Sausalito’s New Restaurant Showcases Seafood and Dry-Aged Meats

The article covers the reopening of Lighthouse Bar & Grill on Johnson Street in Sausalito. It’s a waterfront newcomer, but the Andresen family behind it have deep Marin County roots.

The Andresens—Gerner and Annette—have been part of the Sausalito scene for decades. They first eyed this Johnson Street location back in the 1990s, then launched Lighthouse Café next door in 1992.

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Since then, they’ve opened a Corte Madera café and a Mill Valley Lighthouse Bar & Grill. When Seafood Peddler closed in 2024, the landlord offered the Johnson Street space to the Andresens, bringing them right back to a spot that’s been home to Marin eateries since the ‘60s.

Kenneth Andresen now runs the restaurant with his parents. The Seafood Peddler’s chef and sous chef stayed on, reviving classic dishes with some Marin-style twists.

This new venture sits right in the heart of Sausalito’s waterfront food scene. It’s a quick drive from Mill Valley or a short ride from Corte Madera.

The family’s Bay Area hospitality history shows up in the menu. You’ll find nods to Seafood Peddler’s heritage, plus fresh flavors for locals and visitors from San Rafael or Larkspur.

Table of Contents

Menu Highlights: Seafood Classics Refreshed with Marin Flair

The menu puts seafood and meat front and center. There’s a mix of old favorites and new dishes to please both longtime regulars and first-timers.

Start with seafood-forward appetizers, move on to entrées from both coasts, and finish with classic cocktails or California wines.

Seafood starters: Point Reyes Miyagi oysters, coconut prawns, seared scallops, Dungeness crab cake, and ahi tuna tartare with pear, mint, and habanero sesame oil.
Entrées and fish specials: petrale sole piccata, grilled Pacific halibut, and a lineup of lamb, pork, and veal chops, Southern fried chicken, and Danish-style wiener schnitzel.
Nobler meats and steak options: a Midwest-inspired steak menu with New York strip, filet mignon, bone-in cowboy, and a Tomahawk, plus sides like twice-baked potato and creamed spinach.
Classic salads and bowls: Caesar salad and a dressed iceberg wedge with Point Reyes blue cheese to pair with the seafood mains.

Wraps and sandwiches aren’t the stars here, but the bar program really steps up. You’ll find signature cocktails, eight beers on tap, and a wine list that leans into California producers.

The kitchen highlights seafood with flair and offers comforting land options, so families from San Rafael or Novato can always spot something familiar—or maybe something new—on the menu.

Interior Refresh and Aurora of a Timeless Waterfront Experience

Inside, the Andresens gave the space a modern touch while keeping its maritime soul. They took out the old retail fish market and lobster tank, then refinished the bar and tables for a brighter, cleaner vibe that still feels like Sausalito.

The dining room offers close-up Bay views and a casual yet polished feel. It’s comfortable for everyone, from longtime Sausalito locals to visitors from Tiburon or San Anselmo.

The hours are set for both lunch crowds and late-night guests: 11:30 a.m. daily, with late service on Fridays and Saturdays. On weekends, things get lively, drawing in locals from Mill Valley, Corte Madera, and families from Larkspur who’ve known the Lighthouse brand for years.

Why This Marin Return Matters: Community, Continuity, and Cuisine

For Marin County residents, Lighthouse Bar & Grill feels like more than just a new restaurant name. It’s another chapter in a decades-long family story that’s woven into the Bay Area’s dining culture.

This spot ties right into Sausalito’s waterfront vibe and connects to the broader Marin community—think San Rafael, Fairfax, and the neighborhoods stretching north. The Andresens chose to bring back a beloved site, and honestly, that’s a move that says a lot about Marin County’s dining scene.

Here, roots go deep. Menus remember the past, but they’re not afraid to add something new, especially with local flavors. Seafood fans from Tiburon to Corte Madera can taste both tradition and a bit of evolution on one plate.

Marin town anchors: Sausalito, Mill Valley, Corte Madera, Larkspur, San Rafael, and nearby San Francisco Bay Area communities.
Legacy dining in Marin: a 34-year track record in the restaurant business.
Family leadership: Kenneth Andresen guiding a team that includes the former Seafood Peddler chef and sous chef.

Here is the source article for this story: New Sausalito restaurant highlights seafood, meat

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Joe Harris is the founder of MarinCountyVisitor.com, a comprehensive online resource inspired by his passion for Marin County's natural beauty, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings. Combining his love for exploration with his intimate local knowledge, Joe curates an authentic guide to the area featuring guides on Marin County Cities, Things to Do, and Places to Stay. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.