by: Maeve O’Brien and Emerson Filley
Taki Japanese Restaurant: Taki had a traditional Japanese dinner setting, attentive staff, and delicious food. The price was fairly expensive, but it matched the high quality items. We ordered a tiger roll, and another entree plus an appetizer. The restaurant is located right by Boca Pizza and the Nugget Market, so it has a lot of action surrounding it. The location is lively, and the outdoor seating area was well kept. Favorite menu item: Sesame Chicken! Taki was a delicious and immersive experience, with the setting and the traditional Japanese culture.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Las Guitarras restaurant: Las Guitarras has a fun, exciting, and beautiful outdoor setting. It is surrounded by colorful umbrellas and it has a large seating area that accommodates big groups of people. It was very busy when we arrived, but the customer service was fitting for the crowd. They give large portions of delicious Mexican dishes. Although the location is slightly tucked away, it is in Downtown Novato! The price was moderately expensive. Our favorite food item was the Carne Asada Tacos! Las Guitarras had a beautiful and relaxing environment, with exceptional Mexican dishes.
Overall rating: 4/5
Blue Barn: Blue Barn is located in the heart of downtown Novato. It has a rustic design and a welcoming feel. The interior design is high end and visually appealing. Although it is moderately expensive, the quality of food is worth the price. A standout feature is the backyard of Blue barn. It is spacious, clean, and there is plenty of room for seating and socializing in the well maintenanced area. Our favorite item was the rooster sandwich!
Overall Rating: 5/5
Bacon: We were greeted by a welcoming and comfortable outdoor seating. It was extremely busy when we went there, so the meals took longer to arrive but the staff was still accommodating. Bacon serves a delicious American breakfast and lunch menu with a flavorful variety. We ordered a buttermilk pancake combo and a bacon breakfast sandwich with a side of fried twinkies. Bacon is right on Grant Avenue, in an area with high visibility and easy access. Overall Bacon had a wide variety of tasty meals on the menu, and a friendly, high energy atmosphere.
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Creekside Bakery: Creekside bakery had a friendly environment and a welcoming staff. They politely greeted us as we walked inside and made sure that we had been helped. They had a wide variety of tasty pastries, and a beautiful display of cakes. We ordered a few cookies each, and the price was affordable. The location was slightly hidden because it is tucked away in a shopping center, rather than being on a main street. Our favorite item was the vanilla meringue cookies! Creekside bakery had a sweet and homey feel, with delicious pastries on display right as you walk in.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5