Where to Eat: Ross and San Anselmo

Ross and San Anselmo may appear a bit way out of the way on the map, but for those in the know, they’re just the right size, offering plenty of options for dining out. The town has a few heavy-hitters, such as Heidi Krahling’s Insalata’s, a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner. A plethora of restaurants, bakeries, and cafes make this spot more than trek-worthy for those seeking a dining destination deep in central Marin, and provides tempting incentive to never stray beyond the borders for the local residents.

 

Baan Thai Cuisine | Comforts Cafe | Creekside Pizza & Tap Room | Cucina Sa | Flour Craft Bakery | The Hub | Insalata’s | Jillie’s Wine Bar| Madcap | Marinitas | M.H. Bread and Butter | Marche Aux Fleurs | Pizzalina | Sushi 69 | Tony Tutto’s | Taco Jane’s | Valenti & Co.

 

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Baan Thai Cuisine

COVID-19 updates: Open for takeout and curbside pickup, Tuesdays–Saturdays, 11:30 am-2:30 pm and 5pm-10pm; Sundays 12:30-9 pm. Please call to order.

Thai, 726 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, (415) 457-9470

Known for its mango sticky rice, this restaurant is committed to serving fresh, local and seasonal food. Warm up with the tom kha soup or stave off the heat with a lychee iced tea.

Comforts Cafe

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout, delivery and curbside pick-up, Mondays-Fridays, 8 am – 4 pm; Saturday–Sunday, 8 am=3 pm

American, 335 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, (415) 454-9840

Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down patio and serves breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. A large takeout section offers fresh bakery items, seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and even entrees for dinner at home. Besides the famous Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stuffed pecan-crusted French toast, flavorful scrambles, Chicken Okasan (nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by fans) and wonton soup.

Creekside Pizza & Tap Room

COVID-19 update: Open  for takeout and curbside daily, 11 am- 8 pm. Delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats and GrubHub.

American, 638 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, (415) 785-4450

Under the direction of chef Janet Abrahamson, Creekside serves American-style artisan pizza (vegan and gluten-free options available) and organic salads, along with an extensive selection of craft beer on tap and Northern California wines. There’s a daily happy hour, a big-screen TV and a banquet room available by reservation.

Cucina sa

COVID-19 update: Open for patio dining and takeout, daily 4-8 pm. Delivery 4:30-8 pm.

Italian, 510 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, (415) 454-2942

Homemade pastas, seasonal salads, and wood-fired pizzas strike a balance between southern Italy and northern California at Cucina. Proprietor Donna Seymour recently revamped the cozy space on San Anselmo Ave., adding a 30 seat bar and outdoor seating on the bridge. Plans are in the works for the upstairs mezzanine to become a lounge.

Flour Craft Bakery

COVID-19 update: Takeout only, Wednesdays–Sundays, 8 am-3 pm.

American, 702 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, (415) 453-3100

Along with artisan gluten-free pastries, breads, and special-occasion cakes, this place serves lunch, with dairy-free and vegan choices available. Customer favorites include oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, decadent cinnamon rolls, flourless hazelnut brownies, and the bakery’s signature granola.

The Hub

COVID-19 update: Open for patio dining and takeout daily, 12-2:30 pm and 3:30-8 pm. Delivery via GrubHub, DoorDash and UberEats.

American, Red Hill Shopping Center, (415) 785-4802

The delicious burgers and fries, like the #1 Hub Burger with white cheddar and special sauce, and seasonal focus at the former Farm Burger in the Red Hill Shopping Center haven’t changed, but the addition of an array of big salads like Thai spinach and keto cobb necessitated a rebranding. The chicken burger with sriracha-chile mayo is a new fave.

Insalata’s

COVID-19 update: Takeout available daily, 11 am-6:30 pm (order by 4 pm). 

Mediterranean, 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, (415) 457-7700

Award-winning chef Heidi Krahling’s restaurant features delicious, soulful Mediterranean fare, as well as food-to-go at a counter inside.

Jillie’s Wine Bar

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout bottle sales Tuesdays–Saturdays, 1 – 6 pm.  Call ahead to have orders ready for curbside pickup. 

Californian, 906 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.521.5500, 

A rotating list of more than 20 globally-sourced and Californian wines and a few beers are on tap at owner Jill Cordova-Holt’s eponymously named bar and retail shop in the Red Hill Shopping Center. Savor small bites like a cheese and charcuterie board or black truffle potato chips while sipping in the lounge, at the bar or one of the indoor/outdoor tables.

Madcap

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout and curbside pickup for dinner, Tuesdays–Saturdays for pick-up 5–7 pm. Order here.

California, 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, (415) 453-9898

Chef Ron Siegel opened his first solo venture in a contemporary art-filled space with an urban edge. The vegetable-centric menu incorporates seafood and local ingredients, fusing California and Japanese cuisines in colorful dishes that are bold, balanced and bright.

Marinitas

COVID-19 update: Temporarily closed.

Mexican, 218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, (415) 454-8900

This sister restaurant of Insalata’s continues to flourish as a bastion of creative Mexican and Central and South American cuisine. Not your typical south-of-the-border spot, Marinitas serves up top-notch margaritas and Latin lusciousness.

M.H. Bread and Butter

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout, Thursdays–Mondays, 8 am-2 pm for bread, pastries and drip coffee/tea. 

California, 101 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, (415) 755-4575

A one-stop shop for everything from coffee and pastries to artisan bread, with a seasonal brunch menu. High-quality ingredients and a comfortable atmosphere make MH worth checking out.

Marche Aux Fleurs

COVID-19 update: Open for  patio dining (reservations required and a 75 minute limit), takeout, and curbside pickup, Tuesdays–Saturdays, 4-7:30 pm.  Delivery via Caviar or Uber Eats.  Online store for groceries and other provisions can be picked up from 4-5 pm.

French, 23 Ross Common, Ross, (415) 925-9200

A local favorite known for cuisine showcasing locally farmed produce, wild and fresh seafood and free-range meats prepared with an artisan’s touch, accompanied by a lengthy wine and beer list (bacon, wine, and beer are available for sale). Thursday night is hamburger night; requesting your burger with your reservation is recommended (quantities are limited).

Pizzalina

COVID-19 update: Open with full menu for patio dining, takeout, curbside, or delivery, daily 12 noon-8 pm. 

Italian, 914 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, (415) 256-9780

Along with handmade pizzas baked in a wood oven, you’ll find classic shrimp risotto and a caprese salad with mozzarella di bufala. Menus change daily according to seasonal markets but always include salads, antipastos, house-made pasta, and main dishes. Outdoor dining available.

Sushi 69

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout, Mondays–Saturdays, 3-8 pm. Order here.  

Japanese, 69 Center Blvd, San Anselmo, (415) 459-6969

Opened in 2001 in San Anselmo, Sushi 69 has been a favorite for locals looking to get their fill of no-frills sushi. The owner hails from Japan and has created an extensive menu featuring traditional tempura and the popular Hiro’s roll (spicy tuna with avocado, salmon and ponzu sauce wrapped in sushi rice).

Taco Jane’s

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout and curbside,  Mondays–Fridays, 11:30 am- 3 pm and 4:30-8:30; Saturdays–Sundays, 11:30 am-8:30 pm.

Mexican, 21 Tamalpais Ave, San Anselmo, (415) 454-6562

Taco Jane’s full bar features a robust tequila and mezcal selection. Its regional Mexican cuisine includes Oaxacan mole, fish tacos and vegetarian options. Black Gold salsa arrives with complimentary chips and is created using charred blackened tomatoes and roasted chilis. Live music Thursdays, enclosed patio seating all year round, weekday happy hour 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Valenti & Co.

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout and curbside, Wednesdays–Saturdays, pick up 5-7 pm. 

Italian, 337 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, (415) 454-7800

This bright and cozy space is the ideal environment for authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients. A seat at the chef’s table gives a prime view of the open kitchen.