After a long day of sipping and swirling, there’s nothing better than tucking into a delicious, nourishing meal filled with local ingredients. From cozy and elegant-chic, to poolside and garden dining, Sonoma County Wine Country has something for everyone. As expected, wine plays a big role when you sit down at the table — but know the food in these parts is as unmatched as the beverage offerings.
With an overwhelming amount of eateries to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to the cream of the crop. These are the best dinner spots in Sonoma County. Bon appétit!
Photo: Scallion pancake courtesy of Lazeaway Club, Flamingo Resort
Healdsburg
Goodnight’s Prime Steak + Spirits
Inspired by Charles Goodnight, a celebrated Texas ranger, Goodnight’s Prime Steak + Spirits overlooks Healdsburg Plaza and offers a steakhouse dining experience complete with wine, cocktails and oodles of bourbon and whiskey. And yes, it’s a steakhouse, but there are veggie lovers who will appreciate gorgeous salads, the whole roasted cauliflower muhammara and house-made linguini with ricotta, eggplant and blistered cherry tomatoes. goodnightsrestaurant.com
Barndiva
The name can be polarizing, but as soon as you see the place you’ll understand why it’s named as such. A perfectly rustic-yet-refined barn with a gorgeous and spacious patio, it’s no surprise that this is such a popular spot for weddings and one of the best dinner spots in Sonoma County. Much like its neighboring restaurants, Barndiva serves food that’s been sourced from local farmers, ranchers and small batch purveyors. barndiva.com
The Matheson
106 Matheson Street, Healdsburg
707.723.1106
The newest delicious venture by Dustin Valette, The Matheson is essentially two restaurants in one. Downstairs is a more formal dining experience; don’t miss the Tamanishiki Rice Porridge topped with a day boat scallop. While you’re waiting for a table, check out the Wine Wall and its mind-boggling 88 wines on tap. Rooftop lounge and cocktail bar, Roof 106, serves an assortment of pizzas, piadines and plates of crispy pork belly, alongside views of Healdsburg Plaza, making it one of the best dinner spots in Sonoma County. thematheson.com
Valette
344 Center St., Healdsburg
707.473.0946
The story of this restaurant begins in the 1940s with Grandpa Valette, a French-born baker who landed in the Alexander Valley at this very corner (minus the stop signs and cars on the road) to open a bakery. In 2014, Valette’s two grandsons returned to the corner and are now running one of the most popular restaurants in Sonoma County. Aaron runs the front of the house and Dustin, a veteran chef, runs the kitchen. The undecided and adventurous won’t want to miss the “Trust Me” tasting menu. valettehealdsburg.com
Sonoma
Cyrus Restaurant
The “Taste of the Lounge” dining experience at the Bubbles Lounge at Cyrus includes three courses of chef Douglas Keane’s favorite dishes served alongside Champagne. Looking for something even more conceptual? Try to book “The Dining Journey” at the main restaurant. cyrusrestaurant.com/bubbles-lounge
Glen Ellen Star
13648 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen
707.343.1384
Located in the heart of Jack London’s beloved cozy hamlet, Glen Ellen Star specializes in wood-fire cooking that brings out the finest flavors of their California-inspired dishes. The team sources ingredients from local producers and craft daily menus that showcase the best of the region. Make a reservation and check out a few of our favorites like the house baked sourdough, brick chicken and house made rigatoni. glenellenstar.com
Layla
MacArthur Place’s three-meal restaurant features an inspired Mediterranean style menu. The menu changes with the season, but diners can expect options including tomato bisque, lamb merguez meatballs, whole roasted dorade and cast iron Parker (House) rolls. macarthurplace.com
Wit & Wisdom
13648 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen
707.343.1384
Located in the heart of Jack London’s beloved cozy hamlet, Glen Ellen Star specializes in wood-fire cooking that brings out the finest flavors of their California-inspired dishes. The team sources ingredients from local producers and craft daily menus that showcase the best of the region. Make a reservation and check out a few of our favorites like the house baked sourdough, brick chicken and house made rigatoni. glenellenstar.com
Santa Rosa
Lazeaway Club, Flamingo Resort
2777 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa
707.545.8530
We challenge you to spend an evening poolside in the newly spruced Flamingo Resort and not find a reason to come back. Refreshingly casual, the patrons range from locals to hotel guests on vacay mode.Highlights on the menu include scallion pancakes (see feature image above), bibimbap and the Lazeaway smashburger sliders. flamingoresort.com/dining
Riviera Ristorante
75 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa
707.723.1106
It’s a lot less expensive to book reservations at Riviera Ristorante — in Santa Rosa’s downtown — than to take a flight to Rome, and regulars claim the pasta here is on par. This family-owned spot has been serving classic dishes like trofie, ravioli and gnocchi for over twenty-five years, but the best kept secrets of true Italian fare are not carbohydrate-focused. Steak with gorgonzola sauce, “brick” chicken, and prawns cooked perfectly in lemon garlic sauce is what it’s about, and all are on the regular menu. Don’t skip the specials based on the fresh-market availability, like petrale sole sauteed with lemon and capers and lamb shank roasted and served over polenta. All items are sourced locally so it’s hard to go wrong. Both Rita and Luca Pesce are cooking in the kitchen, but you’ll also find Rita greeting you. Be sure to look out for the weekly gathering of Italians from the motherland on Thursday evenings. rivieraristorante.net
The Spinster Sisters
401 South A Street, Santa Rosa
707.528.7100
Tucked away in Santa Rosa’s SOFA district, have a seat in the garden and prepare to be dazzled by what chef Liza Hinman has in store for the night. From a dip with baked Dungeness crab and kale, to chicken and dumplings, to a selection of local cheeses. You’ll wish you’d skipped lunch. thespinstersisters.com
Petaluma
Central Market
Chef Tony Najiola makes a point to get out and about in the dining room, checking in with guests while they enjoy seasonal dishes ranging from local Liberty Farm duck wings to handmade pappardelle, and wood fired pizzas. centralmarketpetaluma.com
Cucina Paradiso
114 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma
707.782.1130
Mangia, mangia! It’s easy to do while at this small Sonoma County trattoria serving old-school Italian dishes. Everything from the focaccias to the pastas are made from scratch. Expect heated outdoor seating, great service, a warm and romantic ambiance, a full bar and an extensive wine list. For a brief rundown of their menu: Grilled calamari, spaghetti alla vongole, gnocchi with gorgonzola and walnuts, bitter greens salad with radicchio and endive — our favorites are too numerous to name. cucinaparadisopetaluma.com
Luma
Mediterranean cuisine with Petaluma River views. Plus, Luma’s recently revamped menu boasts a Stemple Creek Burger and burrata with heirloom cucumbers and Calabrian chili vinaigrette. lumaeatery.com
Coastal Sonoma (West County & Sonoma Coast)
Farmhouse Inn
7871 River Road, Forestville
707.887.3300
The ethos of modern farmhouse pulls through from the comfortable, easy chair and fluffy pillows decor to the table. The seasonally-changing menu might feature ahi tuna paillard with green yuzu-kosho, red wine-braised short rib or mushroom risotto. Grilled octopus with Calabrian chili and fennel is a menu must. farmhouseinn.com/restaurant
The Lodge at Dawn Ranch
In the shade of towering redwoods, this Russian River newcomer serves local ingredients infused with Argentinian tradition. Sit on the deck and take in views of the colossal redwood trees while enjoying dishes the likes of seared sea scallops with roasted cashew cream, homemade fettuccine and freshly baked sourdough topped with jamon iberico. dawnranch.com
The Sea Ranch Lodge
The ethos of modern farmhouse pulls through from the comfortable, easy chair and fluffy pillows decor to the table. The seasonally-changing menu might feature ahi tuna paillard with green yuzu-kosho, red wine-braised short rib or mushroom risotto. Grilled octopus with Calabrian chili and fennel is a menu must. farmhouseinn.com/restaurant
More Local Favorites in Wine Country
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.
