From Farm-to-Table: Exploring Mill Valley's Sustainable Food Scene

Mill Valley, California, is a quaint town nestled at the bottom of Mount Tamalpais. Almost as if a charming little village was dropped directly into the forest, Mill Valley sits among the redwoods and stunning canyons. When it comes to Mill Valley real estate, take your pick from a turn-of-the-century lodge, contemporary abode, or lavish Victorian estate, as Marin County is full of alluring architecture. Luxury blends perfectly with nature here.

Once you've decided to live in Marin County, it's time to explore the village of Mill Valley and all of its enticing qualities. From strolling along darling shops and galleries to housing the Muir Woods National Monument, everything is at your fingertips. Mill Valley is the ideal spot for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature enthusiasts alike — and if the outdoors weren't appealing enough, the sustainable food scene is just as delightful.

In the center of the rustic Mill Valley Lumberyard sits Watershed — a Mill Valley staple. Surrounded by lush greenery, mountains, and string lights, it's the quintessential Mill Valley restaurant. Relax and enjoy the stunning views on their patio or perch up inside with a glass of wine. Chef Kyle Swain has mastered some delicious farm-to-table meals, from salads to pizza.

There's just something satisfying about an easy and organic meal. The ingredients leave you feeling energetic, recharged, and ready to take on the day. Cafe Del Soul has one of the freshest menus around, with a plethora of options to choose from. Let's face it, preparing an organic meal takes a lot of time and is something many of us forego simply because we don't have the patience. Cafe Del Soul's quick-serve menu allows us to eat healthily and conveniently.

Another meal that won't slow you down or make you feel overly stuffed, Urban Remedy is dedicated to providing healthy foods free of toxins, chemicals, and fillers. It's a great feeling to be mindful of the food we eat, and this establishment takes it to a whole new level by incorporating ingredients that serve a purpose in every bite. This includes foods free of dairy, gluten, white sugar, and flour. Not only are these sorts of meals tasty, but it takes talent to make them. Their website even offers meal programs to help you cleanse and get on track to a nutrient-rich life.

Indulging in a sweet treat is something everyone enjoys. Being mindful makes it even more enjoyable. Flour Craft Bakery understands that, although delicious, not everyone can handle processed foods filled with gluten. They've perfected some of the most delectable pastries, bread, granola, cookies, cakes, and cinnamon rolls around. If that wasn't enough, they also serve refreshing salads. Everything is homemade here.

To say Juice Girl is an advocate for supporting local businesses is an understatement. Not only are the ingredients used in her cold-pressed juices delicious, organic, and nutritious, but they also help contribute to local foundations. These foundations include Play Marin, Seed Releaf, and California's Great Plates program. Juice Girl is committed to providing affordable food to all. Additionally, Juice Girl sells other items from linens to dog treats that are all made locally. Looking for an immune booster? Craving a crispy salad? Juice Girl has your back.

Just fifteen minutes north of Mill Valley lies the eco-friendly Farm House Local. Centered around a variety of artisanal products that are locally sourced from the Bay Area, chef/owner David Monson has conjured up some amazing meals. Here, they specialize in our favorite meals of the day: breakfast and lunch. The food is top-notch with a casual environment that's often visited by the same locals over and over. That's how you know it's good.

Serving Cantonese-inspired dishes, Harmony Restaurant is an award-winning, mouthwatering, locally-sourcing restaurant that offers some exceptional cuisine. There's nothing better than ordering sustainable takeout; however, dining in is an experience as well. They've got an open kitchen so not only can you see them prepare your meal with real ingredients, but you'll also get to tickle your nose with flavorful aromas. Go on, enjoy a glass of organic wine while you wait.

Healthy fast food? Those words never seem to be in the same sentence. However, over at Super Duper Burgers, they are and then some. Their ingredients are organic, locally sourced, humanely raised, never frozen, and always made fresh from scratch every day. They are also 100% locally owned and operated. Based on how exceptionally dedicated they are to mindful ingredients, you know that their burgers have got to be some of the best in town. Did we mention they also have milkshakes?

Regenerative agriculture is a term many people aren't familiar with. It is essentially a style of farming that aims to nourish the earth and people. Growing crops and farming using traditional industrialized methods erodes the soil, removes ingredients from foods, and ignores the importance of biodiversity. Paseo Bistro not only uses local ingredients, but they also get their wine from Grgich Hills Estate, which has earned their regenerative farming certificate, one of only nine distinctions in the world. A restaurant with sustainable food approaches, exquisite foods, and elite wine? Sign us up.

Last but not least, Playa is where you go to sip on some exceptional hand-crafted cocktails and tequila while relishing in Mexican food. There's a lot of flavor to try at this indoor-outdoor establishment located in the center of Mill Valley. Their farm-to-table ingredients involve innovative, unique, and tasty techniques that you won't find anywhere else. Don't forget to try their homemade salsas and guacamole for the full experience.

As you can see, there's no shortage of healthy cafes and restaurants in the Mill Valley area. In fact, we are officially self-declaring Mill Valley as having the best sustainable food scene in the country. Eating sustainably isn't only good for our bellies, it's also good for the environment and the economy. Eating at places with farm fresh ingredients means everything is sourced locally. This allows for local and small businesses to thrive while keeping Mill Valley the hip and endearing community that it is.

If you've fallen in love with Mill Valley the way we have, come explore some enchanting homes with us. Camara and Nadine know Marin County inside and out, possessing skilled market knowledge. However, our success is defined by the long-lasting relationships we've come to form and cherish. We'll walk you through every stage of the purchase and ensure you walk away with a newfound appreciation of Mill Valley.