Easily one of the most popular restaurants in Marin, Sol Food’s bright, lime-green exterior and Caribbean tune at its original San Rafael location pay homage to the owner’s father’s Puerto Rico roots. You’ll find a constant line out the door at both the San Rafael and Mill Valley locations. The bistec sandwich with thinly sliced steak, avocados and garlic mayo is a definite crowd-pleaser. Other standouts include the plantain-fried shrimp served with rice, beans and plantains with a limonada fresca or ponche on the side.

Gluten-free bakeries are often looked down upon, and it’s understandable — the consistency and textures are hard to get right without it. However, Flour Chylde is truly an exceptional gluten-free bakery, serving rich chocolate and lemon coconut tortes, cakes, as well as breads, muffins and cookies. Come for breakfast or lunch or to pick up some treats. Find them at the farmers market too.

Bovine is a must when creating the perfect picnic basket before heading out to the beach. Pick up some buttermilk scones, muffins, seasonal pie or homemade quiche. The “from-scratch” bakery has been around since 1990 and continues to serve wonderful baked goods.

If you’re heading to West Marin or on the way back from Point Reyes, Arti is a great place to stop for some organic Indian food. They have everything from samosas, to chicken tikka masala, tandoori and kebabs, to kheer pudding.

The Sunday Marin Farmers Market at the Marin Civic Center is hands-down one of the best farmers markets around. The diverse choice of produce, grass-fed meats, homemade baked goods, specialty breads, dips, cheeses, yogurts, almond milk, Afghan bolani...it’s endless. Spend the morning and afternoon here shopping seasonally and locally, while also enjoying an eclectic choice of prepared foods for lunch. Try Avi’s mezze platter, Pizza Politana’s wood-fired margherita or Tru Gourmet’s exceptional dim sum.

This tiny scoop shop has a huge following, so expect a long line out the door on warm days, but at least you’ll have time to decide on a flavor. Their ice cream is all organic — can you expect anything less in Marin? Flavors are constantly changing with the seasons, but there’s always a dairy-free option. Try their signature vanilla, honey, lavender in a homemade waffle cup or cone.   

Yes, this is technically a grocery store, and a pricey one at that. But they have one of the best prepared foods section a grocery store can offer. From sandwiches, to pizza, to tacos, to salad bar and Thai wok, everything is made with local, organic ingredients. Indeed, the store prides itself on only selling organic, local and seasonal produce, so if you’re looking for peaches in March, you won’t find them here.

This daytime cafe bakes their own assortment of breads and pastries, in addition to serving a full breakfast and lunch menu. Stop by for some Straus yogurt and granola, soup, salad, or sandwich. Everything is made with fresh, local ingredients and a list of their purveyors can be found on their website.

This is quintessential Californian cuisine found at the Marin Country Mart, just a step away from the Larkspur Ferry. The menu is creative, detailed and on the pricier side, but worth it. For brunch, indulge in the brioche sticky bun or dungeness crab egg frittata.  

Rulli has been a staple pasticceria in Marin since 1988. The feel is certainly that of an Italian cafe in Rome or Florence. Walk in and smell the espresso, pastries and gelato. It’s a perfect place to grab a focaccia sandwich, panini and coffee, or to fulfill a donut craving, try the bombolone.

Burmese food has become ubiquitous in the Bay Area — you won’t find it many other places. Burmatown is a stellar, Michelin recommended, family-run restaurant, with a a traditional tea leaf salad with fermented tea leaves, dried shrimp, peanuts, fried garlic and fish sauce on the menu. Other offerings include coconut chicken curry noodles and a beef short rib curry. Make sure to order the coconut rice on the side.   

A fun and funky spot, Joe’s has been serving up solid tacos, burritos, tostadas and other standard Californian-Mexican fare for two and a half decades. It’s a good place to stop after a long day out at Stinson Beach, or if you’re just in the mood for some great Mexican cuisine in a casual setting.