When your day at the ocean, on the mountain or by the pool requires a grab-and-go meal, Marin offers a wide array of impeccably sourced, insanely flavorful eats. From tasty sandwiches (with or without gluten-free bread) and pizza to killer salads and ice cream, here’s a taste of what will make your warm-weather palate happy.
Inverness Park Market, Inverness
Formerly known as Perry’s Deli, this is the place along Tomales Bay’s west side to gather picnic supplies and sandwiches. The West Marin Reuben gets all the love for its 100 percent West Marin–sourced ingredients, but we are throwing some love to the classic BLT with avocado because the gorgeous tomato that anchors the sandwich defines the taste of summer.
Parkside Cafe, Stinson Beach
For those times when you just need pizza at the beach, Parkside is your ticket. All pies are made with an organic sourdough crust but the Number One with organic mozzarella and San Marzano tomato sauce will satiate the strongest pizza longing. Around the corner, a small market sells heavenly breads and local cheeses that make table-free dining a breeze.
Dillon Beach Resort Store, Dillon Beach
The newly reopened resort perched above the beach includes a cafe within a store that serves up the only Equator espresso and lattes for miles around. While you wait for your caffeine, peruse the extensive collection of thoughtfully sourced camping supplies and chilled beverages, including Marin Kombucha and boxed water (no plastic here — all beverages are beach and ocean safe).
Davey Jones Deli, Sausalito
The sandwiches and salads at this deli inside a nondescript convenience store where the Mill Valley–Sausalito Bike Path meets Gate 6 Road inspire heated local debate. The Vulcan Vegan Wrap will convert nonbelievers with its indescribable mix of hummus, avocado and more vegetables than there is room in this sentence. Whether meaty (try the BBC — brisket, bacon and cheese) or veggie, every sandwich has an ardent support base and is wrapped tightly for portability on a bike or a boat. Just don’t forget to grab a few napkins, as this is going to get messy.
Palace Market, Point Reyes Station
The full-service grocery has everything you need for a barbecue, including oysters from Hog Island and beef and lamb from Stemple Creek. But it’s the small counter at the back, with soft-serve buffalo milk gelato from Double 8 Dairy in Valley Ford, that makes a visit here a standout. With double the fat of typical cow’s milk, buffalo milk defines creaminess, the fat coating your tongue like nothing your taste buds have experienced before.
Mill Valley Market, Mill Valley
A hot bar of prepared foods as well as fresh salads and some of the best poached salmon around make this small market a go-to after a long hike on Mount Tam or a Dipsea sprint. Take a few treats to eat in the sun at nearby Depot Plaza.
Nugget Market, Novato
The Ignacio Valley location of this regional chain has some of the best house-made guacamole in the county, but the family-size pasta dishes (try the spaghetti) are equally rave-worthy. Spice hounds must try the Firecracker sandwich with peppered turkey, pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo; it will add fireworks to any Fourth of July.
