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
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.
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.
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.
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.
29 North St, Healdsburg
Named after a town in Jalisco and helmed by “MasterChef” runner-up Chef Adrien Nieto, Arandas is a new restaurant in downtown Healdsburg doling out food representing the soul of Mexican cuisine. Filling the spot once held by Chalkboard in the Hotel Les Mars, Arandas opened in June with a slimmed-down menu featuring bites like guacamoles, esquites, build-your-own tacos and rich, mole-covered mains.
Sonoma
9049 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood
Stella has been a long-anticipated opening for Kenwood, and it’s finally here. Helmed by the team behind Michelin-recognized restaurant Glen Ellen Star, wood-fired Italian flavors and seasonal ingredients are two of Stella’s main selling points. The cozy ambience is accented by jewel tones and warm, inviting lighting.
139 E Napa St, Sonoma
707.387.1724
Downtown Sonoma is now home to a new fine dining restaurant by Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery called Enclos Sonoma. Their dishes specialize in modern yet classic dishes with innovative twists, and the atmosphere is just as elevated and welcoming.
8197 La Plaza, Cotati
Cotati-based Slow Co. Pizza strives to capture the local flavors of Sonoma in their pies. The dough is made with a slow natural leavening process and is the reason behind the name. And the business is family- and friend-run, so expect a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
18709 Arnold Dr, Sonoma
Don’t be misled — there’s no pool or water view at Valley Swim Club — but the menu will make you feel like you could be seaside. The new seafood hotspot, sister restaurant to Sonoma’s Valley Bar + Bottle, is getting the thumbs-up from visitors and locals alike.
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.
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.
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.
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.
6566 Front St, Forestville
Bazaar Sonoma takes inspiration from childhood memories and innovative Chinese cuisine, many of which also have Szechuan flavors. For the end of October into the first week of November, they are also participating in Sonoma County’s Black Cod Week, with specially-made meals that honor this local fish.
Sebastopol
7365 Healdsburg Ave, Sebastopol
With East Coast and Italian inspiration, both Campanella’s menu and ambience reflect the fusion between classic and modern. On their menu, you’ll find dinner options ranging from small to large plates, pizzas to pastas, and even specialty cocktails made in-house. Gluten free pasta is also available for some dishes.
Santa Rosa
615 4th St, Santa Rosa
Darbar Kitchen is bringing authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine to Santa Rosa, with dishes inspired by those prepared for royal feasts. The menu is broad, covering everything from curries, momos, tandoori and more. There are even some vegan and gluten free options available for those that are looking for it.
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.
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.
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.
1169 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa
Khaosoi Thai Zen in Santa Rosa sticks to their tagline “where curry meets jazz” with flavorful, authentic meals and a lively and friendly atmosphere. There is an extensive menu with different curries, hot pot, wok dishes and more.
Petaluma
Originally located just in Sebastopol, the Sunshine Cafe has expanded to include a spot in Petaluma now, too. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are still served at the new spot with tasty diner classics like eggs benedict at breakfast, sandwiches at lunch and BBQ baby back ribs at dinner.
841 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma
Chef Nick Ronan has left his mark on Bay Area dining, and he’s not slowing down yet. From ChouChou bistro in Forest Hills to San Francisco joints like the cheeky Pawn Shop and Bisou, Ronan brings his French (and sometimes Spanish) fixings wherever he sets his sights. His latest venture? Brigitte Bistro in the farm-to-table hub of Petaluma. Dive into la vie française with classics like beef bourguignon, French onion soup, duck confit and regularly updated specials — all with fresh Californian ingredients.
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.
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.
208 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma
This beloved Santa Rosa restaurant decided to spread the love a bit and open a Petaluma location as well. The same traditional Italian fare is served, with all the staples from housemade pastas to authentic Neapolitan pizza.
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.
Coastal Sonoma (West County & Sonoma Coast)
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.
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.
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.
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.
