If you plan on making the rounds at the wineries — most people visit three to five in a day — then you definitely need fuel to keep you going and to ensure you remember the experience. Beyond the red juice, wine country is known the world over for its fine produce and ethical approach to meats, so every meal here can be superb, regardless of budget or what AVA you’re in.
Without further adieu, here are our top picks for breakfast and brunch in Sonoma County.
Feature photo: Courtesy of Sunflower Caffe
Sonoma
Santé
100 Boyes Boulevard, Sonoma
A favorite with guests and locals alike, Santé offers tasty twists on traditional favorites including Dungeness Crab Eggs Benedict and a Duck Confit Bowl with poached eggs and polenta. We recommend Banana Bread with Espresso Peanut Butter to start. fairmont.com
Benicia’s Kitchen
Located steps off the lobby at The Lodge at Sonoma, breakfast here offers something for everyone. From Angus Steak & Eggs, to an Organic Mushroom Omelet, and a colorful Acai Parfait. If you are around on Saturday and Sunday, for weekend brunch, check out the “Chicken & Waffles” Sandwich. thelodgeatsonoma.com
Sunflower Caffe
421 1st St. W, Sonoma
A historic landmark located on Sonoma Plaza, there’s a one-of-a-kind atmosphere at Sunflower Caffe. Like many other restaurants in the area, the menu here is studded with local foods ranging from milk and eggs, to salt from the San Francisco Bay. But with the lively decor and always-friendly staff, this place is a fail safe. Duck aficionados: the smoked duck sandwich with melted gruyere and balsamic onion jam is a bucket list item. sonomasunflower.com
Santa Rosa
Hank’s Creekside Restaurant
2800 4th Street, Santa Rosa
Odds are good you’ll meet Hank, or a member of his family, when you stop in for breakfast. A local favorite since 1992, Hank’s Specials include Corned Beef Hash, Huevos Rancheros, and a homemade biscuit smothered in gravy. You might not need lunch. hanks-creekside.com
Pascaline
1021 Hahman Dr, Santa Rosa
This French patisserie and café boasts two Sonoma County locations; the original Sebastopol outpost and its newest Montgomery Village address. Croissant options range from butter, chocolate, and almond, to savoy ham and cheese, but it’s hard to say no to breakfast cake. pascalinepatisserieandcafe.com
River Vine
4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa
Located just off the lobby at Vintners Resort in Santa Rosa, River Vine restaurant boasts an inviting patio studded with umbrellas. Along with traditional offerings like Eggs Benedict and housemade granola, you’ll find sweet options like Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with huckleberry compote, and Mini Cinnamon Sugared Donuts. vintnersresort.com
Petaluma
Washoe House
Ever wanted to have breakfast in a classic western roadhouse with dollar bills decorating the ceiling? Here’s your chance. Open since 1859, this iconic Sonoma County saloon exudes historic charm and has become a local hang out within the community. Their menu features chicken fried steak, biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos and the famed chicken and waffle combo. Come for a substantial meal, funky ambiance and, perhaps, a fully-loaded bloody Mary? washoe.house
Della Fattoria
143 Petaluma Blvd North, Petaluma
Avocado Toast, Bean Toast, Ricotta Toast, and Brioche French Toast. So many toast choices, so little time. Then there’s offerings like Biscuits and Gravy, pancakes, and Corned Beef Hash. But wait, there’s also a tasty selection of pastries and baked goods to tempt you. Our advice is to come with friends and order a little of everything. dellafattoria.com
Tea Room Café
316 Western Avenue, Petaluma
Do you like pancakes? At Tea Room Café along with buttermilk pancakes, you’ll find cornmeal, buckwheat, and what are referred to as Heavenly Sour Cream Pancakes. A Feta Scramble, Egg Salad Tartine, Quinoa Bowl, and Huevos Rancheros round out a long list of offerings to start the day off deliciously. tearoomcafe.com
West County & Sonoma Coast
Wild Flour Bread
140 Bohemian Highway, Freestone
A bit off the beaten track, you’ll know it was worth the trip to Wild Flour Bread in Freestone the moment you walk in the door and see plates loaded with scones and loaves of bread — straight out of the wood-fired brick oven — stacked high. Offerings can change day to day, but expect scone varieties like Maple Banana Pecan, Meyer Lemon Blueberry, and Strawberry Rhubarb. Breads range from Olive, and Garlic Rosemary, to the Gouda Flat with gouda, onion and herbs. The Sticky Bun bread is not to be missed and perfect to share, or not. We won’t tell. wildflourbread.com
Willow Wood Market Cafe
9020 Graton Road, Graton
Set on the block-long stretch of downtown Graton, Willow Wood Market Cafe has an almost nostalgic diner vibe to it. For something out of the norm, try the Piping Hot Creamy Polenta with sweet butter and maple syrup. The open-faced Egg Salad Sandwich is a winner as well. willowwoodgraton.com
Stewarts Point Store
32000 Highway 1, Stewarts Point
Be thankful for the big blue fish on the side of the building that makes it hard to simply drive by. Stewarts Point Store is home to Twofish Baking. The most important meal of the day includes options ranging from savory biscuits with sausage, egg, and cheese, to breakfast burritos, scones and sticky buns. The market is also a great place to grab picnic supplies and stock up on local wine. twofishbaking.com
Who’s writing these?
Meet our always-hungry team of foodies who compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
