Top spots for fine dining, comfort food, tapas, breakfast, and ice cream.
No need to wade through hundreds of user reviews. Here are the top Sonoma eating establishments in a nutshell.
Truly Special
Bloom Carneros
Colorful cuisine, relaxed outdoor vibe at roadhouse hangout sharing space with Kivelstadt Cellars (wine tasting). American $$
Cafe La Haye
Small restaurant known for owner’s warm welcome and risotto, pasta, and roast chicken menu staples. American $$$
LaSalette Restaurant
Portuguese-inspired cuisine prepared and served with care, with patio the best option in good weather. Portuguese $$$
Valley Bar + Bottle
Combination restaurant, wine bar, and bottle shop serves “California home cooking” based on seasonal ingredients. American $$–$$$
Wit & Wisdom
Celebrity chef and restaurateur Michael Mina’s first foray into the Wine Country has been a smash hit since opening in mid-2020. American $$$–$$$$
Among Sonoma’s Best
Della Santina’s
Homey classics served in cozy dining space and on heated back patio for three-plus decades. Italian $$–$$$
El Dorado Kitchen
The chef layers in the flavors at this Sonoma Plaza fine-dining spot. American $$$
El Molino Central
Subtly spiced, carefully crafted Mexican cuisine, plus organic soft serve, in casual setting or to go. Mexican $$
The Girl and the Fig
Fig-loving owner Sondra Bernstein’s winning casual play on Provençal cuisine. French $$$
Lou’s Luncheonette
Former Fremont Diner and Boxcar Fried Chicken remains hot spot for Southern faves. American $$
OSO Sonoma
Hip-rustic space for small-plate cuisine of much-lauded former winery chef (St. Francis). American $$
Sausage Emporium
Artisanal sausages for breakfast and lunch in sandwiches, bowls, and salads at plaza’s-edge storefront with a sunny patio. American $$
Sonoma Eats
Oaxacan influences in decor and cuisine at first restaurant of popular taco-truck operator known for tamales, mole enchiladas, and jumbo burritos. Mexican $–$$
Sunflower Caffé
Cheery spot (great patio) for breakfast and lunch salads and sandwiches. American $
Tasca Tasca Portuguese Tapas Restaurant & Wine Bar
Flavorful small plates, Portuguese wines at acclaimed LaSalette chef’s tavernlike alternative. Portuguese $$
Valley Swim Club
Chipper place with a clam-shacky vibe has no pool but serves up ceviche, shrimp tostada, crab sandwich and other colorful comfort seafood. American $$
Specialty
Sweet Scoops Homemade Ice Cream
Former Denver couple’s shop near Sonoma Plaza a hit for handcrafted ice cream. Ice cream $
Vella Cheese Company
Longtime (since 1931) local factory known for Monterey Jack (with jalapeños, the best) and other cheeses. Cheesery $
Sonoma Itinerary
Sonoma Wineries
Blue Farm Wines
Hamel Family Wines
Patz & Hall
Sojourn Cellars
Three Sticks Wines
WALT Wines
More About Sonoma County
Sonoma County Basics
Sonoma County Vineyard Walks
This story first appeared online in 2017; it was most recently updated in 2024.
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