Heading to Tiburon? One of the first things I do in any destination is figure out where I’m going to eat, and this charming waterfront town delivers every time.
Tiburon may not have a huge restaurant scene, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Northern California, you’ll find everything from laid-back waterfront cafés and fresh farm-to-table brunch spots to cozy Mediterranean restaurants and longtime local favorites. Many come with incredible views of the bay, which somehow make every meal taste even better.
Whether you’re planning a day trip from San Francisco or spending the weekend exploring Marin County, these are the Tiburon restaurants I’d recommend without hesitation.
Planning a trip to Tiburon? Here are some helpful tips:
My Top Hotel Picks:
- Waters Edge ($$$), for the best located hotel
- Cavallo Point ($$$, Sausalito), for a nearby luxury historic lodge
- The Gables Inn ($$$, Sausalito), perfect for couples
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Tiburon Trip:
Want more tips for Tiburon? Start with my guide to the 8 Best Things to do in Tiburon CA (for first timers) to discover the can’t-miss sights and experiences. Then, if you’re looking for an easy itinerary, follow my Perfect Day in Tiburon guide, which maps out exactly how I’d spend a full day exploring this beautiful waterfront town.
Where to eat in Tiburon
Troya
If you only eat at one restaurant in Tiburon, make it Troya. It is my favorite meal in town and the one I happily return to again and again. Opened by the Turkish-born owners behind the longtime San Francisco restaurants of the same name, Troya feels warm and welcoming from the moment you walk in. The beautiful space features plaster arches, brass accents, white oak, and soft lighting that create a cozy Mediterranean atmosphere.
The food was just as impressive. We loved the salmon skewer served with Sultan’s pilaf, almonds, raisins, tzatziki, and harissa. We also shared the roasted cauliflower with labneh and tahini, plus warm hummus topped with grilled oyster mushrooms and fresh pita. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without feeling heavy.
The menu blends Turkish and Mediterranean favorites with fresh California ingredients, and there are plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. If you’re wondering where to have dinner in Tiburon, this is the place I’d recommend first.
Get Directions: Cove Shopping Center, 1 Blackfield Dr Suite 12, Belvedere Tiburon
Salt & Pepper
For some reason, I always seem to end up at Salt & Pepper for lunch after walking the Old Rail Trail from Blackie’s Pasture into downtown Tiburon. Maybe it’s the convenient location on Main Street, or maybe it’s because I know I’ll get a great meal every time.
This casual neighborhood café has been a local favorite since 2010 and has a sunny patio that’s perfect for people watching while giving your feet a well-earned break. On my last visit, two dishes stood out: the Dungeness Crab Avocado Toast, topped with smashed avocado, Marash pepper, lemon, and a fresh green salad with lime dressing, and the Crab Benedict, which was rich, fresh, and absolutely worth ordering.
Get Directions: 38 Main St, Tiburon, California
Luna Blu
If Italian food is your love language, don’t miss Luna Blu . This family-owned restaurant has a warm, intimate atmosphere that makes you want to slow down, order another glass of wine, and linger over dinner.
The menu is filled with authentic Italian classics and fresh seafood, from Linguine alle Vongole to light calamari. My personal favorite is the Eggplant Parmigiana, which is every bit as comforting as you’d hope. If the weather is nice, ask for a table on the patio overlooking the water. It adds an extra touch of romance to an already memorable meal.
Get Directions: 35 Main St, Tiburon, California
The Caprice Seafood & Steakhouse
For a special occasion or simply a dinner with one of the best views in Tiburon, The Caprice is hard to beat. This waterfront restaurant has been a local landmark since 1956, and the panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and the San Francisco skyline are every bit as impressive as you’ve heard.
While they’re known for premium seafood and excellent steaks, one thing that caught my eye was the abalone doré, a dish you don’t often see on restaurant menus. If you go, request a window table and time your reservation around sunset. It’s one of those classic Northern California dining experiences you’ll remember long after the meal is over.
Get Directions: 2000 Paradise Dr, Tiburon, California
Rustic Bakery
Whenever I visit Tiburon, Rustic Bakery is one of my favorite places to stop for a casual breakfast or lunch. It’s the kind of neighborhood café that always feels welcoming, whether you’re grabbing a coffee before exploring or sitting down for a leisurely meal.
I almost always order the Kale Caesar Salad with herb croutons because it’s one of those salads I actually crave long after I’ve left. If you’re hungrier, the Grilled Tuna Melt is another favorite, and I never leave without picking up one of their pastries for later. They’re famous throughout Northern California for their artisan breads and baked goods, and after one bite, it’s easy to understand why.
Get Directions: 1550 Tiburon Blvd, Belvedere Tiburon, California
Malibu Farm
If you’re looking for the restaurant with the best view in Tiburon, this is it. Malibu Farm sits right on the waterfront, and if you can snag an upstairs patio table, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the marina and Angel Island. It’s one of those places where lunch somehow stretches into two hours because no one wants to leave.
The menu focuses on fresh, farm-to-table California cuisine with plenty of healthy options. I especially loved the pickled beet and burrata salad, the smoked salmon scramble, and the blackened shrimp tacos with creamy cabbage slaw. The food is fresh and flavorful, but I’ll be honest, the real star is the setting.
Get Directions: 9 Main St, Tiburon, California
Sam’s Anchor Cafe
If you ask a local where to eat in Tiburon, there’s a good chance they’ll send you to Sam’s Anchor Cafe. This waterfront institution has been around since 1920, and it’s just as popular today. In fact, plenty of people hop on the ferry from San Francisco just to have lunch here.
The huge outdoor deck is the place to be, with views across the bay toward Angel Island, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco skyline. The menu is classic California, with favorites like the Baja fish tacos, lobster roll, Sam’s Burger, fresh oysters, and handcrafted cocktails. It’s lively, casual, and one of the best spots in town to spend a sunny afternoon by the water.
Get Directions: 27 Main St, Tiburon, California
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
Flying International?
Get Cell Data Before You Arrive: I recommend using airalo for international travel. Also, book an airport transfer in advance (I use Kiwi Taxi). Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
Save this Post to Pinterest
