Must-see restaurants in Sonoma Valley

  • Cafe La Haye

    Sonoma

    One of Sonoma’s top tables for earthy New American cooking, La Haye only uses produce sourced from within 60 miles. Its dining room gets packed cheek-by…

  • Glen Ellen Star

    Sonoma Valley

    Helmed by chef Ari Weiswasser, who once worked at Thomas Keller's French Laundry, this petite Glen Ellen bistro shines a light on the best of Sonoma farms…

  • El Dorado Kitchen

    Sonoma

    The swank plazaside choice for contemporary California-Mediterranean cooking, El Dorado showcases seasonal-regional ingredients in dishes such as seafood…

  • Tasca Tasca

    Sonoma

    Specializing in Portuguese and Mediterranean fare, this tapas tavern in food-obsessed downtown Sonoma holds its own. Try the authentic caldo verde …

  • Salt & Stone

    Sonoma Valley

    With a gurgling fountain on the back patio and glorious views onto the neighboring hills, this little Kenwood joint is an excellent value, its dishes made…

  • Girl & the Fig

    Sonoma

    For a festive evening, book a garden table at this French-provincial bistro, with good small plates ($14 to $16), including steamed mussels with…

  • Risibisi

    Sonoma Valley

    Reputed to be the best Italian in town, this small restaurant offers up amazing home-made pasta. To do things right, bring your own bottle of wine and…

  • Fig Cafe & Winebar

    Sonoma Valley

    The Fig’s earthy California-Provençal comfort food includes flash-fried calamari with spicy lemon aioli, fig and arugula salad and steak frites. Good wine…

  • Della Santina’s

    Sonoma

    The waiters have been here forever and the ‘specials’ rarely change, but Della Santina’s Italian-American cooking – linguini pesto, veal parmigiana,…

  • Harvest Moon Cafe

    Sonoma

    Inside a cozy 1836 adobe, this casual bistro uses local ingredients in its changing menu, with simple soul-satisfying dishes such as grilled Liberty Farm…

  • Hopmonk Tavern

    Sonoma

    This happening gastropub and beer garden takes its brews seriously with over a dozen of its own and guest beers on tap, served in type-appropriate…

  • Crocodile French Cuisine

    Sonoma Valley

    Inventive French place in downtown Petaluma, with an industrial-chic atmosphere and a delicious tender duck dish that comes with glazed radishes, turnips…

  • Petaluma Creamery

    Sonoma Valley

    Taste organic Sonoma and Marin cheeses, buy a scoop of lavender ice cream, or order a tri-tip barbecue sandwich or fresh spinach salad at this small…

  • La Salette

    Sonoma

    Contemporary Portuguese cuisine is the focus at this just-off-the-plaza restaurant that serves excellent-value, proper sit-down meals, including a…

  • Yeti

    Sonoma Valley

    The surprisingly good Indian and Nepalese cooking served on a creekside patio at a converted mill make Yeti worth seeking out. Great value.

  • Taste of the Himalayas

    Sonoma

    Spicy curries, luscious lentil soup and sizzle-platter meats make a refreshing break from the usual French-Italian Wine Country fare.

  • Mayo Winery Reserve

    Sonoma Valley

    Feast on a seven-course small-plates menu paired with seven wines for $50 at this roadside wine-tasting room.

  • Sunflower Caffé & Wine Bar

    Sonoma

    The big back garden at this local hangout is a great spot for breakfast, a no-fuss lunch or afternoon wine.

  • Cafe Zazzle

    Sonoma Valley

    Amazing wraps, salad and soups with Asian and Southwestern flair, and the service couldn't be friendlier.

  • Glen Ellen Inn

    Sonoma Valley

    Oysters, martinis and grilled steaks. Lovely garden, full bar.

  • The Block Petaluma

    Sonoma Valley

    The Block Petaluma is home base to a rotating line up of two to four food trucks a day, plus permanent vendor Firetrail Pizza to satisfy any wood-fired…

  • Basque Cafe

    Sonoma

    Right on Sonoma's main plaza, this beloved cafe and boulangerie has amazing baked breads – perfect for that little picnic you're planning – plus a good…

  • Great Petaluma Mill

    Sonoma Valley

    The redone mill on the waterfront houses a few top food and wine choices, including the Wild Goat Bistro, with its open patio seating and fantastic pizzas…

  • Cafe Citti

    Sonoma Valley

    Locals favor this order-at-the-counter Italian-American deli, with standout roast chicken, and homemade gnocchi and ravioli. At lunchtime there’s pizza…

  • Angelo’s Wine Country Deli

    Sonoma

    Look for the cow on the roof of this roadside deli south of town, a fave for fat sandwiches and homemade turkey and beef jerky (free samples!).

  • Red Grape

    Sonoma

    A reliable spot for an easy meal, Red Grape serves good thin-crust pizzas and big salads in a cavernous, echoey space. Good for takeout too.

  • Sonoma Market

    Sonoma

    Sonoma’s best groceries and deli sandwiches, this is a great spot to stock up for a picnic in the Plaza.

  • Sweet Scoops

    Sonoma

    Sonoma's favorite ice-cream shop livens up the plaza with its homemade offerings.