The Wine Country region is associated with many things aside from its namesake wine. Kind of like how Disneyland is more than just rides, people come here for the full experience — the Michelin-star restaurants, the cheese tours, barrel tastings, and lots of photos in sundresses and floppy hats. We didn’t make the rules, that’s just how it is.
But it’s unfair to write off this dynamic area as single-faceted. Whatever your flavor and vibe is, it’s here to be explored. Here is some of the best lunch in Sonoma County.
Feature image courtesy of Unsplash
Healdsburg
60 Mill St., Healdsburg
707.431.8474
A local legend serving Cajun and Creole favorites, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a wider selection of po-boys anywhere — really. Aside from the standard options like ham and cheese and catfish, the Parish Cafe also offers fried shrimp, fried green tomato and fried oyster po-boys. Wash them down with chicory coffee and get some beignets to-go.
9240 Old Redwood Highway, #116, Windsor
707.620.0551
PizzaLeah’s mush-a-roni pan pizza was named The Bay Area’s Best Dishes, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. At this Sonoma County pizzeria right off the 101, you can find thin-crust round pies of all sizes, pan pies, and a do-it-yourself option. PizzaLeah is also conveniently located near world-class wineries, so it’s an excellent spot to check out after wine tasting, making it a great lunch option in Sonoma County.
Sonoma
Benicia’s Kitchen is now serving brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 2pm. Located at The Lodge at Sonoma, menu possibilities range from a grilled artichoke Benedict to an açaí parfait.
23584 Arnold Drive, Sonoma
707.356.3567
Along with sourcing from top-notch local purveyors, this Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant pulls from its own farm to create a stellar seasonal menu. Selections can range from Black Truffle Hand Pies and an Open Face Croque-Madame, to Hanger Steak Tartar. Seemingly always on the menu are the “Sonoma-Hot” Chicken Goujons. Try them and you’ll understand why.
This wine country favorite has been making diners smile for more than 25 years. Serving country food with a French passion, expect offerings including croques monsieur, a burger with bacon-fig jam, and pastis-scented steamed mussels & frites.
Described by Chef/Owner Cristina Topham as “inspired Lebanese cooking with a California touch,” menus change seasonally but you can expect delicious and healthy offerings the likes of baba ganoush, hummus, and Fattoush Salad. Along with vegan and vegetarian selections, most dishes can be made gluten-free. Pampered pooches welcome at Spread Kitchen! The restaurant has a lovely outdoor patio area that is dog-friendly.
Santa Rosa
695 Lewis Road, Santa Rosa
707.545.6941
There’s nothing fancy about this old-school Italian deli, but it’s been making hungry folks happy since 1929. Ask about the daily special sandwich, but know we’re partial to the Italian Sub and find it hard to leave without a cannoli.
714 Village Court, Santa Rosa
707.568.4404
Tucked on the backside of Montgomery Village Shopping Center in Santa Rosa, Monti’s arguably has one of the most inviting restaurant patios in Sonoma County. Dishes include everything from flatbread with hummus and marinated feta to pizza, and mussels with frites.
1501 4th Street, Santa Rosa
707.546.4016
There are a handful of Superburger locations in Sonoma County these days, (Santa Rosa, Windsor, Cotati, and Petaluma) but the tiny outpost on 4th Street in Santa Rosa is the original. Burgers here are topped with all sorts of goodness including avocado, chili, and pesto. Milk shakes are made-to-order and come in more two dozen flavors.
57 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa
707.521.9554
Matt and Sonjia Spector call their offerings “finer fast food.” We call it delicious. Korean BBQ burritos, shrimp tacos, lamb shawarma, crispy Brussels sprouts — we could go on and on. Did we mention they also serve breakfast all day?
Petaluma
With a spacious, open-air patio and fire pits, this beer garden is a great place to spend a laid-back afternoon soaking up the sun. Local craft beers and specialty cocktails accompany Texas-style brisket, fried Brussels sprouts, a Beyond veggie burger, fried chicken sandwich… the list goes on. Unshakable sweet tooth? Have them swirl up some Double 8 Dairy soft serve.
Don’t wait for Taco Tuesday. Any day is a good day for Mexican food. In addition to the brick and mortar location, a handful of food trucks are strategically located in Petaluma and Santa Rosa serving up crispy tacos dorados, torta cubanas and more.
Wine and cheese. How can you go wrong? Enjoy a glass (or bottle!) of Barber Cellars wine with a dish of gooey burrata, the cheesy sandwich of the week, or the signature Alpine Experience with raclette, Gruyère, and Rahmtaler, poured over focaccia, sausage, potatoes, and pickled vegetables.
Sebastapol
150 Weeks Way, Sebastopol
707.843.9001
You know it’s good when “vibrant food for spirited people” is the restaurant’s slogan. Blossoming from its food truck form, this Vietnamese eatery has locations in Sebastopol and Cotati. Popular items include Bahn mi sandwiches, savory rice porridge with a soft-boiled egg and nutty soba noodles.
980 Gravenstein Highway, Sebastopol
707.827.6032
What makes this Sonoma pizza spot special is that their dough is made with a sourdough starter, which gives the crust a great fermented flavor. Along with a variety of pizzas, Psychic’s menu features a kale Caesar salad and cookies — try their peanut butter miso cookie for a treat!
Decisions. Decisions. From house made ricotta tortellini to halibut ceviche, and wood fired steak frites, lunch at Goldfinch is something to look forward to. (We’re still thinking about the grilled tuna niçoise.) On a nice day, grab a seat outside and order a few things to share.
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.
