: Street parking; public transportation
More Information: Fairfax Brewfest
Fairfax Scoop Ice Cream - Fairfax
Daily 12:00pm-10:00pm (closes for holidays, winter break)
Location: 63 Broadway Boulevard
Why Go There? Tiny ice cream shop serves artisan, house-made small-batch organic ice cream, sorbet; sources local fruit, dairy ingredients; rotating, seasonal flavors; very limited seating; expect lines weekday afternoons, weekend evenings.
Access: Street parking; public transportation
More Information: Telephone: 415-453-3130 (or check on-line reviews)
Taste Kitchen & Bakery - Fairfax, San Rafael
Daily 8:00am-5:00pm; no reservations
Location: 71 Broadway Boulevard, Fairfax; 850 4th Street, San Rafael
Why Go There? Tiny bakery/cafe popular with locals for a reason: breakfast, lunch menu items are fresh, made-to-order, healthy choices; daily-made rustic breads, rich pastries. Sources from local farms; items to go and/or pick up; occasional to-go pop-up supper dishes.
More Information: Taste Kitchen and Table + Facebook
Emperio Rulli Cafe, Bakery - Larkspur
Daily Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:30pm, Friday-Saturday 7:30am-6:30pm, Sunday 7:30am-5:30pm
Location: 464 Magnolia
Why Go There? Original location (has several San Francisco locations) for classically trained founder's artful rich Italian pastries, cakes, cookies, tortes, espresso drinks, paninis
Access: Street parking; public transportation
More Information: Rulli
Farmshop - Larkspur
Daily 11:30am-11:30pm (midnight Friday-Saturday)
Location: 2233 Larkspur Landing Circle, in Marin Country Mart
Why Go There? Thoughtful, beautifully crafted local farm, artisanal-sourced ingredient wood-fire pizzas, salads, roasted meats, seafoods, assorted dishes. Dessert includes Sonoma County water buffalo milk gelato from Double 8 Dairy; special event wine dinners.
Access: Larkspur Landing center free parking; public transportation
More Information: Farmshop
Marin Brewing – Beer/Casual dining - Larkspur
Daily 11:30am–midnight; 1:00am Friday-Saturday
Location: 1809 Larkspur Landing Circle
Why Go There? Casual, refreshing stop for meal and/or beer; great selection rotating seasonal, house beers. Artful labels, beer names reflect local sites: memorabilia, beers to-go make nice souvenirs. Community-minded company started by Marin natives sponsors annual July Breastfest (features beer, food, music, raising funds to help low-income women with cancer).
Access: Larkspur Landing center free parking; public transportation
More Information: Marin Brewing + The Breastfest
Marin Country Mart Farmers Market - Larkspur
Saturday, year-round 9:00am-2:00pm
Location: 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle
Why Go There? Local and organic produce, flowers, pastured meats, seafood, organic cheeses, yogurt, milk, breads, baked goods, nuts, confections, olive oil, jams; live music(noon); ready-to-eat: grilled cheese, organic sausages, Belcampo Meat Company hot dogs, sweet/savory crepes.
Access: Larkspur Landing center free parking; public transportation
More Information: Marin Country Mart
Pizzeria Picco - Ice cream, Pizza - Larkspur
Daily 5:00pm-9:00pm (open 12:00pm on weekends)
Location: 316 Magnolia Avenue
Why Go There? Neapolitan-style thin crust wood-fired oven pizzas, organic salads; local sourced ingredients; house-made Straus Family Creamery base organic soft serve ice cream desserts; popular (expect a wait)
Access: Street parking; public transportation
More Information: Pizzeria Picco
Rustic Bakery Cafe - Larkspur
Daily 7:00am–6:00pm
Location: 1139 Magnolia Avenue; 2017 Larkspur Landing Circle (Marin Country Mart)
Why Go There? Tantalizing organic rustic breads, crunchy flat bread, crostini, pastries, cookies available to go; breakfast, lunch menu features local sourced ingredient soups, salads, sandwiches, housemade granola, coffee drinks, adult beverages
Access: Downtown street parking; Larkspur Landing center parking; public transportation
More Information: Rustic Bakery
Nick's Cove Restaurant - Marshall
Daily, 11:00am-9:00pm
Location: 23240 Highway One
Why Go There? Fresh, local sourced seafood, farm ingredients; occasional winemaker, brewer dinners; prix-fixe dinners, events (live music Tuesdays); Tomales Bay views (comes with a price!); reservations advised.
More Information: Nick’s Cove
Muir Woods Cafe - Mill Valley
Daily 9:00am-7:00pm
Location: 1 Muir Woods Road, Muir Woods National Monument (entrance fee for age 16+; free entrance: 62+ (with purchased lifetime pass, good for all national parks, monuments), active military, active volunteer; designated “fee-free day”; or hike into park from side trails).
Why Go There? Eco-minded cafe inside national monument (contains stand of ancient tall redwood trees, many trails) offers simple menu; emphasizes freshly prepared locally farm-sourced ingredients: organic breads/baked items, organic ice cream, snacks, salads, sandwiches, soup, non-alcoholic beverages. Educational recycling/local farm sourcing signage.
Access: Parking near main park entrance extremely limited, usually full during peak season weekends. Shuttle buses run from overflow parking areas; public transportation desirable option.
More Information: Muir Woods Trading Compan
Piazza D'Angelo's restaurant - Mill Valley
Monday-Friday 11:30am-11:00pm (11:30pm Friday-Saturday) Saturday-Sunday opens 10:30am for brunch; happy hour 3:00pm-6:00pm
Location: 22 Miller Avenue, downtown
Why Go There? Daily happy hour food/bar menu, 3 course prix-fixe Sunday Family Suppers; wood-burning oven; freshly prepared Italian dishes; patio, fireplace, weekend brunches, full bar
Access: Metered street parking; public transportation
More Information: Piazza D’Angelo
Super Duper Burgers Organic Soft Serve Ice Cream - Mill Valley, Novato
Daily 7:00am-10:00pm
Location: 430 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley; Hamilton Marketplace, 5800 Nave Drive Suite C, Novato
Why Go There? Made with Straus Family Creamery organic dairy products, vanilla (also available: chocolate, mixed swirl) soft ice cream cone, optional dark chocolate coating dip worth a stop, especially after a hike. Adults can opt for a spiked milkshake; menu features burgers, other "fast food" fare; locations in San Francisco, South Bay.
More Information: Super Duper Burgers
Palace Market, Double 8 Dairy Cielo Gelato, Ice Cream - Point Reyes Station
Daily 8:00am-9:00pm
Location: Palace Market, 13100 Highway 1, downtown Toby's Feed Barn 11250 California Highway 1: 11:30am-5:00pm, Thursdays- Sundays (summer months only)
Why Go There? Creamy, fresh tasting artisan Sonoma County farm produced water buffalo milk gelato pints, soft serve ice cream cones sold in family-owned Palace Market (and summer months: Tony's Feed Barn). Handful of San Francisco, Marin stores, restaurants carry or serve Double 8 gelato, ice cream (see San Francisco listings: Bi-Rite Creamery).
Access: Drive, street parking. Holidays, weekends can be challenging.
More Information: Palace Market
Insalatas - San Anselmo
Daily
Location: 120 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
Why Go There? Mediterranean focused food; check for weekly changing three course prix-fixe dinners/optional wine pairings; art filled setting; popular with locals
Access: Drive, street parking; public transportation
More Information: Insalatas
MH Bread and Butter Bakery Cafe - San Anselmo
Wednesday-Monday 7:00am-4:00pm, closed Tuesday
Location: 101 San Anselmo Avenue
Why Go There? Small artisan bakery/cafe with rustic breads, pastries, seasonal baked treats; sandwiches, soups, egg dishes
Access: Drive, street parking; public transportation
More Information: MH Bread and Butter
Valenti & Co Ristorante & Vino Bar - San Anselmo
Tuesday-Sunday 5:00pm-10:00pm
Location: 337 San Anselmo Avenue
Why Go There? Charming setting within historic San Anselmo Inn; wine bar selections varied; carefully prepared Italian food using local, sustainly sourced ingredients receives kudos from locals, visitors
Access: Drive, street parking; public transportation limited evenings
More Information: Valenti & Co
Il Davide restaurant - San Rafael
Tuesday-Saturday 11:30am-10:00pm, Sunday opens 4:00pm
Location: 901 A Street, between Third/Fourth Avenues, downtown
Why Go There? Northern Italian lunch,dinner; local, organic sourced ingredients; consistently highly rated. Housemade pasta, gnocchi, desserts; lunch special: soup or salad, pasta plate choices; outdoor seating.
Access: City parking lot nearby, metered street parking (8:00am-8:00pm); public transportation
More Information: Il Davide
Ponsford's Place Bakery & Innovation Center - San Rafael
Pop-up days, hours - see facebook page
Location: 117 Shaver Street
Why go there? Small pop up neighborhood bakery open limited days/times offers tasty selection of rustic breads, savory, sweet pastries; popular so expect to wait in line (outside). Also hosts guest bakery classes, events.
More Information: Facebook
San Rafael Farmers' Market - San Rafael
Year-round, Sunday 8:00am-1:00pm
(Thursday 8:00am-1:00pm, 10 Avenue of the Flags/Veteran's Memorial Auditorium)
Location: 3501 Civic Center Drive/Peter Behr Drive
Why Go There? 30+ years, one of the largest farm-direct markets in California, offers local produce, flowers/plants, breads/baked goods, cheeses, nuts, Bay Area made chocolates, condiments, prepared foods, artisan crafts, live music
Fish - Sausalito
Daily 11:30am-8:30pm (limited menu 4:30pm-5:30pm)
Location: 350 Harbor Drive
Why Go There? Very casual, order-at-the-counter, cash-only restaurant serving sustainable, fresh seafood, with limited (and noisy) indoor seating; patio tables with great Sausalito views. Serves lunch, dinner.
Access: Drive, lot parking; public transportation
More Information: 311Fish
Poggio Trattoria Tuesday Night Suppers - Sausalito
Daily 6:30am-10:00pm, Friday-Saturday until 11:00pm
Location: 777 Bridgeway, downtown
Why Go There? House-made crunchy thin (addictive!) breadsticks; consistently delicious Italian food using local sourced seasonal ingredients. Tuesday evenings (two or more people) can opt for reasonably priced prix-fixe three course dinner (changes monthly): ample appetizer course, entree, dessert. Regular menu dessert includes Double 8 dairy water buffalo milk gelato (optional as an affagado: espresso poured over a scoop).
Access: Drive, metered street parking; public transportation
More Information: Poggio Trattoria
Parkside Cafe & Bakery, Snackbar - Stinson Beach
Open daily 6:00am-6:00pm (espresso/pastry bar); 7:30am-9:00pm
Location: 43 Arenal Avenue
Why Go There? Organic wild yeast breads baked daily; farm, fishermen direct-sourced salads, cheese, seafood, sandwiches, warming soups, entrees, sourdough crust wood fired oven pizzas, rich pastries will fortify beach goers. Snack bar offers soft serve organic ice cream cones, coffee drinks.
More Information: Parkside Cafe
Additional Resources
Marin Agricultural Land Trust - Marin
On-farm tastings, tours, events support Marin County farmlands
Farmers Markets - Marin County
Food and Farm Tours - Marin (not curator reviewed)
Farm, cheese, food tours (fee)
Point Reyes Cheese - Point Reyes Station
Cheese company classes, tours, farm dinners (dinners sell out months ahead)
Cheese Trail- California
Craft cheesemakers (and other specialty dairy products, including Double 8 Dairy water buffalo gelato), events, maps
Marin trail map