Restaurants in Marin County
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Pelican Inn
The oh-so-English Tudor-style Pelican Inn is Muir Beach’s only commercial establishment. Hikers, cyclists and families come for pub lunches inside its timbered restaurant and cozy bar, perfect for a pint, a game of darts and warming up beside the open fire. The British fare is respectable, but nothing mind-blowing – it’s the setting that’s magical. Upstairs are seven luxe rooms (from $190), each individually decorated in Tudor style, with cushy half-canopy beds.
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Nick’s Cove & Cottages
Celeb SF chef Mark Franz runs the kitchen at Point Reyes’ only destination restaurant, a vintage-1930s roadhouse perched over Tomales Bay (20 minutes north of Point Reyes Station), with trophy heads mounted on knotty pine walls and a roaring fireplace. Book a window table to bird-watch while you sup on impeccable seafood, grilled meats and local oysters – all sustainably farmed. Reservations essential. The adjoining cottages are expensive ($355 to $700), but oh-so romantic.
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Hog Island Oyster Co
Picnic on fresh local oysters in a bayside cove at this renowned oyster farm, which provides tables, barbecues, lemons, hot sauce, trays of ice, shucking knives and instruction. Bring wine, beer and other food items. Bay Area families come every year, and book months ahead for summer weekends (but you can sometimes show up without reservations late afternoons on Saturday and Sunday); best to come weekdays. Make reservations. If you love oysters, don’t miss it.
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Fish
This kid-friendly dockside joint at the end of Harbor Dr hooks locals with sustainable, line-caught fish – some from their own boats – and down-home details, like picnic-table seating and Mason-jar glasses. Sustainability and organics have their price: the Saigon salmon sandwich will set you back $22 – but it’s worth it. No credit cards.
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Lark Creek Inn
Lark Creek Inn is in a lovely spot and is a fine-dining experience. It's housed in an old Victorian building tucked away in a redwood canyon, and the farm-fresh American food (roast veal, seared scallops, roasted chestnut ravioli) is gratifying. The main dining room has a Sunday dinner formality, but you can also dine in the adjacent bar.
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Buckeye Roadhouse
A classic from the days when roadhouses were a common stop along the highway, the Buckeye is a Marin County gem. The food, American to the core, far surpasses traditional truck stop fare. Seared ahi (tuna) salad, fresh sole and Mongolian spiced pork chops appeal to contemporary taste buds and won't leave anyone hungry.
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Sam’s Anchor Cafe
Everyone wants an outdoor table, but you can’t reserve the bay-front patio at this way-popular seafood and burger shack – the town’s oldest restaurant (look for the trapdoor that was used to spirit booze straight from ship to saloon). Good cioppino. Expect seagulls to alight tableside.
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Station House Cafe
The New American menu is a crowd-pleaser, with meatloaf, BBQ ribs, fish and chips, burgers and meat and seafood mains, but the food is just OK and service is slow. Still, we like the outdoor patio and convenient location before or after hiking. Full bar.
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Fork
Fork is an unassuming little spot that is as relaxed as it looks, and its French-Californian inflected menu is very inviting. You can construct a meal of small plates or, if really famished, go for lamb loins or fish and potatoes.
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Tomales Bay Foods
Home of the famous Cowgirl Creamery cheese-makers (tours Friday mornings at 11:30am; reservations recommended), here you can gather stellar picnic fixings – fruit, bread and gooey-delicious cheese.
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Caprice
Here's an intimate waterfront spot. The views are spectacular, especially at sunset, and the food (steaks and chops served with a Continental flair) is nearly equal.
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Parkside Cafe
Parkside Cafe is famous for its hearty breakfasts and lunches, and noted far and wide for its excellent coastal cuisine. For dinner, reservations are recommended.
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Guaymas
Noisy Guaymas, also on the waterfront, packs in a fun, boisterous crowd. Margaritas energize the place, and solid Mexican seafood dishes help keep people upright.
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Drake's Bay Oyster Farm
[ourpick] Drake's Bay Oyster Farm, off Sir Francis Drake Blvd in the park, is the place for oyster-lovers. Make reservations to picnic.
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Depot Bookstore & Cafe
Smack in the town center, Depot serves cappuccinos, sandwiches and light meals. The bookstore sells lots of local publications, including trail guides.
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Perry’s Delicatesen
The great vegetarian sandwiches are made greater with the addition of bacon. Pop one in your backpack and enjoy it mid-hike from a high promontory.
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Johnson Oyster Company
Drake's Bay and nearby Tamales Bay are famous for excellent oysters. This is a great place to stop for a snack to slurp a dozen on the half-shell.
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Guernica
This restaurant has been serving Basque meals in a comfortable, lived-in atmosphere for over a quarter of a century. Paella's the way to go here.
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Cafe Reyes
The Latin-Asian wraps, stir-fries, sandwiches and salads are solidly good, but the best thing is the view from the big outdoor deck.
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Sushi Ran
One of the Bay Area’s top sushi spots. A wine and sake bar ease the pain of long waits – and perhaps the bill.
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Cove Café
This snack bar sells hot dogs, ice cream and barbecued oysters. Rent bicycles for $10 per hour or $35 per day. Cash only.
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Golden Gate Market
Grab deli sandwiches, cheese and wine for picnics at this grocery/deli/liquor store on the town’s south side.
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Las Camelias
Las Camelias is a favorite for homemade Mexican meals that go beyond tacos and enchiladas. Good margaritas, too.
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Priscilla’s Pizza
Good pizza (some soy); other dishes are so-so. In the morning there’s coffee and pastries.
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Caffe Tutti
This café has strong cappuccinos, excellent French pastries and sit-down meals.
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