The Spinnaker — Restaurant in Sausalito

TL;DR: Don't bother with this place. Subpar food for copious amount of money. Subpar cocktails that aren't well balanced. You will leave wishing they served you more bread. I left this place still hungry.

I'll start with the things I enjoyed about this restaurant, which unfortunately isn't much. I enjoyed the waterside views (incredibly beautiful), as well as the general service (both the host and the waitress were excellent, and our waitress was attentive to our table); the water and bread were also nice, although they were definitely an expectation.

Unfortunately, I did not like a majority of my experience here because of the food and cocktails. In short, it was bad. I ordered the halibut piccatta and was quite disappointed in what I received. I don't know if they left the skin of the fish on or if they simply pan-seared it into the ground, but it was one of the worst pieces of fish I have ever had the displeasure of attempting to eat. The fish was served skin-side up and coated in a bland lemon sauce that could have been left off completely and I wouldn't have noticed a difference. The skin was tough (a textural nightmare to eat) and it was difficult to remove the skin from the meat of the fish, essentially leaving you with tiny shredded pieces of meat and the skin itself. The more I ate the halibut, the more rancid it tasted, which indicated it might not be fresh (either in terms of catch, or in terms of how long it has been sitting in the kitchen). It becomes inedible and frustrating, especially when I am paying $35 for it.

The fish is served with rice and seasonal vegetables (carrots and broccolini and what seemed to be one singular slice of a radish or something similar). The rice was okay but once it was slathered in bland sauce, capers, and shredded fish pieces, it too isn't very edible. The broccolini was the only thing cooked correctly on my entire plate. I'll repeat that: THE. ENTIRE. PLATE. The carrots looked glazed and cooked but were still somewhat raw, and rather flavorless (how do you suck the flavor out of a carrot? That isn't a good thing). The radish was raw, but I don't really eat those anyway so I didn't care. It wasn't going in my mouth regardless. Nothing was seasoned.

I ordered a Sausalito Sunrise (sunset? Idk) and it was their play on a drink called a tequila sunrise. I love tequila sunrises, so I had high hopes. This drink features a melon liqueur that overpowered most of the other elements and vodka, which fought with the other flavors. I was disappointed and I paid about $15 for it. I wish I would have stuck to water or a coke and grenadine. It would have been both cheaper and tastier.

Overall, I am very unimpressed. I expect quite a lot out of restaurants like this for the prices they charge. We drove an hour to get here, and I wish I had my time and money back. Your business is quite lucky I did not send it back or demand it be comped on my ticket, because I very much thought about it. Looking back, I definitely should have, and I should have called out a manager to show them just how bad the food is. I watched the tables around me and found most people didn't eat the food they were served. This included THREE 6-tops, which were all full. That means a total of 18 people did not eat what they were served. 18 plates were cleared, and almost all of them were full. I also didn't review what my father ate here (he was also unimpressed and similarly remarked we should have eaten at Scomas again; he ate his plate, but found the food bland, and commented that he has had much better, but he didn't want to waste his money by leaving the plate mostly untouched).

In conclusion, you could not pay me to try the food again. After the halibut, I do not wish to sample anything else. I find myself feeling bad for the halibut that lost its life for me to essentially not eat it. You have not only disrespected my time and tastebuds, you have disgraced the animal itself....

The Spinnaker in Sausalito is a renowned waterfront restaurant that offers breathtaking views, delectable cuisine, and a memorable dining experience.

Spectacular Waterfront Location: The Spinnaker is located right on the waterfront in Sausalito, providing guests with stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline. The restaurant's expansive windows and outdoor patio offer the perfect vantage point to enjoy the picturesque surroundings while indulging in a delicious meal.

Impeccable Service: The staff at The Spinnaker is known for their warm hospitality and attentive service. From the moment you step in, you are greeted with a friendly smile and made to feel welcome. The waitstaff is knowledgeable about the menu, always ready to offer recommendations and accommodate special dietary requests. Their professionalism and attentiveness contribute to an enjoyable dining experience.

Exquisite Cuisine: The Spinnaker boasts a diverse menu featuring a range of culinary delights. From fresh seafood to prime steaks, the restaurant offers a variety of options to cater to different palates. The dishes are expertly prepared, beautifully presented, and made with high-quality ingredients. Whether you're craving seafood, pasta, or a juicy steak, The Spinnaker delivers delectable flavors and culinary craftsmanship.

Fresh Seafood Selection: As a waterfront restaurant, The Spinnaker takes pride in its fresh seafood offerings. From succulent oysters and mouthwatering crab cakes to perfectly grilled fish, the restaurant showcases the flavors of the ocean in every bite. The seafood is sourced locally and prepared with precision to ensure the highest level of quality and taste.

Scenic Ambiance: The Spinnaker creates a charming and elegant ambiance that perfectly complements the stunning views outside. The interior is tastefully decorated with nautical touches, and the large windows allow natural light to fill the space. Whether you choose to dine indoors or on the outdoor patio, the restaurant offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience.

Signature Cocktails: The Spinnaker boasts an impressive selection of handcrafted cocktails and a well-curated wine list. From classic martinis to innovative concoctions, the bar offers a wide range of libations to complement your meal. The skilled mixologists take pride in creating unique and flavorful drinks, ensuring that guests have a memorable and enjoyable beverage experience.

Live Music: The Spinnaker occasionally features live music, adding a delightful touch to the dining experience. The soothing melodies create a pleasant and vibrant atmosphere, enhancing the overall ambiance and making the evening even more enjoyable.

Unforgettable Views: The highlight of dining at The Spinnaker is undoubtedly the breathtaking views. Whether you visit during the day to admire the glistening waters of the bay or in the evening to witness a stunning sunset, the vistas are truly awe-inspiring. The combination of great food, exceptional service, and unparalleled views makes The Spinnaker a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

In summary, The Spinnaker in Sausalito offers an exceptional waterfront dining experience with its breathtaking views, delectable cuisine, and attentive service. From the moment you arrive, you are treated to a memorable culinary journey that showcases the best of the region's seafood and flavors. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delightful meal with a view, The Spinnaker is a delightful destination that promises an unforgettable...

We had lunch at The Spinnaker on a weekday in June, 2023. Parking was a little tight, but we found a spot. We were seated quickly once inside. It was past one PM, which might have made it easier to get a table. We ordered our lunch and sat and enjoyed the main reason for us to visit. The views from our table were spectacular. We were on the water facing San Francisco. So we had a great view of the city. We also had a great view of Alcatraz. We could see the cable towers for the Golden Gate Bridge. We also could see other landmarks from our table. And for the second day in a row, we were visited during lunch by a seal. He only stayed short time and only popped his head out of the water. Unfortunately, a pole was kind of in my way, so I couldn't get a good picture of him or her. I was much more fortunate yesterday. Our food was good. But to be fair, we have had better. I'm not trying to take a shot at The Spinnaker. The food really was good. But I didn't think it was anything special to me. The wife agreed. But we also agreed that this might just be what we had for lunch more than anything. So maybe judge for yourselves. Maybe we are giving them negative press that might be unwarranted. Prices were not extremely high, but were not inexpensive either. So I guess I would say somewhat fair. And the view made it all worth it, whether or not you agree. Atmosphere is very important. As such, the food could have been not very good and I still would have thought our visit was worth it. Thankfully, the food was good. Our server was also very good. He made us feel special and was very professional. I took pictures, but it was cloudy and hazy. The pictures do not do the actual views justice. They are much, much better in person. All in all, I thought the Spinnaker was a decent restaurant that has a great atmosphere with spectacular views. You should consider trying them if in the area. At the very least, you'll probably remember where you...