01
Most elevated experience
Madcap
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard Dining Strip • Intimate Contemporary Tasting-Menu Restaurant • Special-Occasion Splurge
A tiny, art-filled dining room serving one of Marin’s most creative seasonal tasting menus.
Madcap feels more like a chef’s studio than a typical restaurant, with just a handful of tables and beautifully composed plates that highlight local produce and seafood. The tasting menu changes often, but you can count on precise cooking, clever textures, and a thoughtful wine list. Book ahead and plan to linger—the pacing is relaxed and the experience is meant to be savored.
02
Best Mediterranean flavors
Insalata's
Gateway Corner Near Red Hill • Warm Mediterranean-Inspired Restaurant • Group-Friendly Favorite
A longtime San Anselmo standby known for vibrant Mediterranean dishes and welcoming service.
Insalata’s has the feel of a neighborhood institution, the kind of place where locals bring out-of-town guests without thinking twice. The menu leans Mediterranean, with bright salads, mezze-style starters, and generous mains that work well for sharing. It’s an especially good pick for mixed groups, with plenty of choices for adventurous and conservative eaters alike.
03
Top pick for date night
Valenti & Co
San Anselmo Avenue Downtown Block • Refined Northern Italian Trattoria • Romantic Wine-Focused Spot
Elegant Italian cooking with serious attention to seasonal ingredients and a strong wine list.
Tucked along San Anselmo Avenue, Valenti & Co feels cozy yet polished, with a menu that reads like a love letter to Northern Italy. Handmade pastas, simple grilled meats, and carefully sourced vegetables pair naturally with the well-chosen Italian wines. It’s an easy choice for anniversaries or any night you want to slow down over a proper, lingering dinner.
04
Best for daytime dining
Comforts
San Anselmo Avenue North Stretch • Bustling Café And Californian Comfort-Food Spot • Daytime Local Hangout
A relaxed café-deli hybrid famous for hearty salads, baked goods, and all-day comfort dishes.
Comforts is where San Anselmo meets for brunch, quick lunches, and coffee catch-ups. The counter is stacked with pastries and salads, and the menu covers everything from scrambles and waffles to big, satisfying plates. Grab a table inside or on the sidewalk and enjoy some prime people-watching while you fuel up before exploring town.
05
Best laid-back hangout
Creekside Pizza & Taproom
Creek-Adjacent Plaza Off Sir Francis Drake • Lively Pizza And Craft Beer Taproom • Casual Crowd-Pleaser
A go-to for crisp, creative pizzas, salads, and a deep tap list in a lively setting.
Creekside is the spot when you want an easy, upbeat night out—think big tables, sports on TV, and families mixing with beer geeks. Pies run from classic to adventurous, with chewy crusts and plenty of topping combinations, plus salads and small plates to round out the table. The rotating lineup of local and regional beers keeps regulars coming back to see what’s new on tap.