Nick's Cove - Marshall, California

Shirley M.

I’ve read some other recent reviews and I’m surprised because our experience was completely different. My husband had the clam chowder which was creamy, but not overly so with nice crispy nuggets of bacon. I only had a couple of spoonfuls but I too thought that it was tasty, although a little on the salty side. I ordered the fish and chips and it was without a doubt the best I’ve ever had! The fish was super crispy on the outside and plump and moist on the inside with a dusting of crushed fennel seed which added a nice touch. The fries remained crispy right down to the last fry and they were perfectly seasoned. No need to add seasoning except to dip them into the yummy tartar sauce. The portions were very generous too and I shared with my husband and we both really enjoyed it down to the last bite. We will definitely be back. Maybe in spring or summer when we can enjoy the deck.

C W.

Nick's Cove is a splendidly secluded "hotel" for those that want to get off of the beaten path...way off. This small group of cozy cottages offers the peace and quiet afforded by its location. Set on a lovely cove of Tomales Bay, on Hwy 1, 10 minutes from the town of Tomales/20 minutes from Point Reyes Station, you are truly in the middle of nowhere. To state that they roll up the streets at 7PM is not an understatement, as after that, there are no services offered. Even the restaurant and bar are shuttered. On weekends, you get an extra hour of revelry. This is not a bad thing, if tranquility is your goal. The cottage we stayed in was well appointed, clean, and roomy, with a large/deep tub to soak all your cares away. The complimentary continental breakfast was rather small, but tasty, and the food in the restaurant kept us coming back for dinner every night. I'd joke about being "early birds," but everyone is an early bird here. The wines per glass are rather pricy, but there was a special on bottles for 1/2 price on Wednesday while we were there. Nice touch. The small staff was attentive and friendly but were hard to get on the phone from time-to-time. I'd say, bring some provisions with you, hunker down and enjoy the solitude. You'll be better for it.

Dana M.

A Mixed Bag: Our Anniversary Stay at Nick's Cove

Nick's Cove has always held a special place in my heart. Its charming waterfront location and reputation for cozy elegance made it the perfect spot for our 36th wedding anniversary celebration. While the initial impression was positive, our experience quickly took a turn for the worse.

Upon arrival, we were pleasantly surprised to find our room ready early. The room itself was clean, though in need of a refresh. We enjoyed a delightful snack of oysters delivered to our room, a testament to the quality of their seafood. The food tray was never picked up from our room so we left it outside where it still sits as we speak.

However, our evening at the restaurant left us feeling disappointed. The restaurant, despite its size, was nearly empty. The hostess/waitress, who seemed uninterested in her role, barely acknowledged us and brusquely handed us menus before disappearing. The bartender, who doubled as our waiter, was equally unenthusiastic, spending most of his time on his phone. The lack of service and the dismissive attitude of the staff overshadowed the food, which was decent but not remarkable.

It was disheartening to witness such a stark contrast between the friendly demeanor of the general manager we met upon arrival and the lackluster service we encountered throughout the evening. The experience left us questioning the overall commitment to customer satisfaction at Nick's Cove.

While the setting remains charming, the lack of attention to detail and the uninspired service were significant drawbacks. We hope that Nick's Cove will address these concerns and prioritize the guest experience, as it has the potential to be a truly exceptional.

Cheryl S.

Great experience. We have driven past Nick's many times and always said we would stay someday. Restaurant staff was fabulous. Room with wood burning stove and deck perfect for a December pre- Christmas get-a-way. Service was impeccable and everybody was so pleasant and accomodating.

Mirjam D. R.

Hard to beat the location, over the years the restaurant had its ups and downs. based upon friend reviews we went there a few times last year, food was great. This time the service was great, the food not so much. My friend was very disappointed by the halibut entree. I had the fish and chips with coleslaw last time the coleslaw was delicious, not this time - will not order coleslaw again, that was a disappointing mayo mess. As said being right on Tomales bay is a setting hard to beat.

Erin D.

The barbecue oysters are fantastic! The clam chowder was a bit of a disappointment. I'd had it about 10 years ago, and it was the best I've ever had. It was briny, full of plump clams, and while it was creamy, it was not thick. What I was served was thick with no evidence of clams. It was like chowder served at Midwestern diners. The service was really attentive and helpful. I'll be back for the oysters, but I'll pass on the chowder next time.

Paul A.

This was dining for brunch. Simply two stars out of five. Seafood did not seem fresh, server was attentive enough but for the drive it's a no go back kinda experience. Our family really enjoyed this place; however, food quality lacked this visit. Friendly folks as servers and location is stunning overlooking the water.

Note: the server did ask if I wanted money back and I said no - we ate our food just noted that the food quality as not up to previous standards.

David H.

We have been to Nick's several times, in different cottages and it never fails to impress. Very well appointed rooms, wonderfully hospitable staff, and a great restaurant. We barely left the property in the 3 days we were there! The fireplace in the room didn't hurt either!