Best Lunch on the Sonoma Coast

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Clean Plate Club

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Trawling through the western side of wine country before heading to Napa? Making your way down Highway-1 and needing to stop for a quick bite to eat? Taking in the sights of Bodega Bay or savoring the drive along the Russian River? No matter what takes you through Sonoma, don’t worry about needing to scramble to search for a place to grab lunch — just check out our curated list and enjoy!

Feature Photo: @cookingwithlaurie on Facebook

A round plate of oysters on the half shell is arranged in a circle on crushed ice. A small metal dish of red cocktail sauce with a spoon is in the center. Lemon wedges are placed at the front of the plate. A glass of white wine, perfect for enjoying the best lunch in Sonoma, is partially visible on the right.
Photo: @fishermanscovebodega on Facebook

For fresh bay oysters, go no further than Fisherman’s Cove, the family-owned seafood shack that packs a flavorful punch. Check out their extensive oyster options, including simple classics like grilled oysters with garlic bread, or something spicier like their Sweet Heaters with pickled jalapeño and shallots. Not big on oysters? Try their lobster roll, with a soft hoagie overflowing with chunks of fresh lobster and garlic butter, or go for their fresh Dungeness crab sandwich, on ciabatta bread with your choice of cocktail sauce or dill aioli. 

A vibrant salad of mixed greens, shredded carrots, red cabbage, and pumpkin seeds is plated alongside a slice of focaccia bread. A small container of light-colored dressing is on the side, and a cup with "Cafe Aquatica" printed on it sits in the background – truly the Best Lunch in Sonoma.
Photo: Daniela Lais on Facebook

This little café has some of the biggest views, sitting right on the pure blue waters of the Russian River and gazing out at Penny Island. Their menu is on the smaller side, but everything on it is prepared to perfection, from their smoked salmon salad with toasted pepitas to their pesto portobello sandwich with balsamic marinated mushrooms. Just stopping by on your way down Highway 1? You might be in luck and get there in time for one of their many community events to add a bit of flair to your roadtrip. 

More Please!
For more suggestions on the best restaurants in Sonoma County, the best things to do in Sonoma County and the best places to stay in Sonoma County, click here.
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