City dining guide

Best restaurants in San Anselmo

5 guide-listed restaurants — Michelin, Bib Gourmand, Black Pearl, Must-Eat List, World's 50 Best and more. Reference quality signals; never ranked by commission, no in-app checkout.

Michelin-starred 1

Madcap

★ Michelin$$$$Contemporary, Asian Contemporary

Upscale yet approachable, Chef/owner Ron Siegel's Madcap is one of the Bay Area’s best for contemporary dining. Well-crafted bites on the prix fixe may include a quenelle of tuna tartare with ginger and sesame seeds tucked with a crisp rice cracker that is deliciously simple. Next, a tender, almost-sweet coin of charred octopus rests over a pureed base of fermented pimentos and Tokyo turnip for a clean counterpoint. Supple slices of tart umeboshi, "noodles" of daikon and a creamy ponzu is a creative, pleasure-packed dish, while a tranche of crisp skin-on trout with cauliflower purée and ribbon

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Bib Gourmand 2

Insalata's

Bib Gourmand$$Mediterranean Cuisine

San Anselmo restaurateur, Chef Heidi Krahling honors her late father, Italo Insalata, at this crowd-pleasing Marin hangout. The zucca-orange stucco exterior alludes to the Mediterranean air within. Insalata’s upscale setting is framed by lemon-yellow walls hung with grand depictions of nature’s bounty, setting the scene for an array of fresh and flavorful cuisine to come. Sparked by Middle Eastern flavors, the kitchen's specialties include velvety smooth potato-leek soup made brilliantly green from watercress purée. Also sample grilled lamb skewers drizzled with cumin-yogurt atop crunchy salad

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews

Insalata's offers Mediterranean fusion cuisine with generally positive feedback on food quality, highlighting fresh ingredients and rich flavors, particularly appealing to vegetarians. However, some diners report issues such as incorrect orders, small portions, or temperature inconsistencies. The ambiance is upscale and airy, featuring high ceilings and artwork, creating a classy atmosphere. Service receives mixed reviews; while staff are often described as pleasant, meal pacing is a frequent complaint, with slow service and long intervals between courses. Value perception varies, with some finding it reasonable and others considering it pricey relative to portion sizes. Overall, it suits those seeking a refined dining experience, though patience regarding service speed is advisable.

Suitable for diners seeking refined Mediterranean flavors who can tolerate slower service pacing.

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Village Sake

Bib Gourmand$$Japanese

Set along a bustling stretch, Village Sake is a mighty hot and mod izakaya delivering authentic goods in the heart of quaint Fairfax. All the classic small plates are in full force here: crisp and creamy takoyaki (octopus croquettes), okonomiyaki, tataki (made with silky smoked hamachi) and coconut mochi cake complete with cardamom gelato. If you must have sushi, there’s a small selection of excellent nigiri, too—make sure to sample the shima aji and kinmedai. The look of the room suggests Tokyo, with closely spaced tables, an array of wood accents (including a live-edge wood counter) as well

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 50 reviews

Village Sake in San Anselmo offers highly rated Japanese cuisine, praised for creative sushi and fresh ingredients. Guests frequently commend the food quality, attentive service, and cozy atmosphere, considering it good value. However, some reviews note inconsistent meal pacing, small portions, and high costs. The lack of a reservation system often requires long waits, occasionally leading to dissatisfaction. While most experiences are positive, occasional service lapses and noise levels are mentioned. It suits diners seeking high-quality Japanese fare who can tolerate waiting times.

Ideal for diners willing to queue early for high-quality creative Japanese cuisine.

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Other guide picks 2

Guesthouse

$$$Contemporary

After a decade cooking at Larkspur’s beloved Picco, Chef Jared Rogers has grown well-attuned to the tastes of the polished Marin crowd. His Kentfield eatery is a neighborhood gem, but for residents with million-dollar homes. The menu is appropriately packed with dressed-up crowd-pleasers—from grilled king salmon with chimichurri and summery succotash to decadent flourless chocolate cake piled with chocolate ice cream.Donning soft leather booths, eye-catching wallpaper and a tiled central bar, the room has the feel of a cavernous old barn transformed into a luxe vacation hideaway. This holiday

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Picco

$$$Contemporary

Picco is Italian for “summit,” and this charming Larkspur hilltop home has long been a beacon among Marin County diners. Chef/owner Bruce Hill is a true local-food devotee: his Italian-influenced fare heaps on Marin ingredients like the fresh turnips that dot his silky-smooth duck tortelli, or the Meyer lemon yogurt and beets that sit atop a nourishing kale salad. The “Marin Mondays” menu is a particular steal.The precise staff moves ably through the busy dining room, carrying bowls of creamy risotto made on the half-hour. With a high ceiling and exposed brick walls, the vibe is graceful but n

TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews

Picco offers contemporary dining in Boston with an average rating of 4.5/5. The food receives high praise, particularly for its handmade pizza, pasta, and gelato, noted for fresh ingredients and authentic taste. Service experiences vary significantly; while many find staff friendly and efficient, several reviews cite rude management, difficulty modifying reservations, and inconsistent meal pacing. The atmosphere is cozy, but due to high demand, reservations are strongly recommended. Value perceptions are mixed, with some finding prices reasonable and others questioning the worth. Travelers should expect excellent cuisine but remain prepared for potential service inconsistencies.

Ideal for diners seeking authentic pizza and gelato who can tolerate service variability; reservations are essential.

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