Plate-sized pancakes—available in classic buttermilk, chocolate chip, or blueberry—are just the beginning at this sunny Fairfax favorite. The Belgian waffle boasts a perfectly crisp exterior, omelets are packed with more vegetables than a salad, and the fragrant basil-infused tofu scramble is a standout for vegetarians.
Almost any breakfast can be paired with a side of the house's famous pancakes—even the huevos rancheros. And don't be surprised if Chef Tony Senehi greets you by name; his warm hospitality is just one more reason locals keep coming back.
Don't Miss: Eggs Benedict; Pear Almond Pancake; Red Velvet Shake
Plate-sized pancakes in straight-up buttermilk, with chocolate chips or blueberries are just part of the appeal at this sunny spot. The Belgian waffle has a crispness to the crust, omelets have more veggies than a salad, and tofu scramble is fragrant with basil.
Although its just one, any dish can be made with a side of the house’s famous pancakes, even the huevos rancheros. Chef Tony Senehi knows many of his customers by name, too. Be sure and say hello next time you see him in the dining room.
Don’t Miss: Eggs Benedict; Pear Almond Pancake; Red Velvet Shake
Adoring fans swoon over the crêpes and flaky laminated pastries—butter, chocolate, and almond croissants are just the beginning. For those who have yet to discover this local French favorite at the Marin Country Mart, the avocado croissant toast topped with eggs and crème fraîche is a delicious introduction.
But brunch isn't all about pastries. The salads are worth seeking out, too. Marin's perennial Chinese chicken salad gets a French-inspired twist with rice noodles, daikon radish, and a hoisin-plum vinaigrette. Or go rogue and order the all-American turkey club—the generous slather of mayo just might knock your socks off.
Don't Miss: Croissant Egg Sandwich; Croque Monsieur; Crêpes with Caramel Apples
Old-school charm is always on the menu at this bustling Corte Madera breakfast favorite. More than 20 years ago, Denmark natives Annette and Gerner Andresen opened the original Lighthouse Café in Sausalito, quickly earning a devoted following for hearty breakfasts and lunches that paired American classics with Scandinavian specialties. The restaurant's success led to a second location in Corte Madera, where it has become a beloved neighborhood gathering place.
The menu offers something for every appetite. Alex's Corned Beef Hash Special—available daily despite its name—features housemade, jalapeño-flecked corned beef served with three eggs and is even better with a side of toast and mustard for building the ultimate breakfast sandwich. Heartier appetites will appreciate the half-pound burger served over crispy hash browns with two eggs, while those looking for something lighter can opt for the Norwegian Salmon Omelet or a side of Danish meatballs with fries.
Lighthouse's friendly service and warm, small-town hospitality are just as memorable as the food—and the reason so many locals return again and again.
There was much hype and excitement when a former Tartine baker and his wife brought their M.H. Bread and Butter Café to San Anselmo in 2013. It has since changed hands and some of the dishes have changed, but the fresh baked items—both savory and sweet continue to be top notch.
A couple of our favorite go-to items include the soupy Shakshuka brimming with tomatoes, pepper, feta cheese and perfect poached eggs. The accompanying country style toast is ideal for sopping up the sauce—it’s (the bread) that also what makes their handful of sandwiches some of the best around. Other favorites include their Fried Egg Sandwich, Brioche French Toast and Peach Arugula Salad. You can’t go wrong with the sweet pastries and well-made lattes. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Prices are on the higher side, but the quality is there, and servers are friendly and efficient.
Don’t Miss: Shakshuka, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Fresh Baked Breads and Pastries.
If you can, visit Marvin's Breakfast Club on a weekday to beat the crowds. Weekend mornings—especially sunny Sundays—often bring a line out the door as diners flock to the lively patio.
Don't let the sprawling menu overwhelm you—there are plenty of winners. We're partial to the biscuits and gravy and the chicken-fried steak, while regulars know to order the famous coffee shake alongside their morning cup of joe. Pair it with the Baja Benedict or a fully loaded hamburger, and you've got one delicious way to kick off the day.
Don't Miss: Hollywood Benedict; French Toast; Tuna Melt
Locals line up at San Rafael's Miracle Mile Café for generous plates of biscuits and gravy, cinnamon roll pancakes, and housemade corned beef hash. But if you're looking for something a little different, order the Peruvian Pulled Pork Breakfast Plate—a delicious Latin-Asian fusion of tender pork infused with lime, onion, and cilantro, piled onto a soft bun. It's one of those "only in Marin" breakfast experiences you have to try at least once.
The sunny patio fills up quickly on weekend mornings, so arrive early to beat the crowds.
Don't Miss: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes; Tortilla Scramble; Green Mile Smoothie
We are not above having pizza for breakfast, especially one topped with calabrese sausage (it’s zippy!) and preserved lemon pesto. Nor do we mind an Aperol spritz zhuzhed up with sparkling rosé and a dash of bitters. Stop in for the zeppole (Italian doughnuts with blueberry and lemon), or poached eggs over polenta enriched with mushrooms, thyme and pesto oil.
Traditionalists, don’t worry – there’s steak and eggs with salsa verde and a soft scramble oozing with burrata. Now that’s Italian!
Don’t Miss: Stone-ground Polenta, Zucchini Frittata, Spicy Sicilian Hash
Four friends—Fah, Poppy, Yokky, and Amy—whose experience spans every corner of the hospitality industry and who share a passion for French cuisine, recently opened a charming daytime café in the former Auryn Thai space in downtown San Anselmo.
Open since late May, the restaurant is named after the beautiful plates the friends admired while traveling in Marseille, France. The menu offers an American-French take on breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with dishes such as Steak Frites au Poivre, Branzino with Beurre Blanc and a crisp salad, and a Croque Monsieur layered with Gruyère on sweet milk bread.
Early standouts include the Hot Honey Chicken & Waffle, Bacon Japanese Scramble, and Dutch Pancakes. The team sources fresh produce from around the Bay Area, including stone fruit from Brentwood's Canciamilla Ranch and berries and broccolini from Chan Strawberry Stand. Pair your meal with a Yuzu Margarita, a mimosa flight, selections from the thoughtfully curated tea menu, or an Equator Coffee drink.
Blue skies, sparkling Bay views, and a leisurely brunch—few places do weekends better than The Bungalow Kitchen. Along with its prix-fixe brunch menu ($49 per person), guests can sip seasonal cocktails and enjoy a fresh raw bar featuring Hog Island oysters.
Brunch favorites include the Marinated Brokaw Avocado Toast, Bungalow Benedict, Shakshuka, Brûléed French Toast, Roasted Loch Duart Salmon, the Double Double Burger, and Steak & Eggs with an 8-ounce hanger steak, two eggs, and breakfast potatoes. You can also start with lighter fare like the Petite Romaine Caesar Salad.
No brunch is complete without a cocktail, and The Bungalow Kitchen offers an impressive lineup of signature Bloody Marys, lavishly garnished with Peppadew peppers, cornichons, Manchego cheese, Spanish Queen olives, celery, and lemon.
