Best Restaurants for Birthdays in Marin

My wife and I recently took my sister and her husband, who were visiting from Charlotte, to State Bird Provisions, and it was nothing short of amazing. The food was absolutely exceptional—each dish was a perfect blend of creativity and flavor. My sister and her husband couldn’t stop raving about how unique the food was, especially the bold use of spices. It was a hit with all of us! The ambiance was also fantastic. The space has a warm and inviting vibe that strikes the perfect balance between trendy and comfortable, making it a great spot for both special occasions and casual nights out. What truly elevated our experience, though, was our waiter. He was excellent—extremely friendly, attentive, and impressively knowledgeable about the menu. He had such a genuine enthusiasm for the food and shared thoughtful recommendations, which we greatly appreciated. At one point, we mentioned we’d heard Ryan Gosling had dined here, and he surprised us by saying he’d actually been Ryan’s waiter! He even told us about the time Ryan came in with Eva Mendes and their two kids. Such a cool story to hear directly from someone who was part of it! State Bird Provisions delivered on every level: amazing food, great atmosphere, and top-notch service. My sister and her husband loved it as much as we did. We’ll definitely be back and can’t recommend it highly enough!

The food is amazing - creative interpretations and pairings - out of this world delicious. Service is legendary - over the top. We have never been disappointed.

My favorite place to enjoy good food ! Great service !

We returned for a second visit this holiday season; it was wonderful. Got adventurous and had the creamed corn. I noticed my daughters snuck more than an initial half teaspoon taste. It was very, very good. Not watery creamy. This had a nice texture. Try it! The prime rib was exceptional. I had the smaller portion. One daughter had the thinner slices. One daughter had the regular cut. All were sumptuous! Had a baked potato instead of the mashed. It was yummy. We ordered an apple crisp to share between the three of us. It was delicious with a nice amount of apple slices hidden under the topping and surrounded by the usual warm spices. Our server was great! She was friendly, attentive but didn’t hover. Thank you all for a wonderful evening! I may not be back for a while. Palo Alto daughter is moving to Duarte. CA this summer. If she needs help moving, we’ll have to do a farewell visit at House of Prime Rib. Again, thank you!

Cozy Outdoor Dining with Excellent Food & Service We had a wonderful dinner here before a show at the Marin Civic, and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the experience. Although it was a busy night and we made a last-minute reservation, we were lucky enough to get a table on the patio. Despite it being December, the outdoor heaters made the space incredibly cozy and comfortable — we didn’t mind the chill at all. The atmosphere was perfect for a pre-show dinner, and the staff, as always, provided excellent service. The food was delicious, and we appreciated the consistent quality that this place is known for. I’d happily dine outdoors again, even on a chilly night, as the heaters and the ambiance made it more than pleasant. Highly recommend for a casual, yet quality dining experience!