Best International Cuisine in Mill Valley
A global dining scene tucked beneath the redwoods.
Mill Valley is a quiet, redwood-draped town tucked just north of San Francisco — a place where trails lead to ocean views, locals ride e-bikes around town, and creativity hums beneath the canopy. What many don’t expect is the sheer diversity of its restaurants: a global dining scene tucked beneath the redwoods.
Whether you're craving a croissant that rivals Paris, sushi sculpted with precision, or Latin flavors with a California twist, Mill Valley invites you to travel the world one plate at a time.
Let’s explore five of the best international restaurants in town — not just recommendations, but personal favorites of a Mill Valley local, that I return to again and again.
1. Flavors Inspired By France
Le Marais Bakery – French Elegance, Northern California Style
My favorites are chocolate almond croissant on a sweet day, and ham croissant on a salty day. I adore the door and ambiance here: high ceilings, booths, and light pouring through oversized windows. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger and pretend you’re in Paris for a morning.
Ambiance: Crisp, Parisian charm with marble-topped counters, brass fixtures, and sunlight dappling the terrazzo floor. It’s a slice of Paris with a Marin County soul.
Location: 250 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, CA
Website: lemaraisbakery.com
2. Flavors Inspired By Japan
Samurai – A Hidden Gem of Japanese Tradition
Elegant,Authentic This is where I go when I need a quiet night and a perfect meal. The chef’s omakase is a meditation in balance, each piece of sushi plated like a tiny work of art. I once went three times in one week — no regrets.
Ambiance: Dim lighting, bamboo screens, and soft spoken servers. It’s intimate, serene, and feels like a secret you want to keep.
Location: 425 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, CA
Contact: (415) 383-1382
3. Flavors Inspired By Mexico
Playa – A Latin American Love Letter
The food is layered with warmth and zing, and the cocktails sparkle with mezcal and citrus. One of the few places where plantains, ceviche, and tamales coexist in harmony.
Ambiance: Reclaimed wood, bold murals, and string lights overhead. It’s festive and polished, buzzing with energy especially on warm evenings.
Location: 41 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA
Website: playamv.com
4. Flavors Inspired By India
Avatar’s Punjabi Burrito – The Soul of India, Wrapped for the Road
If comfort food had a passport, it would stop here first. I’ve never once ordered off the menu — the staff always asks what you're in the mood for and creates something on the fly, tailored to your cravings. Warm, spicy, soulful.
Ambiance: Casual, eclectic, and full of personality. Colorful art on the walls, friendly chatter, and the aroma of spices in the air.
Location: 15 Madrona St, Mill Valley, CA
Website: avatarsrestaurant.com
5. Flavors Inspired By California & France
El Paseo – Californian Cuisine with a French Chef’s Heart
If comfort food had a passport, it would stop here first. I’ve never once ordered off the menu — the staff always asks what you're in the mood for and creates something on the fly, tailored to your cravings. Warm, spicy, soulful.
Ambiance: Ivy-covered bricks, twinkling lights, and the sound of clinking wine glasses. It’s as enchanting as it sounds.
Location: 17 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA
Website: elpaseomillvalley.com
Mill Valley is a quiet, redwood-draped town tucked just north of San Francisco — a place where trails lead to ocean views, locals ride e-bikes around town, and creativity hums beneath the canopy. What many don’t expect is the sheer diversity of its restaurants: a global dining scene tucked beneath the redwoods.
Mill Valley’s global cuisine pairs beautifully with slow walks beneath the redwoods, mornings that begin with birdsong, and cozy evenings by the fire. The Enchanted Waterfall Sanctuary offers just that. You’ll be walking distance from several restaurants on this list. It’s a nourishing escape in every sense.
