Readers Vote Frantoio Best Italian Restaurant in Mill Valley

When interim General Manager Tom Buswell was told last week that his restaurant would be included in Mill Valley Patch’s in the 94941, he got right to the point.

“That sounds great – just send me the details and I’ll make sure we win,” Buswell said.

Buswell’s bravado wasn’t unwarranted.

Frantoio won the first contest in our going away, garnering more positive reviews and positive comments and more than double the votes of any of the 11 other restaurants (41 percent of a total of 189 votes) in our week-long poll. The restaurant’s Facebook page buzzed all week with encouragement to it patrons to vote.

“We’re delighted,” Buswell said. “It’s great to win something that is voted on by the public.”

Frantoio opened in August 1995 near the entrance to Tam Valley.  The restaurant is in the same building as the – formerly the Holiday Inn – although the businesses are separate entities.

For 13 of those nearly 17 years, chef Duilio Valenti has overseen the kitchen at Frantoio, a fact that is not lost on its regular patrons. A commenter named Maria wrote that “Chef Duilio is a legend.”

“Chef Duilio's cuisine at Frantoio is by far the best restaurant in Marin,” wrote . “Freshest produce, house made pastas, delicious seafood and meats. Frantoio has a great atmosphere, friendly service and Antonio the bartender mixes the best drinks.”

“Every time I have a plan to go, I feel excited all day and can't wait to dive into the delicious bread and olive oil,” added Melanie Gudim. “The worst part is having to pick only one dish for dinner- I wish I had 5 stomachs! Top it off with my favorite-not over priced- wine and finish it off with a panacotta and I am a happy (and very full) lady!”

So to Tom Buswell, Chef Duilio and their staff, we say: Congratulazioni!

Next week, we'll ask you to vote on the best place in Mill Valley to have a kids birthday party. Contest starts Monday morning.