Marin Blog · Dining in Marin Collection

The Best Farm-to-Table Experiences in Marin County

Posted in Blogging Marin on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 by MCVB Staff

By Whitney Butler

 

Today’s farm-to-table scene means different things to different people. In fact, the very concept—the use of locally sourced products with little alteration—has become a commodity in and of itself. Even global food chains are jumping on the wagon.

But with its deep roots in farm-to-table culture, long-standing preservation efforts pursued by the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT), artisanal boutiques around every corner, and spirited chefs supporting small farms and purveyors, the food system in Marin County, California, is as authentic as it gets—and it’s for everyone.

Here are some of Marin County’s best places to score farm-to-table food:

 

Farmshop Marin
Larkspur

Located in the Marin Country Mart, Farmshop Marin is a culinary beacon on the bay sitting a stone's throw from the Larkspur Landing ferry dock offering up a full-flavored experience with style, finesse and comfort.  Enjoy a drink at the 50-foot hand-sculpted wooden bar, watch the chefs in the open kitchen and at the pizza oven, or dine on the expansive patio. If for drinks after work, weekend brunch, a special night celebrating with friends and family and anything in between, allow them to create an experience to be remembered. 

Farmshop Marin has a distinctive voice and is an experience that captures a new kind of luxury, one that is relaxed, handcrafted, free of decoration and highly appealing to all senses.

The next time you’re in Larkspur, don’t miss a chance to enjoy a juicy burger or signature cheesesteak sandwich at this restaurant or pick up a few chops to grill at home.

 

Side Street Kitchen 
Point Reyes Station

The local and organic menu features slow-cooked meats & organic vegetables such as slow-roasted chicken and other specialties. Fresh, wholesome suppers, salads and sandwiches. All ingredients are sourced from best-practice purveyors with health, sustainability and deliciousness in mind. Don't forget to try Side Street Kitchen's pork-belly eggs benedict for brunch on the weekends.

Fresh, wholesome salads, sandwiches and suppers for dine-in or take-out.  Family-style dining is fun and easy here with a variety of delicious sides to pass and share.  Dessert highlights are the apple fritters and butterscotch pudding plus delectable cookies baked fresh daily.  Beer, wine & bubbly round out the drink menu along with ginger-lemonade and other unique soft-drink offerings.

 

Station House Cafe
Point Reyes Station

A Point Reyes Classic established in 1974, the cafe features locally-sourced and organic, farm-to-table ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner six days a week. The Station House Cafe will create some of your favorite dishes -- from classic breakfasts to your favorite burgers to fresh local fish and oysters. We proudly support local farms, producers and food artisans. A big bonus is the live music every Sunday at 5pm and Jazz on the first Friday every month starting at 6pm. Enjoy outdoor garden dining and a full bar featuring premium beer, wine and cocktails.
Back to Our Roots: Prior to 1989, Station House Café occupied the space on the corner of Main and 3rd. That space recently became available, and we’re excited to share the news that we have relocated there — back to our roots again at 11285 Shoreline. 

 

Valenti & Company Ristorante
San Anselmo

Farm-fresh Northern Italian cuisine using thoughtfully sourced local organic ingredients.

Chef Valenti's cuisine is inspired by the love for his native northern Italy, and the magnificent ingredients produced locally in Marin County. He uses the best organic produce from small farms and his own gardens, meats from Greater OmahaLiberty duckSuperior Farmspasture raised soy free eggs and the best of authentic Italian products. His seafood is Safe Harbor certified and comes in every day from local and east coast small "day boats". He jokingly says: "I only want the best, after all I eat here every day." Menu Here
 

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.