Variety is the Spice of a Night out in Marin
If your home is in Marin County there is no need to travel across the Bay to find four and five star restaurants. In fact, many urbanites from San Francisco make the trip across the Golden Gate to enjoy restaurants in Marin County where the dining environment is enhanced by the stunning natural beauty of the county.
People who call Main home are living the adage, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” Indeed, traveling to dine at one of Marin’s favorite restaurants is part of a total experience, explaining why so many people from the Bay Area look forward to the trip.
Sausalito and Deliciously Beyond
Closest to San Francisco is the charming town of Sausalito, with its community of eclectic house boats bobbing in the Bay. It’s been said that Sausalito is more like a European fishing village than an American town and the international cuisine available reflects that impression. Gaylord India is a dining institution in the historic section of Sausalito with an extensive menu of predictably excellent Indian cuisine. Adding to the ambience, it’s possible to catch the mesmerizing sound of a live sitar being played on select evenings.
Scoma’s Sausalito is yet another landmark restaurant in the Village. With a spectacular view overlooking the Bay, diners can enjoy fresh seafood and Italian cuisine. Sushi Ran also takes advantage of Sausalito’s proximity to the blue Pacific. This Japanese restaurant is extremely popular with Marin residents who appreciate the just-caught freshness of fish dishes, sushi and nigiri. Sushi Ran is not, however, bound to tradition. The restaurant is known for its fusion of Japanese and Pacific cuisine, prepared by outstanding chefs.
Caccuicco is a banquet of Tuscan delights that focuses on fresh ingredients. In the mood for Burrata Tuscana followed by Nocetta and a rich Cacciucco, Livornese seafood stew? The experience awaits Sausalito diners who stroll down from their Sausalito homes or drive the distance.
Mill Valley to Navato
Moving north to Mill Valley, diners will find an upscale pan-Asian restaurant and lounge by the name of Ora. In the bar, flights of sake are offered for tasting and exotic, imaginative drinks are poured. Silent films dance on the wall, and waterfalls create their own music as innovative dishes travel from the kitchen to candle lit tables with chairs bedecked in soft pillows.
In contrast, another of Mill Valley’s top restaurants features a very traditional Tuscan ambience and the time-honored craft of making olive oil. Frantoio Restaurant and Olive Oil Company offers a chance for Marin home owners to experience how organic olive oil is made and then taste delicious dishes made with fresh ingredients and, of course, olive oil for dipping.
Of course, Marin has dozens of restaurants drawing from many dining traditions such as Thai, Mexican, American comfort food, Indian and more.
Further north to San Anselmo is Fork, named one of the Bay Area’s Top 100 Restaurants. French cuisine is served and a seven-course tasting menu is a favorite for Marin diners who want to sample exquisite French food. The ambience is quietly artistic and elegance abounds. AVA Restaurant is also in San Anselmo. Since AVA stands for American Viticultural Area, it’s likely wines play a prominent role at this popular restaurant. Indeed they do – but only California wines. These, paired with fresh California cuisine make AVA a destination for diners who call Marin home.
People come from miles around Novato to enjoy the unique fusion cuisine of Boca, steak and seafood restaurant. Influenced by Argentine cooking and in the hands of noted chef George Morrone, Boca gets rave reviews from professional food critics and a grateful public. Grass and grain fed beef is cooked over oak and almond, and enhanced with original sauces. The menu is embellished by 150 bottles of wine from local producers, Spain and Argentina.
Diverse and Delectable
Of course, this is just a sampling of the hundreds of fine restaurants that make up Marin’s dining and nightlife community. Small places that feature ethnic foods, vegetarian restaurants, traditional American cafes and new fusion cuisine can be found throughout Marin County. People who own homes in Marin need only to step outside their front doors to discover all this delicious diversity. After all, good food and interesting dining experiences are in keeping with Marin County’s focus on an excellent quality of life.
