A lot of life’s best moments happen over a great meal. Celebrations, family time, meeting with friends, and creating memories are all often centered around the dining table.
And Sonoma County has no shortage of incredible eateries to satisfy every palette, from plant-based dining and vegan restaurants to high-end cuisine, casual dining, and unique experiences.
So, to help you find your next culinary destination, we’ve categorized our 24 favorite restaurants in Sonoma County.
You don’t need to go too far to have good food. Heirloom Cucina Italiana is right within SOMO Village and our team goes here frequently.
This family-owned and locally sourced Italian restaurant has been serving the Sonoma County area since 2005. Heirloom Cucina serves up all the classics like pizza, paninis, pasta, soups, and salads—all made with wholesome, organic ingredients.
Address: 1100 Valley House Dr., Rohnert Park
Best for: Grabbing a quick and convenient bite in SOMO Village.
This fully-vegan restaurant is dedicated to leading the way for healthier, more exciting meals. Their menu has plant-based versions of all your favorites, including burgers, bowls, nachos, and mac and cheese.
Address: 1899 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa
Best for: Plant-based food lovers and those who want to try something new.
While not entirely plant-based, this Oaxacan-inspired restaurant boasts a large vegan menu. Their focus is on fresh and organic foods, full of flavor and healthy for your body and soul. Besides their main dishes, Viva Mexicana also has a large selection of baked goods, coffees, and smoothies for a quick bite.
Address: 841 Gravenstein Highway South, Sebastopol
Best for: Anyone in the mood for some authentic Mexican cuisine that’s focused on fresh and healthy ingredients.
With a cozy, casual, rustic interior, this restaurant is a great spot for a delicious plant-based meal. Wild Goat prioritizes local, fresh ingredients and is famous for its Neapolitan-style pizzas. Many menu items are vegan or can be made vegan by request.
Address: 6 Petaluma Blvd. North #A5, Petaluma
Best for: Plant-based comfort food in a cozy environment
This vegetarian cafe is perfect for a quick bite to eat while you’re out and about in Sebastopol. Its menu has classic favorites like loaded fries or street tacos alongside a selection of salads, handhelds, soups, and breakfast options.
Address: 6970 Mckinley Ave, Sebastopol
Best for: A quick bite or takeaway options.
Located in the Bodega Bay Lodge, this fine dining restaurant has stunning views of the Pacific Ocean which makes for a perfect pairing with fresh, local seafood and other ingredients.
Address: 103 Highway 1, Bodega Bay
Best for: Seafood lovers and anyone who enjoys a view of the ocean while they eat. Drakes’ high-end, quality cuisine is the best way to celebrate a special occasion or night out.
This 3-Michelin star restaurant offers an 11-course tasting menu that is customized to the guests’ preferences and restrictions. The meal is made with the best local ingredients, some of which come from SingleThread’s nearby farm. It’s a true farm-to-table experience in Sonoma Wine Country.
Address: 131 North Street, Healdsburg
Best for: A bespoke meal and hospitality experience at a 3-Michelin star restaurant—the best of the best in dining.
Nestled in the Vinters Resort vineyard, this fine dining experience brings the best of what Sonoma County has to experience—great wine and locally-sourced food, expertly paired by the head chef. Note that reservations are encouraged and a dress code is in place.
Address: 4330 Barnes Road. Santa Rosa
Best for: A special occasion or romantic night out.
Starks is all about classic food with a modern approach. Their menu features sustainable seafood and high-quality beef hand-selected by the owner and executive chef. Choose between options like in-house dry-aged beef or American Kobe alongside mouthwatering sides, soups, and starters.
Address: 521 Adams St., Santa Rosa
Best for: Anyone looking to splurge on high-quality steak and seafood in a casually elegant environment
You may be in Northern California but your tastebuds will take a trip to the southern states at Sweet T’s. Southern fried chicken, gumbo, chicken & waffles, cream corn, BBQ ribs… the list goes on. Bring your appetite for this one.
Address: 9098 Brooks Road, South Windsor
Best for: Anyone looking for nostalgic and delicious southern-style eats
Brewsters is a classic brewpub with a casual environment, lots of great beers on tap, and a lively, upbeat environment offering burgers, ribs, brisket and more. They host live music on a regular basis.
Address: 229 Water St. North, Petaluma
Best for: Burgers and beers in a family- and dog-friendly outdoor space
This counter-service restaurant offers a unique blend of Swedish food with Middle-Eastern flavors. Think of classics like Swedish meatballs and pickled fish alongside shawarma and kebabs—not what you might expect, but absolutely delicious.
Address: 220 Western Ave., Petaluma
Best for: Globally-minded foodies looking for something new and exciting
This restaurant is the perfect option to re-connect with some friends. They serve international small plates, designed for sharing. Ask your server for the perfect wine pairing to sip and savor through the evening.
Address: 1415 Town and Country Dr, Santa Rosa
Best for: Larger parties that want to sample and share a variety of food
Travel around the world without leaving Santa Rosa! This restaurant is designed to celebrate the American melting pot by bringing new interpretations of street food from all over Asia, the East Coast, and Jewish comfort foods.
Address: 1055 4th St., Santa Rosa
Best for: Adventurous foodies who like international fusion food
If you’re in the mood for some authentic Italian cuisine, you can’t go wrong here. Their wood-fired pizzas and charcuterie boards are a great choice.
Address: 21021 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville
Best for: Italian classics, perfect for sharing
Spanning 12 acres, you’d need a half-day to explore everything The Barlow Market District has to offer. There are 30+ makers and production facilities on-site, so you can try out fresh and locally-made food and drinks. Locally-crafted pizza, sushi, cheese, beer, ice cream, and more are all on offer.
Address: 6770 McKinley St. Sebastopol
Best for: Anyone with a big appetite and a few hours to walk around and explore
Every table has a view at Nick’s Cove. This destination restaurant is located on Tomales Bay and can be accessed by boat if you’re exploring the area. It’s also out of cell phone service so you can enjoy the amazing views without distractions. Their seafood-dominant menu is all local and seasonal from the West Coast.
Address: 23240 Highway 1, Marshall
Best for: Anyone will to venture off the beaten path for incredible views and delicious food.
This 50s-style diner’s motto is “fun food, fun people.” Stop in for some classic comfort food in a lively environment that’ll transport you back in time.
Address: 9501 DuVander Lane, Windsor
Best for: Families and large groups looking to have some fun
Amazing art and amazing food—the perfect way to spend an afternoon. This cafe serves has an excellent selection of coffee, tea, and pastries as well as snacks and meals to enjoy on their covered outdoor patio.
Address: 300 South A Street #4, Santa Rosa
Best for: Art lovers looking for a bite to eat while enjoying the gallery in the heart of Santa Rosa.
This farm-to-table restaurant is an authentic experience for the senses. Between colorful dishes, floral decorations, and a stunning outdoor environment, it’s a truly delightful place to dine. All food is local with the goal to “eat the view”—what you can see grown or raised right around you.
Address: 231 & 237 Center Street, Healdsburg
Best for: A farm-to-table dining experience in a casual, comfortable environment
Step back in time to this 50s-themed diner. Highlights of the breakfast menu include eggs any way you want them, chicken-n-waffles, and endless side options. The prices are reasonable, too, so come hungry and ready to indulge.
Address: 317 Petaluma Blvd, Petaluma
Best for: Classic diner food in an authentic 50-style restaurant
Quality, local, farm-to-table ingredients are the star of Americana. Breakfast is served all day here, so there’s always a good time to try some of their delicious meals. Choose from options like omelets and benedicts to pancakes and pastries.
Address: 205 5th Street, Santa Rosa
Best for: Breakfast at any time of the day with high-quality, local ingredients.
As the name suggests, this breakfast spot is famous for their mimosas. They offer juice of your choice made with different champagne and prosecco options. Pair your drink with farm-fresh eggs, homemade biscuits and gravy, huevos rancheros, or anything else on their delicious menu.
Address: 3 locations in Sonoma County—251 Rohnert Park, Rohnert Park; 456 College Avenue, Santa Rosa; and 417 N. McDowell Blvd, Petaluma
Best for: Celebratory brunch to kick off a great day with some mimosas.
This cafe proudly serves seasonal, local meals, which has won them the Slow Food Snail of Approval award each year since it opened. The menus change based on what’s in season, but you can always expect high-quality, delicious options. This spot is only open from Thursday to Sunday for brunch.
Address: 640 Fifth St., Santa Rosa
Best for: Beautifully presented meals made from local, seasonal ingredients
Whatever you’re in the mood for, from breakfast to lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks, you’ll find it in Sonoma County.
Want to live in a place that puts you in the middle of all the best things Sonoma County has to offer? Then we invite you to download our Residential Project Brief to learn more about SOMO Village or to get in touch with us today.