Sausalito Offers Destination Dining and Hidden Shopping Treasures

Published: July, 2011 

Sausalito has always offered a wide range of tempting culinary options, whether it’s the highly lauded Sushi Ran on Caledonia Street, the waterfront Spinnaker, Poggio’s in the center of town or Le Garage at the Schoonmaker Marina.

With over 35 restaurants in walking distance from the ferryboat landing and the new, late night ferry schedule, it’s easy to savor some of Sausalito’s great cuisines. Whether you’re looking for casual, outdoor dining or a more intimate ambiance you’ll find foods and flavors from around the world. In the last year, seven new restaurants have opened in Sausalito offering even more savory venues. See the sidebar below for a complete listing of these new dining establishments.

While Bridgeway, Sausalito’s main boulevard, running through the center of town offers its own share of world class, unique boutiques and galleries—Gene Hiller Men’s Wear, Jewelry by the Bay and Hanson Gallery, among others—locals know that two of the most delightful retail venues in town are Princess Street and Caledonia.

Princess Street and its decorative alley, just off Bridgeway in the center of town, offer some of the most charming boutiques and shopping options in all of Sausalito. This one short block epitomizes the retail character that differentiates Sausalito—small, locally owned shops offering one-of-a-kind merchandise and personalized service.

There is Pegasus Leathers with an upscale collection of jackets, belts and shoes. Out of Hand, at the end of the alley, is owned and operated by local Chris Butler and offers an amazing collection of gifts. The Scrimshaw Gallery is a true treasure chest of charts and maps, knives and maritime art. Or walk into Arlecchina—a delightful woman’s clothing boutique—and speak with Agnes (in French or English).

In EyeItalia, at the very end of the retail section on Princess (upstairs in the charming old Victorian with the beckoning porch), you’ll find a marvelous collection of beautiful Italian linens, the finest Italian paper products—writing papers, journals and photo albums—as well as a kitchen shop with Italian cookbooks and olive-oil tasting. Ciao Bella, the locally owned and operated Italian ceramic store just across the street, is chock full of beautiful imported, hand-painted ceramic pieces with prices for every budget.

Caledonia Street veers off Bridgeway north of the center of town, just past the new police and fire facilities. Some of the retail riches on this local street include the hip and contemporary Green Apples boutique for women; Pine Street Papery, the consummate source for cards, wrappings, ribbons and paper products; and Studio 333, a gallery with over 40 local artists on display. Yoga of Sausalito (in addition to great classes!) offers a fabulous collection of casual wear, and Blue Bird Yarn & Fiber Crafts will delight and inspire your creative side.