Welcome to a true Marin tradition. Generations have visited this location with memories and stories to match our amazing location. We prepare honest classic dishes, serve deep cocktails and offer 10 mile views.
"I ordered a window seat but none was available, they wanted me to sit further inside , I objected, then they opened another section where we had a nice table with a good view. It was a special occasion : a visitor from Germany to be entertained, I mentioned that on my reservation. I missed a better selection of Vegetarian Meals. I also missed Spaghetti on the menu. The only ones available was with garlic and another item I can not remember which I can not eat. So the chef made me a vegetable/pasta plate which was fine. My left- over I took home and added a vegetarian product called Morning Star Chik'n Nuggets, then the meal was delicious. Something you might consider for Vegetarians."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: good for groups, scenic view, neighborhood gem
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"As always the cocktails were very good. The food, however, lacked any kind of polish. We both ordered the Ling Cod special which came on a bed of toasted/fried spaetzel which we didn't uderstand as it added nothing to the dish and was oily. The fish was good and well prepared but we would have been happier if the whole dish been well prepared."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2011
Special Features: scenic view
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"Great view from the restaurant - don't know how I lived in Marin all my life and never came here before. I had a good salad and delicious acorn squash soup. My husband really enjoyed his swordfish special. We will be back!"
Dined on 04/24/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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"When we were escorted to our table we found food on the floor. Obviously they didn't bother to look down when resetting the table. After apologizing and cleaning the area we found a good meal at slightly expensive prices. While the ribs were promised to be "fall off the bone tender" they weren't. The BBQ shrimp and grits had zesty flavor and the portion was adequate."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2006
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"We had a group of six people; two of whom were large men. The booth we were seated in may have suited six 'normal' size people; but, it did not suit our group. The food was enjoyed by all except for one steak, which was ordered rare & came rare, but stone Cold. They did take it back to warm - but, by the time it came back warm - it was too late to enjoy."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2000
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"We were 5 minutes late for our reservation so they made us wait 15 minutes. This turned out to be a good thing because of time,we ate in the bar. We were there for the food and not the view. Our server was perfect. You could tell she loves people and was a true professional. I don't care if you can memorize the spcials, she was able to make each special sound tasty. Overall the the food was outstanding and was a good value for what we had. I had the day's special, rack of lamb. The wife had sea bass which she said was over the top good. I would have liked to see what the others in the dinning room had.
I would come here again when I am in the area"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, scenic view
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"It's nice to dine and not be disappointed. Fish special is always "special". They will split things for you so that you can share with a friend. Drinks and service are wonderful!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, scenic view
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"The Hilltop 1892 has been through many changes over the years. The newest remodel and new ownership has been a long needed change for the restaurant with the incredible view. I had such a great experience on Easter that I will be returning soon. Our waiter Jake was personable, funny, attentive and provided excellent service. All the people in the restaurant on Easter seemed to all thoroughly enjoy working there. The food was very good. I had the poached salmon salad and it was really tasty and the price was reasonable."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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"Both had itemd off specials for Brunch - Outstanding! Nice view from small deck off the bar, but away from bar noise. All menu items availalble out there."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2007
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 12 for HILLTOP 1892
Overall rating
(Outstanding)5/5
OpenTable Diner
Food
(Outstanding)5/5
Service
(Outstanding)5/5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)5/5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We are new to the area and we really enjoyed our brunch. Nice view of the hills of Novato. We will be back"
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, scenic view, neighborhood gem
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"The food and service was generaly good and we enjoyed our visit. The only complaint we have is that we made a reservation well in advance, requested a window table for three, and when we arrived we were denied the window table, even thought they were all empty on our arrival.
We were informed that all of the window tables had been reserved for a large party, but when we left the restaurant an hour and a half later, there were still a number of window tables not in use.
We will try this location at least one more time, but if this policy continues we may seek a more accomodating location for lunch."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2003
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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"I was very pleasantly surpassed on this, my first visit. I never even knew The Hilltop was there, until a friend told me about it recently. All the food was spot on! The service was pleasant, and knowledgable, present, but not overbearing. It's nice to have a place in Novato that's upscale, and a nice place to take someone for a birthday lunch or retirement luncheon. They have the perfect sized side room for groups, and for presentations (there was one going on while we were there, and they did not project out to where we sat, bravo!) W'ell be back, especially to lunch, but I can't wait to try dinner at Hilltop."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
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"I was dissappointed with the food. Bland and we ordered the special. Lunch time meeting with clients and the accoustics, it was difficult to speak to one another."
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"My group had a wonderful time. The service was great! They had special attention. My experience working to get a reservation was outstanding. We had help coming in and people were there to greet us. Everyone was so friendly."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"When I say the food is good, I don't mean interesting and when I say the service was very good, I don't mean polished and highly professional... but it was attentive because the restaurant was practically empty. (On a previous visit when the restaurant was very busy, the service was only so-so.) The main thing reason to eat at this restaurant is the view, so it's better before the sun goes down. The wine list isn't bad, but overpriced of course."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion, scenic view
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"A goodod selection of food on the menu , each plate ordered was well presented full of flavor . From the time of the order was taken our food was very quickly presented to us , nice and hot and gorgeous . Our wait staff were ok , but I would say for a restaurant serving this wonderful food, I would pay a little more attention on their staff , with menu knowledge, patience, and friendliness ."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
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"We were a group of four. All told the group had one ice tea, two cokes, two soups, two crab cakes, and a Rubin and a roast beef sandwich. Everything was good. Bill for four not including tip was a hundred dollars."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2004
Special Features: scenic view
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"This was my first visit to the restaurant after seeing it up on the hill for years. The view was very nice and the food was very good. Our waiter could not have been more attentive. Can't wait to go back!"
Dined on 02/06/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"Our dining experience began the minute we walked in. The hostess greeted us cordially with a smile and seated us immediately.and at the table I requested.Our server arrived rigt away to give us the menu and mention the specials of the day.the food was very good and presented very well.the staff and server were very attentive. We had a great overall dining experience."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, notable wine list, special occasion, scenic view
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"This was one of our favorite places in Novato before the restaurant closed and then reopened. The decor is fine, the service was excellent. We found the menu a bit smaller and rather pricey. We chose food in the middle -range (15.00); it was wonderful food, well prepared, and excellent. One of the people from my workplace in Petaluma had recommended it to us. So it is developing a new word-of-mouth. I'd add a few more moderate things to the menu to bring in any families or groups, and increase the menu to include a few more common items. I'm sure any item ordered would be well prepared and delicious."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion, scenic view
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"Valentines dinner was so-so to say the least. Fix priced dinner was not appropriate. Too much mediocre food,over-priced tab and OK service. In fact , one couple complained to the waitress about the food and another couple near us got so frustrated with the service, they walked out. They should stick to the basic menu and not put the pressure on staff of keeping up with all the various so-so courses. Everybody was leaving with boxes of leftovers."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2010
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"We have been here several times and we have never had a bad meal. The view alone is worth coming here."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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"While I realize that Valentines Day is probably the busiest day in the food industry, it is no excuse for the service that we received. We had a 8pm reservation and arrived on time we were seated 40 minutes later. During this time we watched several patrons leave before even getting seated. Once seated we had to wait about 10 minutes more before our server greated us. It was a fixed menu for the evening so you would think that they would have prepared for the service. 40 minutes after placing our order and a full hour and a half after our reservation time we were served our bruschetta, they told us the delay was that they make it fresh not frozen. 15 minutes later for salad and then 20 more for my salmon that was over cooked. Never again."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2005
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"The location and atmosphere were top notch. Beautiful views from the top of the hill. I had the shortrib which our server recommended very enthusiastically as the one thing to be sure to try (that wasn't seafood). The plating and presentation were great but unfortunately, the meal was very salty and the shortribs were somewhat tough."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, scenic view, hot spot
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"Brunch was very tasty- could have had a few more offerings, but what was there was well prepared. Service was young but their dinner service is really good. Food here has gotten much better over time since the re-open. I have been through a few chef changes and they seem to be in a good place with what they want to convey to the customer and making consistent product.
We went on a beautiful Sunday and sat at a big corner booth in the bar area. I could open the window and get a nice breeze and enjoy the pretty view. Novato is coming along :-)"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2006
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
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"Experience with hostess wasn't ideal. She was set out to tell everyone about the pre-set menu. My guest and i had no problem with that. Pretty much expected that, but her tone of voice didn't work for me. Oh weel food was great however they brought me the wrong appetizer. For $65 a person please bring me what i ordered, but it was a fun night"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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"We had reservations for two at 7:15pm. I called to say we would be a little late (15 minutes). Instead of them telling me the truth - that they were running 20 minutes late in seating people - they changed our reservation to 7:45pm. We arrived at 7:40 and didn't get seated until 8:30 - at which point we were shocked to see it was a set menu for $65/person! (shouldn't we have been told when we made our reservation?). Nevertheless, we ordered our dinner, but by 9:00pm we still didn't have our appetizers yet, so we left, totally frustrated, extremely disappointed and very hungry!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
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"For a quiet, relaxing evening of delicious dining, Hilltop 1892 is the place. Our waiter, Jason, was the epitome of warm, helpful, yet nobtrusive service. Fried green olives as appetizer was a new favorite.
My dining companion enjoyed perfectly cooked Dover sole with sautéed Brussels sprouts. I chose ribs with creamy smashed potatoes and crisp cole slaw. The ribs were meaty and succulent, and the portion was large enough for leftover lunch.
We sat by the window with a panoramic view of Marin--breathtaking!
We definitely will return to try other tempting menu items."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion, scenic view
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"Great spot for lunch. The music was a bit loud for my taste. Food was very good. I had the hamburger, which was well cooked, moist and flavorful. One of my friends had the pulled pork sliders and said they were very good. Considering the number of diners in the restaurant, I thought the service was slow. It is a beautiful view!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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"Menu has very good selection of meats, seafood, and vegetarian plates, usually with a few specials. Good wine listed, moderately priced. The views of Big Rock Ridge and Novato are pretty especially at sunset. Lunch on the lanai outside is great in warm weather. Good bar/bartender."
Dined on 02/04/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, scenic view
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"Varied menu that should satisfy all tastes; service very attentive but not intrusive. All of our special requests were dealt with. Portions generous. Calamarie and crab cake appetizers were just done just right. The filet mignon was done as ordered; desserts are a highlight- moulton chocolate cake with caramel sce! Nice place for family, group dining."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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"The food was fine but the children's menu was so bad that we had to adjust our adult orders to feed the kids. Because of this we didn't get to try what we wanted. Also, the kids pasta with butter was drowning in grease my daughter wouldn't touch it."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2002
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"A very noisy and rude 'VIP' table was seated next to us just as our food was presented. The 'din' was so loud that we could not hear one another and we were forced to go find our server and ask her to move us. We were moved to the booth area and while the sound was some better it still was enough to interrupt our dinner and our conversation. We asked the manager to ask the table to be more quiet and he told us that they were VIP's and there was nothing he could do and he didn't see what the problem was. Our server tried to be helpful, but there wasn't much she could do. Others were leaving because of the racket and so, subsequently, did we."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2009
Special Features: special occasion, scenic view
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