The Marshall Store, located just north of Point Reyes Station on Tomales Bay, is an oyster lover’s paradise. This humble, roadside, counter-service restaurant is located inches from CA-1, but once you’ve settled into your seat, the tranquility of Tamales Bay takes center stage.
The oysters all come from the restaurant’s family farm which was started in 1908 and is credited as Califonia’s oldest continually run shellfish farm. This tide-to-table restaurant is a place to enjoy oysters in a refreshingly casual setting alongside their home waters.
A day at the Marshall Store should start as close to opening as possible since the small restaurant fills up quickly, especially on sunny days. If you have the option, find yourself one of the coveted seats along the deck with stunning views of Tomales Bay and the hills of Point Reyes.
Oysters are their specialty and can be ordered in a variety of ways from raw to smoked and even Rockefeller. The seafood-heavy menu also features soups, sandwiches, beer, and wine, with enough variety to suit most tastes without seeming excessive.
The family oyster farm, Tomales Bay Oyster Company, is located a few miles down the road and was the first company to grow Pacific oysters in the Bay Area. Pacific, also known as Miyagi or Japanese Oyster, is a variety from Japan that is well suited to our coastal waters and quickly became the most popular oyster to grow along the West Coast.
The Marshall Store serves a variety of related oyster species like Golden Nuggets and Pacific Preston Point Oysters, which have delicate and distinct flavors and textures.
You can visit The Marshall Store Friday-Monday 11am-4pm for the full menu. They also serve on Thursday from 11am-3pm, with a very limited menu and some specials. They sometimes close early for severe weather, so call them at (415) 663-1339 to double-check.
Featured image by Grant MacHamer