Where to Eat: Larkspur

Larkspur’s cozy downtown and bay front Marin County Mart provide an impressive array of fine dining, trendy hot spots, wine bars, and al fresco dining. Whether it’s popular mainstays such as Restaurant Picco or Rustic Bakery, or newer additions, little Larkspur is a big destination for local residents, out of towners, and ferry commuters.

 

Backstage | Belcampo Meat Co. | DJ’s Chinese Cuisine | Don Antonio | El Huarache Loco | Emporio Rulli | Farm House Local | Farmshop | Hog Island Larkspur | Left Bank | Marin Brewing Co. | Perry’s | Picco | Pizzeria Picco | Posie | R’noh Thai | Roma | Rustic Bakery | Shake Shack  | Wise Sons

 

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Backstage

COVID-19 update: Open for patio seating (reservations suggested, please call or use Open Table) and takeout, Tuesdays–Thursdays, 4-9 pm; Fridays–Saturdays, 4-9:30 pm; Sundays, 4-7:30 pm.

California, 295 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, (415) 898-6778

Nestled in downtown Larkspur, Backstage is a comfortable, sociable setting for wine tasting and light appetizers. Flights of exclusive picks from small-scale California vineyards bring wine country closer to Marin. Happy hour Tuesday through Friday 4 to 6 p.m.

Belcampo Meat Co.

COVID-19 update: Temporarily closed. Menu and butcher shop meats available for takeout and delivery via San Francisco’s restaurant, place orders online or through Belcampo’s mobile app.

American, 2405 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, (415) 448-5810

The goods at this Marin Country Mart meatery are delivered from the certified-organic Belcampo Farms near Mount Shasta, dedicated to practicing a holistic approach to pasture management. Try the lamb burger banh mi or the daily meat board special.

DJ’s Chinese Cuisine

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout only, lunch Tuesdays–Fridays,  11:30 am-2:30 pm; dinner Tuesdays–Sundays, 4:30 – 9:30 pm.

Chinese, 435 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, (415) 924-0717

A great place to satisfy a craving for wonton soup before a show at the Lark Theater; the outdoor patio is a scene-stealer in itself. Lunch and takeout are popular here, too.

Don Antonio

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout and delivery daily, 12 noon-8 pm. Tiburon location permanently closed.

Italian, 455 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, (415) 924-3332

Antonio Volpicelli, of Don Antonio in Tiburon, runs this second location in Larkspur. Choose from standbys like gorgonzola gnocchi, veal parmesan, and carbonara and an extensive wine list, all served either inside or out on the spacious patio.

El Huarache Loco

COVID-19 update: Takeout only, Mondays–Thursdays, 11 am-4 pm; Fridays–Sundays, 11 am-7 pm.

Mexican, 1803 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, (415) 925-1403

The menu has gained quite a following for the authentic Mexico City dishes. From mini huaraches (filled corn masa cakes) to the foot-long huarache with two salsas, crema, queso fresco and two toppings of your choice, you’re sure to get a true taste of a homemade Mexican meal at the Marin Country Mart.

Emporio Rulli

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout daily, 8 am-5 pm.

Italian, 464 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, (415) 924-7478

Renowned for its Northern Italian specialties and treats, the Larkspur location (there are four others) is a favored spot for lunch as well as coffee and a sweet treat.

Farm House Local

COVID-19 update: Open for patio dining, takeout and contactless curbside delivery daily, 8 am–3 pm.

California, 25 Ward St, Larkspur, (415) 891-8577

This downtown Larkspur gem is sure to please with simple, healthy food in a warm, cozy atmosphere, both indoors and on the covered patio. The seasonal menu, inspired by American classics, includes biscuits and gravy; a “BLAT” (with avocado) sandwich; and a daily fluffy omelet stuffed with local meats, vegetables, and artisanal cheeses.

Farmshop

COVID-19 update: Patio dining daily, 5:30-9 pm. Takeout and curbside pickup available daily, 4-9 pm.

American, 2233 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, (415) 755-6700

Located in the Marin Country Mart since 2013, Farmshop Marin has quickly become a top spot here in the county and earns raves for its avocado hummus. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

Hog Island Larkspur

COVID-19 update: Open for patio dining and takeout Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, 11:30 am-6 pm; Fridays–Saturdays, 11:30 am-7 pm. Delivery available with DoorDash and Caviar.

Seafood, 2401 Larkspur Landing Circle, (628) 253-5905

The full-service Marin Country Mart location features a full bar with seasonal cocktails, beer and wine and the same bay-to-bar philosophy as the Tomales Bay original. Oysters, raw and grilled are a must, then check the day’s menu to see what was most recently pulled from Marin’s waters before deciding what to eat.

Left Bank Restaurant

COVID-19 update: Open for patio dining and takeout, Mondays–Thursdays, 11:30 am-10 pm; Fridays–Saturdays, 11:30 am-11 pm; Sundays, 11 am-10 pm. Delivery with DoorDash and Uber Eats.

French, 7 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, (415) 927-3331

This authentically classic brasserie has been serving the Larkspur community for more than two decades. Whether on the patio, at the European-style bar or in the casually elegant main dining room with a huge fireplace, it’s a fun and French experience in downtown.

Marin Brewing Co.

COVID-19 update: Open for patio dining, takeout beer and food, Sundays–Thursdays, 12 noon-7 pm; Fridays–Saturdays, 12 noon-9 pm.

American, 1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, (415) 461-4677

Grab a cold beer made on-site and pair it with fish ’n’ chips — in this case, fresh cod dipped in Mt. Tam pale ale batter, served with steak fries and homemade tartar sauce — or anything from the all-American menu, then grab a seat at one of outdoor tables at the Marin Country Mart.

Perry’s

COVID-19 update: Open for patio dining (reservations strongly recommend, please call to reserve) and takeout, Mondays–Thursdays, 3-9 pm; Fridays–Sundays, Bruch 12 noon-3 pm, Dinner, 3-9 pm. Delivery via Caviar.

American, 234 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, (415) 927-1877

Perry’s on Magnolia has the quintessentially American fare, bustling bar and warm personality the San Francisco original has always been famous for. Along with three separate dining rooms in a historic building, there’s outdoor dining on the patio and in the redwood grove. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch on weekends and holidays; valet parking in the evenings.

Picco

COVID-19 update: Temporarily closed.

California, 320 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, (415) 924-0300

Popular since its inception, Picco has a seasonally driven menu featuring items such as risotto (made every half hour) that keep attracting return visits.

Pizzeria Picco

COVID-19 update: Open for patio dining and takeout, Mondays-Thursdays, 5-8 pm; Fridays–Sundays, 12 noon-8 pm. Delivery via Dine-In Marin.

Pizza, 316 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, (415) 945-8900

This upscale parlor next door to Picco in downtown Larkspur offers California-influenced Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-burning pizza oven. Fresh mozzarella is pulled in-house and the menu also features organic salads, a daily soup, and Straus Dairy soft-serve ice cream.

Posie

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout Thursdays-Sundays, 1-9 pm, pre-orders for pick-up on Sundays.

American, 250B Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, (415) 891-8395

This hip artisan ice cream shop opened by Kyle Caporicci, former pastry chef of Michelin-starred Commis, is making a name for itself with seasonal flavors, homemade gluten-free cones, and vegan ice cream. For lunch, you’ll find meticulously prepared open-faced tartines and Instagram-ready pastries. Menu changes weekly.

R’noh Thai

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout only, daily, 11 am-3 pm and 4:30-9 pm.

Thai, 1000 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, (415) 925-0599

This cozy place by the Corte Madera Creek has a reputation for fresh flavors. From curries and Thai barbecue to noodle dishes and the classic tom kha (coconut lemongrass soup), R’Noh is bound to satisfy your Thai cravings. For an indulgent treat, try the fried sweet potato appetizer.

Roma SF

COVID-19 update: Open for patio dining, takeout, and contactless curbside (please call for reservations or to order), daily, 12 noon-9 pm. Delivery via Caviar, Uber Eats, and DoorDash.

Italian, 286 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, (415) 896-4002

Oval-shaped pizza, fried rice balls, burrata with artichoke hearts, and pasta with fresh pear and Gorgonzola are just a few of the dishes that reflect the regional Roman ingredients and style of this sister restaurant to the San Francisco original. In Marin, look for fresh seafood pastas on the day’s specials menu, too.

Rustic Bakery

COVID-19 update: Open daily, 7 am-2 pm for counter orders to-go or curbside delivery via phone or ChowNow. Delivery via Caviar and DoorDash. Catering via ezCater.

California, 2017 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, (415) 461-9900

The homegrown bakery is known and loved the world over: Pope Francis famously requested Rustic Bakery flatbread and crostini when he visited the U.S. in 2015. Organic bread, croissants and pastries baked fresh each morning and salads, sandwiches, and soups for lunch make Rustic a local staple.

Wise Sons

COVID-19 update: Temporarily closed but farmstand at Sunday Farmer’s Market in San Rafael is operating.

American, 2227 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, (415) 878-3354

The popular Jewish deli Wise Sons has opened its fourth outpost at the Marin Country Mart. The grab-and-go Larkspur bagel shop includes classic favorites like hot pastrami, matzo ball soup, and lots of homemade schmear.