Best Contemporary American Restaurants in San Anselmo

We got lucky getting the best table in the restaurant, across from the bar in a nook under the stairs, so we easily heard each other! We chose a plant forward menu and our waiter Kai (sp?) decided on the order of the dishes. I’d trust his judgment again because we had a great time. The pigs head hid a shaved fennel and pear salad underneath. I delightfully learned how different parts of fennel tastes when shaved so finely. The Hokkaido scallops were soooo good and fresh and compared to a sushi restaurant, a very good value. My partner normally doesn’t like shellfish but he loved the scallops. We ended the savory portion of the meal with the seaweed noodles and the grilled cabbage with dill pickle butter and roe. Both plates had amazing, complimentary sauces and Kai brought us some bread to savor the last drops. The One Punch Man cocktail complemented entire the meal so well with its fruity yet creamy flavor. We got the chocolate semifreddo for dessert for the texture. It had a toasted umeboshi meringue that tasted like dates if they were slightly pickled. I left food drunk and with very happy tastebuds. I loved the restraint in all the flavors. I think a lot of dishes could’ve easily gone sideways in less capable hands, or even the meal because this menu had a lot of citrus and pickled items, and instead they nailed it just right.

My wife and I had an overall terrific experience at Paseo, dining at 7PM on a Wednesday night in February 2025 in the main dining room. The room was about half full, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. There was pleasant chatter and soft background music, but, refreshingly, it was easy to carry on a conversation Our server, Maya, was cheerful, knowledgeable about the menu, and very efficient. She helped us select their house made Parker rolls, the night’s special crab cake (to share as a starter), the duck breast, and the pork chop. All were delicious, and the portions were generous. Quite by accident we were there on a “Wine Wednesday” which features many bottles at $36 and others hugely discounted. We chose a Pays d’OC Comtesse Marion Pinot Noir which went very well with our entrees. We were too fully for dessert, but the choices looked attractive. Maya took very good care of us which added to our appreciation of the meal. Highly recommended!

It is always a special experience to dine at the Rotunda because it is so much a part of San Francisco history and a beautiful venue! My friend Manuel had never been there so he had a blast seeing the space and enjoying the food. Ralph, our server, was polite and attentive and the food was good as always. I do enjoy a place where I am already recognized by the hosts especially since one feels like one is being greeted by family. :)

A nice hideaway from long day of shopping. Food is good. Sadly the famously delicious bisque was not.

I was surprised and pleased at the quality of my food. I had a New York strip and this being a hotel restaurant generally they are not the best you have ever had. My steak came prepared absolutely perfectly and flavorful my meal was very enjoyable and the service was very good.