In a town awash with fantastic cuisine, the best Healdsburg restaurants for all moods and budgets.
Truly Special
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 $$$$
The Matheson
First-floor farm-to-table fine dining, sushi, and wine bar (dozens of Sonoma County offerings on tap); casual rooftop for lighter fare and cocktails. Modern American and sushi $$$
Molti Amici
Pizzas, pastas, and rustic plates executed with finesse; restaurant’s Italian influences extend to back patio’s bocce court. Italian $$
Restaurant at The Madrona
Inventive cuisine, sophisticated decor at boutique hotel’s restaurant with superb wine list and craft cocktails. Modern American $$$
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 $$$$
Guiso Latin Fusion
Latin and Caribbean cuisine prepared with passion, lovingly served. Latin American $$
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).
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
Costeaux French Bakery
Baked goods (super croissants), breakfast served all day, hearty salads, and sandwiches for lunch. 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” (both worked at SingleThread, one took home the Food Network Holiday Baking Championship’s $25,000 top prize). Bakery $
More About Sonoma County
What to Do
Healdsburg Wineries and Tasting Rooms
Arista Winery
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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