In a town awash with fantastic cuisine, the best Healdsburg restaurants for all moods and budgets.
Truly Special
The Matheson
First-floor farm-to-table fine dining, sushi, and wine bar (dozens of Sonoma County offerings on tap); casual rooftop for lighter fare and cocktails. Modern American and sushi $$$
Restaurant at The Madrona
Inventive cuisine, sophisticated decor at boutique hotel’s restaurant with superb wine list and craft cocktails. Modern American $$$
SingleThread Farms Restaurant
Purchase a Tock ticket well in advance to experience the multicourse meals at Kyle and Katina Connaughton’s destination restaurant, an exquisite show. Japanese-inspired $$$$
Studio Barndiva
All-star chef makes maximum use of meticulously farmed Sonoma and Mendocino ingredients (in dishes for pairing with craft cocktails and expertly selected wines), served inside gallery-like space (lead photo) or on expansive arbor-shaded patio. Modern American $$$
Troubadour Bread & Bistro / Le Dîner
A café serving deluxe sandwiches on fabulous breads by Quail & Condor (same owners; see below), with staples like warm pastrami on superseed loaf and chicken on sourdough, Troubadour morphs into a Parisian-style bistro, Le Dîner, as evening dawns. American $$ (day), French $$$$ (evening)
Valette
Seasonal, intricate cuisine from chef’s menu or à la carte. American $$$
Among Healdsburg’s Best
Arandas
Multiple south-of-the-border influences in classy Mexican restaurant that lives up its Hôtel Les Mars setting; well-made happy-hour margaritas draw in the locals. Mexican $$
Bravas Bar de Tapas
Tapas, paella, sangrias, cocktails, festive patio, great time. Spanish $$
Dry Creek Kitchen
Charlie Palmer opened the first of Healdsburg’s high-style farm-to-table restaurants in 2002; executive chef Shane McAnely, returning to Healdsburg in 2023, brought verve and new recipes. Modern American $$$
Gallina D’Oro
“The humble chicken and the versatile egg” inform this downtown restaurant’s Oaxacan-style dishes. Mexican $$
Goodnight’s Prime Steaks + Spirits
Chef David Lawrence helms this paean to steak houses and cattle-driving rough riders like the restaurant’s 19th-century Texas namesake. American $$$$
Guiso Latin Fusion
Latin and Caribbean cuisine prepared with passion, lovingly served. Latin American $$
Hazel Hill
Sophisticated French-inflected Northern California cuisine at splashy Montage Healdsburg resort’s vineyard- and forest-view restaurant (excellent wine list; terrace dining a treat). Modern American $$$$
Little Saint
Eight-acre farm supplies most of the ingredients for thoughtfully plant-based cuisine served all day at café and lounge, coffee bar, and streetside patio (grab-and-go items also available). American $$
Lo & Behold Bar and Kitchen
International comfort cuisine to share (or not), luscious cocktails, festive interior, garden patio. Modern American $$
Parish Cafe
Beignets, po’boys, shrimp and grits, crawfish, gumbo, muffulettas, with fried okra, jambalaya, and other New Orleans sides (breakfast and lunch only). Southern $$
Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar
Seafood small plates raw and cooked, great desserts. Seafood $$$
Worth Checking Out
Baci Café and Wine Bar
Italian classics trattoria-style, vast Sonoma County wine selection, warm hospitality. Italian $$$
Healdsburg Bar & Grill
Food & Wine declared HBG’s juicy burgers among the nation’s best for a few years running; enjoy them or other comfort food, preferably on the outdoor patio and washed down with a local brew or wine. American $$ (no tipping)
KINSmoke
Barbecue in several styles (TX, K.C., St. Lou ‘n’ more); love the espresso and house sauces. American $$
Breakfast, Sandwiches, Picnics, To Go
Acorn Cafe
Kicky, updated takes on breakfast staples (bagel with peanut butter and bruléed bananas) served all day inside or on sunny street-side patio, with hearty lunch fare and a late-afternoon Snack Time Happy Hour. American $
Costeaux French Bakery
Baked goods (super croissants), breakfast served into the afternoon; hearty salads, and sandwiches for lunch; bistro-style patio dinners Tuesday–Wednesday. Bakery $
Dry Creek General Store
Opened in 1881, still atmospheric store sells gourmet sandwiches, soups, and salads to go or enjoy in picnic area. Market $
Healdsburg Farmers’ Market
Produce, artisanal meats and cheeses, prepared foods; downtown, Tues. (late spring–early fall) and Sat. (spring–fall). Outdoor market $
Journeyman Meat Co.
Elaborate charcuterie boards, sandwiches, pizzas, and a burger to go or to eat at Pete Seghesio’s salumeria. Butcher shop $$.
Coffee, Baked Goods, and Sweet Treats
Black Oak Coffee Roasters
Ethically sourced, sustainable coffee from around the world, graciously served. Coffee $
Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar
Good flavor combos like raspberry-lychee sorbet; heritage pies even better. Desserts $
Quail & Condor
Bread, biscuits, croissants, cookies, pies, doughnuts, and quite a bit more from “your friendly neighborhood bakers,” who just happened to make the 2024 New York Times list of the 22 best American bakeries. Bakery $
More About Sonoma County
What to Do
Healdsburg Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Aesthete Winery & Farm
Bacchus Landing
Dot Wine
Medlock Ames Tackles Climate Change with Enhanced Vineyard Practices
Info
This story originally appeared online in 2017; it was most recently updated in 2024.
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