One of the most popular pastimes for residents in Mill Valley is dropping in to Depot Bookstore and Cafe for a cup of coffee. Mill Valley has many cafés, delis, and restaurants to enjoy, but to enjoy the best dining here the question is: Where do Mill Valley residents like to go? A local favorite for an inexpensive outing is Pearl's Phat Burgers. Another favorite is Gira Polli where they are best known for their delicious and perfectly-cooked rotisserie chicken. For spicy dishes, try Avatar's Restaurant’s Indian and Asian fusion food. Want a romantic meal? Locals recommend The Buckeye Roadhouse for one of the best treats in Mill Valley and Marin County.

Restaurants

Mill Valley has more than 70 restaurants to fit all budgets and tastes. From elegant and gourmet to casual home food, you can find bakeries, steak houses, California cuisine, Italian, Asian, Mexican, continental, American regional and traditional, and much more. 

Marin County is well-known for its rich farmlands and organic produce. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, dairy products and wines are some of the most popular products from Marin County. With a long, clean coastline, the restaurants in the area have access to the freshest fish and seafood, locally farmed shellfish such as oysters, clams and mussels. Marin County has the highest number of commercial and artisan wineries in the country.  

Mill Valley has several excellent restaurants serving American , Asian or Asian Fusion, California-Continental, Italian and Mexican cuisine. There are also restaurants specializing in seafood, steaks, and barbeque.

We featured some Mill Valley restaurants that are local favorites.

Buckeye Roadhouse

The Buckeye Roadhouse opened in 1937 and has since been a Mill Valley institution. With its Aspen lodge-style dining room, vaulted ceilings and river-rock fireplace, the restaurant evokes comfort and a stately elegance. Some staff recommended dishes are Oysters Bingo, house-smoked BBQ baby-back ribs, and the S’more Pie. Fresh seasonal ingredients are used to prepare traditional favorites and Californian contemporary creations.

Dipsea Cafe

Dipsea Cafe is another favorite of the locals, and is sure to make it into your favorites list as well. A breakfast/brunch establishment, Dipsea is open daily until 9 p.m. serving home-cooked meals that will warm your heart.

Bungalow 44

Bungalow 44 brings the urban hip of the city to Mill Valley. The restaurant serves California cuisine and creative cocktails. On Wednesday nights Bungalow 44 turns into a Mill Valley Supper Club featuring live music.

Pearl's Phat Burgers

Pearl’s Phat Burgers is a casual burger restaurant known for using natural beef. It serves buffalo, beef, chicken, turkey, and veggie burgers. Other choices include hot dogs and salads, but it’s the burgers, fries, and shakes that shine. There are four locations, Pearl’s Deluxe Burgers on San Francisco’s Nob Hill and Market Street, Alameda, and Pearl’s Phat Burgers in Mill Valley’s upscale Blithedale shopping area.

Café Del Soul

Cafe Del Soul is a natural and organic cafe in Southern Marin County where Tam Valley meets Mill Valley.  The restaurant offers wraps, salads, rice dishes among other favorites. Café Del Sol serves Coleman Natural Free Range Chicken which is antibiotic free, without hormones or preservatives.  Organic tofu and cheese from cows not treated with added hormones are on the menu.

Joe’s Taco Lounge

Joe’s Taco Lounge is funky and bright and a fun place for a casual, inexpensive, and delicious Mexican meal. The décor sports colorful relics on the walls and chili-pepper shaped lights. Try the fish tacos, snapper burritos, organic burger. There’s a wide selection of Mexican beers or for those who prefer, margaritas.

Frantoio Ristorante

Frantoio Ristorante is a family-owned business that has been in Mill Valley for 15 years. The décor is rustic with interesting contemporary features. Frantoio serves Italian cuisine made from locally grown fruit, vegetables, seafood, and meats. All pastas, breads, and pastries are prepared daily.

Gira Polli

Gira Polli specializes in meats roasted with herbs and citrus over an almond-wood fire in its signature rotisserie. This restaurant offers take-out service from a full menu, including pasta, entrees, and other Italian favorites.