The best cafes in Novato

10 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Cafes · 10 places · showing the latest additions first

Casual shop spotlighting Vietnamese coffees and teas with contemporary desserts.

3730 N First St Ste. 110 (San Jose)

Casual shop spotlighting Vietnamese coffees and teas with contemporary desserts.

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Neighborhood coffeehouse offering espresso, latte, tea & pastries in airy, minimalist environ

302 Randolph St (San Francisco)

Neighborhood coffeehouse offering espresso, latte, tea & pastries in airy, minimalist environ

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Coffee Bodega Farm-to-Table offers specialty coffees grown, roasted and packed by small farmer cooperatives in Costa Rica, giving you true…

50 Fremont St (San Francisco)

Coffee Bodega Farm-to-Table offers specialty coffees grown, roasted and packed by small farmer cooperatives in Costa Rica, giving you true known origin, exceptional aromas and a socially responsible cup that actually tastes like the mountains.

From the Alameda newsletter, August 6, 2026

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Double Rainbow Cafe is officially in the “coming soon” zone, and it’s got future Novato neighborhood hangout written all over it. Put it on…

850 4th St (San Rafael)

Double Rainbow Cafe is officially in the “coming soon” zone, and it’s got future Novato neighborhood hangout written all over it. Put it on your radar this week, spread the word to the group chat, then claim early regular status when those doors finally swing open.

From the Novato newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Warm, wood-hued coffee shop serving European & Japanese-style cakes & pastries plus smoothies.

181 E Tasman Dr #80 (San Jose)

Warm, wood-hued coffee shop serving European & Japanese-style cakes & pastries plus smoothies.

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Popular bakery for sweet and savory treats like croissants and muffins.

23 Kentucky St (Petaluma)

Popular bakery for sweet and savory treats like croissants and muffins.

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Relaxed cafe offering espresso drinks, wine, tea, beer and more amid artwork, gifts, records and pastries.

816 Sutter St (San Francisco)

Relaxed cafe offering espresso drinks, wine, tea, beer and more amid artwork, gifts, records and pastries.

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Celebrated shop for handcrafted French chocolate in unique flavors & liqueur-infused varieties.

754 Columbus Ave (San Francisco)

Celebrated shop for handcrafted French chocolate in unique flavors & liqueur-infused varieties.

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Casual spot featuring a patio with river views dishing out pastries and empanadas, along with espresso drinks.

226 Weller St (Petaluma)

Casual spot featuring a patio with river views dishing out pastries and empanadas, along with espresso drinks.

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Low-key cafe offering sandwiches, soups & breakfast fare, plus a range of live music.

189 H St (Petaluma)

Low-key cafe offering sandwiches, soups & breakfast fare, plus a range of live music.

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