Marin Michelin Restaurants 2024 Edition
Best restaurants in Marin, you ask? Well when the Michelin Guide can answer that question, let’s listen to what they have to say. The 2024 Michelin Guide selections have been published and as far as Marin County goes, we couldn’t agree more. Five Marin restaurants were awarded Michelin Bib Gourmands, and one restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star.
Book your stay at one of our Marin Hotels, and let your Marin Michelin tour begin. Below are the winners, with links directly to the Michelin Reviews. Bon Apetit!
Marin County Michelin Bib Gourmand Restaurants
Marin County does very well on the 2024 Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendations, congratulations to all of the winners! What’s a Bib Gourmand? Here you go — ”Not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize, the Bib Gourmand - named after Bibendum, the friendly Michelin Man and the official company mascot for the Michelin Group - is a just-as-esteemed rating that recognizes friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.”
Friendly atmosphere, and great food? We’re in!
Insalata’s in San Anselmo
Insalata’s has been a much-loved mediterranean food destination in San Anselmo for over 20 years, and a multiple-year Michelin Bib Gourmand winner. The spread at the top of this post, that’s Insalatas, and yes you will want to order everything. The Michelin Guide loves what the locals love about the food here:
“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 and flatbread.”
Sushi Ran in Sausalito
Sushi Ran is not only considered one of the best Sushi Restaurants in California, but also the Country. And so close to Acqua Hotel! The Michelin Guide has suggested the perfect meal at Sushi Ran:
“Start off with a small bite like shrimp tempura over crisp veggies, tobiko and asparagus, or a steamed red crab salad mingled with seaweed, cucumber and a sweet soy dressing. Then move on to the main event: meticulously sourced, extraordinarily pure hamachi, big-eye tuna, steamed blue prawns and Santa Barbara uni.”
Pig in a Pickle in Corte Madera
High quality ingredients meet southern style sauces at super casual Pig in a Pickle at Corte Madera Town Center. The Michelin Guide notes:
“There’s really no wrong way to go on their mouthwatering menu. Imagine the likes of melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork; 18-hour smoked brisket; perfectly moist, dry-rubbed ribs; or juicy hotlinks bursting with flavor. Even the mac-and-cheese, a gloopy afterthought at so many other such places, is tended to with care, offering rich flavor and toothsome texture.”
Playa in Mill Valley
A few blocks from Mill Valley Inn, Playa’s modern Mexican food matches its gorgeous indoor/outdoor space and easy vibe. Here’s what Michelin has to say about Playa:
“The menu makes for tough choices: opt for the outstanding al pastor tacos layered with sweet-spicy caramelized pineapple salsa, or the crispy empanadas stuffed with chorizo, currants and green olives, drizzled with chimichurri. Whether you choose a cocktail and a mushroom-squash blossom quesadilla at the bar or bowls of chips and queso fundido with a big group on the sunny back patio, good times are guaranteed.”
Village Sake in Fairfax
First off, prepare! This japanese Izakaya pub doesn’t take reservations, so familiarize yourself with Village Sake’s waitlist. Worth it! From the Michelin Guide:
“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.”
Marin County Michelin Star Restaurants
And for a Marin Michelin Star experience, MADCAP in San Anselmo is a fine-dining must-do. The setting is perfectly Marin: upscale but easy and the service is perfection. The tasting menu is so well paced and the wine list is well thought out. Of course! It’s a Michelin Star Restaurant:
“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 ribbons of kohlrabi is bested with a tableside pour of dashi. The caramel pot de crème with a double hit of almond crumble and ice cream is perfection.
