Restaurants Near Muir Woods: Two Eats You Can’t Miss

Looking for the best restaurants near Muir Woods? Complete your perfect day trip at the Muir Woods National Monument by trying these two unexpected eats from the Muir Woods Cafe!

Thousands of visitors show up every day to explore the 2,000-year-old towering redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument. So if you are visiting San Francisco, a day trip to Muir Woods National Monument is a must. You can spend time connecting with nature while you hike the beautiful trails and marvel at the tall redwoods.

On our Muir Woods tours, we are often asked is there food at Muir Woods?

So if you’re wondering where to eat at Muir Woods, keep reading!

Our recommendation for the best restaurants near Muir Woods is actually in the park itself. So after you work up an appetite, you can grab lunch or dinner at the Muir Woods Trading Company Cafe, located right in the heart of the monument.

The Muir Woods Trading Company Cafe offers a selection of gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries, and beverages. It makes a great lunch option for anyone who is exploring the forest. While we love almost everything at the cafe, here are our top two must-have dishes!


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Muir Woods Grilled Cheese aka The Marin Melt

Look no further for lunch near Muir Woods than the Marin Melt!

This grilled sandwich will give you a taste for why we think that The Muir Woods Cafe is one of the best restaurants near Muir Woods. The Marin Melt is easily one of the most popular Muir Woods lunch options. It was even featured on the Food Network’s, “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.”

This Muir Woods Cafe menu item is 100% local. The bread is made from the Rustic Bakery in Marin County, and the sandwich is filled with a double dose of local cheeses. The Marin Melt is made with Cowgirl Creamery’s signature brie-like cheese and award-winning Toma cheese from Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.

PRO TIP: There’s also a regular grilled cheese sandwich also on the menu. So be sure to order the Marin Melt to enjoy this unique Muir Woods food. 

muir woods guide

Three Twins Ice Cream

Okay. First off, how in the world do you get three twins? Wouldn’t that be triplets?

“Three Twins” refers to the twin brothers and the one brother’s wife, who is also a twin. The three started the company together, and gave it this clever name!

Why should you get pre-packaged ice cream from the best restaurant near Muir Woods? For one simple reason. Three Twins was the very first organic ice cream chain in the country! As a result, this ice cream is made with ingredients that are always minimal, organic and delicious.

A bowl of Three Twins Ice Cream is the perfect way to cool off after exploring the park!

Clearly, the Muir Woods Cafe is one of our favorite places to eat near Muir Woods. Comment below and let us know if you end up trying out the Muir Woods restaurant!

If you have been to the restaurant already, what are your favorite menu items at The Muir Woods Trading Company Cafe?

[Featured image by Alex Lang via Flickr]


Ready to see Muir Woods and try out some of this tasty local cuisine? Reserve your spot on our San Francisco and Muir Woods tour here!

Book the #1 Muir Woods Tour Here

Or, you can opt to take our standalone direct shuttle from San Francisco to Muir Woods and back!


Now that you know about the best food near Muir Woods, check out these other blogs that will help you have the best experience possible while exploring Muir Woods!

Muir Woods FAQ

3 Best Muir Woods Hikes for Anyone on a Muir Woods Tour

What to do if the Muir Woods Shuttle is Full

A Guide to Hiking in San Francisco


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