Dine

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS IN MARIN EDITED BY CHRISTINA MUELLER

While we await Burmatown’s second location, consider that Corte Madera and Larkspur’s dining scenes include classics — Marin Joe’s will soon celebrate 70 years in business — and favorites like R’noh Thai and Roma Antica. What restaurants do you support? Tell us!

American Known for salads, veggie burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches, the organic fast food concept that originated in Santa Rosa is best experienced via the namesake drive-through, but is just as fun to eat on the colorful, shaded patio. The burrito is even available gluten-free. 5839 Paradise Drive, 415.737.0655

Boca Pizzeria Italian The Italian-inspired pizzeria with a covered outdoor patio at The Village utilizes Northern California’s bounty of seasonal ingredients and showcases local microbreweries and wine country’s boutique varietals. The menu includes appetizers, salads of organic produce when available, pastas, local free-range poultry and meats, desserts, and Neapolitan-style pizzas with house-made mozzarella. 1544 Redwood Hwy, 415.924.3021

Cafe Verde Californian This revamped cafe offers Neapolitan pizza, pasta, risotto and salads nearly all day long. Enjoy any of these items inside or out on the patio along with local and international wines and beers. 502 Tamalpais Drive, 415.927.1060

Flores Mexican With an emphasis on regional Mexican dishes and flavors sourced from family recipes, the menu is based on California seasonality and revolves around gluten-free masa. The daily-made tortillas are featured in dishes such as duck confit enchiladas, Dungeness crab tostadas and chilibraised beef short ribs. There’s a full bar to boot and everything is easily enjoyed on their large, heated patio. 301 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.500.5145

Marin Joe’s Italian A Marin mainstay for over 50 years, with a menu of soups, salads, seafood, mesquite-grilled or sautéed meats and a plethora of pasta options. To add to your dining experience, order the table-side prepared Caesar salad. Not looking for a meal? Enjoy a drink and hear local musicians at the well-known piano bar. 1585 Casa Buena Drive, 415.924.2081

Pig In a Pickle American Fresh and locally sourced brisket, pork, ribs and chicken get star billing at this Town Center eatery. Sauces are crafted to represent various American barbecue regions, including Memphis and South Carolina. House-made pickles, buns and sausages will keep you coming back. 341 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.891.3265 RH Marin American Ride up the golden-hued elevator to the top floor to a restaurant bedecked in RH style and linger over a shaved vegetable salad, a truffled grilled cheese sandwich on Panorama Bakery sourdough or a namesake RH Burger. This rooftop sunroom and outdoor lounge boasts glass ceilings and walls for an epic view of Mt. Tam and a feeling of floating above it all. 1750 Redwood Highway at The Village, 628.266.2040

Veggie Grill Vegan/ Vegetarian A fastcasual restaurant chain that celebrates all things veg by offering a variety of hot sandwiches and burgers, entree salads, bowls, home-style plates, shareable sides, organic teas and housemade desserts prepared only with vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. 147 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.945.8954

Californian Locals pop by the petite wine bar for its cozy, sophisticated atmosphere and an eclectic array of boutique wines, craft beer and light appetizers. An expansive outdoor seating area is partially covered and heat lamps warm the quaint neighborhood space. They also host events and happy hours. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466

Backstage Californian The U-shaped bar makes a comfortable, sociable setting for wine tasting, light appetizers (warmed nuts, artichoke dip) and small plates (avocado toast, charcuterie boards) in downtown Larkspur. Or, nab a seat on the patio to enjoy flights of exclusive picks from small-scale California vineyards on a sunny day. 295 Magnolia Ave, 415.898.6778

Don Antonio Italian Antonio Volpicelli, of the former Don Antonio in Tiburon, runs this location in Larkspur. Choose from standbys like gorgonzola gnocchi, veal parmesan and carbonara and an extensive wine list, all served either inside or out on the spacious patio. Look for the Maine lobster special on Tuesdays. 455 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.3332

Californian A downtown Larkspur gem that is sure to please with simple, healthy food in a warm, cozy atmosphere, both indoors and on the covered patio. The seasonal menu, inspired by American classics, includes biscuits and gravy; a “BLAT” (with avocado) sandwich; and a daily fluffy omelet stuffed with local meats, vegetables and artisanal cheeses. 25 Ward St, 415.891.8577 Farmshop American Farmshop Marin is a top spot for people watching and earns raves for its avocado hummus and Neapolitan-style pizzas pulled from the beehive oven. Indoor and outdoor seating available. 2233 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.755.6700

Seafood The full-service Marin Country Mart location features a full bar with seasonal cocktails, beer and wine and the same bay-to-bar philosophy as the Tomales Bay original. Sit inside or at one of the picnic tables facing the Bay before satiating that oyster craving; then, check the day’s menu to see what was most recently pulled from Marin’s waters before deciding what else to eat. 2401 Larkspur Landing Circle, 628.253.5905

French This authentically classic brasserie has been serving the Larkspur community for more than two decades. Whether on the patio, at the European-style bar or in the casually elegant main dining room with a huge fireplace, it’s a fun and French downtown experience. The restaurant is also hosting two “virtual” restaurant concepts for takeout and delivery only, a Mac ’n Cheese Shop and Lito’s Cocina Hispana (Spanish/Mexican). 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331 Perry's American Perry's on Magnolia has the quintessentially American fare, bustling bar and warm personality the San Francisco original has always been famous for. Along with three separate dining rooms in a historic building, there’s outdoor dining under the twinkling lights on the patio and in the redwood grove. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.1877

Picco Californian Popular since its inception, Picco has a seasonally driven menu featuring items such as risotto (made every half hour), mesquite octopus tostada and butterscotch pot de creme that keep attracting return visits. The warm wood and brick interior is fronted by a popular, six seat bar. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300

Californian The Maringrown bakery is known and loved the world over. Organic bread, croissants and pastries baked fresh each morning and salads, sandwiches, and soups for lunch make Rustic a local staple. Marin Country Mart, 2017 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.9900

Discover your new favorite restaurant. Scan here for our full dining listings: