Contra Costa's Maritime Table
Martinez invented the cocktail. It's only fitting that the drinking is still excellent. But the food has caught up — Main Street's gastropubs and restaurants serve one of Contra Costa's most charming and genuinely good dining experiences.
Martinez's downtown has the bones of an exceptional food neighbourhood — historic architecture, a walkable streetscape, proximity to the Carquinez Strait, and a community that values its local restaurants. The past decade has seen significant investment in the downtown food scene.
The cocktail heritage is celebrated here — several bars on Main Street take the history seriously and produce excellent cocktail lists. The gastropub scene is strong, and the restaurants that have committed to quality ingredients are producing food worth making a trip for.
Cocktail Capital
Martinez claims to have invented the cocktail — the Martinez (gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino) that became the Martini. Several Main Street bars honour this heritage with excellent cocktail programs.
Historic Downtown Atmosphere
Eating in Martinez's Victorian storefronts is a genuine pleasure — the atmosphere is authentic, the architecture beautiful, and the neighbourhood energy warm.
Gastropub Culture
Martinez's gastropub scene is one of Contra Costa's best — serious food in casual settings, good beer lists, and the conviviality that makes a neighbourhood pub the centre of community life.
Waterfront Proximity
The Carquinez Strait waterfront adds a maritime dimension to Martinez dining — several restaurants take advantage of the setting for outdoor dining with bay views.
Must-Try Dishes
The ancestral martini — Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino, and Angostura bitters. The drink that started it all.
A serious pub burger from Martinez's gastropubs — house-ground beef, local cheese, and pickled vegetables.
Contra Costa craft beers from nearby breweries on draught at Martinez's excellent local bars.
Sacramento River sturgeon grilled with herbs and butter — a Northern California speciality near the Delta.
Community pizza spots in Martinez's downtown producing quality pies for the neighbourhood regulars.
Fresh local produce in generous chopped salads from Main Street lunch spots.
Neighborhoods & Food Districts
Every part of Martinez has its own food character. Here's where to focus your eating:
The entire dining scene — cocktail bars, gastropubs, and restaurants along the beautifully preserved historic main street.
The waterfront park and adjacent areas with outdoor dining and scenic views.