Best Spots for a Quick Lunch in Sausalito

If you’re looking for the best spots for a quick lunch in Sausalito, you’ve come to the right place. Enjoy a meal at any of these delicious restaurants as the perfect break from exploring the Bay Area.

Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco rests a charming, quiet and small gem of a town – Sausalito. This sunny seaside town has unbeatable views of Alcatraz, the Bay, and the San Francisco skyline. Spending an afternoon in Sausalito has become a must-experience for San Francisco locals and tourists alike, which is why we always stop in Sausalito for the ideal lunch and rest break during our San Francisco tours.

While Sausalito hardly ever feels too crowded to enjoy, a whopping one million tourists enjoy the Sausalito boardwalk shops and views every single year. That means some of the more touristy lunch spots can fill up fast during the summer lunch rush. 

Quick Sausalito lunch breaks require quick food stops to have time to enjoy the rest and soak up some sun. But, just because it’s quick does not mean it will be boring! Sausalito is home to several delicious and quick lunch stops so you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for time. 

Luckily, as locals, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve for avoiding lines and maximizing your lunch stop. 

If you want to enjoy Sausalito without the stress of planning logistics, Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir Woods is the perfect excursion! See the best of the city, cross the bridge, enjoy lunch in Sausalito, and explore Muir Woods in a single day. You can even add on an Alcatraz Island tour for the ultimate San Francisco adventure!

Visit Sausalito with Dylan’s

Gus’s Market SF


One quick hack for those who love preparation and want to skip any Sausalito lines is to pick up lunch before you leave San Francisco. This is a great option for those who want to take advantage of the stuff to see in Sausalito over the things to eat. A perfect spot to do this is Gus’s Community Market SF.

The market itself has been around since the 80s and always has plenty of fresh, seasonal, and affordable fruits and veggies that are perfect for putting together a picnic to unpack in Sausalito.

Gus’s has phenomenal pre-made sandwiches, salads, deli sides, and even fresh sushi, thanks to a dedicated sushi chef turning out super fresh rolls all day long. Check out their take-out menu to spare some time in the market!

Gus’s Market aka Haight Street Market is a great place to pick up lunch that can be enjoyed as you admire the stunning Sausalito waterfront or any of the San Francisco picnic spots. 

Venice Gourmet Deli or Venice Pizzeria

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Finding a quick and delicious lunch in Sausalito isn’t a problem at all if you head straight to Venice Gourmet Deli and Venice Pizzeria. We’re not quite sure how, but there’s rarely a line for this fantastic Sausalito deli. Their pizzeria next door serves up both pizza slices and whole pies, making it one of the best restaurants in Sausalito that is great for anyone traveling solo or in a bigger group.

This deli has been a Sausalito favorite since 1969. You can even taste a little San Francisco flavor with their Italian House Special. This classic Italian sub features dry salami from Molinari’s, San Francisco’s oldest Italian deli. 

One of the best parts about Venice Gourmet Deli and Venice Pizzeria? They have outdoor seating, overlooking incredible views of the San Francisco Bay. If you can’t snag any sidewalk seating, we suggest you order your food to go and enjoy a picnic.

Golden Gate Market Sausalito

The Golden Gate Market serves some of the best lunches in Sausalito. This Sausalito deli creates delicious dishes that are made with the best quality ingredients, thanks to food that is ethnically and ecologically sourced from local vendors. If you want to spend your time enjoying the Sausalito things to do, grab one of their sandwiches and explore the seaside town.

Scoma’s Sausalito

Scoma's of Sausalito restaurant on the water

Scoma’s has a shining reputation as not only one of the best Italian restaurants in Sausalito, but also as the top Sausalito seafood restaurant. If that isn’t enough, it offers stunning waterfront views from several angles. If you are a food lover that wants to enjoy an award-winning restaurant with a view, then you must head to Scoma’s and enjoy the best lunch in Sausalito.

Scoma’s uses incredibly fresh ingredients to create classic Italian and seafood dishes and hasn’t forgotten its roots in the community as a family-owned restaurant for almost 40 years. Scoma’s staff will make sure you get the unique feeling of the Italian riviera right here in Sausalito!

 

Where to Picnic in Sausalito

The best picnic spot in Sausalito is Gabrielson Park. This is a popular spot for people looking for a break, as it is right where our tours stop for lunch, and it has the only public restrooms in Sausalito. Gabrielson Park sits along the waterfront, looking out onto Angel Island, Alcatraz Island, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline.

There are about five picnic tables nestled under some trees, and benches are dotted along the walking trail. Wherever you enjoy lunch, find a perfect spot here to unwind before your tour continues.

Sausalito Desserts

Lappert’s Ice Cream

Lappert’s Ice Cream is known for inventive flavors inspired by a tropical Hawaiian paradise. Located in the heart of downtown Sausalito, you don’t need to walk far to find this treat. They offer unique flavors from around the world, like Nuku Hiva. Think a blend of coconut-pineapple ice cream, brownie pieces, and raspberry sorbet.

Sausalito Gelato and Chocolate

If you’re craving something sweet after lunch, Sausalito Gelato and Chocolate will not disappoint. This Sausalito sweet shop is located right in the heart of Sausalito. Making it the perfect stop for a quick treat before your next adventure!

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If you need more information on what to do on your next trip to the Bay Area, check out our other blog posts.

4 Days in San Francisco Itinerary

Things to Do Alone in San Francisco

The Best Bike Tours in San Francisco

Where to Find the Best Sausalito Ice Cream

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