Join us as we embark on an exciting adventure through our Boutiques and Bites blog series, where we pay tribute to the thriving small businesses in Marin County. With Small Business Saturday just around the corner, we encourage you to indulge your taste buds while showing your love for local establishments. Marin County boasts a plethora of extraordinary restaurants, and this blog will serve as your ultimate guide to the must-visit dining spots and eateries in the area!
Servino - 114–116 Main St, Tiburon; (415) 435-2676
Servino has returned to its original spot on Tiburon's Ark Row, now under the management of the second generation of Servinos, brothers Natale and Vittorio, alongside their parents. The restaurant maintains its warm and inviting atmosphere, and they have added a new enoteca/wine bar with indoor tables, a wraparound bar, and a heated patio. Chef Massimo Covello skillfully crafts California cuisine with a southern Italian influence. The heart of their menu lies in their homemade pasta, complemented by a crudi menu and beloved dishes from the previous menu. As the enoteca opens at 4 p.m., guests can indulge in seasonal cocktails and explore an extensive selection of Italian wines.
*image by Alemia Plumb Photography
Laos Kitchen - 884 Fourth St, San Rafael; (415) 456-4490
Studio SQUIRE is fortunate to have Laos Kitchen as its neighbor, and we make it a point to have lunch there almost every week. Laos Kitchen offers a delightful culinary experience that beautifully showcases the owner's Thai/Lao background. Being neighboring countries, Thailand and Laos share numerous flavor profiles, which are wonderfully reflected in the restaurant's dishes. The flavors at Laos Kitchen are simply exquisite. Among our personal favorites are the mouthwatering Pad Kee Mao and the delectable Kao Soy. And let's not forget about their homemade curries, which are an absolute must-try. The portions served at Laos Kitchen are generous, reminiscent of the family-style service commonly found in Laos and Thailand.
*image from Laos Kitchen website
The Kitchen Table - 1574 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901; (415) 521-5568
The Kitchen Table, situated in the charming West End neighborhood of San Rafael, is not your ordinary restaurant. It is a place where Chef Alexander Alioto and Master Sommelier Nunzio Alioto join forces to create an unforgettable dining experience. With a focus on high-quality, country-style Italian cuisine, this neighborhood gem offers a menu that caters to the whole family. What sets The Kitchen Table apart is its commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients from local suppliers. TKT boasts a carefully curated a wine list that perfectly complements the food, offering a selection of food-friendly wines from around the world. These wines not only provide exceptional value but also add a touch of excitement to your dining experience. So, if you're looking for a restaurant that combines delicious food, a welcoming ambiance, and a touch of wine expertise, look no further than The Kitchen Table. It's a place where memories are made and taste buds are delighted.
*image from The Kitchen Table Google business profile
Madcap - 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo; (415) 453-9898
Chef/owner Ron Siegel's Madcap is a restaurant that strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and approachability. It is widely regarded as one of the top dining establishments in the Bay Area, offering a contemporary culinary experience. The prix fixe menu at Madcap features meticulously crafted dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Madcap is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience that seamlessly blends creativity and culinary expertise. Madcap boasts one Michelin star and consistently earns high praise from guests and food critics alike.
*image from Madcap Google Business profile
Guesthouse Marin - 850 College Ave, Kentfield, CA 94904; (415) 419-5101
Michelle Squire holds Guesthouse in high regard as her personal favorite restaurant in Marin. The establishment was founded by a group of friends who poured years of hard work and dedication into creating a unique dining experience. Chef Jared Rogers has been a prominent figure in Marin's fine dining scene for over ten years, working with the Bay Area's top producers to source exceptional ingredients. Dustin Sullivan heads the beverage program, crafting classically-inspired cocktails that change with the seasons. The wine list boasts a diverse selection of producers, including some lesser-known but excellent winemakers.
*image from Guesthouse Google business profile
Coho - 106 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley; (415) 888-2265
Felicia Ferguson and Luigi Petrone, whose fathers, Domenico and Paulo, established Piazza D'Angelo in Mill Valley four decades ago, have constructed their seafood-focused restaurant from the ground up in the same town they have called home since childhood. While the nearby Piazza pays homage to Southern Italian trattorias, the cousins' establishment showcases the flavors of the California coast through responsibly sourced seafood, meat, and produce.
*image from Coho Facebook profile
Marché - 23 Ross Common, Ross; (415) 925-9200
Darren and Alicia Banks, the owners of Marché, have an interesting journey that led them back to Marin. Before opening Marché in October, they spent eight and a half years running the SandBar restaurant on the beautiful Caribbean island of Anguilla. However, their Marin story began in 1995 when Darren, a Marin native, crossed paths with Alicia at a café in Larkspur during their college years. They are thrilled to be back in Marin, working closely with family-run farms, local wineries, and fisheries. Their goal is to create a unique farm-to-table experience by utilizing seasonal ingredients.
*image from Marche website
The Caprice - 2000 Paradise Drive, Tiburon (415) 435-3400
The Caprice offers a stunning romantic dining experience that you won't forget. Imagine watching a mesmerizing sunset over the Bay while enjoying breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Angel Island. As the fog rolls in, the city lights twinkle in the distance, creating a truly magical ambiance. Savor a zesty Margarita and tantalizing lemon abalone Dore, or indulge in a sizzling prime ribeye steak with a unique pickle martini. This recently renovated mid-century, contemporary chic establishment under new ownership effortlessly captures romance and showcases stunning waterfront views like no other restaurant.
*image from The Caprice Google Business profile
Madrona Bakery - 17 Madrona St, Mill Valley; (415) 915-9120
Run by talented chef, Nicola Carey, and her business partner, Gemma Edward Aron, Madrona Bakery is a must-visit. The star attraction is their wood-fired Alan Scott oven, named Elvira, which produces the perfect golden crust on their bread, including sourdough, baguettes, pain d’epis, and roast chicken. Their menu offers a wide range of tasty treats including coffee, tea, pastries, lemon meringue croissants, and pain au chocolat. Don't forget to treat yourself to their cookies and snack board too! Keep your eyes peeled for their expanded menu launching in December which will feature a selection of local and natural wine and beer selection, specially curated by female-led wineries.
*image from Madrona Bakery Google Business profile
Station House Café - 11285 Hwy 1, Point Reyes Station; (415) 663-1515
The restaurant, renowned for its sustainable cuisine and delicious popovers, has made a triumphant return to its original location in Point Reyes Station after 34 years. The establishment reopened in mid-June, undergoing extensive renovations and expanding into a neighboring retail space. Three distinct dining areas were created, including a bar, the original dining room, and a new room for dining and live music. Sheryl Cahill, the proprietor, continues to work alongside executive chef Aaron Wright. The restaurant will offer brunch, lunch, and dinner, featuring beloved classics and exciting new dishes. To honor its roots, a basket of popovers and corn muffins will be served.
*image from Station House Cafe website
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