Restaurants in Novato
Best Restaurants
Bar • $$
Cocktail Bar • $$$
“This was a surprise find in a small shopping mall. Excellent food and large portions. The alcohol was inexpensive and they have both mocktails and NA beer. It's easy to enthusiastically recommend it.”
Sushi • $$
“Keep in mind that 99% of the time I do take out by ordering from their web page. It's never been a long wait and the order has always been correct. The staff are always polite and they have a great little waiting area inside.”
Indian • $$
“Absolutely amazing! Such wonderful dishes!! Will be back for more!! 😋❤️🧡❤️”
Restaurants by Cuisine
Peruvian • $$
“Wonderful dining experience. The food, service and ambiance was outstanding. What a jewel on the hill.”
Indian • $$
“What a charming restaurant that we would not have noticed from the location, but once inside we were not disappointed with the food, service or the the decor. We would highly recommend this place to all and it will be one of our favorites for future eatings.”
Wine Bar • $$
“First time. Stopped in for a glass while I was waiting on my daughter. They were just opening up but very welcoming and gracious. The Rose’ I had was very nice. Will be back.”
Restaurants with Delivery
Bakery • $
“Love most of all is its quiet ,clean , friendly ,cozy ,country ambience . Having early breakfast or brunch there is a big treat for me, every time. It is also a perfect place for intimate get together with friends or family alike to unwind or just relax. It goes without saying , I love their menu offerings.Muy delicioso!!!”
Brunch • $
“Delicious breakfast today at Kitchen Novato. I had a custom egg white omelet with spinach and avocado. it was SO delicious and fresh. I also had a double espresso which was fantastic. My server Phoebe was friendly and knowledgeable. wonderful experience and looking forward to my next visit!”
Chicken • $
“The food is always amazing and the people are nice, Also Dave is my hero+if everyone ate here the world would be a better place because no one would go hungry and they would always be happy because they would always have really good food.”
Bar • $$
“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”
Bakery • $$
“Delicious -- and helpful. I went in my noise-sensitive daughter. They immediately agreed to turn off the music that was playing so that she could choose her cookies -- which were fantastic.”
American • $
“Food is excellent, portions are huge, and the staff is wonderful!! If you are in the Novato area, you owe it to yourselves to try it!! We are from Nebraska, and my wife did a Google search for a place for breakfast! We tried it, and have been back 3 times!! You won't be dissapointed!!”
Cocktail Bar • $$$
“This was a surprise find in a small shopping mall. Excellent food and large portions. The alcohol was inexpensive and they have both mocktails and NA beer. It's easy to enthusiastically recommend it.”
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”
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 • $$
“pistachio crusted salmon was excellent. service was spot on. wine was excellent.”
Italian • $$$
“Food was really good and the wait staff was very friendly and helpful. Cute place. Good idea for decorations”
Outdoor Dining
Coffee Shops • $
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Had an iced Cozy Pumpkin delivered from Dr. Insomniacs and it somehow showed up tasting like fall itself—cold, creamy, and dangerously good. If this is what insomnia tastes like, count me in.”
Indian • $$
“What a charming restaurant that we would not have noticed from the location, but once inside we were not disappointed with the food, service or the the decor. We would highly recommend this place to all and it will be one of our favorites for future eatings.”
Deli • $
“Next to lucky market off seventh and Grant Avenue downtown Novato. Family owned deli that has served Bay Area for years with catering , too.
It’s little Italy in Novato. Anything in refrigeration pasta is amazing. Imported Italian treats and oils. Fresh coffee is amazing. Great old school feel. My salami sandwich is a tradition .”
Wine Bar • $$
“First time. Stopped in for a glass while I was waiting on my daughter. They were just opening up but very welcoming and gracious. The Rose’ I had was very nice. Will be back.”
Italian • $$
“pistachio crusted salmon was excellent. service was spot on. wine was excellent.”
Thai • $
“A Must try! They got large selection of Delicious food, Wonderful service.”
Family • $
“We had a delicious breakfast this AM at Sam’s Place Service fantastic.. everything was fresh .. Will be back again for sure !!”
Japanese • $$
“Staff were all really nice. Food was excellent. The sushi is a bit on the pricier side and I'm not cool enough to be able to tell the difference between a $15+ roll and a $10 roll. The miso soup was probably the best I've ever had.”
Health Food • $
“The delicious go-to place in novato, the food is very fresh and well thought out. The smoothies and shakes are wonderful and my favorite is the Vegetable Bowl - brown rice, a delicious sauce with finally chopped raw and fresh veggies. Updated from previous review on 2024-10-23”
Japanese • $$
“Staff were all really nice. Food was excellent. The sushi is a bit on the pricier side and I'm not cool enough to be able to tell the difference between a $15+ roll and a $10 roll. The miso soup was probably the best I've ever had.”
Pizza • $$
“Love the Monday night karaoke! Karaoke host, bar tender, and all of the people there were so fun and friendly. Will definitely be returning! �”
Online Reservation Available
Italian • $$$
“Food was really good and the wait staff was very friendly and helpful. Cute place. Good idea for decorations”
Bar & Grill • $$
“Great people, always fun to bring our Northbay Salsa Diabla event there. They have become family. Thank you!”
Mexican • $$
“Very nice restaurant with plenty of room for indoor/outdoor gatherings. The food and service was excellent. I will be returning soon! 😊”
Italian • $$
“We want to thank the kitchen and wait staff for serving hot meals to the four of us. It is so rare for us that restaurant serve everyone's food hot that we want to make a special notation of thanks. As for our meals, the gluten free calamari fritti appetizer was yummy like always. The Caesar salad sans croutons was tasty and not heavy on the dressing. The special chicken Marsala was delicious. The chicken was juicy and tender. Everyone throughly enjoyed their meals. The evening was topped off with spumoni and a flourless chocolate torte.”
American • $$$
“I hosted my company Christmas party there. Omar and his staff were wonderful, the back patio was beautiful and the food was great (but the margaritas were better). Highly recommended this place for any occasion.”
Mexican • $
“Made a lunch stop with good friends. We had the restaurant almost to ourselves. Great decor and great service. I’ll be sure to go back if I’m ever in Novato!!”
Mexican • $$
“Great drinks and food. You will not be disappointed!”
Pizza • $$
“Very good pizza. The crust is the perfect balance of chewy and puffy. Last time we got Hawaiian and it was great. Surly teenager employee pretends to to be nice, but he is sweet. Oh but watch out, the gym ball machine will eat your quarters.”
Bar & Grill • $$
“Great people, always fun to bring our Northbay Salsa Diabla event there. They have become family. Thank you!”
Mexican • $$
“Very nice restaurant with plenty of room for indoor/outdoor gatherings. The food and service was excellent. I will be returning soon! 😊”
Takeout Restaurants
Bakery • $
“Everything great. It is an actual factory making incredible cheecakes in my opinion. So, there is no atmosphere to speak of, but none is required. It's clean, functional and friendly front room staff (mother of owner). Loved that!”
Pizza • $$
“Love the Monday night karaoke! Karaoke host, bar tender, and all of the people there were so fun and friendly. Will definitely be returning! �”
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”
Pizza • $
“They did not disappoint with the Pandora's Box pizza... my husband and I went there twice in a single weekend. The 1st time we got half & half, the 2nd time I got my own pizza”
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 • $
“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”
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”
Burgers • $
“I don't get into Novato much since the Globberstaller Institution closed down, but when I do I always stop at the Freeport for a burger or a dog.
And ......I was just about there when I spotted FBI BURGERS, and thought I'd give them a try. I got two oldschool hotdogs with mustard and mayo just so I could get a good grasp of the quality of the buns and the hotdogs, and all I can say is WOW! The buns were fresh, soft and pillowy, the all beef dogs were cooked perfectly and had that hard to find natural casing snap with every bite, they were Amazing!
5 stars all day long. ☆☆☆☆☆”
American • $
“We finally made our first visit to the new Star Restaurant and were pleasantly surprised. I had the mixed BBQ plate with beef, chicken, pork, and chorizo, everything on the plate was delicious especially the chorizo which I normally dislike. We look forward to coming back or ordering takeout.”
Greek • $
“It's nice to have alternatives to burgers for fast food. This place is in our rotation for a quick delicious stop before shopping or an affordable dinner to bring home to the family when cooking at home just isn't in the cards that night. The staff are always friendly and quick to turn the orders around. We highly recommend giving them a try if you haven't already.”
Italian • $$
“We want to thank the kitchen and wait staff for serving hot meals to the four of us. It is so rare for us that restaurant serve everyone's food hot that we want to make a special notation of thanks. As for our meals, the gluten free calamari fritti appetizer was yummy like always. The Caesar salad sans croutons was tasty and not heavy on the dressing. The special chicken Marsala was delicious. The chicken was juicy and tender. Everyone throughly enjoyed their meals. The evening was topped off with spumoni and a flourless chocolate torte.”
American • $$$
“I hosted my company Christmas party there. Omar and his staff were wonderful, the back patio was beautiful and the food was great (but the margaritas were better). Highly recommended this place for any occasion.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
Mexican • $$
“So excited to eat , drink 🍹 and teach paint party next two Saturdays at this amazing restaurant.. they have the family vibe , put on endless events to help the community , great staff , excellent Mexican food 🥘 and exciting cocktails. Come by and say aloha.”
Coffee Shops • $$
“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 💐”
Sandwich Shop • $
“Out of every sourdough Co. located around the bay this is the top one! Staff and team is absolutely fantastic, great energy really make their customers feel appreciated and comfortable. You even have an outside seating area they BRING the food out too you!!!! Such a great deli”
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.”
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.”
Japanese • $$
“Delicious food every time we’re there and staff are always friendly”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“Yummy tasty soft serve. Especially the ube. And I’ve had lots around the globe and every Japan town I can frequent. Menu could be more clear and self explanatory between the “parfait” and “pm fav”. Mochi rice cakes could be improved - I’m a tough critic! All in all, really worth a try. Support your local business!”
Salad • $$
“I had never heard of this restaurant (or been in downtown Novato) and didn't realize it had multiple locations. The entire menu sounded delicious. I got the ahi salad and was so happy with it. Staff was super friendly and the atmosphere was chill. I will absolutely be going back.”
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!”
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.”
Ice Cream Shop • $
“We were here for vacation and found this cool ice cream place. There are so many varieties that we asked them for their popular ones and yet I got the chacobanga and rose scoops on a cone and a chocolate in a cup. The service is great and the vibe is cool, literally you feel you are in a tropical place with music, vibe and great ice cream with amazing interiors. I loved the ambience and it seemed like a family owned business. I highly recommend it if you're here in Petaluma, go look out for this place, you will thank me later.”
Brewery • $$
“Awesome beers! The guy working here serving our drinks is really kind and a pleasure to speak to. The ambiance is
perfect, the music is at the right level.”
Mexican • $$
“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.”
Cheap Eats
Brewery • $
“The seating is in a mostly-enclosed outdoor patio with access to a food truck out back sometimes. Otherwise there are only chips for snacks and some Boylan’s sodas and seltzers besides the beers brewed there.”
Mexican • $
“Recomiendo este negocio para cualquier evento. Un sabor único, las personas muy amables y responsables. La comida está bien sabrosa.”
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.”
Mexican • $
“I’ve eaten at Tommy’s Salsa a handful of times and never been disappointed. You can tell the food is made with fresh ingredients and their salsa selection is awesome. The food always comes out fast and the staff is extremely friendly. I work in Novato twice a week and this has become a staple for my lunch breaks.”
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.”
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!!!”
Mexican • $
“Great Mexican food, get price, great service..
Parking: Small parking lot but with ample parking on the street. Downtown Novato is popular so walking half a block is not unheard of.”
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”
Chinese • $
“By my personal experience I do not understand the 3.8 star rating. The service is great...in the evenings anyway. The food in the trays may sometimes need refreshing but the staff is always accommodating to make it fresh. I didn't give the food a 5 because let's face it...pre-made food is never as good as everything fresh to order but the food is tasty and let us not forget we are not at a sit down restaurant.. once again the staff has been great!”
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.”
Fast Food • $
“I was late to pick up my order. The guy at the Informed me that my fries have gotten stale. Instead of letting me walk away with my order. He remade fresh fries, right then and there. No questions asked. It was getting late and the fact he insisted shows me the integrity of this service. He needs a raise ASAP!”
Hawaiian • $
“The portion was excellent! Service was average, the atmosphere felt a bit lonely. But since it was to go it was alright overall, the barbecue chicken platter is a great start!”
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”
American • $$
“Good beer, tasty food and live music...what's not to love? Can't wait to get back in!”
Vietnamese • $$
“The food was alright. The meat was tender and flavorful, but the bowl of vermicelli could be improved with some herbs, at the minimum, mint. So even though the protein was flavorful, as a whole, it felt bland.
We didn't order much so I can't attest to the other dishes. The coffee needs to be more authentic, either use dark roast or one with Chicory. I tasted vanilla and nuttiness in my cup.”
Japanese • $$
“Delicious food every time we’re there and staff are always friendly”
Bistros • $$
“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.”
Chicken Shop • $$
“This place is great! Staff was cool, food terrific and they support Meals on Wheels. Super place!”
Latin American • $$
“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 • $$
“Wonderful dining experience. The food, service and ambiance was outstanding. What a jewel on the hill.”
Most Popular Restaurants
Chicken • $
“The food is always amazing and the people are nice, Also Dave is my hero+if everyone ate here the world would be a better place because no one would go hungry and they would always be happy because they would always have really good food.”
Bakery • $$
“Delicious -- and helpful. I went in my noise-sensitive daughter. They immediately agreed to turn off the music that was playing so that she could choose her cookies -- which were fantastic.”
American • $
“Food is excellent, portions are huge, and the staff is wonderful!! If you are in the Novato area, you owe it to yourselves to try it!! We are from Nebraska, and my wife did a Google search for a place for breakfast! We tried it, and have been back 3 times!! You won't be dissapointed!!”
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!”
Mexican • $$
“Great drinks and food. You will not be disappointed!”
Mexican • $
“Made a lunch stop with good friends. We had the restaurant almost to ourselves. Great decor and great service. I’ll be sure to go back if I’m ever in Novato!!”
Salad • $$
“I had never heard of this restaurant (or been in downtown Novato) and didn't realize it had multiple locations. The entire menu sounded delicious. I got the ahi salad and was so happy with it. Staff was super friendly and the atmosphere was chill. I will absolutely be going back.”
“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”