Marin County diners have spoken. After a month of tasting plant-based dishes across the county, participants in the 2026 Marin Vegan Chef Challenge selected their favorite vegan offerings and helped determine this year’s winning chefs and restaurants.
Organizers announced the results on June 9 following the conclusion of the month-long event.
More than 300 votes were cast during the challenge, which encouraged residents to visit participating restaurants throughout May and sample specially featured vegan menu items. Organizers also recognized a group of dedicated “super voters”—diners who visited three or more participating restaurants during the challenge.
According to organizers, voters included vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, reflecting the broad appeal of the event and growing interest in plant-based dining options throughout Marin County.
Taking top honors was Flores Kitchen and Bar in Corte Madera, which earned first place overall as well as Best Entrée for its Pozole Rojo de Tofu. Lotus Cuisine of India in San Rafael secured second place and was additionally recognized for Best Overall Menu. Third place went to Le Garage Bistro in Sausalito, which also captured Best Appetizer honors for its Beet Tartare. Salt & Pepper in Tiburon rounded out the top four while earning recognition as Best Lunch Spot for its Eggplant Sandwich.
A variety of additional awards highlighted the range of vegan offerings available across the county. Kitchen Cafe & Catering in Novato received Best Salad for its Asian Noodle Salad, while Bliss Ice Cream, also in Novato, won Best Dessert for its Dubai Sundae. Mi Casa Cafe in San Rafael earned the Family Favorite Award for its Chili Relleno, and Palmetto Superfoods in Corte Madera was recognized for Favorite Healthy Treat with its Marin Blend.
Other notable winners included Toast Restaurant in Novato, whose Tofu Tostada received the Tofu Masterpiece Award, and Sausalito’s Bayside Cafe, whose Plum Pistachio Toast was named Best Brunch. Restaurant Picco in Larkspur earned the Most Creative distinction for its Green Curry, while San Rafael’s Sapori Ristorante was recognized for Best House Made Dish with its ravioli.
Lola’s Taqueria in Belvedere received the Worth Every Bite Award for its Beyond Burrito, while Sula at Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito was honored with the Favorite Epicurean Choice Award. Squared Pizza in Greenbrae earned the Comfort Food Champ title for its Dad’s Favorite Just All Vegan pizza, Boo Koo in Mill Valley was recognized for Best Vegan Takeout, and Humbowl in San Rafael received the Protein Power Award for its Dove Love dish. Bakery 6, a cottage home bakery in San Anselmo, rounded out the winners with the I Can’t Believe It’s Vegan Award for its Campfire Cookie.
The challenge is designed to benefit both diners and restaurants by expanding awareness of plant-based menu options. As former chef Alex Bury noted in a statement: “If a group of friends is planning a dinner out on the town, and one of them is vegan, the entire group will skip a restaurant without good vegan options.”
Organizers say the Vegan Chef Challenge’s social media platforms will continue operating year-round, highlighting local vegan dishes and future challenges throughout the region. The event is hosted by Vegan Outreach, an international nonprofit dedicated to promoting vegan lifestyles through education and increasing access to vegan options, and Vegan Marin, a community group supporting plant-based living in Marin County and beyond.
