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Dining

Before “farm-to-table” became a trendy term to use, it was, very simply, a way of life here in Sonoma County. An attention to locally harvested, fresh fare from land and sea has attracted the culinary minds responsible for charming markets, precious eateries, and a small constellation of Michelin-Starred restaurants.

Here is a list of local restaurants we like...

Kenwood

 

Salt & Stone

This is a local favorite offering delicious California Wine Country cuisine. They have a full bar as well as restaurant and you can go there for appetizers, including oysters, and really nice drinks. There is a dog friendly patio during summer. We recommend making reservations, especially on weekends, as it fills up quickly. This restaurant is expensive, but we love it. There is a happy hour Monday through Friday also.

 

Palooza Gastropub

Upscale pub food, in-house beers, wines, and craft cocktails. It's fun to sit outside... there is a pizza oven that smells awesome. They offer outdoor ping pong and pool tables (upstairs). We like Happy Hour, 4-6pm, for discounts on appetizers and beer.

 

Tips Roadside

Very casual dining, indoor and out. Specializes in Southern style comfort food, BBQ, and craft cocktails. Friendly service. Good happy hour. Not vegetarian friendly.

 

Glen Ellen

 

The Mill

Restaurant in the old Grist Mill of Jack London Village. Yummy food and really lovely patio to sit outside overlooking Sonoma Creek. Small but creative menu. Great service. Check out the historic water wheel while there. If not running, ask the bartender to turn it on.

 

Fig Cafe & Wine Bar

Sister restaurant to renowned the Girl & the Fig in downtown Sonoma. Offers a smaller but similar French influenced menu but bistro style. While you can walk in, you should try to get a reservation on Resi as their is not a lot of seating. Watch your food being cooked from your seat. Always high quality and the Plat du Jour is a good deal.

 

Garden Court Cafe

  • 13647 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen CA 95442
  • GardenCourtCafe
  • Open 8am to 2pm only
  • (707) 935-1565

Great homemade breakfasts- Wine Country with a dash of Mexican flair. Fair prices, good food.

 

Glen Ellen Star

Upscale gourmet cuisine featuring wood-fired cooking techniques & offering creative starters, pizzas, veggies and entrees. They make their own ice cream as well. Dishes are small and a la carte. Reservations are generally required as this is a popular spot. This restaurant is expensive.

 

Jack London Saloon

The Saloon, which locals call "the Lodge" features an old-time, full bar with free popcorn and a minimalist menu with items like burgers and fries. It is dark and "feels" like a real old bar where Jack London could be lurking in the corner. There is a long wooden bar, a few bar tables, sofas, giant TV, and a pool table, as well as a lovely patio with lots of tables and creek viewing. During summer, there is music on the patio once per week. It is very casual and very "Glen Ellen".

 

Yeti

This restaurant features Nepalise-Indian fusion with traditional curries and tandori. It is in the Jack London Village. There are not many ethnic restaurants in the area, so we like to go here when we are in the mood for a little spice!

 

 Sonoma

 

El Molino Central

Upscale, authentic Mexican Street food- delicious, high quality, small menu- this is in the Springs area, before reaching downtown Sonoma along Sonoma Highway/Highway 12. It is a bit pricey, but worth every penny. Restaurant is family run using family recipes using locally sourced ingredients. Seating is all outside and not very "nice", but the food makes up for it!

 

Hopmonk Tavern

Upscale Pub Menu, live music, fantastic outdoor beer garden. Very lively restaurant, kid and dog friendly, with craft beer and craft cocktails. Lots of sharable bites. Food is good, prices are fair.

 

La Casa

Mexican Restaurant- nice to sit outside. Inside is fairly dark. Good night spot. Great margaritas. Average Mexican food.

 

La Salette

Portuguese Cuisine, nice outdoor seating in an alley on the Sonoma Plaza- upscale atmosphere.

 

Maya Restaurant

Upscale Mexican Faire. On the corner of the plaza. Usually no reservations are needed. It is a good go-to if you cannot get in to another plaza restaurant.

 

Murphy's Irish Pub

Comfort foods, some Irish inspired dishes. Casual dining inside and out. Some evenings there is live music.

 

Red Grape

Great thin crispy-crust pizzas, Italian dishes, and salads. Lots of locally sourced veggies. Awesome service. Good for lunch or dinner. Offers lovely outdoor patio. Family run business. Beer and wine only. Delicious but it is a bit pricey for "pizza". Of course, all restaurants on the Sonoma Plaza are priced for tourists.

 

Swiss Hotel

Old time Local Sonoma favorite. Mixed menu, great craft cocktails. Very popular hot-spot in town.

 

The Girl and the Fig

Legendary fine dining tourist spot. Open for lunch and dinner every day. Delicious food, great service- French inspired. Pricey. Delicious thin-crust pizzas. Great French fries! They carry Dave's Silkbush Viognier, so be sure to order a bottle. All wine offerings are Rhone style. Lots of indoor (cozy) and outdoor seating but reservations are almost always needed.

 

Taste of Himalayas

Combining Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan flavors, this tiny restaurant packs big flavors. Curries and tandori are fabulous. Garlic-cilantro Nan is a must! There are not a lot of tables, although there is both indoor and outdoor seating. The food is really delicious, and you can specify your preferred level of spiciness. Service is quick and it is a family run business. Reservations are not needed.

 

 Santa Rosa

 

LoCocos

Very traditional Italian food- delicious. Great service. Family run. Closed Mondays.

 

Sea Thai Bistro

Asian Fusion focusing on Southeast Asian cuisine. Delicious and extremely flavorful dishes. Make your reservations on Open Table. Restaurant is located in Montgomery Village. Beautiful presentations, every dish is special, exotic and tasty- you won't want to miss this one.

 

Cascabel Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar

Upscale Mexican bistro in a casual atmosphere. High quality, non-traditional Mexican dishes. Huge tequila menu. Craft Cocktails. Glass sea urchins hang from the ceiling and the restaurant is centered with a giant glass bar which you can dine counter style. There is indoor and outdoor seating as well.

 

Colibri Grill Cafe

  • 4233 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, CA  95405
  • 707-578-2726
  • Colibri

Good breakfasts- traditional. They offer several sandwiches, salads, burgers- but not "diner food"- very clean and healthy style. Vegetarian friendly, sensitive to food allergies too... Nice staff. Fair pricing.

 

Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar

Wood-fired Pizzas- Crusts are made via "reverse osmosis". Delicious dishes in family style atmosphere. Neighborhood gem.

 

Osake Japanese

  • 2446 Patio Court, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
  • 707-542-8282
  • Osake-Sushi

Traditional Japanese foods including fresh sushi and bento boxes. Good sake list. Lots of sushi choices, all delicious and presented beautifully. Tucked away near the Lucky Shopping Center. Always a good meal to be had.