01
Best overall pick
Marché Restaurant
Downtown Ross • French–Italian California Restaurant • Special-Occasion Standout
A polished Ross dining room where seasonal California ingredients get a French and Italian accent.
Marché feels like the kind of place you book ahead for, with a menu that leans into farmers’ market produce, pristine seafood, and a deep, food-friendly wine list. The room is intimate without being stuffy, and the service team knows the menu inside out. On warm evenings, the patio is one of the most pleasant spots to linger over dinner in central Marin.
02
Laid-back slice stop
Tony Tutto Pizza
Near Ross Common • Artisanal Pizza Counter • Best Casual Bite
Quirky, small-scale pizza shop turning out thoughtfully topped pies with a devoted local following.
Tony Tutto Pizza is compact and informal, but the pies are anything but basic, with great crust and creative combinations alongside classic margheritas. It’s the spot locals rely on for an easy weeknight dinner or a takeaway picnic to enjoy on the nearby Ross Common. Expect friendly banter at the counter and a rotating selection of seasonal toppings.
03
Mediterranean favorite
Insalata's
San Anselmo – Sir Francis Drake Corridor • Upscale Mediterranean Restaurant • Group-Friendly Favorite
A long-running San Anselmo staple known for bright Mediterranean flavors and generous, shareable plates.
Insalata’s has been a local go-to for years, thanks to its lively room and menu of salads, mezze, and mains that travel the Mediterranean from Morocco to Greece. It’s an easy choice for mixed groups, with plenty of options for lighter eaters and hearty appetites alike. The house focaccia and composed salads are worth planning your order around.
04
Tasting menu splurge
Madcap
Downtown San Anselmo • Contemporary Tasting-Menu Restaurant • Fine-Dining Destination
An intimate, chef-driven spot where artful tasting menus showcase meticulous technique and seasonal produce.
Madcap feels like a discreet city restaurant dropped into small-town Marin, with a calm room and a focused tasting menu that rewards diners who like detail and finesse. Courses are tightly composed, often pairing local vegetables and seafood with Japanese touches and inventive sauces. It’s the kind of meal you book for anniversaries, serious food nights, or whenever you want to make the short drive from Ross truly memorable.
05
Cozy Italian date spot
Valenti & Co. Ristorante
San Anselmo – Greenfield Avenue • Northern Italian Trattoria • Romantic Night Out
Warm, neighborhood Italian with handmade pastas, seasonal specials, and a compact, well-chosen wine list.
Valenti & Co. leans into Northern Italian comfort, with dishes like silky pastas, slow-cooked meats, and simple vegetable sides that let good ingredients shine. The dining room is small and softly lit, making it a natural choice for date nights or a relaxed dinner with close friends. If you’re coming from Ross, it’s an easy hop for a lingering plate of pasta and a glass of Barolo.