We will be in Sausalito for a day and would like a recommendation for a place with character on the water to have either lunch or dinner. Thank you.

The place I've been (twice) is called Alta Vista. It is an old fashioned hotel that was famous for being a place that movie stars went for secret rendezvous! The food is nothing exciting but the view from the outdoor terrace is fabulous for lunch. It is a serious trek from the ferry stop up a steep hill. There are probably better places for food but I'm not sure you'll get a better "vista".

I think the restaurant mclaurie is referring to is Alta Mira.

It's called Alta MIRA. Here's a website with more options. http://www.sausalito.org/visitor_info/restaurants.cfm#

Thanks Tpl

Thanks to everyone for the Alta Mira information. And, also, thanks for the web site. I will check them out!

Scomas is right on the water. I'd never recommend the Scomas on Fisherman's Wharf but the bay views from this one are great. The fish comes from their own boats and as long as you aren't expecting amazing cuisine, you should be ok.

A friend thinks Vahalla is great. It is also right on the water.

Thanks for the Scomas recommendation, I have added it to my list. I went to the above recommendated web site and made a list. Valhalla was already on it, along with Spinnaker, Bridgeway Cafe, Waterstreet Grille and the Alta Mira. If we take the ferry over from SF, are all of these within walking distance from where we get off the ferry?

I think everything is walkable with the exception of Alta Mira. You actually could walk there if you are willing to walk uphill for a distance! I have not been impressed with the food anywhere in Sausalito, although we stop by quite often (due to that WestMarine and Boats USA store!) When we have driven by Valhalla it looks like it is inland a block or so. Perhaps the parking lot is decieving.I would skip the Spinaker. Why is it the places with the best view have mediocre food? If it is a nicer place you are looking for the Valhalla might do the trick. Horizons is a great place to get drinks and sit over the bay although I admit we are hooked on Waterstreet Grille.

Be careful with Scomas. For a place right on the water a lot of the restaurant does NOT have views. And the food is so so and the service less than so so.

Applejaxs
Good to hear it's all walkable. After 8yrs we sold our sailboat last October. We will be in withdrawal as we pass West Marine and USA Boats. Hi Grasshopper!! A view is important to us.