Having grown up in Marin county, sometimes people ask me where to eat there. Honestly, I haven't lived there since 1989! But my parents still live there so I go over from time to time.
When I was growing up there were a couple of fabulous French restaurants in Marin. Maurice et Charles and Daniel. But Marin was really lacking in good Chinese food, Mexican food, pretty much anything else. Not anymore. While the two French places are long gone there are now several other terrific places worth visiting if you happen to be in Marin...
A very good French place.The Left Bank is a fabulous brasserie, not too expensive but very French and in the heart of Larkspur. Is owned by the chef Roland Passot who also runs La Folie which is right around the corner from us, but is generally speaking well beyond our budget.
And for American cuisine Buckeye Roadhouse, where you'll find lots of meat and game but everything cooked really well and a fun place to boot. You'll need to make reservations here. Check out the menu online it will make you sooo hungry!
For contemporary Mediterranean food Insalatas
In the town of San Anselmo, my second favorite place to hang out in Marin. This place is consistently chosen as one of the Chronicle top 100 restaurants. Very good.
Oddly enough two of my favorite Mexican restaurants are in Marin.
Picante Taqueria
340 Bellam Boulevard, San Rafael
Authentic and fresh Mexican food, including low fat and vegetarian meals.
Oh my goodness how we love this place! Outrageously cheap and addictive Mexican food. Large portions, very causal and they will make anything you want healthier by steaming tortillas instead of frying etc.
Las Camelias Restaurant
912 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael
This is a more upscale place but do yourself a favor and order the tequila marinated game hen. Divine! There are also some combination plates that are good. This is by no means your run-of-the-mill Mexican food.
