You can't throw a rock in San Francisco without hitting a fantastic restaurant, worthy of numerous stars and recommended dishes that can cause a person to die. Right on the spot. Die. Here, on my side of the Golden Gate, you may have to chuck a few more rocks, but there are plenty of worthy eateries worth the trip across the bay.
Farmshop
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Drive to the San Francisco Ferry Building and hop on a ferry to Larkspur Landing. Walk the couple steps across the street to the Marin Country Mart, and grab a table at Farmshop. It's low-key, with dark walnut table tops, teal mohair and leather booths, and indoor and outdoor seating. The owner/chef Jeff Cerciello began his career under Thomas Keller at the French Laundry and the food here is of that quality, but not as fancy. There are Wood-fired Pizzas, Smashed Little Organic Farms Potatoes (which just sound cute) and a lunchtime Pastrami Sandwich which is bonkers. I was there for dessert recently and had a Harvest Spiced Mousse. It tasted similar to what I imagine liquid angel wings would taste like. My only complaint, their sensibly sized dessert serving should have been eight times as big. But then again, I'm a pig.
Fish
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This restaurant sits right on the water, is busy and cosy, and serves delicious, sustainable seafood and organic produce. All the food is farmed and bought locally, and you seat yourself and drink out of simple mason jars. There's also a fish market right inside where you can take home some fresh catches. It's cold this time of year on the water, but the wood fire and bustling atmosphere keep you warm. There are lots of dishes to choose from, my favorite being the Dungeness Crab Roll and the Yucatan Fresh Fish Ceviche, which comes with house made tortilla chip. Fish only accepts cash, so bring some cash.
Sir and Star at the Olema
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Make a whole day out of your pilgrimage to Marin and head out to Olema to eat at the Sir and Star restaurant. In 2007, the much loved Manka's burned down, leaving locals and foodies alike heartbroken. Owners Margaret Grade and Daniel DeLong reopened the place with a new name, yet kept all the same characteristics restaurant goers loved: brown paper table runners, weird dried kelp hanging from the windows. All of the dishes have poetic names like “Leg of a Neighbor’s Duck.” It's still a place with creative comfort food and the prices are unbeatable (most starters are $10; entrées, $20). Delong calls the menu "stuff I like to eat when I’m tired.” This just looks magical, with black ceilings, white walls, and taxidermy birds. There's no better place to eat a hot bowl of soup as the dark coastal fog rolls in.
Uchiwa Ramen
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Uchiwa started out as a pop-up on 3rd street in San Rafael, and now has a permanent spot on B street. Their tag line is the phrase "I love noodles.” And boy, do I. The small space is made to make customers feel like you're eating in the owners’ kitchen. The broths are made from scratch and all the toppings are locally sourced. There's a unique changing menu of sides such as chicken lollipops (what?), gyoza, and Spam musubi. The Miso Ramen is my fave, and the bowls are all under $10. This restaurant is the first and only ramen shop in Marin County, so it gets pretty busy, but is well worth the wait.
Molina
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I accidentally happened upon this newish restaurant because it sits next to Avatar burritos in Mill Valley. It's deliciously designed, with herb garden tubs and an intimate 55 seat space. A turntable plays well curated music, and one has the feeling of being in Chef Shoberg's home. The small, 11-dish menu is hard to choose from, my favorite being the rich seafood stew (see photo, top), which is a perfect meal on a chilly autumn night.
If you're craving a day out of the city, there are plenty of places to explore and fall in love with over here in Marin. And with all of our magnificent hikes and trails, you can overeat until you hate yourself, then walk it off in the mountains.
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