Cavallo Point

This U.S. Army post turned posh waterfront stay has a few delicious dining options. Just back from a hike? Sate your starvation with a hearty burger and a prickly pear Post Ranch margarita among locals at the casual Farley Bar. Named for a San Francisco Chronicle comic strip character, the lounge has a swank interior and fire pits on the porch where you might catch the day's last rays slipping behind the Golden Gate Bridge. Fancier dinners are served in the hotel's restaurant, Murray Circle, or for a select few at the Chef's Counter—for more on the latter, read Nick Czap's review for 7x7. —Trevor Felch // 601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker (Sausalito), cavallopoint.com

Scoma's

Don't be fooled by the row of rental bikes parked on the sidewalk outside Scoma's—this iconic seafood restaurant isn't just for tourists. This Sausalito classic has been a local hangout for decades. Come for the fresh seafood dishes—including a rich scallop risotto and a crab cake burger with creamy cole slaw—and stay for the view of the Bay. —Ana Kamin // 588 Bridgeway (Sausalito), scomassausalito.com

Poggio

The exceptionally delicious Italian trattoria was something of an urban-tourist legend to my mind, that is until I had one bite of the luscious sweet corn custard. I marveled at the miraculously tasty linguine. Until I almost asked, in my best Oliver Twist voice, for more lemon mousse, but then realized that even a trough full of the velvety pudding would not be enough. The delectable dishes left me wanting just one more bite of absolutely everything. Whatever you do, do not miss out on a negroni from Tony "Negroni" Diiorio, who's been tending bar here for over 30 years. —L.M.L. // 777 Bridgeway (Sausalito), poggiotrattoria.com

Copita

Celebrity chef/author Joanne Weir's Copita—hailed for its margaritas and lamb birria—has stepped up its game with a refined weekend brunch menu courtesy of chef Daniel Tellez, who hails from Mexico City. Start your exploration of Sausalito with the Chilaquiles Montados or the Enfrijoladas, scrambled egg fried tacos drenched in black bean sauce. Wash it all down with a cocktail from the tequila bar. —A.K. // 739 Bridgeway (Sausalito), copitarestaurant.com

Smitty's

With a classic name for a classic dive bar, Smitty's is the place to get your jug of ale amongst the locals. Dating back to the 1920s, the town's oldest bar keeps us coming back for the shuffleboard, billiards, a juke box, and an all-around carefree vibe. —T.F. // 214 Caledonia St. (Sausalito), smittysbar.com

Sushi Ran

If you're in the mood for some of the Bay Area's best sushi, Sushi Ran is a veritable landmark, serving more than 30 varieties of fresh fish for over 30 years. Chef Taka Toshi prides himself on expert slicing skills and artful presentations, but there is cooked Japanese and Pacific cuisine too for folks who don't love raw fish. The tuna tartare rice "crostini" with spicy aioli is superb, and the miso-glazed black cod is a must among the hot offerings. —A.K. // 107 Caledonia St. (Sausalito), sushiran.com

Sartaj

For a laid-back lunch that promises soft naan dipped in buttery masala sauce, this small Indian Cafe has a menu full of tasty classics such as saag paneer, chicken tikka masala, samosas, and hot lamb curry. — A.K. // 43 Caledonia St. (Sausalito), yelp.com

Because a burger and fries is always a good idea, we recommend you refuel at F3, a casual eatery, from the owners of Sausalito's Le Garage, that serves American staples with a French spin. Don't miss the steak frites with sauce béarnaise and a French onion burger with soup and cheddar fondue. —A.K. // 39 Caledonia St. (Sausalito), eatf3.com

Bar Bocce

Beach club vibes rule the day at this Bridgeway hot spot where patio seating, a bocce ball court, and a swath of warm sand make for a fantastic mini-escape from the city on a sunny day. Grab a beer or a glass of rosé, order a crispy pizza (we love the heirloom tomato), and spread out your blanket for an extra-special picnic. Go early—space fills up quickly. — A.K. // 1250 Bridgeway (Sausalito), barbocce.com

Fish

Ask anyone where to find the best crab roll and they'll most likely point you toward Fish, a restaurant known and loved for its sustainable sourcing practices. The sweet Dungeness crab meat on a toasted roll needs nothing more than a bit of butter and a sprinkling of minced chives, but it comes with a huge portion of fries too. Don't sweat the line—it's worth the wait. And bring cash—they don't take credit cards. —A.K. // 350 Harbor Dr. (Sausalito), 331fish.com

Salsalito

Mexico meets Natucket at this colorful snack shack where lunch means simmered pork or Baja-style fish tacos, as well as fajitas, chicken- and goat cheese-stuffed chiles, and other Mexican classics. Cool the spice with a cold Mexican beer or a homemade agua fresca. —A.K. // 1115 Bridgeway (Sausalito), salsalitotacoshop.com

Seahorse Sausalito

Located in the unassuming, industrial part of Sausalito, Seahorse serves such Tuscan coastal dishes as zuppeta di Moscardini, octopus steamed in seafood broth, and their signature Cacciucco, a seafood stew that hails from owner Mauro Dosolini's birthplace of Viareggio. Go for dinner and join in as things heat up on the patio—evenings bring salsa and tango classes. Check the calendar for live entertainment. —A.K. // 305 Harbor Dr. (Sausalito), sausalitoseahorse.com

Cibo

Are you a morning person? The cappuccinos here come with expertly made latte art courtesy of skilled baristas. Fuel up for the day with an avocado toast or a fresh vegetable hash. If not, this Bridgeway spot is a lunchtime staple for healthy salads—we recommend the Cibo salad with corn and nectarines. Eat on the patio or grab a refreshing lemonade and cross the street to the marina for an al fresco lunch with a view. —A.K. // 1201 Bridgeway (Sausalito), cibosausalito.com

Driver's Market

Just around the corner from the crowded Bridgeway shops is Driver's Market, a local grocery store with well-curated products from small-batch olive oil to local cheese and handcrafted chocolate. Fresh deli menu features sandwiches (try the North Bay, with roast beef, melted cheddar, horseradish crème fraîche, red onion and roasted red peppers), wraps, and bagels, plus juices, smoothies, and kombucha on tap. Few indoor and outdoor tables make Driver's Market the perfect pitstop to have a peaceful break. — A.K. // 200 Caledonia St. (Sausalito), driversmarket.com

Munchies Candy

Our disinclination for touristy waterfront shopping notwithstanding, Munchies Candy draws me in with barrel after barrel of fresh (read: super soft) saltwater taffy in an eclectic assortment of flavors, from mango to molasses. There are other confections from which to choose—jawbreakers, circus peanuts, and Sunkist fruit gems (my childhood kryptonite)—so be sure to stock up. —L.M.L. // 607 Bridgeway (Sausalito), sausalitoshop.com/munchies

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