Location: Dillon Beach
Top Restaurants in Dillon Beach
Where to Eat in Dillon Beach: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Dillon Beach is a census-designated place (CDP) in Marin County, California, United States. Dillon Beach is located 3.25 miles (5.2 km) west of Tomales, at an elevation of 89 feet (27 m). The population was 283 at the 2010 census. Dillon Beach was named after the founder, George Dillon, who settled there in 1858. The area includes a public access beach, as well as a private beach resort, the only private beach in California.
Things to do in Dillon Beach
1. Terrapin Creek Cafe
Overall Ratings
5 based on 410 reviews
Reviewed By SFKAT3 - London, United Kingdom
We found this restaurant on yelp and gave it a try. It did not disappoint. The food was outstanding and it was a quiet mon evening so the ambiance was nice and it wasn't noisy or crowded. We started off with a dozen fresh oysters - miyagi, my personal favorite -- and they were perfectly shucked, briny, plump, ice cold. We are not used to having the mignonette already on each oyster but the three of us thoroughly enjoyed them, though I was disappointed not to taste any fennel whatsoever. I had a glass of local brut (excellent) while my husband had an IPA. We then ordered three starters. Our server was a misery once she discovered we would not be ordering three courses per person or a bottle of wine. Our three starters were the charred octopus & cauliflower salad (outstanding), grilled Monterey sardines (too fishy for me, I was looking for the fresh flavor of grilled sardines I've had in Spain but my husband loved them), and gnocchi with braised beef (truly sublime). My husband and I shared a glass of white (I forget if it was sancerre or sauvignon blanc but it was good) and an excellent pinot noir. It was disappointing that we had ordered the salad and sardines first with the gnocchi last but the gnocchi was plonked on the table first. Our daughter's house made lemonade or something similar was brusquely removed by the grumpy server before she had finished. She didn't mind but my husband didn't understand why the server removed it. We finished our meal with a trio of desserts, all excellent. I preferred the cheesecake with raspberry (and I'm not a huge cheesecake fan in general) while our daughter preferred the chocolate and my husband's favorite was the almond tart. I also had an excellent Gewürztraminer. Just before giving us the check, the server asked where we were from -- a very half hearted attempt at being friendly just before we would be calculating a tip. I'd return but if this women is serving, I'd specify not to be served her. She really lets the restaurant down. With a bit better service, it would be full five stars. BTW, as family we often share dishes -- most restaurants are gracious about it and many encourage it. Not this server.
2. Rocker Oysterfeller's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
A Sonoma County roadhouse featuring craft cocktails and a menu of southern comfort classics rich with sustainable seafood and local foods. Housed in a small historic hotel built in 1864, Rocker Oysterfeller's is a true classic with a warm and lively atmosphere.
Reviewed By mai3096 - Ammerbuch
Had a quick dinner after long day. We had a burger and fish tacos and both were good. There was some live music and the audience enjoyed it
3. Hog Island Oyster Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
Hog Island Oyster Co. Marshall offers three dining options on the shore of Tomales Bay, the bay where we raise our own oysters and shellfish. 1. Reserve a seat(s) at The Boat Oyster Bar and outdoor oyster bar with communal seating where we shuck and grill oysters for you and offer a small menu of locally sourced, house made bites, beer and wine. The Boat oyster bar is open Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon 11:30-4:30 PM. Reservations required. No outside food allowed. 2. Reserve a picnic table and shuck-your-own oysters. Reserve a table and grill, BYO picnic and shuck-your own oysters. Picnic reservations 10:30-1:30 and 2:00-5:00 PM daily. Reservations required. 3. Purchase live, unshucked oysters, shellfish and picnic fare to-go. Open 9-5 PM daily.<br><br>Retail sales, 9:00am-5:00pm<br><br>Picnic Area,10:00am-5:00pm <br>(reservation required)<br><br>The Boat Oyster Bar,11:00am - 4:30pm Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon <br>(reservation required)<br><br>Closed <br>Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Days.
Reviewed By CaptainStevers - Discovery Bay, California
You cannot beat sitting outside over looking the Tamales Bay eating fresh shucked oysters! Have a beer, a glass of wine? All of the staff are very friendly....its just a great way to have lunch.
4. Bodega Country Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Bodega Country Store. Since 1874. Home of the Original "Smoked" Clam Chowder.
Reviewed By travelingCAgal - San Diego, California
After visiting the Potter Schoolhouse across the street, we stopped a the Bodega Country Store initially looking for a restroom. But what caught our attention was a replica of Alfred Hitchcock in front of the store. Once inside, you will see the owner has turned it into a museum of the movie, "The Birds". There is an amazing collection of history, posters, photographs, t-shirts, postcards and books all about this movie. It was interesting to peruse. The market is also a deli and they sell a variety of foods. However, there is no bathroom on the premises and many people were in the store asking for a bathroom. We were directed to two outhouses next to a building nearby which were unsanitary. It would be nice if the owner of the market would provide a restroom and ask that patrons purchase a min. of $1 of merchandise, etc. to use it. I would have and I have seen this done in other areas (at a market near Lake Tahoe, for example). People would line up with their goods in hand just to use the restroom. Win win for owner AND patrons!
5. Wild Flour Bread
Overall Ratings
5 based on 334 reviews
Reviewed By SFKAT3 - London, United Kingdom
We popped in and were not disappointed...except that quite a few items had already sold out. First, we had still very warm gluten free artichoke feta cheddar scones. Honestly, it was indescribably wonderful. The artichoke still had good texture (not mush) as did the feta while the cheddar melted the scone together beautifully. Our daughter is not a huge cheese fan and loved it. An almond ginger biscotti was equally incredible. Last but not least I got a loaf of the rosemary garlic bread as I had tried a sample and it was just too yummy to pass up. Both my husband and daughter asked why I got it, thinking it would go to waste....a quarter of it was gone just being in the backseat with our daughter before we made it back to our hotel (and she is more definitely not a fan of the usual garlic bread but was fine with the whole cloves in this loaf). Most of the loaf was nibbled away before dinner. Be sure to check that it's open -- the days it was open while we were visiting the area were fri-mon. There's also a nice shop next door that sells hats, jewelry, some clothing and antiques so we picked up a hat for our son who missed out on the fab bread.
6. Dillon Beach Resort Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Willardo - USA
We had dinner on their fish and chips (fries) night and were pleased with the food and the friendly service. It is an informal place right off the beach and a nice place to relax. They feature hamburgers on Thursday night, and we heard they're terrific. The prices are very reasonable, and their wine selection features many wines at good prices. We felt this cafe was a great bargain.
7. Captain Davey's Ice Cream & Espresso
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By David S - Olympia, Washington
Had a chai latte, Americano and some icecream for the family. Takes a while to get your order. Just the owner working. No inside seating on a cold day. Coffee and ice cream are good. Prices ok for the area. Best to get your order to go.
8. Tomales Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By NeroNewDelhi - San Francisco, California
We tried the still warm scones our first morning in Tomales. The chocolate/cherry scones were delicious and not too sweet. They were perfectly cooked. The next day we selected scones again, this time almond and cherry, I believe, and they were very over cooked, a bit on the dry side and not loaded with flavor. Unfortunately, we didn't get to try other pastries or bred.
9. Spud Point Crab Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 658 reviews
Reviewed By vinfan - Napa Valley, CA
The lines are long outside this tiny spot, which consistently wins “best chowder” awards. It’s not a traditional New England clam chowder in that the addition of Italian herbs (maybe oregano?) distracts from the flavor of the briny clams. During the season, you can buy whole fresh Dungeness crabs here, cleaned but not cracked. At $9.99/pound, one crab cost us $22.
10. The Marshall Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
Reviewed By Duker20 - Rancho Cordova, California
Stopped for some clam chowder and ended up getting that plus fish tacos and garlic bread. The staff was super friendly, the service was fast and the food was very good. Will stop again when we are cruising by.
