Find a truly unique approach to fine dining at Cyrus, where dinnertime has been transformed into an unforgettable “Dining Journey.” With just 12 guests per seating, you’ll savor the intimate experience as much as you do the seasonal offerings. You’ll start the evening with canapes in the Bubbles Lounge; drinks are optional here, but we say splurge and purchase the beverage pairing. Next, proceed to the Kitchen Table to engage with chefs as they prepare the courses. And from there, head to the dining room to feast your eyes on views of Alexander Valley as you leisurely indulge in your meal at your table. The culinary adventure concludes with a stop in the Chocolate Room to receive a delicious parting gift. 275 Highway 128, Geyserville
When Mamahuhu opened its first Marin location in Mill Valley last year, fans of Brandon Jew’s cooking (he is most well-known for the boundary-pushing Mister Jiu’s restaurant in San Francisco) got an affordable and approachable spot offering Chinese-American classics like kung pao chicken, wonton soup, egg rolls and sweet and sour chicken (a must-try). For this endeavor and its sister location in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond (a third location in Noe Valley opened earlier this year), the Michelin-starred chef partnered with Anmao Sun and Ben Moore, who opened Shanghai’s first seed-to-table restaurant, and the results are simple and satisfying. The menu at this counter-service-only restaurant is short and to the point, offering just five protein dishes (all meats can be substituted with vegetables or tofu), a sweet and spicy chicken sandwich and a stable of sides including the fan-favorite jasmine rice. “We want the food at Mamahuhu to resemble original Chinese-American dishes, and to exemplify the best versions of those classics,” says Brandon Jew. “For us, the clear road to that is using locally grown, organic ingredients.” 173 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley
Alicia and Darren Banks’ journey to restaurant ownership actually began in 2013 when they bought a beachfront restaurant called the SandBar on the Caribbean island of Anguilla, where they were living. But when they heard that after 21 years, Dan and Holly Baker were ready to sell the popular neighborhood eatery Marche aux Fleurs in Ross, the couple moved back to Marin, where they first met, and, last October, reopened the restaurant as simply Marché. “We love the space. It’s a really great restaurant, the location is amazing and the building and patio area are so charming,” Alicia says. The Bankses have united with many of the old staff to put a new spin on the menu including making their own bread and Caribbean-inspired sauces and salad dressings. But some customer hits, like the Tuesday fried chicken special (now with an updated recipe), were too popular to leave off the menu. 23 Ross Common, Ross
What better place for Eco Terreno Wines & Vineyards to expand than San Francisco’s storied Jackson Square? Open seven days a week, Eco Terreno’s Urban Tasting Room has personalized wine tasting options as well as small bites by executive chef Joe Ball, while the second floor’s exhibition kitchen offers an immersive space for private events and wine club members. Below the Urban Tasting Room, the Lyon & Swan supper club is open five nights a week for dinner, cocktails and live entertainment. The French Californian menu pairs perfectly with wine, cocktails and eclectic entertainment options like music, cabaret and comedy, all of which reflect the underground venue’s historic past and live up to the supper club’s “Food and Debauchery” tagline. Urban Tasting Room, 140 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco; Lyon & Swan, 124 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco
A visit to Sausalito’s historic Cavallo Point always feels like an escape to another place and time, and now with two totally new dining experiences that adventure is more inviting than ever. The reinvented restaurant, Sula (formerly Murray Circle), boasts an ingredient-driven menu with Mediterranean influences and, for a more casual experience, the adjacent Sula Lounge offers a great place to meet friends and enjoy seafood-forward small plates along with wines, bubbles and cocktails. To complete the experience, the design duo Mark Wilson and Yoko Ishihara added some flair and paid homage to the site’s military history with a new look featuring vintage vibes and bold accents. “During a meal, not only will you be treated to a world-class view, but you’ll see and feel the site’s history as a former army base,” says executive chef Michael Garcia. “The menus feature classic dishes and old-school favorites that honor the land and storied history of this place.” 602 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito
Inspired by the iconic brasseries of La Rive Gauche, Petite Left Bank has created a chic-yet-lively Parisian getaway in downtown Tiburon. Like its sister restaurant in Larkspur, this traditional cafe and bistro showcases classic French recipes through flavorful handcrafted dishes; start with escargot en croûte and savor the boeuf bourguignon for an entree, but make sure to leave room for scrumptious sides and a decadent dessert. From hand-selected domestic and imported wines to artisan craft cocktails, there are libations aplenty, but for those looking for spirit-free beverages, you can also sip on zero-proof cocktails and refreshers as well as CBD sparkling water. Petite Left Bank is in the weekend brunch game, too, offering options like omelets, lobster Benedict and apple bread pudding French toast. 1696 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon
More Marin Eateries
To add to your must-dine list.
2000 Paradise Drive, Tiburon
The Caprice is settling into a new chapter with new owners, Jerry (Salito’s, Stinking Rose, The Franciscan) and Jennifer Dal Bozzo, a new design and a new menu celebrating comfort food favorites from the land and the sea like bone-in filet mignon and the signature dish, Abalone Dore.
106 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley
Felicia Ferguson and Luigi Petrone, the well-known owners of nearby Piazza D’Angelo, have brought a new fine-dining restaurant focusing on sustainable seafood and seasonal veggies to Mill Valley. Opened earlier this year, the place emphasizes the finest-quality seafood, meat and produce sourced from a trusted network of local fishermen, butchers and farmers.
1 Beach Avenue, Dillon Beach
This casual spot at the Dillon Beach Resort is a hidden gem that offers views of the Point Reyes National Seashore and a menu of soups, salads, burgers, fish and pasta obtained from local farmers, ranchers, foragers and fishermen whenever possible. The food is best paired with a can of one of the local beers on offer.
38 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley
Mill Valley’s Gravity Tavern is a local favorite thanks to the brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner offerings, but the famous prime rib dinner on Sunday nights is an ideal way to cap off a weekend.
901 A Street, San Rafael
In 1995 owner David Haydon opened Il Davide (pronounced “Dah-Vee-Deh”) determined to put his own spin on the classic Toscano-style restaurants he was used to. The result is a casual Italian restaurant boasting locally sourced favorites like balsamic/zinfandel–braised short ribs, chicken parmigiana, sautéed sea scallops, lamb and fisherman’s stews, and house-made pastas.
120 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, San Anselmo
The Mediterranean spirit is strong at this Bib Gourmand–awarded restaurant. Helmed by chef, owner and cookbook author Heidi Krahling, Insalata’s offers fresh and flavorful proteins, grains and greens. Dine in or pick up your favorites from the well-stocked takeout counter.
813 Grant Avenue, Novato
Michelin-starred chef Takatoshi Toshi is bringing the flavors of his native Japan to Masa’s Sushi. From seasonal selections to numerous rolls and specialty small plates, expect immaculate presentations of delicious fare in an unpretentious atmosphere.
2165 Francisco Boulevard E, Unit C, San Rafael
Korean native Monica Chang is serving up nutritious foods that don’t sacrifice taste or authenticity at SANkorean Kitchen. Try the kimchi fried rice breakfast burrito, and don’t leave without purchasing a jar of the cafe’s very own ssamjang dip.
221 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley
This retro-inspired diner in Tam Junction complete with counter-top service offers an easy breakfast/lunch menu of buttermilk pancakes, egg dishes and breakfast sandwiches, salads, tacos and tostadas, wraps and burgers, even a soup and grilled cheese combo — it doesn’t get any more comforting than that.
1910 Westshore Road, Bodega Bay
Located on the west side of the Bodega Harbor in Bodega Bay, this crab shack offers outdoor seating only and attracts long lines for its mouth-watering “Carol’s Famous Clam Chowder” (in both white and red), seafood sandwiches, crabcakes and seafood cocktails. When they warn that the clam chowder can be addicting, they really aren’t kidding.
19225 Highway 1, Marshall
A great place to stop as you meander along Highway 1, the Marshall Store serves up views of Tomales Bay and sandwiches made with the store’s own bread (check out the bakery in Tomales), local seafood, house-smoked meats, hot soups, local cheese and, of course, oysters, all harvested from the store’s own Tomales Bay Oyster Company farm.
1132 Fourth Street, San Rafael
This hip, family-friendly gastropub is known for its draft beers (all brewed on site), but the State Room also has a menu that defies expectations. Share elevated small plates, tackle their half-pound burger or try a wood-fired pizza.
19 Bolinas Road, Fairfax
Inspired by Japanese pubs, Village Sake offers an extensive menu of traditional izakaya fare you won’t find elsewhere. Order a bottle of sake and settle in to experience Michelin-starred executive chef Scott Whitman’s culinary magic.
