Marin caterer Deb Lencioni Keith opened Kitchen in Novato on April 3, 2023, after 30 years of catering for various events. Many locals had recommended Kitchen, describing it as a hidden gem, prompting my friends and me to visit for a taste.
Upon entering, the delightful pastry display caught my eye before I joined my companions at one of the few tables. The menu was varied, and as we made our selections, Cruz at the counter enthusiastically shared information about their pastries, which are crafted by pastry chef Sam Salman. He prepares the desserts in the evenings, allowing us to choose our favorites to enjoy after our meal.
After placing our order, we settled at our table, where we later received our lunch items. The cozy restaurant boasts limited seating, but its bright atmosphere is enhanced by table flowers and a community bulletin board.
Our group ordered a range of items: the Curried Chicken and Apple Toast ($14), Italian Tuna Salad ($14), Kitchen Grain Bowl ($18), and a Grilled Tri-Tip Sandwich ($18). The colorful plates, garnished with orchids, brought a vibrant touch to our meal.
The tuna salad featured a base of red cabbage, combined with cannellini beans, and dressed with lemon, olive oil, and capers, creating a flavor-packed experience that many agreed was the highlight of the meal. The grain bowl was impressive too—organized into sections featuring garbanzo beans, quinoa, and assorted veggies, with a dressing on the side that complemented the dish beautifully.
For sandwiches, the tri-tip, slathered in an herbed aioli and served on artisan bread, didn’t disappoint. The Curried Chicken and Apple Toast was particularly well-received, with its rich flavors enveloped in toasted walnut currents.
As we transitioned to dessert, we chose the Bread Pudding ($12), Rustic Fruit Tart ($12), and Butterscotch Budino ($14). Each dessert was a divine conclusion to our meal, with the bread pudding standing out for its moist richness, and the fruit tart impressing with its perfectly baked crust and juicy filling. The butterscotch budino was velvety and luxurious, topped with piped Chantilly cream and an almond tuile, making for a decadent experience.
Before departing, manager Julie Rhodes handed us little pink hearts, a sweet tradition they’ve continued since their opening—a reminder to guests that they are the heart of the restaurant.
kitchen
- Address: 6 Hamilton Landing, Novato
- Phone: 415-234-8923
- Website: kitchennovato.com
- Cuisine: California
- Seating: Inside and outside
- Vegetarian selections: Yes
- Vegan selections: Yes
- Dog friendly: Service dogs
- Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekdays; closed weekends
- Prices: $10 to $20
In summary, Kitchen is a cozy café offering exceptional food and top-notch pastries, making it a must-visit spot in Novato.