Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime Sonoma County resident, consider this your ultimate guide to the area's culinary delights. Curated by someone who eats (and writes about) food for a living, this list highlights some of the absolute favorites across bakeries, cafes, and restaurants in Sonoma County. From Sebastopol to the coast, Napa has nothing on these Sonoma County spots. Dive into the best Wine Country recommendations with this insider guide.
Sebastopol
1. A&M BBQ
Address: 495 S. Main St., Sebastopol, CA 95472
Days Open: Tuesday to Saturday
Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Pricing: Moderate
Rating: 4.7/5
A&M BBQ offers an authentic taste of Southern-style barbecue right here in Sonoma County. Known for its long-smoked, dry-rubbed meats, this spot is a haven for BBQ lovers. Expect a no-frills experience with a focus on quality and flavor. The brisket is a standout, and the sides are equally impressive. Be prepared for a long line—this place is worth the wait.
2. Handline
Address: 935 Gravenstein Ave. South, Sebastopol, CA 95472
Days Open: Tuesday to Sunday
Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Pricing: Moderate
Rating: 4.6/5
Handline is a gem for fresh, local flavors with a focus on handmade tortillas and exceptional vegetables. Their esquites (grilled corn with lime) and broccolini with mushroom aioli are must-tries. The Roots & Shoots salad is a favorite, featuring seasonal veggies and sprouted lentils. The ambiance is casual yet inviting, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal.
Healdsburg and Points North
1. PizzaLeah
Address: 9240 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 116, Windsor, CA 95492
Days Open: Wednesday to Sunday
Hours: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Pricing: Moderate
Rating: 4.8/5
Leah Scurto, an award-winning pizzaiolo, crafts some of the best pies in Sonoma County at PizzaLeah. Her Old Grey Beard pizza, featuring mozzarella, fontina, sausage, and hot honey, is a local favorite. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and artisanal techniques, this spot is a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts.
2. Journeyman Meat
Address: 404 Center St., Healdsburg, CA 95448
Days Open: Tuesday to Saturday
Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Pricing: Moderate
Rating: 4.7/5
Journeyman Meat is a tiny salumeria and butcher shop that offers excellent wood-fired pizzas and charcuterie boards. The family behind this establishment is renowned for their hearty red wines, which are available for purchase. The tasting bar is a hidden gem where you can enjoy a great meal and discover new favorites.
3. Troubadour
Address: 381 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, CA 95448
Days Open: Thursday to Monday
Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Lunch), 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Dinner)
Pricing: Expensive
Rating: 4.6/5
Troubadour, owned by culinary talents Sean McGaughey and Melissa Yanc, offers a unique dining experience with its daytime sandwich shop and nighttime French bistro. Enjoy the world’s best egg salad on challah for lunch or vichyssoise with caviar for dinner. Reservations are required for dinner.
Santa Rosa
1. Mitote
Address: 665 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Days Open: Daily
Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Pricing: Moderate
Rating: 4.5/5
Mitote provides an immersive experience of Mexican culture with its outdoor food truck park offering tacos, tlayuda, and birria. The full bar, featuring a focus on mezcal, adds to the lively atmosphere. The casual setting and flavorful dishes make it a great place to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.
Petaluma
1. Kapu
Address: 132 Keller St., Petaluma, CA 94952
Days Open: Tuesday to Sunday
Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Pricing: Moderate
Rating: 4.6/5
Kapu is a tiki-themed paradise offering a fun atmosphere and fantastic Hawaiian fare. From Spam musubi to sticky garlic chicken, the menu is filled with island-inspired dishes. The tropical cocktails are a highlight, but beware—they’re deceptively strong!
2. Stellina Pronto
Address: 23 Kentucky St., Petaluma, CA 94952
Days Open: Tuesday to Sunday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Pricing: Expensive
Rating: 4.7/5
Stellina Pronto is a popular Italian bakery and pizzeria known for its Michelin-quality pastries and gourmet pizzas. The Neapolitan-meets-New York wood-fired pizzas and innovative pastries make it a standout spot, though seating is limited, so be prepared to wait.
3. Street Social
Address: 29F Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, CA 94952
Days Open: Wednesday to Sunday
Hours: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Pricing: Expensive
Rating: 4.8/5
Street Social offers an intimate dining experience with just six tables. Chef Jevon Martin crafts dishes like Kurobuta pork riblets and Meyer lemon curd with brown butter crumble. With a reputation for excellence, reservations are a must.
Sonoma Valley
1. Bloom Carneros
Address: 22900 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476
Days Open: Wednesday to Sunday
Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Pricing: Moderate
Rating: 4.7/5
Bloom Carneros is a charming spot offering a dog- and kid-friendly patio, along with excellent farm-to-table dishes and wines from Kivelstadt Cellars. The elevated menu reflects Sonoma’s seasonal bounty, making it a great spot to enjoy a relaxed meal with a sense of place.
West County
1. Altamont General Store
Address: 3703 Main St., Occidental, CA 95465
Days Open: Daily
Hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Pricing: Moderate
Rating: 4.6/5
Altamont General Store offers a mix of grab-and-go meals and sit-down options in a family-friendly environment. Enjoy curated wines and artisan gifts while savoring their breakfast, lunch, or dinner options. The outdoor patio is perfect for families.
2. Lightwave Coffee and Kitchen
Address: 9725 Main St., Monte Rio, CA 95462
Days Open: Tuesday to Sunday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Pricing: Moderate
Rating: 4.5/5
Located near the Creekside Skatepark, Lightwave Coffee and Kitchen is known for its smoothies, bagels, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Don’t miss their impressive desserts, which are a highlight of the menu.
3. Willow Wood
Address: 9020 Graton Road, Graton, CA 95444
Days Open: Wednesday to Sunday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Pricing: Moderate
Rating: 4.6/5
Willow Wood is a beloved breakfast and brunch spot in the quaint town of Graton. Their homey yet impressive menu includes classic breakfast dishes and inventive brunch options. It’s worth the trip for a relaxed and satisfying meal.
Coast, Highway 1
1. Fisherman’s Cove
Address: 1850 Bay Flat Road, Bodega Bay, CA 94923
Days Open: Daily
Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Pricing: Moderate
Rating: 4.4/5
Fisherman’s Cove is a unique spot where you can enjoy barbecued oysters in a casual setting. This combination tackle shop, convenience store, and cafe offers a true taste of Sonoma County’s coastal cuisine.
2. Estero Cafe
Address: 14450 Hwy. 1, Valley Ford, CA 94972
Days Open: Wednesday to Sunday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Pricing: Moderate
Rating: 4.7/5
Estero Cafe brings the best of Sonoma’s bounty to your plate with dishes made from local ingredients. Breakfast and brunch options like chicken-fried chicken and biscuits with country gravy are standout choices for a day of wine tasting and sightseeing.
From the bustling streets of Sebastopol to the charming coastal towns, Sonoma County is brimming with incredible dining experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for BBQ, wood-fired pizza, or a luxurious French bistro meal, this guide has you covered. So, grab your appetite and explore these top dining spots to enjoy the finest flavors Sonoma County has to offer.
Ready to embark on your culinary adventure? Start planning your visit to these local favorites today and indulge in the best dining experiences that Sonoma County has to offer!
