Now on Resy: 1601 Bar & Kitchen, Bird Dog, Pizzeria da Laura, and More Local Favorites

Of course the croissants and croque madames are brunch favorites at the Mill Valley bakery, but bistro classics like garlicky escargots, salade Niçoise, bouillabaisse, and steak au poivre will turn heads at dinner. It’s a little slice of Paris right here in Marin.

There’s no restaurant in the country quite like 1601. It’s a tiny, heartfelt operation from the husband-and-wife team of Brian Fernando and Yuliya Pavlova, featuring a tasting menu that blends Sri Lankan, California sensibilities, and French technique — think burnt onion crème fraîche with house-smoked salmon, and savory ice cream with caviar and uni. It’ll leave you with a new favorite place for a special occasion.

When you need a stress-free night out in the Mission, be it a casual date or just needing to unwind, Angie’s does the trick. It has all the trappings of a retro-cool hangout, like wood paneling, geometric tiles, and a strong vinyl collection. But the thin-crust pies, bubbling from the wood-burning oven, are the reason to be here.

Thanks to the sprawling space and cuisine-spanning menu, this Union Square spot is conducive to groups, but it’s equally great for solo diners or couples looking to share a few bites. There’s a great bar and outdoor space (and happy hour is always bustling). A few things that should always make the rounds: crispy Indonesian corn fritter bites, hoisin spare ribs, and butternut squash dumplings.

If you want a restaurant as boisterous as the Silicon Valley crowd, head straight to Bird Dog. Influenced by Northern California, Japan, and other bastions of fine ingredients, the sleek restaurant, helmed by chef Robbie Wilson, packs global flavors into delicious seasonal plates that you won’t want to share.

Square pizza is all the rage at award-winning pizzaiola Laura Meyer’s spot. Doesn’t matter if it’s Sicilian, Detroit or grandma-style, the crust to topping ratios are all on point. Mix and match to compare, and throw in a New York-style thin-crust for good measure. Don’t overlook other parts of the menu, though: Caesar salads, meatballs, and spaghetti smothered with ragu, her Dad’s own recipe. 

From a perch with views of the Ferry Building, you’ll find flatbreads with Cowgirl Creamery cream sauce and mushrooms, or merguez and caramelized fennel, and beautiful dips and salads to share around the table. Cocktails are a sure-fire win.

Whether you sit inside or out on the sprawling garden patio, this Treasure Island all-day spot is like a port in a storm. Go during the day for brunch favorites like soy-glazed pork belly and farro pancakes and croissant French toast; and beefy burgers, Bolognese, and pork shoulder rice bowls at night. Or just hang out around the fire pit.

Chef Srijith Gopinathan has redefined Indian food in America, and Ettan is a stunning showcase for his innovation. Along with partner Ayesha Thapar, he has created one of the Peninsula’s most exciting restaurants, blending Indian influences with California ingredients in a gorgeous setting unlike any other.

This lively Mission spot serves Turkish fare that wows a crowd. There’s warm flatbread to pass around, meze platters full of dips, plus easy-to-share kebabs and kofte. Point is: Go with friends, order some wine, and make any day a party.

One bite of chef Isai Cuevas’ silky mole negro, a recipe handed down by an auntie, and you’re immediately transported to Oaxaca. The colorful, casual spot features everything masa, from tamales and tacos to sopes and enchiladas, with soul and a few California twists. The Latin American-focused wine list is fun to explore.

Polished without being stuffy and set in the lobby of the Kissel hotel, Otto’s helps breathe new life into uptown Oakland. Classics are done right here, albeit with a slightly modern twist. The Hemingway daiquiri hits, as does the burger. Mini donuts are only served in the mornings, but there’s a brownie sundae calling your name.

This is for when you want to dine with about a dozen of what will eventually be your new best friends, in front of two chefs, in a Mission tasting menu mecca. The menu changes almost weekly, with a nod to South American cuisines, but loosely translated — i.e. you’ll always get an arepa for the second course of four. Everything else just flows, including the fun, because this laid-back experience won’t break your budget, but will deliver big on its own unique style.

There’s a reason every table has dips and warm flatbread straight from the massive wood-burning oven — it’s the only way to start a meal at this airy and industrial-chic SOMA spot. From the team behind Lomka, Daniel Gribble’s menu starts in Turkey but lands firmly in California, so things like butter-poached shrimp wrapped in shredded kadaif and smoked lamb chops feel right. No one would be surprised if you went solely for the Turkish donuts and coffee.

Don’t miss this easygoing triple-threat establishment in the Outer Sunset, luring locals with pastries and coffee in the morning, serious cocktails at night, and wood-oven pizzas with both traditional and non-traditional toppings for lunch and dinner.