Restaurants in Novato
Best Restaurants
Bar • $$
“Finnegan's Marin Thank you for supporting the Lucky Run to benefit Novato High School's Safe & Sober Grad Night. We appreciate you! Safe and Sober Grad of Novato”
Cocktail Bar • $$$
“We always enjoy our meals, or happy hour food there! It's a very good value for the food quality. Great menu variety, too, and great drinks! Service can be just a little bit slow, (with one person running the bar and Boardroom sometimes), but server is very good, friendly and competent - it also reminds you to slow down and relax 😀”
Restaurants by Cuisine
Mexican • $$
“Very nice restaurant with plenty of room for indoor/outdoor gatherings. The food and service was excellent. I will be returning soon! 😊”
Japanese • $$
“First timers here, but it won't be my last. Absolutely one of the freshest and most tasteful sushi restaurants I have been to in a long time. I ate 6-7 dishes (try the scallops special off-menu), and everything was fantastic. The owner and her staff are very gracious making the dining experience even more pleasant. Go try it. You won't be disappointed.”
Italian • $$$
“Food was really good and the wait staff was very friendly and helpful. Cute place. Good idea for decorations”
Restaurants with Delivery
Chicken • $
“I love Dave’s Hot Chicken the atmosphere is great and so uplifting! I sat outside and it was so lovely and a beautiful day! Definitely coming back and telling others :)”
Bakery • $$
“I really like the products and the delivery process went smoothly. Only problem is I had a hard time paying for my order because it wouldn’t accept using both a gift card and another payment method.”
Bakery • $
“Love most of all is its quiet ,clean , friendly ,cozy ,country ambience . Having early breakfast or brunch there is a big treat for me, every time. It is also a perfect place for intimate get together with friends or family alike to unwind or just relax. It goes without saying , I love their menu offerings.Muy delicioso!!!”
Brunch • $
“Delicious breakfast today at Kitchen Novato. I had a custom egg white omelet with spinach and avocado. it was SO delicious and fresh. I also had a double espresso which was fantastic. My server Phoebe was friendly and knowledgeable. wonderful experience and looking forward to my next visit!”
Bar • $$
“Finnegan's Marin Thank you for supporting the Lucky Run to benefit Novato High School's Safe & Sober Grad Night. We appreciate you! Safe and Sober Grad of Novato”
Cocktail Bar • $$$
“We always enjoy our meals, or happy hour food there! It's a very good value for the food quality. Great menu variety, too, and great drinks! Service can be just a little bit slow, (with one person running the bar and Boardroom sometimes), but server is very good, friendly and competent - it also reminds you to slow down and relax 😀”
Sandwich Shop • $
“Italian Delite Submarine Sandwiches Thank you for supporting the Lucky Run this past Sunday to benefit Novato High School's Safe & Sober Grad Night. We appreciate you! Safe and Sober Grad of Novato”
Bakery • $
“John and Jill's cheesecake is the perfect hole in the wall for lack of a better term all the places like this I found provide excellent food excellent service, and just a pleasure to shop there🥂”
Ramen • $
“I had really good ramen here! It wasn’t necessarily the most authentic, but the portions were large, and it had a lot of fixins (in the chicken black garlic ramen). Kind staff, convenient location.”
Mexican • $$
“Very nice restaurant with plenty of room for indoor/outdoor gatherings. The food and service was excellent. I will be returning soon! 😊”
Indian • $$
“Absolutely amazing! Such wonderful dishes!! Will be back for more!! 😋❤️🧡❤️”
Peruvian • $$
“Wonderful dining experience. The food, service and ambiance was outstanding. What a jewel on the hill.”
Italian • $$
“pistachio crusted salmon was excellent. service was spot on. wine was excellent.”
Outdoor Dining
Japanese • $$
“First timers here, but it won't be my last. Absolutely one of the freshest and most tasteful sushi restaurants I have been to in a long time. I ate 6-7 dishes (try the scallops special off-menu), and everything was fantastic. The owner and her staff are very gracious making the dining experience even more pleasant. Go try it. You won't be disappointed.”
Coffee Shops • $
“Very cute coffee shop! There’s room to work but doesn’t appear there are any plug ins if you need charging. The blueberry scones are to die for!! They have a very robust menu.”
Deli • $
“Next to lucky market off seventh and Grant Avenue downtown Novato. Family owned deli that has served Bay Area for years with catering , too.
It’s little Italy in Novato. Anything in refrigeration pasta is amazing. Imported Italian treats and oils. Fresh coffee is amazing. Great old school feel. My salami sandwich is a tradition .”
Thai • $
“A Must try! They got large selection of Delicious food, Wonderful service.”
Indian • $$
“Absolutely amazing! Such wonderful dishes!! Will be back for more!! 😋❤️🧡❤️”
Bagels • $
“Always willing to help the community! On top of the BEST bagels in town. They are a true staple here in Novato and we are blessed to have them!”
Peruvian • $$
“Wonderful dining experience. The food, service and ambiance was outstanding. What a jewel on the hill.”
Coffee Shops • $
“Thank you Marin Coffee Roasters for supporting the Lucky Run this past Sunday to benefit Novato High School's Safe & Sober Grad Night. We appreciate you! Safe and Sober Grad of Novato”
Italian • $$
“pistachio crusted salmon was excellent. service was spot on. wine was excellent.”
Family • $
“We had a delicious breakfast this AM at Sam’s Place Service fantastic.. everything was fresh .. Will be back again for sure !!”
Cafe • $
“Thank you Marin Coffee Roasters for supporting the Lucky Run this past Sunday to benefit Novato High School's Safe & Sober Grad Night. We appreciate you! Safe and Sober Grad of Novato”
Online Reservation Available
Italian • $$$
“Food was really good and the wait staff was very friendly and helpful. Cute place. Good idea for decorations”
Bar & Grill • $$
“The pizza was good — not amazing, but solid — and the ranch dressing was incredible. We popped in because The Village had a 45-minute wait and got seated right away, which was a win. Lots of TVs, so we could watch both the MLB playoffs and college football, and our server was genuinely great — friendly and helpful. That said, it definitely leans more toward an adult vibe. Even though there’s an arcade, the prices are a bit steep ($17 for a kid’s spaghetti and one meatball). And the playlist? Let’s just say it was giving “bow chicka bow wow late-night R&B” energy — not exactly the soundtrack I expected for family pizza night at 6:30 p.m on a Saturday. We’ll probably go back, but next time, maybe earlier in the day when hopefully it’s more family-friendly.”
Italian • $$
“What a wonderful experience it's our second time going to this restaurant and it does not disappoint. The food was wonderful. The service is excellent. All the staff is so friendly and accommodating. I couldn't say enough nice things about our evening. I'm so thrilled that we found this place and it will be our favorite Italian restaurant in the North Bay! If you haven't showed up there, you should give it a shot. You will not be disappointed.”
Mexican • $$
“Made a lunch stop with good friends. We had the restaurant almost to ourselves. Great decor and great service. I’ll be sure to go back if I’m ever in Novato!!”
Indian • $$
“Family run restaurant. Direct from Goan India... so good! Yummy menu. I've ordered nearly everything (meat or veg) and all is delightful. My personal faves are the aloo Gobi, Dal makhani, Chana Masala, and baigan bharta. Meat dishes yummy, biryanis delicious, and my young kids can eat the mild, I don't go above medium- hot for myself (I love spicy food).”
Asian Fusion • $
“Fast to order and deliver to the table. Young lady taking the order was efficient and kind. Lots of parking and seating. All level ground. Clean restrooms. I got the teriyaki salmon on the fried rice with veggies. Outstanding!”
Pizza • $$
“Really solid pepperoni with extra cheese. Maybe I'd give 4.5 stars if I could... Good texture on the crust, lots of fresh tasting full fat cheese with some nice browning. Fatty, salty, peppery pepperoni. Great pizza for the value. Got a cheese bread side order too which was just as described and what we expected, tasty. The ranch was fire.. classic pizza place batch made ranch and a properly full little cup. Their order system and estimates for pickup worked perfectly. Good place!”
Mexican • $$
“Great drinks and food. You will not be disappointed!”
Bar & Grill • $$
“The pizza was good — not amazing, but solid — and the ranch dressing was incredible. We popped in because The Village had a 45-minute wait and got seated right away, which was a win. Lots of TVs, so we could watch both the MLB playoffs and college football, and our server was genuinely great — friendly and helpful. That said, it definitely leans more toward an adult vibe. Even though there’s an arcade, the prices are a bit steep ($17 for a kid’s spaghetti and one meatball). And the playlist? Let’s just say it was giving “bow chicka bow wow late-night R&B” energy — not exactly the soundtrack I expected for family pizza night at 6:30 p.m on a Saturday. We’ll probably go back, but next time, maybe earlier in the day when hopefully it’s more family-friendly.”
Italian • $$
“What a wonderful experience it's our second time going to this restaurant and it does not disappoint. The food was wonderful. The service is excellent. All the staff is so friendly and accommodating. I couldn't say enough nice things about our evening. I'm so thrilled that we found this place and it will be our favorite Italian restaurant in the North Bay! If you haven't showed up there, you should give it a shot. You will not be disappointed.”
Takeout Restaurants
Brewery • $
“Great down to earth staff A very chilled spot to hang out and enjoy craft beer Has music & Tvs watch sports Delicious craft beer”
Sandwich Shop • $
“Polite employees and delicious food. Good prices too.”
Pizza • $
“Not every Extreme is made the same. This location is wonderful and the staff very friendly. Previous history with extreme wasn’t great but so glad I gave this location a shot.”
Greek • $
“My first time at the Novato location. Pleasantly surprised! Super clean restaurant and tasty, healthy food options with big portions at a small price. This is my new go-to place for before Costco runs!”
Deli • $
“A “Must Stop” for lunch! The best sourdough bread I’ve ever had. Wanted to go back and just order a bunch of bread to take home and spoil the family. The perfect crispy crust and then soft chew center with lots of wonderful savory sourness. I had the Ham & Pastrami. Perfect fresh ingredients. Everything you want in a deli sandwich at a reasonable price. Lots of selections so I’m heading back for future yummy bites. Excellent personal service.”
Bakery • $
“Ordered the mini Tortes during the Covid-19 stay time and got them in 24 hours at home and they were incredible! Well with it. Recommend for those gluten free and they have vegan friendly items!!”
Coffee Shops • $
“Girl out the counter was extremely polite accommodating and coworker working the espresso bar is very accommodating and polite and helpful regarding nutmeg topping.”
American • $$
“Good beer, tasty food and live music...what's not to love? Can't wait to get back in!”
Chicken Shop • $$
“This place is great! Staff was cool, food terrific and they support Meals on Wheels. Super place!”
Mexican • $$
“So excited to eat , drink 🍹 and teach paint party next two Saturdays at this amazing restaurant.. they have the family vibe , put on endless events to help the community , great staff , excellent Mexican food 🥘 and exciting cocktails. Come by and say aloha.”
American • $
“Great breakfast with my honey! So cool to have a Honduran breakfast including black bean soup and platanos, while my husband ordered a traditional eggs/hashbrowns combo. Nice staff, fun Western decor. Love all the window booth seats. We’ll be back!”
American • $$
“Good beer, tasty food and live music...what's not to love? Can't wait to get back in!”
Chicken Shop • $$
“This place is great! Staff was cool, food terrific and they support Meals on Wheels. Super place!”
Mexican • $$
“So excited to eat , drink 🍹 and teach paint party next two Saturdays at this amazing restaurant.. they have the family vibe , put on endless events to help the community , great staff , excellent Mexican food 🥘 and exciting cocktails. Come by and say aloha.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
Bar • $
“Fun local bar- 2 pool tables, music, plenty of places to sit and chill and a super awesome bartender. Cinnamon-orange slice-tequila shot? I made all good decisions with no regrets that night!!!”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“I happened upon Bliss after their ownership change on the way to my parents and it was fantastic. Super friendly staff who walked me and my kids through different flavors, gave us samples, and told us all about their ice cream drinks which we are going to try on our next visit! Definitely stop by when passing through Novato, it’s a great local spot!”
Coffee Shops • $$
“The florist Vanessa is amazing!!! I ordered flowers for a friend all the way from Ohio and she went over and beyond to make sure they looked beautiful. She was so friendly and kind! Thank you Vanessa for making my day 💐”
Health Food • $
“Always appreciate organic healthy vegan food that is delicious as well! If you're vegan, however, be constantly aware that they have dairy. The staff is quite knowledgeable, which helps, and always willing to ask the kitchen if they don't know. The metal chairs scraping on the concrete floors are ear piercing. Try to sit outside away from the noise.”
Pizza • $$
“Love the Monday night karaoke! Karaoke host, bar tender, and all of the people there were so fun and friendly. Will definitely be returning! �”
Bistros • $$
“Eclectic restaurant in the old part of Hamilton field. Inside and outside seating. Really good and fresh calamari, where you can actually taste the squid. Fish tacos are excellent, fresh fish perfectly cooked and good value. Shrimp tacos were also good. Fettuccine jambalaya had a well developed sauce with a good mix of proteins. Finished with a Snickers cheesecake and strawberry pavlova, both excellent. Service was good with very friendly staff. Only downside was the smell of the deep fat fryer, probably should have sat outside. Recommended and will return.”
Burgers • $
“This is one of the best burger spots I've ever been to and I've been to alot cuz i love burgers
Their pesto fries are also the best fries I've ever had. Great service and a clean restaurant.
Their burgers, pesto garlic fries and milkshakes are spectacular.
They have a large menu and I'm sure the other food is great as well.”
Chinese • $
“I've lived in Novato for six years. I've tried several Chinese restaurants and haven't been impressed. I've resorted to driving down to Ping's in Northgate One. That all changed today when I stopped at China Village in the San Marin Plaza. They know their stuff! Everything was flavorful and delicious. I'll be back!”
Mexican • $
“Recomiendo este negocio para cualquier evento. Un sabor único, las personas muy amables y responsables. La comida está bien sabrosa.”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“I don't often leave Google Maps reviews, but this is the best ice cream I've had in a while. Sherbet was fantastic, and tons of flavors of ice cream. Free samples to try any flavor and friendly staff. A++”
Vietnamese • $$
“We have been going to La Maison for years. As Asians, it’s difficult to find good and authentic Asian food in Marin. The spicy beef and BBQ pork noodle soup is very flavorful, and many of the lunch specials are delicious as well. It’s a family owned business where the sisters provide very friendly service. Since they moved from Corte Madera, we still drive 20-30min each way regularly to eat there. We highly recommend that you try it out!”
Japanese • $$
“Delicious food every time we’re there and staff are always friendly”
Mexican • $$
“Made a lunch stop with good friends. We had the restaurant almost to ourselves. Great decor and great service. I’ll be sure to go back if I’m ever in Novato!!”
Indian • $$
“Family run restaurant. Direct from Goan India... so good! Yummy menu. I've ordered nearly everything (meat or veg) and all is delightful. My personal faves are the aloo Gobi, Dal makhani, Chana Masala, and baigan bharta. Meat dishes yummy, biryanis delicious, and my young kids can eat the mild, I don't go above medium- hot for myself (I love spicy food).”
Pizza • $$
“Love the Monday night karaoke! Karaoke host, bar tender, and all of the people there were so fun and friendly. Will definitely be returning! �”
Cheap Eats
Deli • $
“I am so lucky! I just pulled over to adjust my navigation map and ended up in front of this store.
The nostalgic was worth a good look. I went inside to get a bottle of water as the deli lady was finishing assembling a great looking sandwich. It looked so good I had to have one too.
Pastrami on oat bran bread. She makes sure to make it exactly the way the customer wants it. Her and her partner have been running this shop for over 20 years. The guy ids fun to talk to while the deli products stress being made.
That sandwich was absolutely delicious!
Put this place on your list of places to stop.”
Mexican • $
“a family favorite and regular go to. today the meal was exceptional and the horchata was a real treat. we've been coming here for years if not decades and will keep coming as the food is so fresh and the salsas are very flavorful and perfect spice levels. ♡wayne”
Bakery • $
“Seriously is there a 12 Step Group available for your cookies? I’m addicted! As I live outside Seattle I haven’t as yet visited your delicious bakery, but believe me I’m doing my part by consuming the boxes of cookies stocked by #townandcountrymarketbainbridge Yummy🥰”
Fast Food • $
“I ordered three Taco Bell Supremes tacos. That was hardly any sour cream or cheese. It was mostly lettuce and a few tomatoes. I don't think that's what I expected but that's what I got. I hope that's coming across clear because it was edible but not what I expected to order after paying $16 for the meal”
Deli • $
“James and his wife run a restaurant that serves American-style salads like Caesar and Greek chicken, along with sweets such as ice cream, candy bars, and muffins. They also offer a selection of beers, ideal for enjoying with friends, though it's not extensive. Whether or notyou’re a male or femalle. If you do stay here for a little bit, you’ll see that they make homemade Korean dishes, like kimchi, etc. which is quite tasty. I might say so if you have a handcream to try something new go to lBelli tell her you won’t be disappointed.”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“Took my family and grandchildren for a treat and lady behind the counter with glasses was kind and patient. This is the spot to go with your family.”
Chicken Wings • $
“PROTECT THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS. THIS IS A NOVATO STAPLE, A HISTORICAL LANDMARK, AN ICONIC TAKE OUT TO GO FOOD FOR EVERY SUPERBOWL AND AFTER PARTY! THIS PLACE HAS BEEN HERE BEFORE THE AGE OF SMART PHONES. OBW FOREVER!!
Parking: Please consider the market and two other establishments but there is plenty of parking out front.
Kid-friendliness: Yes, very kid friendly. Lots of grass across the parking lot for kids to run around (supervised) as it is in the middle of a parking lot and a busy street.”
Coffee Shops • $
“I enjoy the vintage oaks starbucks because it has great carmel frappachino's. I really appreciate the chance to sit down and rest my feet. I usually stop by there before I go shopping or afterwards. It is also cool and very peaceful and quiet all the times that I have been there. ☺”
Hawaiian • $
“Omfg this food was bomb, I ordered while hungry which was stupid , I got the value plate that feeds 6 people,it has BBQ beef n BBQ chicken, some other chicken rice, hells shit, beef Simon, mango smoothies, loco moco, and omg I can feed a family”
Juice • $
“I enjoy going by this shop for my smoothie. The Kids work hard to make your drink. I appreciate all that you do for our community Brad Beedle”
Mexican • $
“My wife & I had a wonderful breakfast lunch chorizo & sausage omelette with potatoes were excellent good portions. Beautiful tropical feel , great ambience comfortable seating highly recommend very polite host & manager”
Hamburger • $
“I love the habit burger prices are great 👍🏻 and I love their chocolate milkshakes. The prices are wonderful. 🤩”
Bistros • $$
“Eclectic restaurant in the old part of Hamilton field. Inside and outside seating. Really good and fresh calamari, where you can actually taste the squid. Fish tacos are excellent, fresh fish perfectly cooked and good value. Shrimp tacos were also good. Fettuccine jambalaya had a well developed sauce with a good mix of proteins. Finished with a Snickers cheesecake and strawberry pavlova, both excellent. Service was good with very friendly staff. Only downside was the smell of the deep fat fryer, probably should have sat outside. Recommended and will return.”
Pizza • $$
“Really solid pepperoni with extra cheese. Maybe I'd give 4.5 stars if I could... Good texture on the crust, lots of fresh tasting full fat cheese with some nice browning. Fatty, salty, peppery pepperoni. Great pizza for the value. Got a cheese bread side order too which was just as described and what we expected, tasty. The ranch was fire.. classic pizza place batch made ranch and a properly full little cup. Their order system and estimates for pickup worked perfectly. Good place!”
Vietnamese • $$
“We have been going to La Maison for years. As Asians, it’s difficult to find good and authentic Asian food in Marin. The spicy beef and BBQ pork noodle soup is very flavorful, and many of the lunch specials are delicious as well. It’s a family owned business where the sisters provide very friendly service. Since they moved from Corte Madera, we still drive 20-30min each way regularly to eat there. We highly recommend that you try it out!”
Japanese • $$
“Delicious food every time we’re there and staff are always friendly”
Latin American • $$
“I had a super steak burrito on three separate occasions and throughly enjoyed the burrito every time. Top 5 burritos I've ever tried and I've tried most of them from the bay, says a lot. The meat has a nice smoky flavor and the hananero salsa was on point”
Latest Reviews
Ice Cream Shop • $
“Took my family and grandchildren for a treat and lady behind the counter with glasses was kind and patient. This is the spot to go with your family.”
Mexican • $$
“Made a lunch stop with good friends. We had the restaurant almost to ourselves. Great decor and great service. I’ll be sure to go back if I’m ever in Novato!!”
Restaurant • $$
“Wonderful dining experience. The food, service and ambiance was outstanding. What a jewel on the hill.”
Most Popular Restaurants
Chicken • $
“I love Dave’s Hot Chicken the atmosphere is great and so uplifting! I sat outside and it was so lovely and a beautiful day! Definitely coming back and telling others :)”
Bakery • $$
“I really like the products and the delivery process went smoothly. Only problem is I had a hard time paying for my order because it wouldn’t accept using both a gift card and another payment method.”
Coffee Shops • $
“Very cute coffee shop! There’s room to work but doesn’t appear there are any plug ins if you need charging. The blueberry scones are to die for!! They have a very robust menu.”
Bakery • $
“Love most of all is its quiet ,clean , friendly ,cozy ,country ambience . Having early breakfast or brunch there is a big treat for me, every time. It is also a perfect place for intimate get together with friends or family alike to unwind or just relax. It goes without saying , I love their menu offerings.Muy delicioso!!!”
Sandwich Shop • $
“Italian Delite Submarine Sandwiches Thank you for supporting the Lucky Run this past Sunday to benefit Novato High School's Safe & Sober Grad Night. We appreciate you! Safe and Sober Grad of Novato”
Greek • $
“My first time at the Novato location. Pleasantly surprised! Super clean restaurant and tasty, healthy food options with big portions at a small price. This is my new go-to place for before Costco runs!”
Chinese • $
“Every time I'm in town I make sure to hit China Palace at least once, but if I'm being honest I would go there as many times as my family will let me! The Mongolian beef is an abundant portion and some of the best I've had. Super tender, tons of flavor. If you want to feel like you've had your veggies, pair the Mongolian beef with mu shu vegetables. They're super fresh, a nice little crunch and also an abundant portion (that will last you a couple days for lunch after!). This is my favorite combo, but honestly I've never had anything I didn't thoroughly enjoy here!”
Salad • $$
“Lots of crying babies but the food was very yummy and fresh. My order of tomato bisque, fatuous (quinoa), and a barn burger was great! I was satiated and thought the salad portion size was huge. Perfect for sharing with 1-2 people even.”
“Keep in mind that 99% of the time I do take out by ordering from their web page. It's never been a long wait and the order has always been correct. The staff are always polite and they have a great little waiting area inside.”