12781 Sir Francis Drake Blvd

We tried this place when we were visiting Point Reyes. Small menu so you know the food is good, which it definitely was. We tried all the oysters and they were all very good. It would have been nice if the bread was complimentary for dipping in the oyster sauces. Nothing really for kids except their half chicken dish which we ordered -- it was good. But beware, it's cash or Venmo only! For what seems to me like a "higher end" restaurant, we were surprised when we were told this after trying to pay with credit card. What if we didn't have cash on us, which we normally don't but luckily we did that night. And what about guests who don't have Venmo, as I'm sure not everyone does. A heads up about their payment options would have been nice when we were seated. Knocked off one star for this reason. Food was good nonetheless...and so glad we had cash on us that night!

Wonderful Friday night dinner at the bar. Friendly service, fresh oysters and shrimp, delicious soup, and local wines. Sophisticated comfort on the Inverness waterfront. We'll be back!

Saltwater is our favorite restaurant. For the food, for Luke, the wonderful staff, the chill and cozy vibe... it checks all the boxes. The wild thing is that Saltwater is an hour from where we live- and still, it's the restaurant we choose to celebrate special occasions, bring friends, or a spontaneous lunch or dinner. We pop in at least once per month and it never disappoints. The food- hands down the best broiled oysters you can find. The smokiness, elevated flavors and freshness. Pretty much anything they put on their menu will be delicious, truly. Their desserts are always amazing too! Do not hesitate to visit Saltwater, it's a very special and wonderful place.

They get busy on weekends and holidays. But the wait was short for my party of 2. We waited for 10 minutes to get a table. The clam chowder was different from the others. It was more like a broth with a full clam in the shells. Be sure to order bread to dip into the broth otherwise, it could be too salty to eat by itself. The sandwich and salad looked good but I was too full after eating the fresh oysters.

Everything was amazing! Tried all their oyster variations on the menu, the clam chowder, the fish tacos and the crab sandwich. It was phenomenal. 10/10

Cute little restaurant nearby a touristy shipwreck spot. Menu was precise, service was great and not to mention about the cute ambience of both inside&outside. We tried all flavors of baked oysters and there were AWESOME! They were so rich and flavorful. We ordered toasted sourdough to dip with those only the toast was so yummy but when I dipped it in the sauce.... I felt like I was in heaven Orange wine was strong but went well with my oysters. In the parking lot, there was a hidden picnic spot to visit as well then you can also walk to see the shipwreck which located in the opposite side.

I drove from Monterey and definitely didn't disappoint! Friendly service, sat outside with a few beers, and a healthy menu of Oysters.

We had a fantastic dinner here in August and I sure hope it reopens soon. The pop-up dinners look amazing! The evening we dined was such a treat! We started with some luscious raw oysters and orange wine but the true stand-outs were the roasted oysters with a variety of savory and flavorful compound butters. This inspired some thinking about our own oysters for next summer! We also enjoyed a fresh and crunchy Kohlrabi salad with asian notes and an local duck liver mousse. We also had both desserts on offer-the chocolate torte and blackberry crisp-as it was a birthday celebration. It was a decadent way to finish a light supper!

Was able to snag a reservation for four on a Friday night. The place was pretty packed at the time so booking ahead is definitely recommended. We drove by this place a handful of times while going to and from the nearby sights, including the national park and the boatwreck across the street--it's pretty central and easy to find and only 5-10 minutes from Olema and Point Reyes Station. The place has a clean coastal vibe but still felt homey, with fresh flowers everywhere. It's nice but not stuffy, helped by the skylights providing plenty of natural light. We had already had raw oysters elsewhere but were curious about the broiled oysters here. With four people and three choices of flavors we were waffling on which two we should choose for half-dozen each, but our waitress kindly offered that we could get a dozen with four of each so that each person could try all three! Fantastic concept, big fan. Was sure glad we went that route because each of these flavors (Katz butter, Horseradish butter, and Miso butter) were amazing in their own way and helped highlight the natural delicious qualities of the oysters. Rounded out the appetizers with the duck liver mousse on crusty toast and star route gems salad. The mousse was so rich and delicious, with the fattiness balanced by the pairing of rhubarb/cherry and mustard seed spreads -- it inspired me to try this pairing on my own! The salad was also well done and pleasantly different from your standard garden salad. For the entrees we shared the local halibut dish and the duck dish. Had fun learning about ingredients we were new to, including the curiously curly fiddleheads and the aptly named farrotto (risotto using farro instead of rice). The halibut was probably the only thing I didn't really care for (not that much flavor) but the duck and all the sides were delicious. For a "nice" dinner we felt that the prices were fair (about $60/person after tax/tip) and were pleasantly surprised with how much we enjoyed the meal. A must-have if you're in the area!

We drove to Inverness to find the 100 year old shipwreck and had lunch at this restaurant. Really great vibe, nicely decorated and tasteful. Very inviting and welcoming. We were given a table by a window overlooking the street. Our waitress was super friendly and helpful when asked questions about the menu. She was patient when we couldn't decide on which wine to choose with the meal that we were planning to get. She brought over small tastings of wine, and helped us make the final decision. The food was amazing! I would definitely recommend the broiled oysters to start. Get 2 of each kind, and order the Levain so that you can use it to sop up the sauces! We ordered the Lyonnaise salad -- the dressing was perfect. We also had the eggplant and tomato dish. Everything paired really well with our Chardonnay! Will definitely come back, if we are ever back in this area.

I had a lovely time here! It was a beautiful day so I sat outside. You order at the counter first and they bring out your food. Since I was the first customer of the day, I got to enjoy the place to myself for a bit. The food is so good here! Highly recommend the raw and broiled oysters as well as the fish tacos. Yes it is pricey but it doesn't get any fresher than this.

This place is very popular. We showed up at 5pm when they first opened, and there was already a long line. At about 5:30, the walk-ins (without reservations) were turned away. It is a small quint house with a cute patio. the best item we had ordered was the broiled oysters with Katz butter (chili, garlic, lemon). it was par cooked to perfection, the sauce was a great compliment. mussels with tomato and chorizo was also great. scallop and halibut poke salad was small and bland, disappointed. halibut ala plancha was very good

The best meal I've had in such a long time. If I can give more than five stars for the food itself, I wouldn't hesitate to. We made Saltwater Oyster Depot a stop for lunch during our day trip to Point Reyes. We walked in around 1PM and there was plenty of seating available both indoor and outdoor. You order in the front, and the servers know exactly which table to bring your to. The restaurant is simple and minimally decorated, yet it feels somewhat upscale at the same time. We ordered the raw oysters, Katz butter broiled oysters, white wine butter broiled oysters, crab cakes, and bouillabaisse. Honestly, everything here tasted so amazing. The oysters were fresh and sweet. Our server notified us that they were from across the bay. The broiled oysters were also outstanding, but if I'd have to choose between the Katz butter and white wine butter, I'd go for the white wine butter ones! The crab cakes were to die for. The best crab cakes I've ever had, which weren't overly breaded like at other places. The bouillabaisse was delicious and hearty. It was seasoned well, and I love that it came with bread that paired so well with it. Staff is also incredibly friendly here! They checked in on us and talked to us about the food. Parking is also available behind the restaurant. If Saltwater Oyster Depot wasn't so far away, I'd make sure to visit this place often. Highly, HIGHLY recommend coming when you're in the area!!

Holy **** Saltwater Oyster Depot was delicious and I can't wait to go back! After paddling on my stand up paddle board all morning in Tomales Bay, a girl sure could use some refueling. Saltwater was right down the road and no reservations required on Sundays. We were able to find a seat and order at the counter before a rush of people came in after us, phew. I downed a mason jar of their cucumber mint water due to my SUP exhaustion. That water was so refreshing (I'm definitely gonna make that at home)! We had two different types of broiled oysters which were gone from their bed of salt as fast as they arrived to the table, a green tomato BLT with THICC bacon, and the pièce de résistance of figs, grapes and burrata. Now how can such simple ingredients put together make such symphony in my mouth? I'm already excited for my next SUP & Saltwater adventure.

My daughter wanted to experience some fresh oysters so we road tripped it here. Loved the food! First thing I noticed was the mint cucumber water on table. Nice touch! We ordered: Broiled Local Oysters with Katz Butter (5 stars) The butter was made with fermented Fresno chile and lemon. Awesome! Raw Oysters (5 stars) with lemon and mignonette. The mignonette was perfectly prepared, loved it on the fresh oysters. Really good quality oysters. Hog Island Manila Clam Chowder (4 Stars) It was more of a soup than chowder. Came with fennel, onion, potato, bacon, wine and light cream broth. It was good but if your expecting a thick chowder, it is not. Chocolate Pecan Pie (5 Stars) Awesome crust and chocolate pecan filling to match. Until next time...

Understated but impeccable seafood sourced locally in West Marin - a real gem. Freshest oysters, seasonal salads, and friendly service.

We came here during their lunch and was asked to sit anywhere we wanted. We opted for a window seat to see the ocean across the street. This restaurant definitely felt upscale, but it had a nice chill vibe. Once you are ready to order, you go to the front counter to order and pay. We ended up ordering 1/2 dozen oysters on a half shell, the Clam Chowder, the bouillabaisse and a side of toasted bread. The clam chowder was a little different than I had expected, but still good. There was not a lot of broth in the bowl, but there were tons of flavor. The bouillabaisse was exceptional and seasoned well. It was hearty and had large chunks of salmon and halibut plus oysters. It was worth the $18! It also paired nicely with the side of toasted bread. Definitely worth checking this place out if anyone is near the area.

We had a fun filled weekend planned with a hike followed by a show in San Francisco. Initially we were planning on going into Marshall for oysters, but the hike ran a little later than expected. We decided to head in the direction of SF when we saw a sign for oysters. So glad we stopped here. It is a little different and it's important to pay attention to the signs and instructions, which are clear. BUT, one has to pay attention. So, you pick where you want to sit (inside or outside), peruse the menu, go up to the counter, order your food, and servers deliver the food to your table. Tada, simple yet complicated, lol. We ordered the raw and two varieties of broiled oysters. All were fresh with wonderful flavors. We also ordered the local seafood bouillabaisse and asked if they could split it into two bowls and they did! We then shared a cobbler and it was so good I forgot to take a picture. I was lost in the well balanced flavors on the first bite. The thing I loved the most about this place, after the great tasting food, was the hospitality and the small town welcoming feeling. The service staff worked harmoniously to ensure everybody receive their food, they were polite and funny. The table next to us ordered the clam chowder and it wasn't your typical clam chowder, but a bowl filled with real clams in a stew type liquid. Only caveat was it has bacon, which we prefer to do without since we like the flavor of food. We feel bacon is overpowering and unnecessary in true culinary experiences. I know, may sound snobby, but most chefs concur. I went up to inquire if I could get it without bacon and it was so amusing that the gentleman behind the register smiled and before I finished my sentence replied "no." I'm thinking it's a common question. Maybe next time I can get without bacon?

Food was tasty despite the place feeling like an old school steak house. We got oysters, Buffalo cauliflower, broccoli rabe, and a salad. Everything was tasty. I was very intrigued by their earl grey iced tea. I also had beer, which was local and cold! Great stop after a long hike in the rain.

I visited Saltwater with my sister and brother-in-law last month. I ordered the Clam Chowder $15 which I was expecting to be nice and hearty. When it was served I was a bit surprised with what was given to me. It seemed like a tiny bit of broth (not hearty at all) with a few clams and oysters. I'm used to clam chowder to be thick and creamy, like what you'll get at Boudin's. I guess they have their own version of it here. Their staff was really nice though, we got to sit at the bar and watch them shuck oysters.

About as good a spot as you will find for lunch in West Marin on the Coast, Saltwater Oyster Depot is a gourmet outpost in sleepy Inverness that specializes in sustainable local oysters and bivalves. Although Saltwater keeps limited hours, many businesses in this area are dependent on weekend visitors, they are open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch, and on the weekends offer a dinner service. The lunch menu is limited, pricey and fresh. The seafood is sustainable, which translates to a higher price point. The wine selection is remarkably good. It's a small restaurant, with that modern coastal cabin feel, with indoor and outdoor seating, and also a spot to eat (in COVID times) at a small park nearby with picnic tables. Best to call ahead for a reservation, and to get here early for lunch on the weekends, as most of the food was sold out by 2 pm, on a recent winter weekend. Run by Luc Chamberland, an Aquatic farmer and champion of native oyster restoration, who partnered with a talented local chef, Saltwater boasts good local bread, good wine and simple seafood, raw and cooked. We always get a delicious soup or chowder, some excellent local bread, and mussels (raw or broiled) when we visit for lunch. They are currently using an abbreviated menu.

ZERO STARS! Went at 3pm to eat. Says they are open 12pm-9pm on Saturdays. Was rudely told they weren't open till 5 pm. Wasn't even in the restaurant. The man from the kitchen repeated multiple times like we didn't hear him the first time. Busiest time of the day on a Saturday , and closed? Guessing they have a hard time finding staff because people like the man who chastised us for thinking the restaurant was open probably run the place , run it into the ground. Won't be back

Nice and relaxing made me want to come back. The waiter let me choose where to sit and the service was attentive. The oysters yes! And the clam chowder was great just some broken shells.

This place is a hidden gem for sure! Who would've thought the best place for oysters is tucked in between Petaluma and Point Reyes. Menu is simple yet appetizing. Must try half dozen raw and half dozen broiled. Get the best of both world. This place is cozy and cute. Not overwhelming. The staff were friendly and inviting. Service is fast and knowledgeable about the menu.

Excellent food, with great presentation. Very friendly staff and great service! Beautiful decor. Thank you

The steak was great, oysters were very good and refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it!

My friend and I decided to stop when we were driving by Inverness on our way back from Point Reyes. It turned out to be the perfect spot for a post-hike lunch. The restaurant is upscale, but since the patrons were asked to order at the counter, it felt relaxed. The cashier was accommodating and friendly. When I asked if the Liberty Duck Banh Mi had dairy, he went back to the kitchen to confirm it did not. My friend and I both agreed that it was one of the best sandwiches we've ever had. Although the preparation is not traditional, Saltwater's take on this Vietnamese meal was delicious. The aioli on the sandwich added so much flavor and the duck was so tender. I'd order it again if it makes it back on their rotating menu. I loved my experience here!

I really enjoyed my time here! Impeccably clean interior with a simple, organic, nautical theme. Fresh flowers are always a nice touch. The staff was warm, welcoming and attentive. I felt like I was in Norway...or Iceland! The baked oysters were on point! I had the split bake which was two of each flavor. The raw oysters were exceptional and served with a classic mignonette. I loved the sparkling Anima Mundi. It paired perfectly with my oysters and the apple parsnip bisque drizzled with bacon & brown butter. I will be back for sure!

This place is wonderful. Super sweet ambience, wonderful dinner. We had the burrata salad, the halibut, and the chocolate mousse. Everything was perfect. A local treasure.

Amazing! Service was kind, polite and attentive. The decor was gorgeous, clean and orderly, nice art work throughout. Ordered two versions of roasted oysters, the Katz and the Champagne. Very very good. Can't wait to come back.

When we decided to go to Point Reyes for my birthday, a key requirement for the birthday dinner was that it involve oysters. This place delivered! We started with the raw oysters from Tómales Bay- so flavorful and fresh!! Then we had the broiled oysters- I had never had cooked oysters before and was a bit skeptical but they were awesome, especially the curry one. We continued with the perra le sole which was good, but not the main star of the meal. Birthday wise, I was impressed that they welcomed us with two glasses of champagne, and then really enjoyed the lemon polenta cake with the cute candle they brought me. Definitely recommend!

Business operators have to be realistic and intelligent these days just to stay above water. This place makes the cut. Providing a place where people can be comfortable is important. I always feel comfortable here. They know the crowd they serve, they don't cut corners and the make the right decisions/sacrifices at the right times. the pandemic has been so hard for the food industry. I joke with my family when they complain about prices going up. Would you rather pay a little more or have fewer options? Luke works hard and he enjoys his work, it's hard work. It's obvious the way he treats the craft, the employees and the customer, he's in it for the long haul. I like places where people are invested in my experience, I feel welcomed and appreciated for what I am. Just another happy customer. While the menu is small right now, everything that hits the table is fresh and well thought out. One other thing, I would never take my kids here. It's really not a place for my kids, and even if there was a kid's menu I'd rather not have my kids here, that way I can enjoy it. It's delicious.

Loved everything about this place, beautifully naturally lit with white vaulted ceilings, indoor/outdoor seating, and a looooong clean and simple bar. We came here for lunch on the way back to SF from Cypress Tree Tunnel and ordered half a dozen tomales bay oysters, pork belly, black cod, and chicken liver toast -- highly recommend them ALL. Everything was seasoned and cooked to perfection, the chefs paired every main protein with sides that balanced out flavors of sweet, savory, and acidity so that if you grabbed a little bit of everything on your fork, you got a bite of umami every time.

Go for the oystaaaaassss!! The oysters aremy favorite, but the ambience and people are so nice. It's a small town feel in Inverness and go across the street for some salt water taffy if you have time. :)

Lovely spot for fine dining. A small menu that varies daily. In two days we tried nearly everything on the menu, and it was all excellent, from the local oysters to the miso cod to the homemade desserts. Very nice service and loved the wines (which we did not try all :-). From Olema to the mouth of the Tomales Bay this is by far our favorite. It's small, so get reservations.

This restaurant is worth the journey. Tucked along the road to Point Reyes in the cozy town of Inverness, the Depot has all the woodsy charm and salty freshness to make it a classic of California coastal cuisine. The dining room is sunny and cheerful- like a tiny yacht club constructed by Wes Anderson. We took a seat and ordered 6 raw oysters, a bowl of mussels in a chorizo sauce, an unassuming soup of legumes and beef stock, and a truly special plate of miso cod with asparagus and a squash purée. Now I know it's best to avoid superlatives in reviews, because once I start saying "such and such restaurant has the best fish ever" you start assuming every review I write includes a description of the BEST BURGER EVER, or THE GREATEST CUP OF COFFEE EVER and dismiss me as some raving Buddy-the-Elf type who bounces around Yelp naively suggesting everything in my proximity deserves a Michelin star. That said, the miso cooked cod at Saltwater was the BEST cooked fish I've had in years. When we ordered it, we were hoping it would taste something like the miso cod served at Nobu (which, in my humble opinion is the best thing served there). What we didn't realize is that we'd be receiving the Platonic ideal of a miso fish preparation. Sweet and buttery, and seeping in layers of umami, this cod will be swimming through my daydreams for weeks to come. Service was great by the way- The staff was primarily local and navigated the cozy space well. The owner also circulated the restaurant ensuring diners were happy. Take a trip to SOD for a salty swallow of the California coast! Great oysters, best miso cod, and wonderful shoreside vibes.

My favorite hang. Just beautiful atmosphere and best oysters on the West Coast. Lovely people

@saltwateroysterdepot second time here and tried their set dinner. Oysters are absolutely amazing! Both broiled and raw ones were so good that we forgot to take pics. They serve water infused with cucumber and bay leaves, which give a hint of sweetness. We could not stop but took out and ate the cucumber which is probably the best cucumber we have ever had. Most of the ingredients were locally sourced which is a key to freshness. The set is $150, which is a bit pricy for the food served though.

Another great find in Tomales Bay. You would not expect such fine dining in such a small little town but this place is amazing. Joyce's are shut right in front of you as we sat at the bar. The cava was delicious and my half of fresh crab was very fresh with a delightfully tasting aïoli sauce. My husband's meatballs were delicious. The oysters were so good when I finished the crab I ordered more oysters and they were just light and delicious and fresh and the young man chucked them right in front of us. Everyone was very friendly the food was delicious the place was spotless and I can't wait to go back and have more oysters! But I did forget to say was that the menu is really pretty limited but I tell you I want to try everything else on the menu. If everything was as good as what we had we definitely need to go back for more!

Very satisfied with the food and environment Dark liver toast, oyster, and clam chowder all very good! Love this restaurant !

We stopped here after hearing Dan McNear play bagpipes atop the Inverness Ridge yesterday. We were delighted with the hospitality, wine, and of course, the sublime baked oysters! Our table had a beautiful view of Tomales Bay. The music and ambience is so relaxing. Our servers were simply wonderful! We can not wait to return and try more of their cooking and wine!

I have nothing but great things to say about this restaurant! It's a cute little spot that my friends stumbled upon and raved about for weeks. Saltwater definitely lived up to their praises! We had Daniel as our server on a busy Saturday night. He was attentive throughout our entire stay and was always making sure our glasses were full and that we were satisfied. If you are in the area, you must stop by to try their amazing oysters and other local food. 10/10 recommend.

This place charge convenience charge 3% and 5% wage charge and at least 20% (involuntarily) tip. So the restaurant owner didn't pay their staff or what?

Stopped by here on a lark while headed into Point Reyes park. Fantastic, fresh and delicious. Clam chowder was best I've ever had but just wanted more of it. Salad was perfectly dressed. Oysters were superb. Would highly recommend. Every detail covered including presentation. Clean restaurant. Everyone had masks. Service friendly and attentive. Until next time!

Food was great! Oysters come from across the bay and they taste like it! Raw and Broiled are divine! Miso Cod is also amazing!

Nice venue but sorry to say, overpriced and bland. Sat at the bar to find out that they don't have any beers on tap? The evening we visited, the servers were overextended. Never asked if we wanted a second drink. Broiled oysters , bread and the jamon with melon were delicious. Scallop dish was underwhelming and the sesame encrusted Yellowtail was meh.

We were lucky to get a table as a walk in couple -- they snuck us in just before the dinner crowd started showing up. The oysters are crazy creative and delicious. The recommended wine pairing was perfect. Serving sizes are small, but we appreciate this so we don't need to stuff ourselves till we're uncomfortable. Ingredients were fresh and top quality. We'll be back next time in the area!

PLUS Nice ambience, although the room was chilly. Service from our waitperson was friendly. All the food was excellent. Well prepared and served hot. Good wine list. MINUS First, I let them know at the reservation that we were celebrating a big birthday for my wife. No recognition of that, even when I mentioned it when we sat down. Second, the wines by bottle were a bit pricey. I asked for help selecting a California Pinot or French Burgundy. The person who knew the wines was too busy to talk to us and conveyed his thoughts through our server. I expect more when paying $90+. BOTTOM LINE Excellent food and friendly service but lacking in some areas I expect when having a $115 prix fixe/person, extra for wine, dinner.

Beautiful location, great food, and great service! Loved the unique menu combinations. Excellent wine selection too.