Where to Eat: West Marin

COVID-19 update: We are doing our best to update this list as changes are posted. Please contact the restaurant in question directly to confirm their most current menu and operating hours.

June 1, 2020

Marin Magazine Staff,

West Marin is a bit of a drive, but well worth it – for both the scenery and the food. Separated from Marin by swaths of open space, the inland towns of Nicasio, Lagunitas, and Point Reyes and the stunning coastal venues of Marshall, Bolinas, and Stinson offer a bounty of farm fresh cuisine and markets, bakeries and cafés, and, of course, oyster bars. There’s no excuse not to make a day out of it.

Cafe Reyes

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout only, Wednesdays-Sundays, 12 noon–3:30 pm and 5–8 pm. Call to order.

Pizza, 11101 California One, Point Reyes Station, (415) 663-9493

Though there’s no oyster pizza on the menu, a short menu of bivalves and Neapolitan-style pies at this cozy spot means the brick oven is a hub of activity. Margherita with hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes is a classic but the Farallon with crimini mushrooms and pepperoni is equally popular.

Dillon Beach Coastal Kitchen

COVID-19 update: The restaurant remains closed (seasonal) but freshly prepared Grab-n-Go meals plus wine, beer, and other items are available from the resort’s General Store. Beach is open.

California, 1 Beach Ave, Dillon Beach, (707) 878-3030

Inspired by Marin’s foodshed, business partners Brooke Gray and Mike Goebel opened this ocean view restaurant as part of Dillon Beach Resort, west of Tomales. Seasonal eats like local black cod dip and golden beet salad give way to mains like a green chickpea falafel plate and a burger with Stemple Creek beef.

Due West at Olema House

COVID-19 update: Temporarily closed. Scheduled reopening in July. Due West Market is open.

Californian, 10005 Hwy 1, Olema, (415) 663-1264

The dark blue walls accented with recessed golden light give the refreshed restaurant-cum-saloon at Olema House a modern feel. The menu, including a burger, linguini and clams, and a chopped salad, skews all-day casual and speaks to the inn and restaurant’s crossroads locale.

Nick’s Cove

COVID-19 update: Outdoor dining and takeout meals to go are available daily, 11 am–8 pm. Order via phone or website. Flower bouquets available for Saturday pickup at William Tell House via the Tomales Farmers’ Market.

American, 23240 Highway 1, Marshall, (415) 663-1033

This escape along Tomales Bay is famous for barbecued local oysters, Dungeness crab mac ’n’ cheese and cocktails incorporating homegrown ingredients. Large windows in the 120-seat restaurant provide picturesque views of Tomales Bay and Hog Island and a fireplace in the main dining room makes the most of fog-whipped and rainy days.

Osteria Stellina

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout only, Fridays–Tuesdays, 4–7:30 pm. Please call to order. Menu.

California, 11285 Highway 1, Point Reyes Station, (415) 663-9988

Whether it’s to cap off a day of hiking or celebrate a romantic anniversary, Osteria Stellina suits any occasion. The menu is Italian-inspired and features local organic ingredients. If you’re up for something unusual, try the goat shoulder, a hit with both tourists and locals.

Parkside Cafe

COVID-19 update: Patio open for dine-in or takeout. Coffee Cart, 6 am–8 pm daily for pastries and breakfast, Snackbar 11 am–8 pm, Monday–Friday and 11 am – 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday. Marketplace open 9 am –7 pm daily for takeout foods, wine and beer.

American, 43 Arenal Ave, Stinson, (415) 868-1272

Perfect for a sit-down alfresco meal or for grabbing a burger to enjoy on the beach. Beautiful patio garden seating, ocean views, and private wood-fired dinners make this cafe a relaxing retreat. If you’re on the go, check out the market and bakery. Choose from an array of organic locally grown produce, artisan meats, and wild seafood.

Rancho Nicasio

COVID-19 update: General Store open with to-go food and basic supplies, 11 am–5 pm daily. Kitchen open for outdoor dining and to go orders, Monday–Friday, 11:30 am–7:30 pm; Saturday–Sunday, 11:30 am–8 pm. We are able to deliver food to those in need. Please call to order.

American, 1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio, (415) 662-2219

Known for live music and an extensive menu featuring everything from crispy calamari to braised lamb shanks, Rancho Nicasio is open seven days a week, including brunch. Be sure to stop in for happy hour, 4 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Saltwater Oyster Depot

COVID 19 update: Summer prix fixe patio dining open by advance reservation only, Fridays–Sundays, 5–7 pm. Please call 415-299-3736 to reserve patio. Daily lunch and dinner menu available for pick up, 12 noon– 6 pm. Please call 415-669-1244 to order.

Seafood, 12781 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Inverness, (415) 669-1244

A seat at the room-length bar or on the patio at this snug spot on Tomales Bay’s west shore can be tough to snag on a busy summer weekend but oysters pulled straight from the bay moments before, served broiled and on the half shell, are worth the wait. Locally-sourced ingredients get equal billing in dishes like halibut crudo and a lamb burger.

Sand Dollar

COVID 19 update: *Damaged in fire on June 17. Had been open for takeout only: Mondays 4–8 pm; Fridays 4–8 pm, and Saturdays–Sundays 11:30 am–8 pm.***

American, 3458 Shoreline Highway, Stinson, (415) 868-0434

Originally built from three barges in Tiburon in 1921, the Sand Dollar Restaurant was floated to Stinson that same year. Enjoy live music along with barbecued local oysters and New England clam chowder. The sunny deck is great in the afternoon.

Side Street Kitchen

COVID-19 update: Patio open for dine-in and takeout available, Wednesdays–Sundays, 11 am–6 pm. Please call to order.

American, 60 Fourth St, Point Reyes Station, (415) 663-0303

Sheryl Cahill, owner of the Station House Cafe, opened her next venture a few blocks down in the former Pine Cone Diner. The fast-casual eatery led by chef Aaron Wright (formerly of Tavern at Lark Creek) serves favorites like rotisserie chicken, smoked oysters, and pork-belly BLTs as well as wholesome vegetarian fare. This is one of the few spots in West Marin that serves gluten-free beer.

Sir & Star at the Olema

COVID-19 update: Open Sundays for Shelter Suppers. Please call Saturdays, 11 am–6 pm or Sundays, 11 a m–3 pm to order for pick-up on Sundays from 5–7 pm.

California, 10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Olema, (415) 663-1034

The historic inn has reopened as a roadhouse-style restaurant featuring rustic decor and a delicious yet affordable menu with just about everything sourced from Marin. Try the house-made bread and honey butter, the kale Caesar and the stuffed quail, then come back and work your way through the ever-changing menu.

Station House Cafe

COVID-19 update: Open Fridays–Sundays, 11 am–7 pm, for garden patio dining (first come, first served) or takeout. Please call to place an order. Weekend breakfast coming soon.

American, 11180 Highway 1, Point Reyes Station, (415) 663-1515

Fresh local homegrown foods are showcased for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stop in on weekends (5 p.m. on Sundays) for live music and wine, beer, and cocktails.

The Siren Canteen

COVID 19 update: Temporarily closed. Expected reopening date: summer 2023.

American, 3201 Highway 1, Stinson, (415) 868-1777

Where in Northern California can you enjoy a taco at a restaurant nestled directly under a lifeguard tower? At The Siren Canteen, of course. Opened in the summer of 2014, this smart beach shack perched on the sandy shores of Stinson serves up burritos, burgers and creamy Meyer lemon milkshakes. Though the food is solid, we think the BYOW option with a $10 corkage fee and million-dollar views is reason enough to give this shack a shout-out.

Tony’s Seafood

COVID-19 update: Open Fridays–Sundays, 11 am–6 pm, for outdoor dining or to-go menu items. ⁠Reservations for picnic tables and standing bar accepted online or via phone.

Seafood, 18863 Shoreline Hwy, Marshall, (415) 663-1107

The crowds still come on sunny weekends for the barbecue oysters and amazing views of Tomales Bay but the recent purchase by the Hog Island Oyster Co team meant a refresh of the interior and a spiffed-up menu of salads and seafood pulled from the bay’s waters.

William Tell House

COVID-19 update: Patio dining and take out menu available, Fridays 4–8 pm; Saturdays–Sundays, 9 am–8 pm. Delivery available in the towns of Tomales and Dillon Beach. All orders must be placed online.

American, 26955 Highway 1, Tomales, (707) 879-2002

The oldest continuously operating saloon in Marin makes a mean apple brandy cocktail aptly named for the Swiss folk hero, William Tell (who famously shot an arrow off his son’s head), but the revamped restaurant strives to make its name around food with a seafood chowder made with local cod, a Cobb salad with applewood bacon, and a butcher’s cut of the day sourced from nearby Stemple Creek Ranch and grilled to order.

Categories: Where to Eat