01
Top sushi destination
Masa's Sushi
Downtown Novato • Intimate Sushi Bar And Japanese Restaurant • Best For Sushi Lovers
A compact, warmly run sushi bar where the fish quality and knife work are the main event.
Regulars swear by sitting at the counter and letting the chef steer the order, especially for nigiri and nightly specials. The menu covers familiar rolls, chirashi bowls, and tempura, but the standouts are the simplest preparations that show off the fish. It’s a great choice for a relaxed date night or a quiet, linger-over-sake dinner.
02
Classic breakfast spot
Marvin's Restaurant
Old Town / Grant Avenue • Classic American Diner • Local Breakfast Institution
Old-school, no-nonsense comfort food with generous portions and a steady morning buzz.
Marvin’s is where Novato wakes up—expect a line on weekends, but it moves quickly and the staff keeps things friendly. The menu leans heavily into hearty breakfasts: think fluffy pancakes, cinnamon-swirl French toast, and big omelets with crispy hash browns. It’s the kind of place where coffee refills are endless and everyone from families to cyclists rolling in from the trails feels at home.
03
Go-to for pizza night
Boca Pizzeria
Vintage Oaks Area • Modern Italian Pizzeria And Wine Bar • Family-Friendly Italian Pick
Lively, stylish spot built around wood-fired pizzas, shareable small plates, and a solid wine list.
Boca’s blistered, thin-crust pies are the main draw, from classic margherita to more creative toppings that change with the seasons. The space strikes a nice balance between polished and relaxed, so it works as well for a family dinner as it does for a casual date at the bar. Add in crisp salads, house-made pastas, and a thoughtful selection of Californian and Italian wines, and you have an easy crowd-pleaser.
04
Best for beers and live music
HopMonk Tavern Novato
Near Downtown / Redwood Boulevard • Lively Tavern And Beer Garden • Best For Groups And Live Music
A spacious tavern with a big beer list, a welcoming patio, and frequent live music on the schedule.
HopMonk is where locals gather for casual nights out, especially when the weather is good and the beer garden is in full swing. The tap list runs deep with regional craft beers, backed by a menu of upgraded pub fare—burgers, flatbreads, wings, and solid vegetarian options. Check the calendar if you like catching bands or DJs; it’s one of the few places in town where dinner naturally runs into a show.
05
Brunch and comfort-food favorite
Toast Novato
Hamilton Marketplace • Casual American Comfort Spot • Best For Brunch And Casual Dinners
Bright, friendly restaurant specializing in modern comfort food and substantial brunch plates.
Set in the Hamilton neighborhood, Toast draws a steady crowd for brunch classics like eggs Benedict, scrambles, and chicken and waffles. Evenings lean into approachable comfort dishes—think burgers, pastas, and hearty salads—making it an easy meet-up point for friends or families. The room is relaxed but polished, with enough energy to feel social without getting too loud.