An influx of Italian settlers in the 19th century brought not only their winemaking skills but also their culinary traditions to Sonoma County. Unsurprisingly, some of our oldest restaurants (a few still in operation under second, third or even fourth generations) have kept family recipes as the backbone of their operations.
Campanella
An unapologetic “red sauce joint” that channels the red-and-white-checkered tablecloth, candles in the Chianti bottle, garlic-scented family trattorias that are the lifeblood of Italian American neighborhoods along the Atlantic Seaboard. The mix of old-world and new-world flavors speaks to the 19th-century migration of Italians (primarily from Southern Italy and Sicily) to New York. Garlic knots, Chicken Parm pizza, steamed clams with linguini and cheesecake are all standouts.
7365 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol, 707-910-3030, campanellasoco.com
Portico
Paolo Pedrinazzi and his wife, Kathleen Escamilla, are the pasta whisperers of Sebastopol. Their homey cafe has all the charm of nonna’s kitchen as Escamilla scurries between tables, dropping plates of cacio e pepe, risotto and fresh pappardelle pasta with saffron cream to customers. And, of course, the 12-layer lasagna. Don’t miss the Bolognese and fresh tiramisu made daily.
110 N. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-888-9136, porticosocialfood.com
L’oro Di Napoli
Italian chef, Italian ingredients, Italian oven, Italian pizza. The most authentic Neapolitan pizza in Sonoma County goes from dough to done in seconds thanks to a super-heated woodfired oven. The homemade lasagna is unbelievably good.
629 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-541-6394, lorodinapolisantarosa.com
Cafe Citti
This popular Kenwood restaurant relocated to Santa Rosa and continues to serve some of the best pizza, pasta and sauces around. We love their polenta with creamy porcini mushroom sauce. Dine on the restaurant’s covered and heated back patio, or pick up for an Italian meal at home.
2792 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-523-2690, cafecitti.com
Grata Italian Eatery
This charming, chef-run restaurant offers modern takes on classic Italian dishes. Gnudi alla vodka, risotto and cacio e pepe are favorite dishes. Open for lunch, dinner and cocktails.
186 Windsor River Road, Windsor, 707-620-0508, gratawindsor.com
Ca’Bianca
A Victorian home sets the stage for pan-Italian cuisine (from Milan to Sicily). The food always impresses with its restrained simplicity (no gloopy sauces or overwrought pastas) and graceful presentation. Great for impressing parents, dates or coworkers.
835 Second St., Santa Rosa, 707-542-5800, cabianca.com
Cucina Paradiso
Every pasta is a winner at this classy longtime Petaluma restaurant, but our favorite is the housemade ravioli, filled with roasted duck in sun-dried tomato, pine nut and basil sauce.
114 Petaluma Blvd N., Petaluma, 707-782-1130, cucinaparadisopetaluma.com
Molti Amici
A trio of SingleThread alums opened Healdsburg’s hottest see-and-be-seen restaurant. The vibe is pure fun, as is the menu, with seasonal woodfired pizzas, seasonal housemade pastas, shared plates with locally sourced produce, clever cocktails, delish desserts and our favorite halibut crudo, with California chili oil.
330 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-756-3169, moltiamici.com
Golden Bear Station
This restaurant from the owners of Sonoma’s Animo is an homage to Italy. Mostly. While the menu leans heavily on gourmet pizzas and pasta, it also includes dishes like tuna crudo, whole lamb saddle and Asian-inspired pork chop in dashi broth. Pizzas are a highlight, perfectly cooked without the bitter notes of char, and the pastas are equally impressive.
8445 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, goldenbearstation.com
Canneti Roadhouse Italiana
This under-the-radar trattoria serves hearty Tuscan dishes from Italian transplant Francesco Torre, who takes pride in the authenticity of his frequently changing dishes with local ingredients.
6675 Front St., Forestville, 707-887-2232, cannetiroadhouse.com
Catelli’s
Lasagna with paper-thin layers of pasta and a tried-and-true meat sauce is a signature dish worth the trip north. Chef Domenica Catelli is one of Sonoma County’s bright lights, committed to using the best local ingredients. Don’t miss the burger or chicken parm.
21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-857-7142, mycatellis.com
Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria
You’ll swear you’re in Italy at this temple of charcuterie, woodfired pizza and classic Italian entrees, including oxtail ragu with pappardelle, braised beef tripe alla Fiorentina and spaghetti with pork cheek ragu. The cheeky hanging laundry lining the walkway to the back patio completes the experience.
21021 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-814-0111, diavolapizzeria.com
Craving authentic Italian flavors in Sonoma County? Whether you're in the mood for classic red sauce dishes or modern Italian with a California twist, there's a restaurant here to satisfy every taste. From family-run staples that have stood the test of time to innovative eateries reimagining Italian cuisine, your next dining adventure awaits!
Which of these delicious spots are you visiting first? Share your favorites with us on Facebook and Instagram, and don’t forget to tag your foodie friends — because good food is always better when shared!
