We were in town for my wife's birthday and we were looking for a new place to try, Golden Gate Bistro looked promising. It's on, but off, Redwood. The food was good, their pizza was amazing. The staff were very friendly and the service was great. The inside is cool. I definitely recommend giving them a try. read more

Salmon cooked rare. This dish is usually fully cooked. Given all the parasite dangers with fish, kitchens should fully cook fish unless customer requests otherwise. Don't assume your customer wants rare fish. Now I have to worry if the fish had parasites. Cause the middle was rare, practically raw. I should have caught this when the kitchen took only 5 minutes to cook the thick fish but I caught it at the thick park of the fish which essentially had a raw middle. read more

Hit or miss breakfast experience. I really liked the pancakes and the potatoes. The poached eggs were cooked perfectly. However, while the coffee was nice and strong, they only had milk to put in it, which watered it down quite a bit. Would prefer some half-and-half. The omelette was sitting in a pool of oil. The chicken sausage was totally dried out. And despite being the only ones in the restaurant, we had to flag down the bartender to get our check. The restaurant was clean and the noise from the kitchen hood became unnoticeable after a while. read more

Walked in around 10:30am on a Monday and see just 2 other people in the whole place. I was thinking I hope this place is good for breakfast. Attentive and friendly service and there are some nice options on the menu. We ordered their corned beef hash and the breakfast sandwich which also came with potatoes. Our food was delicious and coffee was hot and strong. We wished that the coffee creamer be more creamier (like real half n half) because we think it was just regular milk. Also the sourdough toast we opted with the corned beef hash tasted old/stale. We also got a to-go order of their California BLT omelette for our daughter who said was really good. She told us too that her sourdough toast tasted stale. Perhaps we'll opt for another type of bread for next time. read more

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Friendly service, huge menu. I have absolutely loved everything I've ordered. Big helpings, always need a take out box. Eco friendly containers, too. Best clam chowder. Large dining area. Modern and clean restrooms. I like this place. read more

Solid! Good food and service. Was very quiet on a Monday morning but happy they were open. read more

Golden Gate Bistro - French toast combo. - Sandwiches Near Me - Novato, California

the waitstaff was pleasant and friendly but I couldn't believe how many things went wrong. I ordered a burger with no cheese. I got a burger with cheese. I had to ask for utensils and napkins. I also had to remind my server about a soda I had asked for several times! I had to get up and go to the cashier to pay my bill because it was never brought to me! unbelievable! I won't be going back. read more

We stopped at the Golden Gate Bistro in Novato for a quick drink and a bite to eat. This wasn't a planned visit, we just happened to be in the area and thought we'd give it a try. To our surprise, there was live music going on when we arrived. At first, we weren't sure if we wanted to deal with the noise, but once we sat outside where the music was playing, we quickly realized it was more enjoyable than overwhelming. It gave the place a warm, lively energy. The service stood out right away. The staff were attentive without being pushy, and everything moved at a nice, easy pace. We ordered tacos and a roasted beet salad topped with grilled chicken. Both dishes were fresh and well-prepared; the tacos were flavorful and satisfying, while the salad was a really good mix of earthy and bright flavors. The chicken on top added just the right amount of richness. At first, I wasn't planning on having a drink, but the fun atmosphere got the better of me. We ended up splitting not one, but two Modelo Lagers. I'll go ahead and blame the combination of good food, good music, and a relaxed outdoor vibe for that decision. All in all, our first visit was a pleasant surprise. Golden Gate Bistro felt like the kind of place you can stop by casually, whether you're looking for a meal, a drink, or just a change of pace with some live entertainment. If you haven't tried it yet, it's worth checking out--you might be as pleasantly surprised as we were. read more

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Dinner at the Golden Gate Bistro was great! We had the Taco Salad and Mushroom Pizza! HIGHLY recommend. Service was good as well.

We went here for Father' Day. We ordered the crab salad, pulled pork sandwich, fried chicken sandwich and the fish and chips. Everything was good. My mother said she would return for the fish and chips. She likes the beer batter. The pulled pork and fried chicken sandwiches were both very tasty. One slight negative to the sandwiches was the choice of bun. I would've used a brioche bun or something moister / softer. Mixed reviews on the crab salad. I didn't try it, but we were wondering if it's fresh crab. We also ordered the garlic knots. Very good, but could use more garlic :) They have a large outdoor space and a smaller indoor space. I like this place. I will be back. read more

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Nice find in downtown Novato. Great location with plenty of parking, although may not be right outside the front door. Nice table layout with a bar area serving a good selection of beer and wine. Ordered the fried chicken sandwich with a side order of onion rings. Sandwich was ample size and enough to split between two. Nice ratio of coleslaw and the chicken was cooked tender on the inside with a crispy, expertly fried crust. Excellent! Staff very welcoming and we very much enjoyed our late lunch. I'll be back. read more

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Great little lunch spot that has a pretty extensive menu. I've come here about 3-4 times now for lunch with co-workers. once as a big group and once with just two of us. Everyone always finds something they like and the food never disappoints! The crispy chicken sandwich looks AMAZING! however I've never gotten it because I probably would want a nap after I eat it- and unfortunately I have to go back to work usually. But one of these days I'll try it out. Their fish tacos are really good, as well as their salads. I heard their philly cheesesteak was always delicious with a ton of fries. They have parking in front and a large patio if you want some fresh air. Overall, highly recommend! read more

I think I discovered a hidden gem! Came here for brunch with my husband, son, and mother-in-law on a Sunday and was shocked to see it was relatively empty. Based on the great reviews, I thought it would be packed. There are other places in Novato I've been to nowhere near as good that have lines out the door. *shrug* There are two things that typically make me feel that a brunch restaurant is above average: excellent coffee, and good side of fruit. This place had both - probably the best coffee I've ever had at a breakfast/brunch place. Not a latte, just their black coffee. We all remarked that it was excellent (obviously not my three-year-old son, he doesn't drink coffee, but the rest of us). Beyond these two things, the rest of their food was also fantastic. I ordered a blueberry pancake, and it had the blueberries inside of it, not on top. To me, another hallmark of an excellent breakfast/brunch restaurant. Granted, the place was pretty empty, but the service was excellent. Our server was there when we needed him and did refills promptly, but wasn't overbearing. I was very impressed and can't wait to come back! read more

Golden Gate Bistro - Yum! Omelet - Sandwiches Near Me - Novato, California

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This is our second visit, first for dinner. We walked in and there was not one customer inside..We went to the patio as I had my dog..There was a few customers.. I really wasn't super happy that at happy hour I couldn't get a real margarita with tequila..In their defense I guess a hard liquor license is hard to get.. I ordered the mushroom chicken, overall it was good and I ate it all..Im not sure the mashed potatoes are not boxed instant potatoes..but they were ok..the chicken and veggies were good..My guy ordered the short ribs,, it was ok..the brussel sprouts were really good. The service was slow but good and everything arrived hot and looked fresh. The server, was really nice, same as our first visit. He really cared about our experience..that was appreciated.. read more

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I've been here a couple times and each time the food was excellent. The first time I came with the hubby and we ordered the calamari and onion rings for our appetizers. He loves calamari so of course we had to order it. The pieces were fried perfectly and there were also pieces of fried jalapeños. For my entree I got the chilaquiles. It was incredible. There is some heat to it which I liked even though I usually can't tolerate spicy food. The second time I came for lunch but I wanted to order a breakfast entree which is available for lunch and dinner. I got the breakfast burrito with jalapeños on the side with a side of crispy potatoes. The breakfast burrito was great and very filling and the potatoes were made just the way I like them. The service was nice and friendly. The portions are big which is great. There is also an outdoor patio where they have live music in the evenings. I'm not sure of the live music schedule. I'll definitely be back to try other items on the menu. read more

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I would give it a negative 5 stars but there is no option. We waited over 45 minutes and they never brought our order even after we talked to management, we ended up leaving before we got anything, worse experience ever. read more

Went to watch the World Cup match yesterday and I went in fully knowing it would be busy. They advertised they would play the game on a projector outside and have it playing inside the restaurant as well. It was packed! No issue there. My issue was then sitting at the bar and being told "I'll be right with you" twice then proceeding to wait 40 minutes and nothing. No menus were given. No quick pour of drinks. A table that was sat well after I arrived was being waited on. Totally killed my whole vibe. Decided to just leave and try to watch the game elsewhere. Luckily El Rey's just down the road had the game going AND were quick to get us seated and attended to. As someone who's worked in restaurants I always try to understand, it was clear they were too short staffed but cmonnnnn. I'm sure it's better when it's less busy who knows? read more

a very disappointing meal. The fries and coleslaw were great but the ribs were greasy and full of fat, making the meat almost uneatable. Given the price, is it too much to expect a well trimmed piece of meet for dinner. read more

These guys have fantastic food and drinks at great prices. There is an outdoor patio and they offer free live music.

This was our first time but won't be our last !! Highly recommend, very good food very good hospitality thank you so much!!

Great find after a day of hiking in Pt. Reyes. Wonderful menu offering breakfast lunch and dinner items all day. We had the tuna melt and corned beef hash - both excellent! We cleaned our plates down to the last perfectly crispy not too salty fry. read more

This was my first time going here since it opened, and I was pleasantly surprised by how good the food was! They have a nice patio area but we sat inside because it was so cold. Our server was very kind and accommodating, especially surrounding my brothers allergy. We started off with the calamari, and while I'm not usually a calamari fan, it was so delicious I really enjoyed it! It was really crispy and the buttermilk batter was really great. For my meal I got the chicken tenders and fries (because I eat like a child), and they were amazing! I think that chicken tenders can really be a great indicator on how the restaurant is. Overall great experience and will be returning! read more

Family of 4 went for lunch on Tuesday and we all ordered different things. Hamburger Fried chicken sandwich Fish and chips Four cheese pizza We all raved about the food and were very happy with the service too! Prices were reasonable for the quality and the amount of food. We will definitely be returning. read more

Love this place and tried the bacon burger and garlic knots. Of course it was also delicious and packed with flavor. Definitely in my top 5 burgers I've ever had read more

Golden Gate Bistro - Garlic Knots - Sandwiches Near Me - Novato, California

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We had lunch there 1-10-26. What a lovely restaurant - clean, spacious,attentive staff and delicious food. One of us had Eggs Benedict, husband had Kale and Romaine Caesar salad and I had Roasted Beet salad.Guys said coffee was perfect and I loved the hot chocolate. My only complaint was the loud hum of the kitchen fans - open kitchen concept with no (apparent) dampers or sound absorbing equipment. Really detracted our dining experience, especially for the 2 guys who have hearing issues. Our server acknowledged the fans are a frequent complaint from customers:(. I would give Golden Gate Bistro a 5 if not for the noise. We will go back but only if the outdoor tent offers a quieter dining experience read more

A fun, music-filled atmosphere meets top-notch service here. The staff shines. And those carnitas tacos? Absolutely delicious!!! The special tonight was oven roasted chicken which hit the spot. I would definitely come back read more

Golden Gate Bistro - Garlic knots appetizer - Sandwiches Near Me - Novato, California

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Food was delicious Ambiance moderate to low noise Service was great! We are visiting for the races and wanted to try something than the norm. Novota has lots of hidden gems and this is one of them! read more

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Because of what I ordered, I expected the food to be dense. Color me surprised that it wasn't! It was actually light! I had their crab toast and fish & chips. Adding avocado to their crab toast added another layer to the taste you feel exploding in your mouth. More sophisticated and tasty! Their fries (chips) are very light and soothing to the palate! It wasn't too salty for me, but in case you are not a fan of salty food, they provide malt vinegar and ketchup to distract your taste buds away from the salt haha...ah, also their lemon water! (Better if you ask for ice in it) Their fish was also light and flaky. There is music blaring loudly on the patio but because I sat indoors, I couldn't hear it that well haha. Great service and good food! read more

Golden Gate Bistro - Sandwiches Near Me - Novato, California

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I had high hopes, but the fish and chips were greasy--so greasy that I needed to wipe each piece of fish off with a paper towel. And they could have been fried a bit longer beyond the weak blonde color that left them a bit flaccid, a little more cooking would have left them crispy and golden BROWN like the fish and chips at Fish. or Hook Fish Co. The fries were okay, but also a bit soft and floppy. Disappointing. read more

When a restaurant has a menu with as big of a selection as they have here I worry that none of it will be executed well, but all of our varied dishes were quite good. The atmosphere is pleasant and I was grateful for a nice weekday lunch option. read more

I started my lunch with a delicious bowl of New England Clam Chowder. There were so many incredible flavors in this bowl. From the cream to the perfectly cooked clams, the strips of bacon, the onion and celery. Honestly, this chowder was perfect! I could have eaten another bowl. After the chowder, I had my main course, fish and chips. The fish was cooked to utter perfection. I really can't find anything to fault. The batter was light and crispy. A wonderful flavor. The tarter sauce it was paired with was great. Made in house. The fries were good. Warm and crispy. I actually enjoyed dipping them in the tarter sauce. There was one waiter working and he was great. He accommodated my request for a small cup of clam chowder instead of the regular full bowl. He checked on me often. This really is a very special restaurant and I understand that on the weekends they have live music featuring local bands. If you haven't yet been, you should definitely come to this wonderful place. read more

Golden Gate Bistro - Fish and Chips - Sandwiches Near Me - Novato, California

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Absolutely wonderful! The menu is varied and everything is perfectly presented. Very large portions. We've had the avocado crab toast, penne bolognese, fish & chips, pizza, chicken piccata, tiramisu - all excellent. The homemade soups are divine! And the coffee was some of the best! Great service. I'm surprised it isn't more crowded ... it's certainly far better than some of the other places in Novato that seem to be very busy. It needs to be discovered! read more

Delicious pancakes! Nice and fluffy! Good service. Laid back and casual atmosphere. Will go back. Had previously also ordered their burgers online. Also, very good! read more

Golden Gate Bistro - Sandwiches Near Me - Novato, California

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The food was ok. The server was very nice and attentive. I expected more based on the reviews.

We found this place when looking for a lunch spot during a shopping day in Novato. We were a little skeptical when we first walked in, but it turned out okay. We loved the large outdoor space for dining and the Crab Louie was full of crab meat, though I wish we'd been offered some bread with the salad. The service was good and the staff was friendly. We'd come here again. (Maybe check the menu for typos though, there are quite a few!) read more

We had delicious fish and chips, fish tacos and chicken picatta Service was quick and price was great. Don't miss it!

I love their quinoa vegetable medley. The severs are friendly. It's a casual place and I enjoy sitting in the patio. Anytime I'm in Novato I'm lobbying for us to eat here. read more

Another great breakfast at Golden Gate Bistro. This spot is quickly becoming a favorite spot for Sunday brunch. I ordered the French toast combo and hubby ordered an omelette. Portions are generous and delicious. Going back for lunch or dinner next time. read more

Golden Gate Bistro - French Toast Combo - Sandwiches Near Me - Novato, California

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Great food and service! The pulled pork sandwich was very flavorful. We will definitely return again!

I ordered two portions of fries for my kids for $7. Each portion came with a 12 fries and What I found most unhygienic was the o hair we found inside. When I called to report the problem, they didn't apologize and all they said was, "That's the amount," instead of prioritizing the hair that was in there. read more

Golden Gate Bistro - Sandwiches Near Me - Novato, California