Looking for a great restaurant (that won't break the bank) in Sonoma County? Our team has compiled some of the top restaurants from all different food types. See below our top 15 restaurants in the area (in no particular order). Restaurants range from locations in Petaluma, Sonoma, Cotati, Santa Rosa, Geyserville and Healdsburg!
Joe LoCoco, the founder of LoCoco’s Cucina Rustica, grew up immersed in Italian culture and cuisine, born to Sicilian parents in Livorno, Italy. After immigrating to Buffalo, New York in 1956, he worked in the family’s restaurant, learning the ropes of the restaurant business. Following the sale of this business, Joe and his wife, Kendall, moved to England, where he worked as a personal chef for film producer Gary Kurtz. Joe earned a business degree and later returned to Italy, where he worked in his aunt and uncle’s restaurant. He then moved to San Francisco to help his sister expand her submarine sandwich chain, Viking Submarines, to eight locations. After selling the business, they opened La Trattoria in San Rafael. After selling his restaurant, Joe spent time exploring Italy’s restaurant scene and assisting his sister with Cafe Giostra in Petaluma. Eventually, Joe settled in Sonoma County and opened LoCoco’s Cucina Rustica in Santa Rosa's Railroad Square. The restaurant focuses on authentic, family-style Italian dishes using fresh, local Sonoma County ingredients, often incorporating items Joe has personally hunted or foraged. Signature dishes include Linguine di Mare, Pappardelle con Cinghiale, Risotto al Diavolo, and house-made Cannoli, which has earned four-star praise from local reviewers.
Josh Silvers, chef and owner of Jackson's Bar and Oven, opened the restaurant in 2009 after struggling to find a family-friendly yet stylish spot in downtown Santa Rosa for comfort food. The restaurant emphasizes organic, seasonal ingredients, in-house made items like breads and pickles, and gluten-free options. Josh, formerly the chef/owner of Syrah Bistro for over 14 years, has been recognized in publications like Wine Spectator, participated in events such as Yosemite's Chefs' Holidays®, and has been featured at the James Beard House. He is also the co-author of Down Home Downtown: Seasonal Recipes from Two Sonoma Wine Country Restaurants.
Catelli's, originally opened as "The Rex" in 1936 by Santi and Virginia Catelli, started as a small, family-run restaurant in Geyserville, California. The name was later changed to "Catelli’s the Rex" when they added the family name to a free sign they received. The restaurant quickly became a popular stop for farmers, winegrowers, and travelers along the 101 Highway, offering a local gathering spot for family celebrations and community events. Santi and Virginia's son, Richard Catelli, took over the restaurant after his father fell ill. Richard later married Antoinette Sepulveda, who learned to cook from her mother-in-law Virginia and became part of the kitchen team. Richard’s big-city vision, brought from his time in Chicago, led to a remodel that gained attention from locals. In the late 1970s and '80s, Richard’s wife, Jeannie Navara, was a vibrant presence in the front of the house. After Santi Catelli leased the space to Franco Dunn and Thomas Oden in the late '80s, the restaurant saw the evolution of Sonoma County’s food scene, with notable chefs like Ari Rosen, Scopoa & Campa, Dino Biagio, and Liza Hinman contributing to the area's culinary development. In 2010, Richard's children, Dominica, Nicholas, and Alicia, got the chance to bring Catelli's back when they took over the space after Santi’s move to Santa Rosa. Dominica, along with her husband and a dedicated team, now carries on the family legacy of Catelli’s, maintaining the restaurant's vibrant, family-oriented atmosphere.
Founded in 2008, Mi Ranchito brings the vibrant flavors and traditions of Cuernavaca, Mexico, to Sonoma County. Here, the Rodriguez family invites you to enjoy delicious, fresh, and authentic Mexican cuisine, paired with refreshing margaritas and handcrafted cocktails from their full bar. Mi Ranchito strives to offer more than just a meal – they offer an experience. With a welcoming, Mexican-style ambiance and a staff that treats you like family, Mi Ranchito has earned the title of a local favorite, voted best "next-door restaurant" two years in a row. Come see why their guests return again and again to savor great food, enjoy a fun atmosphere, and be part of their cherished community.
Nestled just north of Healdsburg’s charming town square, Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar brings a dynamic blend of East Coast seafood and South American flair to Wine Country. With a vibrant atmosphere and an inviting decor, they offer an extensive selection of small plates designed for sharing, including New England-style rolls, Latin-inspired skewers, ceviches, and tartares. Complement your meal with their curated wine list, featuring top local and international selections. Whether you're here for a casual bite or a special evening out, Willi’s invites you to experience bold, unexpected flavors in a lively, vibrant setting. Join Willi's for a culinary journey where the best of the coast and beyond comes together at your table.
Owned by Dennis and Malena Hernandez, Cucina Paradiso offers an unforgettable dining experience that has earned it a reputation as one of the top-rated restaurants in Sonoma County and the San Francisco North Bay. Described by San Francisco Chronicle’s Michele Anna Jordan as "a small Italian trattoria offering some of the finest food in all of the South County," Cucina Paradiso is known for its commitment to excellence. Chef Dennis prides himself on crafting every dish from scratch, from the freshly baked focaccia to the hand-made pasta and irresistible desserts, using only the finest ingredients.
Founded in 2006 by Marco Palmieri and his son, Chase Palmieri, Risibisi brings the authentic flavors of Italy to downtown Petaluma. Marco, a native of Trieste, Italy, on the Adriatic Sea, envisioned a modern, yet deeply traditional Italian dining experience in Sonoma County. Located at the gateway to California’s world-renowned wine country, Risibisi offers a unique culinary journey with an extensive wine list featuring hundreds of imported Italian wines, as well as select local wines from Sonoma and Napa counties. In addition to wine, Risibisi boasts a full bar with signature cocktails and an impressive selection of high-end tequilas and whiskeys. Proudly recognized for its excellence, Risibisi has earned numerous prestigious awards, including the Michelin Bib Gourmand for twelve consecutive years and Zagat’s Best Restaurant in Petaluma. Come experience why Risibisi is a cherished destination for lovers of fine Italian cuisine and exceptional wines.
Located in the heart of Santa Rosa’s Historic Railroad Square District, La Gare has been a cherished part of Sonoma Wine Country since its founding in 1979 by Swiss-born Marco and Gladys Praplan. Now a second-generation family-owned and operated restaurant, their children, Jackie and Roger, continue the tradition of offering classic French and European cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, all served in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. Voted the Most Romantic Restaurant in Sonoma County year after year, La Gare is the go-to place for celebrating all occasions. Recognized for its excellence, La Gare was named Best Dining Experience in 2023, Best Chef in both 2022 and 2023 by the Press Democrat Newspaper, and earned the Diner’s Choice award for Best in Romance and Special Occasions on OpenTable in 2022 and 2023.
A modern tavern celebrating America’s diverse culinary heritage, The Bird & The Bottle Tavern is the latest creation from James Beard semifinalists Mark and Terri Stark. The menu features inventive takes on street food from Asia, the American South, the East Coast, Jewish comfort food, and fresh seafood, all with Chef Mark Stark’s signature style. With an open kitchen and wood-fired grill, dishes are designed for sharing in a cozy setting with three dining rooms and two decks. The drink menu includes wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails, available by the glass or in shareable servings. Located just east of downtown Santa Rosa in Sonoma County wine country, The Bird & The Bottle is open seven days a week, offering a casual yet elevated dining experience.
Casually elegant with an upscale feel, Stark’s Steak & Seafood offers classic dishes with a modern twist. Known for sustainable seafood and premium cuts of meat, including Certified Angus Beef brand, Prime, Natural, and in-house dry-aged beef, as well as American Kobe, all beef is hand-selected by owner and executive chef Mark Stark. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of local and international wines, many available in half bottles, along with signature cocktails, well drinks, and over sixty whiskeys at the full bar. Voted Best Steak in Sonoma County for 2025, Stark’s provides an exceptional dining experience where quality and craftsmanship shine through every dish.
At Shige Sushi, they bring the authentic flavors and philosophies of Japan to Sonoma Valley. Founded by Tokyo native Shige Mori, the restaurant celebrates the nuanced Japanese food culture that goes beyond the typical menu. Located in Cotati, they offer a wide selection of sushi, from staple to unique fish. The menu is grounded in Japanese culinary principles, while seasonal specials inspired by the harvest and the catch offer something new to enjoy. Complement your meal with their curated selection of premium sake. They pride themselves on using the finest seasonal ingredients, presented with care and respect, for an experience that brings a true taste of Japan to the American palate.
Located in the heart of Sonoma Plaza, The Girl & The Fig offers a charming atmosphere with an antique bar serving French unique cocktails, and an award-winning wine list. Their seasonal menu, described as "Country Food with a French Passion," features a variety of dishes like steak tartare, fig & arugula salad, crispy duck confit, and wild flounder meunière. Guests can enjoy their meals on our outdoor garden patio or park like seating, perfect for a relaxed dining experience. Pair your meal with a glass of wine or a cocktail from their carefully curated selection. Whether you're savoring cheese & charcuterie platters or a full entrée, The Girl & The Fig brings a taste of France to Sonoma.
Nestled just steps from The Inn at the Tides, The Tides Restaurant offers one of the most stunning settings on the Sonoma Coast, with views that are unmatched. A beloved destination for over 50 years, it specializes in fresh, local seafood and American cuisine, with an extensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu that caters to a variety of tastes. Made famous as the backdrop for Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds in the 1960s, The Tides continues to draw both locals and travelers from around the world. The restaurant is open 365 days a year, offering a full menu that includes seafood, burgers, pasta, steaks, chowders, vegetarian options, and a children’s menu. Enjoy cocktails and espresso on the outdoor patio, and don't miss the house-made desserts and pastry shop. In addition, The Tides features a fresh fish market, gourmet foods, and a wine selection, as well as a gift and souvenir shop for a complete Sonoma Coast experience.
Welcome to Dinucci's Restaurant & Bar, Sonoma County’s longest-running restaurant and bar on your way to the coast. Known for their welcoming atmosphere, they offer a variety of delicious lunch and dinner options, alongside craft cocktail specials from the full bar. Their famous Minestrone soup, a family recipe passed down from Gene Wagner to Jeanne Wagner and Enrique Garcia, is a must-try, made fresh every week in large batches. Many of the Wagner family recipes continue to be featured on the menu, including Bolognese, Marinara, Alfredo, and Pesto sauces, homemade salad dressings, Cannelloni Crepes, Lasagna, Fish & Chips, Tiramisu, Cannoli, and Parmigiana.
Hog Island Oyster Co. Petaluma
Founded in 1983, Hog Island Oyster Co. started with a mission to raise the highest quality, sustainable shellfish in the beautiful waters of Tomales Bay, CA. Initially farming a five-acre shellfish lease, the company now operates across 250 acres in Tomales and Humboldt Bays, growing all five edible oyster varieties of the Northern Hemisphere, as well as Manila clams. The secret to their oysters' amazing taste lies in the water they grow in and their careful farming techniques. From their hatchery in Humboldt Bay, where they cultivate Pacific and Kumamoto oysters, to their Marshall Farm in Tomales Bay—where they grow, harvest, and share their oysters—every step of the process is rooted in sustainable aquaculture. With a focus on quality and a philosophy they call “Bay to Bar,” to ensure that every oyster meets their high standards.
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So many great restaurants on this list, and I know it's hard to figure out where to start. We can assure you that you cannot go wrong with any of these options, depending on your food genre mood. Thank you for reading our blog and enjoy the good eats! Please contact us here with any real estate questions or needs.
Sincerely,
Our family- Team Johnson.
