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 $$
Cafe La Haye
Small restaurant known for risotto, pasta, and roast chicken menu staples. American $$$
Enclos
East and West coast influences inform the tasting menus that earned executive chef Brian Limoges two Michelin stars in less than a year after his restaurant’s late-2024 debut. Modern American $$
LaSalette Restaurant
Portuguese-inspired cuisine prepared and served with care, with the patio the best option in good weather. Portuguese $$$
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. 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 a casual setting or to go. Mexican $$
The Girl and the Fig
Sondra Bernstein and John Toulze’s winning casual play on Provençal cuisine. French $$$
Lou’s Luncheonette
Southern faves served in a diner-like space with a large, vineyard-view back patio. American $$
OSO Sonoma
Hip-rustic space for small-plate cuisine of much-lauded former winery chef (St. Francis). American $$
Sonoma Eats
Oaxacan influences in decor and cuisine at the restaurant of a popular taco-truck operator known for tamales, mole enchiladas, and jumbo burritos. Mexican $–$$
Sunflower Caffé
Cheery spot (great patio) for breakfast and lunch salads and sandwiches. American $
Tasca Tasca Portuguese Tapas Restaurant & Wine Bar
Flavorful small plates, Portuguese wines at acclaimed LaSalette chef’s tavern-like alternative. Portuguese $$
Valley Swim Club
Chipper place with a clam shack vibe has no pool but serves ceviche, shrimp tostada, crab sandwiches, and other comfort seafood. American $$
Specialty
Sweet Scoops Homemade Ice Cream
Former Denver couple’s shop near Sonoma Plaza is 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 2025.
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