“Dining” is a mere verb; “fine dining,” however, is an entire concept.
It encompasses everything from gustatory artistry, design, ambience, and, dare I say, romance. This is what Tiburon’s landmark restaurant, The Caprice, offers in abundance.
In its sixth decade, The Caprice continues to be a Marin County institution, now under the stewardship of Jerry and Jennifer Dal Bozzo. A restauranteur with a number of iconic dining experiences to his credit (Salito’s, Stinking Rose, The Franciscan), Jerry Dal Bozzo was keen on preserving what made The Caprice so special in the first place.
“I have always had an attraction to The Caprice because of its unique location and all it has to offer—romantic, views, location, etc. We began spending more time in Marin, The Caprice became available, it was serendipity,” he said. “Considering The Caprice is an institution with which so many people have history, it was important for us to maintain the name and the intimate nature of the restaurant, yet better capture the views.”
An extensive remodel was overseen by Jennifer Dal Bozzo, who designed the interior and exterior buildout, leaning into a mid-century design based on the location’s architecture. The new color palette and coastal design underscore the location’s signature feature—“its incomparable panoramic views,” Jerry Dal Bozzo explained. Simply put, it’s an elegant, refined medley of both past and present that boasts a sun-kissed dining room and not a bad seat in the house.
The building is not all that was redesigned. The menu also received an overhaul.
“The menu was designed for locals to enjoy simple but unique signature dishes like Abalone Dore, ribeye steak using the best ingredients for maximum flavor,” said Jerry Dal Bozzo. “J.C. Becerra is the executive chef and Federico Carrillo is the operating chef, both long time staff members and excellent at their craft. They focus on consistency and perfection of simply prepared dishes that are memorable and have you wanting to come back for more.”
Entrées include a delectable branzino with lemon herb oil; the gnocchi with Dungeness crab and spinach fondue cheese sauce; or their signature abalone dore. On the meatier side, the Colorado lamb chops, Kurobuta tomahawk pork chop and the bone-in filet mignon are each spectacular choices. The Caprice also offers a prix fixe menu featuring a fresh mixed green salad, prime ribeye steak and Yukon gold potatoes mashed with zucchini. This is a personal fave and a go-to, should analysis paralysis strike while perusing the estimable menu.
The full bar also showcases a variety of classic and original cocktails, and the wine list brims with astute French and domestic selections—the result of a collaboration with industry veteran Thomas Koehorst. There is a wine for every palate, at reasonable price points.
“Tiburon has so much going on these days,” said Jerry Dal Bozzo. “Stroll the charming town of Tiburon’s Main Street and (take) a short walk up the shoreline promenade to The Caprice for a romantic evening and who knows…?”
The Caprice is located at 2000 Paradise Dr. in Tiburon. The restaurant is open for dinner and cocktails Monday-Sunday (5-9pm), and lunch/brunch/cocktails Friday-Sunday (12-4pm). Evening valet parking is available. For more information, visit The Caprice on the web at www.thecaprice.com or call 415-435-3400.
