DINE

BY CHRISTINA MUELLER

Breakfast still means eggs and plenty of protein at restaurants around Marin, but the county’s passion for pastry means expansive offerings of laminated dough in every nook and cranny.

Bayside Café

Calling this homey café “Southern-inspired” captures the chicken-fried steak and eggs vibe as well as the from scratch biscuits. But that would leave out the Smokin’ Philly Omelette and breakfast nachos with bacon or chorizo so let’s just agree on “all-American.”

1 Gate 6 Rd, Sausalito; 415.331.2313; baysidecafe-sausalito.com

Salt & Pepper

We know it's dessert, but an affogato espresso could stand-in for brunch with its topper of ice cream and whipped cream on the side. For something a little easier on the waistline, you can’t go wrong with a tofu scramble or spinach frittata. 38 Main St, Tiburon; 415.435.3594; saltandpeppertiburon.com

Cup of Joe’s at Taco Joe’s

A cart in front of Taco Joe’s is open as early as 6 a.m. weekdays for fresh baked goods from Berkeley’s Starter Bakery and hot lattes or Oaxacan hot chocolate. A small menu of morning fare — breakfast tacos, burritos and sandwiches — can be enjoyed inside or on the newly built patio. 382 Miller Ave, Mill Valley; 415.383.8164; joestacolounge.com

Half Day Café

Breakfast at lunch is definitely a thing and you can have all the eggy goodness — coffee-Kahlua battered French toast or green eggs and ham — weekdays, just like you can on the weekends. 848 College Ave, Kentfield; 415.755.4575; halfdaycafe.net

Barefoot Café

Plate-sized buttermilk pancakes generously topped with blueberries are enough to satisfy a teenage boy’s appetite (for real). And though we don’t know who the Eggs Brady are named for, they are topped with lox, or salt-cured salmon. 1900 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax; 415.460.2160; barefootcafe.com

Farm House Local

Though inside is cozy on chilly days, the covered, enclosed back patio is a major draw for regulars who come for the Bicycle Coffee and homemade biscuits with sausage gravy. The menu changes with the seasons but house made gravlax draped over a celery root pancake is eternal. 25 Ward St, Larkspur; 415.891.8577; farmhouselocal.com

Fox & Kit

The play space may be geared towards the littlest ones, but the coffee, from Sacramento’s Temple Coffee, and chic space is aimed squarely at the adults. Pair an Einspänner (that’s a Viennese style coffee drink topped with whipped cream) with a pastry from Berkeley’s Starter Bakery or a house made burrito or slice of quiche.

A grilled cheese menu is in the works. 1031 C St, San Rafael; 415.991.5061; foxandkit.com Scan here for more.

Burmatown Asian

Though the menu remains largely the same (that tea leaf salad! Those bao!) at the new location down the street from the original, the addition of a grill boosts the menu with dishes like kalbi ribs or smoked salmon collars. A long bar on one side of the room serves wine and beer and the front windows slide open for easy access to a large patio. 18 Tamalpais Ave, 415.985.5060; burmatown.com

$ BB

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 a highlight. 301 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.500.5145; floressf.com

HH BB

Marin Joe’s Italian

A mainstay for over 50 years for a reason: the menu calls to you with garlic bread, a calamari sandwich and mesquite-grilled prime rib. Sautéed classics of the ItalianAmerican canon as well as oysters doré and pastas have withstood the test of time.

1585 Casa Buena Dr, 415.924.2081; marinjoesrestaurant. com

Zinz Wine Bar

Californian

Locals pop by the petite wine bar for its cozy, sophisticated atmosphere and an eclectic array of boutique wines and craft beer, all available for takeout. A short menu of prosciutto-wrapped dates, charcuterie and cheese boards is perfect for enjoying during a Friday night tasting event. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466; zinzwinebar.com

HH $

Barefoot Cafe American Chef Tony Senehi’s all-day cafe in the heart of town is known for Californiainspired dishes made from local, organic ingredients. Pear almond pancakes and eggs Benedict (ask for “the Brady” to get lox) are popular at breakfast, while a BBQ pulled pork sandwich is a hot seller at lunch. 1900 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.460.2160; barefootcafe.com

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Sorella Caffe Italian feature local cheeses, oysters, and produce while the cheeseburger with Stemple Creek beef and the miso-glazed black cod have dedicated followers. 23 Broadway, 415.524.8478; stillwaterfairfax.com

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Guesthouse

Californian

Jared Rogers, the former executive chef of Picco, heads up the kitchen, partnering with restaurateur Dustin Sullivan on this 110-seat space. Look for well-executed California cuisine with weekly specials like Prime Rib on Mondays and fried chicken on Sundays. 850 College Ave, Kentfield, 415.419.5101; guesthousemarin.com

HH

Half Day Cafe

American

Tucked away in a setting of intertwining ivy and large open windows, this cafe is the quintessential breakfast nook and is also open for brunch and lunch, including coffee drinks, pastries and much more. Enjoy a casual daytime meal inside or out on the patio. 848 College Ave, Kentfield, 415.459.0291; halfdaycafe.net

Run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella, which means “sister” in Italian, serves fresh Italian with a northern influence. Favorites include the cioppino, butternut squash ravioli, and pollo alla Sorella, others insist on returning just for the garlic bread. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520; sorella caffe.com HH $ BB HH $ BB

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Stillwater Californian

Fairfax native Margaret Ruiz and her life and business partner, David, bring the bounty of the county to the table.

Appetizers and salads community for more than two decades. Whether on the patio, bar or in the elegant main dining room with a huge fireplace, it’s a fun experience. The menu features authentic French cuisine utilizing seasonal, local and organic ingredients.

507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331; leftbank.com

Perry’s American Perry’s on Magnolia has the same classic American cuisine, bustling bar and warm service and personality the San Francisco original has always been famous for. Plentiful outdoor dining options. It’s bar is a perennial best of the county winner. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.1877; perryssf.com

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Pizzeria Picco Pizza

This family-friendly parlor next door to Picco offers California-influenced Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a woodburning oven. Fresh mozzarella is pulled in-house and the menu also features organic salads, antipasti and Straus Dairy soft-serve ice cream. Heated outdoor seating is available. 316 Magnolia Ave, 415.945.8900; pizzeriapicco.com $

R’noh Thai Thai

Left Bank Restaurant French

This Parisian-style brasserie by Chef Roland Passot has been serving the

For an indulgent treat, try the fried sweet potato appetizer. 1000 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.0599; rnohthai.com

Rustic Bakery Californian

The Marin-grown bakery is known and loved the world over: Pope Francis famously requested Rustic Bakery flatbread and crostini when he visited the U.S. in 2015. Organic bread and pastries baked fresh each morning and salads, sandwiches, and soups make this a staple. 2017 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.9900 and 1139 Magnolia Ave; 415.925.1556; rustic bakery.com

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Bungalow 44 American

The bustling bar is ideal for savoring a seasonal cocktail or an order of the house’s famous kickin’ fried chicken. The one-dollar happy hour oyster program still operates from 5–6 p.m., Monday–Thursday and the heated outdoor patio is a town hot spot. 44 E Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500; bungalow44.com

Floodwater Californian or dive into Shorty’s Tall Reuben. The Patio features multiple fire pits. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.843.4545; floodwatermv.com

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Gravity Tavern

American

With ingredients suited to reflect modern tastes, American classics like grilled chicken Waldorf salad with pickled grapes, lobster roll with toasted challah and veggie slaw, and a land and sea pasta with housemade egg pasta, pork belly and crab, may have also been familiar fare for passengers of the Mt. Tam gravity car for which this saloon was named. 38 Miller Ave, 415.888.2108; gravitytavern.com

BB HH

Harmony Chinese

A warm, inviting place to enjoy classical and innovative Cantonese fare with the house specialty, hand crafted dim sum. Local favorites include savory Peking duck with steamed tea buns, juicy Shanghai dumplings, and unique bites like minced lamb with radicchio cups. The famous signature beef is a definite must. 401 Strawberry Village, 415.381.5300; harmonyrestaurant group.com

Hook Fish Co Seafood

This cozy place with a patio by the Corte Madera Creek has a reputation for fresh flavors. It’s all here, from curries and Thai barbecue to noodle dishes and the classic tom kha (coconut lemongrass soup).

Order a handcrafted “Gold Rush” (Old Forester bourbon, local honey, lemon) at the long 20 seat bar and watch the game on five huge 4K TVs while noshing on pork belly steamed buns,

The wood-ceilinged dining room feels like a boat’s galley and the spot’s popular outdoor beer garden adjacent to Mill Valley’s Proof Lab at Tam Junction has 13 taps, but the draw at this counter-service joint is the seafood.

The transparent supply chain means you can enjoy the poke, fish and chips or fish tacos knowing where and on what boat your meal came from. 254 Shoreline Hwy; hook fishco.com

Piatti Ristorante and Bar Italian

A fireplace lounge and open format concept invites lingering over refreshed menu items such as house made ravioli with lemon cream and citrus gremolata, roasted mushroom pizza with taleggio fonduta and black truffle oil or roasted salmon with artichokes and Calabrian chili. 625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525; piatti. com

Tamalpie Italian

With views of Mt. Tam from the covered, heated patio, this spot known for its local sourcing also features two fireplaces and a full bar serving craft cocktails, wine and beer. The difference is in the dough, small batch, housemade and gluten-free. 477 Miller Ave, 415.388.7437; tamalpiepizzeria.com

Watershed

Californian

Gather ’round the fire pit in front of the restaurant at the Lumber Yard or hang out at the long bar for a pre-dinner glass of wine before sampling one of the many dishes curated to reflect the bounty of Marin. The Stemple Creek Ranch burger and fresh pastas are matched with a bevy of simply prepared, easy to share dishes.

129 Miller Ave, 415.888.2406; watershed.com

Ayawaska Latin American

An outpost of the Petaluma original fills the space that once housed Hilltop 1892. A menu of Peruvian classics includes lomo saltado and the country’s famous ceviches (try the a la Huancaina with the catch of the day). 850 Lamont Ave; 415.944.2066; ayawaskasf.com

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The Speakeasy American

There’s nothing like the comfort of a solid burger and beer when you’re kicking back and watching the game. In addition to the 10 beers on tap, cocktails range from the 1920’s to the 2020’s. A shareable, tapas-style menu includes grilled maitake mushrooms, escargot and mini street tacos. 504 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.7793; thespeakeasynovato. com HH $

Toast American

With outdoor dining and spacious inside seating at Hamilton Marketplace, large parties, families and everyone else dives in on comfort food favorites like corned beef hash, buttermilk pancakes and at dinner, chicken schnitzel and shrimp scampi.5800 Nave Drive, 415.382.1144; toastnovato.com

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Trailhead American Order breakfast (the vegan egg sandwich is a must), shareable snacks (pretzel and Pliny beer cheese), paninis, salads, and Equator coffee drinks at the counter before grabbing a seat on the all-day café’s shaded patio. The baked goat cheese is a standout and pairs with the 10 local beers and two wines available on tap or from the craft can program. 127 San Marin Drive; 415.493.6902; trailhead novato.com $

The Baan Thai Cuisine Thai

Known for its mango sticky rice, crispy corn cakes and The Baan Thai salad, new menu items like fresh spring rolls and steamed dumplings and old favorites such as the tom kha soup entice with fresh flavors and just the right amount of sweet heat. 726 San Anselmo Ave, 415.457.9470; baanthaimarin.com

Comforts Cafe

American

Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch.

Besides the famous Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stuffed pecan-crusted French toast, chicken Okasan (nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by fans), Korean BBQ flank steak and Wor Won Ton soup. 335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840; comfortscafe.com

$ BB

Creekside Pizza & Tap Room

American

A perennial Best of the County winner known for their artisan pizzas, hearty sandwiches, flavorful pastas and fresh salads, Creekside offers plentiful gluten-free and vegan options too. Their copper bar with a 40-handle selection of craft beer (including gluten-free beer), plus wine and kombucha on tap.

638 San Anselmo Ave, 415.785.4450; creeksidesa.com

Cucina sa Italian

Open for lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner six nights a week for the house’s famous homemade pastas, seasonal salads, and wood-fired pizzas that strike a balance between southern Italy and northern California. 510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942; cucina-sa.com

Flour Craft Bakery

American

Along with artisan gluten-free and an assortment of vegan pastries, breads, and specialoccasion cakes, this petite cafe serves a lunch menu of socalled fancy toast (avocado, ricotta) and big green salads with seasonal flair. Customer favorites include oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, decadent cinnamon rolls, flourless hazelnut brownies, and the bakery’s signature granola. 702 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.3100; flourcraftbakery.com

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Marché Californian

Into the former Marche aux Fleurs space comes Marché from owners Darren and Alicia Banks. Their focus on seasonal ingredients in plates of avocado toast with Urfa chile, shishito peppers with togarashi, house made gnocchi with shiitakes, and corn and duck confit with green lentils is Californian all the way. 23 Ross Common, Ross; 415.925.9200; marchemarin.com

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Marinitas Mexican

This sister restaurant of Insalata’s

Valenti & Co.

Italian

The bright yet cozy indoor space and warmly lit back patio are ideal environments for authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients. The menu changes daily but look for the carpaccio of beef, the pan-seared Pekin duck and chef Valenti’s famous tower of triple chocolate love at dessert.

337 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.7800; valentico.com

Cafe Arrivederci seasonal marketinspired cuisine like stone-oven-baked flatbreads, handmade pastas and organic salads, all innovatively prepared. Black sesame-crusted tuna is classic, even better with an Il Capo negroni. 881 Fourth St, 415.721.0600; vinantico.com

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Angelino Restaurant

Italian continues to flourish as a bastion of creative Mexican and Central and South American cuisine. Not your typical south-of-theborder spot, they serve up top-notch margaritas and Latin lusciousness. 218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.454.8900; marinitas.com

HH $ BB

Taco Jane's Mexican

The full bar features plentiful tequila and mezcal selections and its regional Mexican cuisine includes Oaxacan mole, fish tacos and vegetarian options.

Black Gold salsa arrives with complimentary chips and is created from charred blackened tomatoes and roasted chilis.

Enclosed patio seating is available year round. 21 Tamalpais Ave, 415.454.6562; tacojanes.com

HH $ BB

Italian

Cafe Arrivederci has been located in the heart of San Rafael for the past 27 years. Chef Tito is proud to serve fresh homemade pastas and dishes from all over Italy. Visit the expansive dining room, full bar, garden patio and private rooms for parties and events.

11 G St, San Rafael; 415.453.6427; cafearrivederci.com N

Cafe del Soul

Californian

Healthy options become addictive at this eatery that now has locations in Tam Junction and San Rafael. Once you stop in for the deliciously fresh quinoa wrap, you’ll want to return to try the chipotle rice bowl. 1408 Fourth Street, 415.457.5400; cafedelsoul.net

Vin Antico American

Vin Antico, “where passion meets the plate,” serves

Italian ingredients. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771; poggiotrattoria.com

BB

The Spinnaker

Seafood

Multiple generations of the Arcona family create an authentic Italian eatery with handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti that has showcased the cuisine of the Campania region for more than 20 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225; angelino restaurant.com

Fish Seafood

It has been said that this restaurant and fish market launched the sustainable seafood movement, making it the ultimate place for freshly caught, unobjectionable fare. Order any of the day’s offerings – the menu changes daily but usually has a variation of fish tacos, ceviche and grilled fish. 350 Harbor Dr, 415.331.3474; 331fish.com

Poggio Italian

Vitello sliced excruciatingly thin and topped with lemon and tonnato sauce is a singular dish in the hands of executive chef Benjamin Balesteri who creates Northern Italian fare using local and

Chef Phil Collins excels at preparing seafood, and it shows in the beautifully plated presentations like a classic shrimp Louie salad or linguini with clams. Set right on the water with sweeping views of San Francisco. 100 Spinnaker Dr, 415.332.1500; spinnakersasausalito.us

The Caprice

Californian Expansive bay views from every seat are just one of many charms after an extensive remodel. The revamped menu of well-crafted comfort food from land (bone-in filet mignon, Colorado lamb chops) and sea (gnocchi with crab, abalone dore). 2000 Paradise Drive, 415.435.3400; thecaprice.com

HH BB

Petite Left Bank

French

A smaller version of the Larkspur original features an all-day menu of French bistro classics. A notable wine list, artisan craft cocktail menu, and spirit-free beverages round out the lively experience. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, 415.910.1010; petiteleftbanktiburon. com $ N

Salt & Pepper

American

A locals favorite for classic American fare. From morning’s Bloody Mary and eggs Benedict through lunch’s clams bouillabaisse and hamburger to dinner’s crab cakes with jalapeño dipping sauce and skirt steak tacos. 38 Main St, 415.435.3594; saltandpepper tiburon.com

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Tiburon Tavern

Californian

Food service at the Lodge at Tiburon is in the hands of Luna Blu’s Renzo and Crystal Azzarello who run the Tiburon Tavern bar, restaurant and other on-site eating opportunities. Executive chef Selvin Vicente is on board to handle the flow from breakfast and brunch through dinner. The wide patio is in service, too. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.3133; lodgeattiburon.com

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BB Brunch

Date Spot

Dogs Welcome Full Bar Grab ’n Go

HH Happy Hour

Kid-friendly New Hot Spot

$ Meal under $20 Outdoor Seating Private Party Room

Come join us for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch! From stuffed, pecancrusted french toast to delicious scrambles, juicy burgers and fantastic salads, our menus change to reflect the seasons. With graduation season upon us, let Comforts provide all your grad’s favorites, for an easy and delicious celebration party! View our catering menu on our website for more information.

COMFORTS

335 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 415.454.9840 comfortscafe.com

Intimate Dining • Exceptional Views

Brunch/Lunch: Fri, Sat & Sun 12-8pm

Dinner: Everyday 5-8pm, Serving till 10:30pm

Complimentary Evening Valet Parking

2000 Paradise Drive, Tiburon • (415) 435-3400 • thecaprice.com

Café Zoetrope is located in the majestic Sentinel Building, a San Francisco historic landmark in the heart of North Beach, and the home to Francis Ford Coppola’s American Zoetrope Studio (film production company where the origin of the Café name comes from).