If you like seafood, you’re going to love the options for restaurants at Stinson Beach!
San Francisco is one of my favorite places in the world, we all know this! But sometimes you just need to get out of the city and enjoy a day by the ocean (even if it’s cold and not exactly swimmable).
So pack up your bags, jump in the car, and map out where you’re eating.
Stinson Beach is located less than an hour from San Francisco, and it’s the perfect place to go for a beach escape without having to venture too far.
This area draws in visitors with its spectacular red cliffs and immaculate white sand that extend over three miles—one of the only shorelines on Northern California’s coast to offer soft white sand.
Not only was I excited to check out the beaches, but I was also looking forward to exploring all the restaurants in this little town—I’m always about the food!
So here are my top six picks of the best restaurants at Stinson Beach!
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The Best Restaurants at Stinson Beach
1. Parkside Cafe
This beachside cafe is probably my favorite cafe on this list. They serve an amazing American breakfast with a wide variety of items from bacon and eggs to pancakes made with fresh local ingredients.
They’re also famous for their extremely fresh seafood dishes and creamy risotto. You can also do some weekly grocery shopping while here. They sell farm fresh eggs, local olive oil, and the freshest bread for miles.
So enjoy a glass of wine, slurp on some oysters, and enjoy the amazing view while you’re here!
Address: 43 Arenal Ave, Stinson Beach, CA 94970, United States
Hours: Open Daily 7:30 AM-9 PM
2. BoVida
Something about the beach always makes me want to eat healthily. Being out in nature will do that to you!
If you share this sentiment or maybe just love a delicious smoothie bowl, then BoVida is where you need to be. It’s located just a few minutes down the road in Bolina and it’s known for its organic and locally sourced dishes.
This place is all about natural ingredients and lots of health-conscious options like their signature açai smoothie bowls. But for those cooler days on the coast, they added hot paninis and soups to the menu. You can also try out their impressive local organic salad bar for those days you’re needing some greens in your diet.
Address: 6 Wharf Rd, Bolinas, CA 94924, United States
Hours: Friday 10 AM–4 PM, Saturday-Sunday 9 AM–5 PM, Monday 11 AM–4 PM
Tuesday-Wednesday: Closed, Thursday 11 AM–4 PM
3. Breakers Cafe
Feeling a bit spicy? Let’s be honest, I’m always feeling spicy.
Thankfully Breakers Cafe filled all my spicy needs with their Latin-influenced American cuisine. They have all the classics you know and love plus a few out-of-this-world dishes like their soft shell crab tacos.
The cafe is also right next to Stinson Beach, so after your meal, you can take a stroll along the shoreline or dig your feet into some sand while enjoying breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Or enjoy one of their fire pits on those cooler summer nights. They also serve one of the best bloody marys in the business!
Address: 3225 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach, CA 94970, United States
Hours: Open Daily 7 AM-9 PM
4. Smiley’s Saloon
Experience the joys of coastal life at Smiley’s Saloon! Enjoy their cozy patio or listen to some music inside. This delightful cantina is ideal for drinks, dinners, or simply taking in some fresh air—it doesn’t get much better than this!
You can sample some of their Mexican-inspired dishes such as their burrito bowl, fish tacos, and quesadillas. And you have to finish your meal off with some tasty churros, they have a dulce de leche dipping sauce that is just *chef’s kiss*.
Smiley’s is known for its lively atmosphere and great entertainment. Every weekend you can find live music playing from local artists along with karaoke and salsa nights!
Address: 41 Wharf Rd, Bolinas, CA 94924, United States
Hours: Open daily 12 PM-10 PM
5. Coast Cafe
You’ll feel at home at this local restaurant over the bridge. They have classic breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that are reasonably priced and consistently good.
Coast Cafe also has a great wine list with plenty of options for all levels of connoisseurs.
Their menu is constantly reinventing itself as the seasons change, so you can expect to discover something new each time. Vegans will never tire of their dishes either—they have an impressive variety with all ingredients sourced locally and freshly!
Address: 46 Wharf Road, Bolinas, CA
Hours: 11 AM-3 PM and 5 PM-8 PM Daily, Closed on Tuesdays
6. Piazza D’Angelo
Head a little out of town and you’ll find Piazza D’angelo, a family-owned Italian restaurant. They pride themselves on using the freshest ingredients and supporting local farmers for their dishes.
The restaurant has two outdoor patios that overlook the surrounding landscape, perfect for date nights or a small gathering with friends.
Their menu features all your classic Italian dishes, from pizzas and pasta to steaks and seafood. Plus, they have a great selection of wines to pair with any meal.
Address: 22 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, United States
Hours: Monday-Thursday 4 PM-9 PM Friday-Sunday 12 PM-10 PM
Are you hungry yet? You can’t go wrong with any of these restaurants at Stinson Beach. Enjoy!
Looking for other things to do while you’re in the Bay Area? Check out my San Francisco travel guides here.
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
