Guy Fieri may be a household name across the country, but he’ll always be Santa Rosa’s native son. Sonoma County is where he launched his first restaurants and where his philanthropic spirit continues to shine. Still living and working in the area, Fieri is known for supporting fellow local restaurateurs — and giving them a national spotlight on his hit Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.”

For many, that kind of exposure brings a major boost in business and lasting recognition. If you’re visiting one of these featured spots, keep an eye out — Fieri’s flashy signature is often hidden somewhere inside, a fun little Easter egg for fans to discover.

La Texanita Restaurant, Santa Rosa

Craving an authentic taste for his “Global Grub” episode in season seven, Fieri went to La Texanita Restaurant in Santa Rosa. “So simple, but so good,” he said of the carne asada tacos. “I’m telling you something, there’s just nothing that can beat that handmade tortilla.” Some other Fieri favorites include the posole, sopes and huaraches. 1667 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-525-1905, latexanita.com

Taqueria Molcajetes, Santa Rosa

Fieri highlighted numerous dishes at Santa Rosa’s Taqueria Molcajetes for his “Regional Recipes” episode in season 29, including its signature Molcajete Mixto as well as the taquitos, burritos, tacos pastor and chile verde. He called this Mexican restaurant off West College Avenue “without question, one of the best Mexican food experiences I have ever had.” 1195 W College Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-544-8280

Hank’s Creekside Restaurant, Santa Rosa

The traditional breakfast and brunch spot Hank’s Creekside Restaurant in Santa Rosa was featured in the “House Specials” episode in season one. Fieri tried the blueberry pancakes with corn beef hash. “It’s basic, it’s simple, but it’s money,” he said. He also mentions the eggs Benedict and cinnamon-walnut French toast. 2800 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-575-8839, hanks-creekside.com

Simply Vietnam Express, Santa Rosa

Serving up the unique flavors of Vietnam, Santa Rosa’s Simply Vietnam Express was featured in the “Meaty Mashup” episode in season 29, where Fieri praised its combination pho. “Oh my goodness. It’s light, refreshing, but the depth of flavors is outstanding,” he said. “It’s everything I wanted it to be.” 3381 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-544-4585, simplyvietnamexpress.com

Zoftig Eatery, Santa Rosa

Featured on the “From Big Burgers to Little Italy” episode in season 29, Zoftig Eatery is a contemporary restaurant serving up healthy fare. Fieri tried the Korean burrito, stuffed with marinated Stemple Creek Ranch beef, house kimchi, brown rice and veggies. “I’m going to drown in my own drool,” he said before chomping down on the burrito. 57 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-521-9554, zoftigeatery.com

Cafe Citti, Santa Rosa

Before it moved locations from Kenwood to Santa Rosa, Fieri featured Cafe Citti in the “Bringin’ It Home” episode in season nine as well as the “Amazing Italian” episode in season 21. Fieri enjoyed the Italian trattoria’s classic Polenta ai Funghi Porcini, and he called the ravioli an “orchestra of flavors.” 2792 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-523-2690, cafecitti.com

Sunflower Caffe, Sonoma

Sonoma’s Sunflower Caffe, a popular breakfast destination, was featured in the “From Mozz to Matzo Balls” episode in season 11. Fieri sampled the borscht and feta lamb burger. “That’s like the [most] luscious lamb burger,” he said. “Seriously, one of the best I’ve tried.” 421 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-996-6645, sonomasunflower.com

Russian River Pub, Forestville

Russian River Pub is a regular go-to for Fieri, who first featured the restaurant in the “American Cookin’” episode in season one. Fieri’s favorite dishes include the pub burger, seared ahi tuna salad and beef tri-tip sandwich. But it’s the crispy, juicy chicken wings that he calls “some of the best-tasting wings in the nation.” Fieri featured the pub again in the “Takeout: Bold Bites Brought Home” episode in season 32, and a third time in the Triple D Nation spinoff in the “California Comfort” episode. 11829 River Road, Forestville, 707-887-7932, russianriverpub.com

Catelli’s, Geyserville

Catelli’s was featured in the “Bar Food and Bon Bons” episode in season 12. Fieri said the ravioli, made in-house from scratch, was “memorably great” and he couldn’t get enough of the beef meatball sliders. Fieri featured the California-inspired Italian restaurant in three other episodes of “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” and its spinoff show “Triple D Nation.” 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-857-3471, mycatellis.com

Changed concepts and/or management

Cochon Volant BBQ Smoke House (now Il Fuoco Pizza), Sonoma

Also featured in the “Meaty Mashup” episode was Sonoma’s former Cochon Volant BBQ Smoke House (now Il Fuoco Pizza). Fieri praised the spicy fried chicken, calling it “a chef’s fried chicken.” He also has a namesake dish on the menu — the WTF (What The Fieri) Burger — a seared beef patty topped with 14-hour smoked brisket, smoked pork shoulder, house-cured maple bacon, a fried chipotle pork cake, cheddar cheese and housemade barbecue sauce. While Cochon Volant switched to pizza-focused Il Fuoco in 2021, chef Rob Larman still offers catering and serves barbecue during weekend pop-ups at the restaurant. 18350 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-509-5480, cochonvolantbbq.com, ilfuocopizza.com

Willie Bird’s Restaurant (now The Bird), Santa Rosa

Known for serving up turkey in a wide variety of ways, Willie Bird’s (now The Bird) was featured on the “Talkin’ Turkey” episode in season two. Fieri was impressed with the turkey stroganoff served in a creamy sauce with sautéed mushrooms.

The Santa Rosa Avenue restaurant closed in 2021, sold to new owners and was then reborn as The Bird in Rincon Valley, featuring a revamped yet still turkey-centric menu. The original location is now a Mountain Mike’s Pizza. 4776 Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa, 707-542-0861, thebirdrestaurant.com

Jimtown Store (now Jimtown and Then Sum), Healdsburg

In the “Porktastic” episode in season 11, Fieri featured Healdsburg’s historic Jimtown Store, a quaint café in a rustic country store tucked away in the vineyards of Alexander Valley. “Big, deep flavor in the brisket,” Fieri said of the smoked brisket sandwich. “Sauce is no joke, you get that little back kick of the bourbon.”

Jimtown Store closed at the end of 2019 and reopened as Jimtown and Then Sum in June 2025 under chef Michelle Wood. The reimagined Jimtown now focuses on dim sum as well as spring rolls, poke bowls, banh mi and traditional deli sandwiches. Jimtown remains a fitting eatery for the “Poktastic” episode, as our dining editor loves the pork shumai and barbecue pork bao buns on the current menu. 6706 Highway 128, Healdsburg, 707-756-5022, jimtown.com

Closed

Worth Our Weight (Now Closed), Santa Rosa

The nonprofit Worth Our Weight culinary training program and bistro (located on Hahman Drive where Pascaline French Bistro is now) was featured in the “Funky Finds” episode in season 11. Fieri noted it as a “one-of-a-kind experience,” and the Guy Fieri Foundation donated a pretzel cart to the culinary program/restaurant. Worth Our Weight executive director Evelyn Cheatham announced the closing of the culinary training program for at-risk young adults in 2018 after struggling to find funding. Cheatham died in November 2019.

Johnny Garlic’s (Now Closed), Santa Rosa

Before it closed in 2018, Fieri featured his own restaurant in the “Unexpected Eats” episode in season 14. The restaurant had a fusion of Mexican, Italian, Asian and Cajun dishes on the menu, and on his show Fieri highlighted the eatery’s Sashimi Won Tacos dressed in eel sauce, which won gold at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair.

Zazu Kitchen + Farm (Now Closed), Sebastopol

Farm-to-table establishment Zazu Kitchen + Farm was featured on the “From Sandwiches to Stroganoff” episode in season 29. Fieri loved the Bacon-in-the-Batter Waffle along with the quality, freshness and portion sizes of the restaurant’s dishes. Zazu closed in 2019 after a flood damaged the restaurant and surrounding businesses in Sebastopol’s The Barlow. Owners Duskie Estes and John Stewart continue to operate their Black Pig Meat Co. food truck and catering business.

Schellville Grill (Now Closed), Sonoma

Sonoma’s Schellville Grill was featured on the “Grilled, Smoked and Sauced” episode in season nine. Fieri tried the buckaroo sandwich with Mexican Achoté chicken on a brioche roll and the tri-tip sandwich smothered in a special barbecue sauce. It had “the right amount of smoke,” he said. Schellville Grill owner Matthew Nagan sold the restaurant in 2020.

The post Guy Fieri’s Favorite Sonoma County Restaurants appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

In temperate Sonoma County, it’s rare to find a dining spot without a lovely patio or sidewalk seating. Still, a few standouts truly shine at offering stellar outdoor spaces alongside great food.

Here are my picks for shaded patios, prime sidewalk people-watching and sun-dappled gardens worth seeking out. As someone prone to severe sunburn, I’ve included a “shade score” to indicate how much coverage you can expect from umbrellas and other shade sources.

Santa Rosa

Mitote Food Park

Set in the heart of the predominantly Latino community of Roseland, this happy gathering of food trucks features the flavors of Oaxaca, Jalisco, Michoacan, Yucatán, and Mexico City. There’s also a vibrant al fresco bar and live music with fully-tented sun coverage. Shade score: 9/10. 100 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, mitotefoodpark.com

Spinster Sisters

This outdoor garden is all about wide-open spaces in an urban setting. Enjoy supper and wine beneath colorful sails and twinkling lights. Charming bistro tables and retro picnic benches covered by floral oilcloth match the creative vibe of the SOFA (South of A Street) neighborhood. Shade score: 6/10. 401 South A St., Santa Rosa, 707-528-7100, thespinstersisters.com

Windsor

Grata

This Windsor restaurant serves up neighborhood Italian fare on a semi-enclosed patio with plenty of shady spots and cool breezes. The tiny tables aren’t ideal, but the risotto more than makes up for it. Shade score: 8/10. 186 Windsor River Road, Windsor, 707-620-0508, gratawindsor.com

Sonoma Valley

Sunflower Caffe

This longtime breakfast, brunch and lunch café has a secret — it’s shaded back patio features a sunny oasis decorated in cheery yellow hues. Surrounded by old oaks and topped with a weather-resistant pergola, it’s ready for almost any season. Best bites include their breakfast biscuit, passion fruit coconut waffle and kale chicken Caesar salad, along with wellness shots and mimosas. Shade score 9/10. 421 First St., Sonoma, sonomasunflower.com

Salt & Stone

Outdoor tables (with umbrellas) surround a tranquil lily pond and at night, twinkle lights give off a soft glow, making this a favorite romantic rendezvous in Kenwood. Solid American classic cuisine with a full bar. Shade score 4/10. 9900 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-6326, saltstonekenwood.com

Valley Swim Club

This seafood-centric restaurant has no indoor seating, so the year-round outdoor space is well-covered with retro-chic furniture and comfy bench seats. Oversize striped umbrellas create a shaded oasis for yard seating. Shade Score: 9/10. 18709 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-243-3032, valleyswim.club

El Dorado Kitchen

A private courtyard and pool transport you from the busy downtown square to a restful retreat. Excellent Cal-Italian food and craft cocktails compliment the intimate space. Shade Score: 7/10. 405 First St. West, Sonoma, 707-996-3030, eldoradosonoma.com

The Girl & the Fig

Large umbrellas and sunshades cover the enclosed patio space that’s a world away from the daily grind. Casual French cuisine with a full cocktail bar and friendly service. Shade Score: 7/10. 110 West Spain St., Sonoma, 707-938-3634, thegirlandthefig.com

Sebastopol

Handline

Shoji screen-style windows open wide to let cool breezes flow through the restaurant, but the tented patio remains a favorite for families and pets. A newly added children’s area nearby helps keep little ones entertained. Creamy soft serve is a nostalgic nod to the restaurant’s past as a Foster Freeze. Shade score: 9/10. 935 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, handline.com

Khom Loi

It’s the best of both worlds — indoor while feeling like you’re outdoor — at this popular Thai restaurant. Enclosed on three sides with a soaring atrium, the space lets in the breeze while keeping you out of direct sunlight. Ramen Gaijin’s chef team brings their love of Thailand’s sweet, salty, sour and fragrant cuisine to Sebastopol with style. Shade score: 10/10. 7385 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol, 707-329-6917, khomloisonoma.com

Wild Poppy

The rambling outdoor patio of this offbeat Sebastopol roadhouse has always been a magical place, full of nooks, crannies and hidden spaces to explore. Despite plenty of umbrellas, it can be hard to find complete shade on extra hot days, but a quiet ledge overlooking the creek offers leafy coverage. Don’t miss the Cosmic Queso! Shade score: 7/10. 9890 Bodega Highway, Sebastopol, 707-503-6332, thewildpoppycafe.com

Petaluma

Brewsters Beer Garden

Everyone’s welcome (including your pup) at this indoor-outdoor destination. Excellent barbecue and burgers, mostly California-made beers on tap and cocktails. Live music can get a little loud if you’re trying to converse, but after a few beers, who cares? Shade Score: 7/10. 229 N. Water St., Petaluma, 707-981-8330, brewstersbeergarden.com

Water Street Bistro

Rise and shine on the riverfront with excellent morning pastries, sandwiches and salads at this cozy French bistro. You can’t get much closer to the river action than this. Shade score: 5/10. 100 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, 707-763-9563, waterstreetbistropetaluma.com

Healdsburg

Acorn Cafe

The former Oakville Grocery has plenty of patio seating, complete with a cozy fireplace for chilly mornings. It’s great for well-behaved dogs and kids, or even not-so-well-behaved adults. I love their over-the-top takes on breakfast, brunch and lunch. The lineup includes tiramisu French toast, a brown butter hollandaise Benedict and quite possibly the world’s most inspired fried chicken sandwich. A tasty low- and no-alcohol cocktail menu and an inspired wine list create a Sunday brunch vibe even on weekday mornings. Shade score: 7/10. 124 Matheson St., Healdsburg, acornhealdsburg.com

The Rooftop at Harmon Guest House

Take in views of Fitch Mountain, the Mayacamas range and downtown Healdsburg while you nosh on small bites and casual dishes. Full bar, plus some excellent wines. Shade score: 6/10. 227 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-922-5449, harmonguesthouse.com

Olive Terrace at Montage Resort

Perched high above the Alexander Valley, the Olive Terrace at Montage’s Hazel Hill restaurant overlooks vineyards and hundreds of acres of open landscape. It also comes with cozy rocking chairs and fire pits. The menus offer both small bites and hearty dishes. Order craft cocktails at the adjacent Scout Field Bar. Shade score: 6/10. 100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, montagehotels.com/healdsburg

Roof 106

Chef Dustin Valette’s ambitious venture is a multistory building with The Matheson restaurant on the ground level, a mezzanine overlooking the restaurant for private events and a rooftop lounge, Roof 106. The rooftop lounge has a more casual indoor-outdoor setting with craft cocktails, small plates and seasonal flatbreads from a custom 3,800-pound wood-fired Mugnaini oven. Shade Score: 8/10. 106 Matheson St., Healdsburg, thematheson.com

Bravas Bar de Tapas

“Jamon In,” reads the neon arrow pointing to the patio that Healdsburgers flock to every summer. Sangria, paella, Spanish tapas and plenty of gossip are what you’ll find at this popular watering hole and restaurant. Shade score: 7/10. 420 Center St., Healdsburg, starkrestaurants.com

Healdsburg Bar & Grill

Known to locals as HBG, this buzzing American eatery serves up comfort classics like macaroni and cheese, grilled fish tacos, fried chicken and the classic HBG burger. The fenced patio offers space for kids to roam. Don’t miss the okonomiyaki tots! Shade score: 7/10. 245 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, healdsburgbarandgrill.com

Occidental

Altamont General Store

The outdoor space is the perfect addition to this eclectic café and market. Umbrella-covered tables plus a grassy knoll for cartwheels on cool summer evenings. Shade score: 5/10. 3703 Main St., Occidental, altamontgeneralstore.com

Geyserville

Catelli’s

Lasagna with paper-thin layers of pasta and a tried-and-true meat sauce is a signature dish worth the trip north. Chef Domenica Catelli is one of Sonoma County’s bright lights, committed to using the best local ingredients. The expansive outdoor area with black and white tiles is iconic — and one of the best event spaces in Sonoma County. Shade score: 6/10. 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, mycatellis.com

Diavola

You’ll swear you’re in Italy at this temple of charcuterie, wood-fired pizza and unmatched pasta entrées. The cheeky hanging laundry that lines the walkway to the back patio completes the experience. Shade score: 9/10. 21021 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, diavolapizzeria.com

Sonoma Coast

Fishetarian

This is as about as close as it gets to eating on the water. Though it’s less than fancy and you’ll get a snoot full of low tide from time to time, the casual picnic tables and chill vibe make it a fave. Shade score 3/10. 599 Highway 1 S. at Lucas Wharf, Bodega Bay, 707-875-9092, fishetarianfishmarket.com

Fisherman’s Cove

This no-nonsense family-owned seafood shack and fishing-marine supply store specializes in fresh local oysters harvested from Tomales Bay. The crab sandwich rivals nearby Spud Point. Shade score: 4/10. 1850 Bay Flat Road, Bodega Bay, 707-377-4238, fishermanscovebodegabay.com

Rocker’s Roadhouse

There’s often live music and dancing on the large back patio of this funky eatery and saloon in the historic Valley Ford Hotel. A mix of local oysters and Southern-influenced comfort foods using local ingredients make this a top stop. Shade score: 8/10. 14415 Highway 1, Valley Ford, rockeroysterfellers.com

You can reach Dining Editor Heather Irwin at heather.irwin@pressdemocrat.com. Follow Heather on Instagram @biteclubeats.

The post 25 Best Outdoor Dining Spots in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Of the hundreds of amazing restaurants in Sonoma County, around 20 stand out as the best-of-the-best destinations for newcomers. Some are fancy, some are decidedly not, but they all share a focus on local ingredients, friendly service and sense-of-place dining that define what it is to eat in this mecca of taste.

Dry Creek General Store

Smack dab in the heart of the Dry Creek Valley, this historic general store surrounded by vineyards is pure Sonoma County. Head in for upscale picnic provisions, ridiculously good sandwiches, fresh-from-the-garden fruit and take-home treats. 3495 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-4171, drycreekgeneralstore1881.com

Roof 106/The Matheson

This multi-concept eatery from stellar chef Dustin Valette is Healdsburg in a nutshell. Downstairs, head to the wine wall, where you can serve yourself some of the best juice in Wine Country. The upscale Matheson features creative California cuisine, while the casual Roof 106 offers a terrific indoor-outdoor patio, views of the downtown plaza and excellent pizza. 106 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707-723-1106, thematheson.com

Catelli’s

This Italian trattoria has served up swoon-worthy lasagna, ravioli and spaghetti for generations. Chef Domenica Catelli has kicked up the classic recipes with fresh flavors, farm-to-table ingredients and a whole lot of love. The outdoor patio is stunning, and you won’t go home hungry. 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-857-3471, mycatellis.com

Geyserville Gun Club

A favorite among off-duty chefs and in-the-know locals, this former gun club is actually a full service bar with ridiculously good food. It is a sister to the critically-acclaimed Diavola Pizzeria and Salumeria (also in Geyserville). The menu is snacky and delicious and the drinks are no joke. Don’t miss the pink bathroom. 21025 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-814-0036, geyservillegunclub.com

El Molino Central

Homemade tortillas — not just from prepared masa, but from their own soaked and milled corn — showcase the passion for authenticity at this Sonoma-adjacent taqueria. Best bets include beer-battered fish tacos and take-home salsas. 11 Central Ave., Sonoma, 707-939-1010, elmolinocentral.com

Girl and the Fig

This Sonoma Plaza bistro has been a required stop for travelers for more than 30 years. French with a California twist, it’s never stuffy and always a treat. We’re fans of the signature fig and arugula salad, steak frites and steamed mussels. A full bar includes “sorbet sippers” like the In Ernest with lemon-lime and orange sorbet, rum, Luxardo and brandied cherries. Plus a stunning wine list. 110 West Spain St., Sonoma, 707-938-3634, thegirlandthefig.com

Glen Ellen Star

A wood-fired oven is the beating heart of this Sonoma Valley restaurant that’s a favorite among locals and savvy visitors, who make their way to the tiny hamlet. Whole roasted fish, wood roasted seasonal vegetables, pizzas and brick chicken are classics. 13648 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-343-1384, glenellenstar.com

Americana

Farm-to-table breakfasts from the owners of Valley Ford’s Estero Cafe (which you should also check out). Favorites include fried chicken with country gravy, omelets, a lovely breakfast sandwich with Estero Gold cheese on a fresh ciabatta, yogurt parfait and pancakes with tasty fresh strawberry mimosas. 205 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-755-1548, americanasr.com

Mitote Food Park

This food park in the heart of Roseland showcases best-in-class taco trucks along with churros and a full bar. Celebrating Latino heritage and culture, it’s a delicious way to experience an oft-overlooked but vibrant part of Sonoma County. 100 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, mitotefoodpark.com

Willi’s Wine Bar

Perhaps the most Wine Country restaurant of them all, this international small-plates wine bar is a required pilgrimage. One of seven Sonoma County restaurants owned by Chef Mark Stark and his wife, Terri, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the curried crab tacos are a favorite. 1415 Town and Country Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-526-3096, williswinebar.net

The Shuckery

The Lalicker sisters, aka the Oyster Girls, are the brains (and brawn) behind this Petaluma seafood restaurant. You’re here for the oysters (raw, Rockefeller, barbecue, Bingo or chef’s special) or tender clams with grilled Della Fattoria bread to sop up the sauce. 100 Washington St., Petaluma, 707-981-7891, theshuckeryca.com

Stockhome

This couple-owned cafe focuses on Swedish comfort foods like pickled herring and meatballs with gravy an lingonberry jam, along with kebab plates, a popular late night snack in Sweden, and small meze plates (fried Halloumi cheese is amazing). 220 Western Ave., Petaluma, 707-981-8511, stockhomepetaluma.com

The Barlow

This outdoor marketplace is a hub for Sonoma County makers, wineries, restaurants, craft brewers and taste innovators. From pizza, tacos and grilled cheese to upscale Southern dining and a distillery, it’s an eater’s paradise. Region wine bar offers more than 50 small-production wines from self-serve vending machines and you can order food from nearby restaurants to eat on their patio. 6770 McKinley St., 707-824-5600, thebarlow.net

Handline

Pairing sustainably sourced seafood with locally grown produce (much of it from the restaurant’s own backyard), Handline is a locals’ favorite. The large patio is perfect for chowing down on rockfish tacos, best-of-class burgers, and soft serve ice cream. Make sure to try any of their vegetarian plates because they’re always unbelievably good. 935 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, handline.com

Ramen Gaijin

This casual izakaya, from chefs Matthew Williams and Moishe Hahn-Schuman, grew from a tiny pop-up restaurant to one of the most celebrated ramen shops in Sonoma County. Handmade noodles are top notch. 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707-827-3609, ramengaijin.com

Boon Eat + Drink

West Sonoma County isn’t always on the itinerary. But the drive through vineyards, redwood groves and along the Russian River offers a whole other side of Wine Country. Downtown Guerneville has plenty to offer, too, but Chef Crista Luedke’s casual bistro gets directly to the heart of Sonoma County’s farm-to-table ethos. 16248 Main St., Guerneville, 707-869-0780, eatatboon.com

Rocker’s Roadhouse

Southern comfort food meets California coastal cuisine means next-level, Cajun-seasoned Dungeness crab cakes with a remoulade sauce, beer-battered rock cod fish tacos and barbecued Tomales Bay oysters (get the Louisiana hot oysters for a tantalizing taste of southern heat). Also look for Rocker Oysterfeller’s location in Bodega Bay (595 Highway 1), which has taken over the former Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant space. 14415 Highway 1, Valley Ford, 707-876-1983, rockeroysterfellers.com 

Spud Point Crab Company

You may have to wait in line, but it’s worth it for the piled-high crab sandwich with their signature sauce and the garlicky clam chowder is second-to-none. Throw in an order of crab cakes with roasted red pepper sauce before they sell out (only available on weekends). 1910 Westshore Road, Bodega Bay, 707-875-9472, spudpointcrabco.com

Fisherman’s Cove

When a seafood shack doubles as a bait and tackle shop, you know the restaurant means business with its locally sourced seafood dishes. Go for the grilled oysters with garlic butter and wasabi cocktail sauce and crab sandwich with loads of fresh Dungeness crab on toasted ciabatta bread. 1850 Bay Flat Road, Bodega Bay, 707-377-4238, fishermanscovebodegabay.com

The post 19 Best Restaurants for Newcomers to Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

An article in Food Republic, an online industry publication founded by chef Marcus Samuelsson, offered this advice: “It’s a general rule of thumb that diners should leave a restaurant within 15 minutes of getting the check, otherwise, it’s considered a form of overstaying your welcome.”

For decades, most restaurant owners have seen profit in turnover, seating as many guests as possible — packing their spaces to keep kitchens busy and servers earning tips. Too many people hanging out at tables for too long cuts into the bottom line in an industry where profits are measured in pennies.

In Sonoma County, however, other restaurant owners play the long game. Instead of rushing guests out the door, they’re building community, embracing a philosophy that advocates for the need for “third places.” The term, coined by urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book, “The Great Good Place,” refers to places other than home and work where people go to gather and socialize with others.

Allowing guests to linger is likely driven by economic concerns, says California Restaurant Association President and CEO Jot Condie. He says that restaurants face more competition than ever as customers tighten their wallets. As the competitive landscape tightens, restaurant owners look for ways to stand out from the crowd.

“As customers are dialing back at table-service restaurants, building an experience is critical,” Condie says. “The restaurants are investing more into differentiating themselves, in hopes that people maybe stick around longer, but certainly come back again.”

Sonoma County diners can witness a range of responses to this trend, from displays of board games and books to borrow, to seating guests at long community tables, to trivia nights, live music and dance parties. At Altamont General Store in Occidental, co-owners Jenay and Andzia Hofftin offer a mix of experiences.

“Our motto is ‘eat, shop, gather,’” Jenay says. “That was our business model before the pandemic, and when we finally were able to reopen, the ‘gather’ became even more important, since we felt there was really no place to hang out in Occidental and meet a friend and chat over good food and fun.”

Altamont General Store guests can spin vintage vinyl on an antique turntable, browse culinary and art books while lounging on a sofa, take a craft workshop, or kick back with live music on Friday nights in summer in the Yard, a family-friendly outdoor lounge. Some Saturday nights, even bigger bands tour through.

As parents of young children, the Hofftins also focus on creating community for younger guests. The Yard has fun toys plus an oversized Connect Four to play and a boulder to climb on. “That allows parents to have a whole cappuccino or a whole glass of wine or at least five bites of food without having to worry,” says Andzia. “I’m from Hawaii, and we do long, extended family gatherings, so it feels really natural to extend that into our space.”

At Little Saint in Healdsburg, guests relax in comfy wicker chairs on the front patio, leisurely sipping pour-over coffees, and sharing little bits of tofu scramble tacos with their canine companions. The adjacent two-story barn-style building is designed with lots of nooks and corner retreats for guests to hang out.

“We like to call ourselves Healdsburg’s living room,” says director of events and marketing Sara Beckstead. “It’s just a natural setting to sit and connect.”

On Thursday nights, free live music shows take over the restaurant’s upper level, and there are also ticketed events, like a recent screening of a Wendell Berry documentary, along with a panel discussion with the film’s producers about the life of the legendary author and farmer.

“We’re trying to do as much programming as we can that’s relevant to our farming and lifestyle mission and what Sonoma County stands for,” says Little Saint executive director Jenny Hess. “Diverse programming also brings in new audiences… Maybe they come because their favorite band is playing, but once they’re here, they experience our food, enjoy a cocktail, and suddenly, we have a new regular in our world.”

That’s an understandable strategy, says the CRA’s Jot Condie. “You want a line of customers out the door — that helps the environment and sense of community that you get with that dull roar of a conversation in the background and clinking glasses.”

New ideas are constantly being hatched. Successful restaurant owners observe their guests’ habits and cultivate new programming with new ways to connect. Valley Swim Club in Sonoma hosts popular movie nights, queer-friendly line-dancing and a holiday market. Twin Oaks Roadhouse in Penngrove has a raucous trivia night, as does the Goose & Fern in Santa Rosa. Brigitte Bistro in Petaluma invites guests to play for the room on their baby grand piano. And casual roadhouses like Brewster’s Beer Garden in Petaluma and HopMonk Tavern in Sonoma and Sebastopol, have built their reputations on live music along with great pub food.

“Of course, it’s an investment to offer all these things,” says Jenny Hess. “Sure, we would love for people to be eating and drinking the whole time they’re sitting around, but we can’t expect that, and we’re OK with it. This is a deliberate investment — an investment in community goodwill. The more positive experiences that people feel at Little Saint, the more likely they are to return.”

“We want it to be a great place for people to hang out with friends, and then they all want to come back again and again. They do come back, so it works well for us.”

Little Saint: 25 North St., Healdsburg. 707-433-8207, littlesainthealdsburg.com

Altamont General Store: 3703 Main St., Occidental. 707-874-6053, altamontgeneral.com

The post These Sonoma County Restaurants Encourage Guests to Stay Awhile appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Oh hummus, we have done you so wrong. The staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, made with humble chickpeas, olive oil and tahini, never deserved to be made into “brownie batter” flavor. But the many, many ways hummus has entered into our everyday lives also has brought us closer to other flavors of countries like Greece, Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Israel, Iraq, Iran and many others.

Once all but impossible to find in Sonoma County — or really even outside large cities or pockets of immigrant communities — spices like saffron, sumac, cinnamon, cumin and turmeric are becoming more common in local fare. Tzatziki sits next to onion dip at Trader Joe’s. Pitas are just as popular filled with peanut butter and jelly as they are with falafel.

With the appearance of several Middle Eastern restaurant newcomers on the local dining scene, it seemed time to honor some of our favorite haunts for hummus and the many other dishes of this vast culinary landscape. And while lumping together the rich cuisines of each region and country under a single banner is as silly as saying American food consists only of hamburgers, hot dogs and apple pie, it all has to start with a common thread that’s universally understood.

So we’ll plant a flag with hummus and go from there, because everyone loves a good hummus. In addition to some best bets, each restaurant will get a hummus score from 1 (not great) to 5 (awesome). And we promise, no brownie batter hummus will be included.

Success stories

Kalimera Bar & Grill: Earlier this year, Grill Santa Rosa was notified to leave Santa Rosa Plaza where it had been serving well-crafted Mediterranean fare since 2021. But with family and community support, chef and owner Ilyas Kara revived his restaurant at the Brickyard Center with the same menu and new name: Kalimera Bar & Grill. Go for the cold mezze plate, a sampling of hummus, baba ganoush (roasted eggplant dip), tabbouleh, tzatziki, dolmas, grilled pita and crisp falafel. It’s plenty big for sharing. Hummus: 4. 458 B St., Santa Rosa, 707-308-4928, kalimerabarandgrill.com

Spread Kitchen: Opened in 2022 in the former Sonoma Eats location in Boyes Hot Springs, this Lebanese-inspired restaurant from chef-owner Cristina Topham has garnered a devoted following. The San Francisco Chronicle recently called Spread “one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in the Bay Area.” There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options in addition to traditional staples like lamb kofta and turmeric chicken in a lavash wrap. Go for an array of mezzes, such as the quinoa tabbouleh, falafel with green tahini sauce and za’atar fries with toum, an irresistible creamy whipped garlic sauce. Hummus: 5. 18375 Highway 12, Sonoma, 707-721-1256, spreadkitchensonoma.com

Falafel Hut: This longtime San Rafael favorite opened in downtown Santa Rosa (in the former Gerard’s Paella location) in 2021. The falafel is off-the-charts tasty, and we loved the kibbie (ground lamb and bulgur wheat with a gentle cinnamon spice). The chicken shawarma was only pretty good with minimal seasoning when the restaurant first started off, but now it’s excellent and bursting with flavor. Hummus: 4. 701 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-237-7010, falafelhut2.com

Gold standards

King Falafel: This hidden gem is probably the best falafel spot in Sonoma County. It’s exactly the kind of no-frills eatery that focuses on what it does best — falafel. Go for the King falafel where you can choose toppings including pickles, eggplant, tahini, red shatta, tzatziki or tabbouleh. Hummus: 4. 100 Brown St., Suite 150, Sebastopol, 707-824-4800

Sam’s Mediterranean: You won’t stumble on this out-of-the-way deli unless you spend a lot of time cruising quiet office parks looking for hole-in-the-wall lunch spots. Thankfully, I do, and this charming little place is a Middle Eastern treasure. Their panini-style chicken shawarma wraps are a delicious entry point, with gently spiced meat and melted cheese. It comes with garlic and hot sauces and a Greek salad. Hummus: 4. 613 Martin Ave., Suite 111, Rohnert Park, 707-584-0220, samsmeddeli.com

Real Doner: Here’s another stunner that has stood the test of time. We’re especially fond of the doner wraps — long rolls of lavash bread with sliced meat or kebab snuggled inside. We also love the Pink Sultan, a roasted beet and yogurt dip. Hummus: 5. 307 F St., Petaluma, 707-765-9555, realdoner.net

More than Middle Eastern

Fourth Street Market and Deli: This local sandwich shop makes a mean tabbouleh, and it’s the only spot I’ve found for mujadara, an addictive lentil and caramelized onion dish. Hummus: 4. 300 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-573-9832, fourthstreetdeli.com

East West Cafe: I’ve often given this local charmer short shrift after a couple of long-ago disappointments. Since then, however, I’ve been really impressed with the chicken shawarma and vegetarian mezze plate. Hummus: 4. 557 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa, 707-546-6142, eastwestcafesantarosa.com

Elevated

Stockhome: The Swedish cuisine here also includes influences of Turkish street food that’s common in Sweden, but part of the menu sets aside meatballs and lingonberries for kebabs, pita-wrapped falafel, fattoush salad and saffron rice. The eggplant dip is out of this world, and the grilled halloumi pita is equally amazing. Hummus: 5. 220 Western Ave., Petaluma, 707-981-8511, stockhomepetaluma.com

Pearl: This chef-run restaurant takes inspiration from the flavors of the Middle East and turns them into memorable meals. Dishes change up, but the picnic plate with tabbouleh, hummus, labneh and fresh pita is required. We also love the Persian meatball tagine with herbed yogurt, lamb burger and shakshuka, a brunchy dish with spiced tomato stew and eggs. Moroccan rice pudding is a perfect, perfumed ending. Hummus: 5. 500 First St., Petaluma, 707-559-5187, pearlpetaluma.com

Grossman’s: This Jewish-style deli focuses on a wide variety of dishes, from latkes to zhug. We love the nuanced falafel that don’t hit your stomach like a bomb, baby artichokes with labneh and sumac, quinoa tabbouleh and, yes, I’m going to say it again because I eat it so much, the Sabich platter with fried eggplant, falafel, tahina and amba, a sauce made with pickled mangoes. Hummus: 5. 308 Wilson St., Santa Rosa, 707-595-7707, grossmanssr.com

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Whether you’re craving a burger with a view or a family-friendly patio with a place for the kids to play, these two restaurants — Jilly’s and Cock Robin — have found their footing after opening in early 2025. Here’s what’s working on their menus.

Jilly’s Real Food Roadhouse

On sunny days, sitting on the rustic patio outside Jilly’s Real Food Roadhouse in Jenner is a Zen moment. There’s a commanding bird’s-eye view of the Russian River as it makes its final bend toward the Pacific Ocean. Owner Jill Lippitt adds warmth to the unadorned restaurant, stopping by each table to greet guests and share her colorful history as a local community organizer and spiritual teacher.

Lippitt took over the former Russian House #1 after co-owners Tatiana Ginzburg, Tatiana Urusova and Polina Krasikova lost their lease on the experimental, pay-what-you-want restaurant and spiritual center that was a head-scratcher to most, but a secret gem to its fans. Jilly’s Real Food Roadhouse quietly opened in late 2024 with a menu of weekly specials from barbecue to rice noodle bowls.

The menu has settled under chef Tommy Hickox, featuring diner-style smashburgers with caramelized onion jam and special sauce ($14 single, $18 double), buttermilk fried chicken ($15 plate with coleslaw and fries, $22 sandwich with slaw), barbecue brisket sandwich ($22) and fresh-cut fries cooked in beef tallow ($6). I’m not typically a fan of fries made in-house because the texture can be unpredictable (some overcooked, some undercooked), and most chefs opt for the simplicity of premade frozen fries. Even Michelin-starred chefs opt for Sysco food service versions for their consistency and value. I’m assured, however, that Jilly’s fries have improved since my last visit.

In May, the roadhouse began serving brunch with a classic lineup of eggs Benedict ($18), veggie scrambled eggs ($16), buttermilk pancakes ($13) and biscuits and pork sausage gravy ($10).

On cool days, plenty of tables are inside, and the vibe is come-as-you-are, with blue-checkered tablecloths and homespun adornment. Large windows offer million-dollar views overlooking the river and nearby hillsides, all the décor you need.

Beer and wine are available, along with ciders and other beverages in a refrigerated case by the door. Brunch is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Lunch and dinner are from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Monday. 9960 Highway 1, Jenner, 707-756-0119.

Cock Robin

Though it opened in late 2024, this fast-casual burger and fried chicken restaurant, spearheaded by Barlow owner Barney Aldridge and former Easy Rider chef Jared Rogers, needed time to settle before I was ready to say much about it.

The sprawling 4,000-square-foot space at the corner of Highway 12 and Morris Street in Sebastopol replaced Seismic Brewing. It’s an homage to one of Aldridge’s favorite childhood restaurants in Naperville, Illinois. At first blush, it seemed a sure-fire winner for the 12-acre outdoor marketplace. Value-oriented dishes like a $9.95 single-patty burger are in line with other fast-casual restaurants like In-N-Out.

Long lines and subpar food at its opening were a stumbling block, but several dishes have improved, including the Classic Robin ($9.95), a well-done beef patty with American cheese, special sauce, tomatoes, shaved onion and shredded iceberg lettuce. Also good were the Wisconsin Burger ($15.95), with fried cheese curds from nearby William Cofield and tomato pork jam, and the Crispy Chicken Sandwich ($13.95), with bacon, avocado, pepper Jack cheese and a kick of Frank’s RedHot sauce. Milkshakes are also solid.

Skip the dipping sauces. French fries are served with a bitter pistachio Romesco sauce that’s all wrong for the fast-casual vibe (please, just use Heinz), and the ranch dressing is so appalling I mentioned it to the staff, asking why they didn’t use the amazing housemade ranch from nearby Acre Pizza, just steps away. Hopefully, things will continue improving because the location is excellent, and a good burger is always a good thing. 6700 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707-503-6466, cockrobin.com

You can reach Dining Editor Heather Irwin at heather.irwin@pressdemocrat.com. Follow Heather on Instagram @biteclubeats.

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It’s no secret that Sonoma County is a hotbed of divine cuisine. From world-renowned, Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden gem favorites, one could throw a rock in any direction and stumble upon a worthy eatery. With a vast culinary pool to pull from, our dining editor was tasked with finding the best, must-try local dishes — and these eats do not disappoint.

Barbecue

A&M BBQ

Barbecue powerhouses Kris Austin and Marvin McKinzy teamed up last year for the ultimate Texas ‘cue in Sebastopol. The line can snake out the door, and sometimes they sell out, so it’s good to get there early. “We don’t try to cover up the meat with sauce, so you can taste the time we put into it,” says Austin. 495 S. Main St.,
Sebastopol, 707-888-1315, ambbqllc.com

Ten-Layer Lasagna

Catelli’s

You can literally read a newspaper through each layer of super-thin pasta going into the dish. A family recipe that’s been refined over the years, it has a three-cheese filling of creamy Bellwether Farms ricotta, goat cheese and aged Parmesan. 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-857-3471, mycatellis.com

Whole Roasted Branzino

Glen Ellen Star

Just about anything from chef Ari Weiswasser’s wood-fired oven is pretty magical, but the flaky, crispy whole roasted fish rises above, especially when served with shaved fennel, preserved lemon and tomato-y romesco sauce. 13648 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-343-1384, glenellenstar.com

Perfect Breakfasts

Willow Wood Market Café

Since 1995, this charming spot has welcomed west county neighbors for excellent French folded eggs with fontina and basil, or golden polenta crowned with exquisite poached eggs and crispy prosciutto. 9020 Graton Road, Graton, 707-823-0233, willowwoodgraton.com

Lamb Chops

Willi’s Wine Bar

This Santa Rosa institution is a not-so-secret clubhouse for many of the county’s movers and shakers, an office away from home. Lamb chops are just one of the many small-plates favorites here, along with curried crab tacos and roasted carrots. 1415 Town and Country Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-526-3096, starkrestaurants.com

Jok Porridge

Jam’s Joy Bungalow

We’re special fans of this morning hangover helper: a tummy filling rice porridge with spicy ginger, herbs, fried shallots, a custardy 6-minute egg, and khao man gai sauce, a traditional Thai street-food favorite. You’ll never look at oatmeal the same way again. While the storefronts have closed, Jam’s Joy Bungalow offers catering for all types of events, as well as occasional pop-ups around the county. Reach out on Instagram for more details. 707-843-9001, jamsjoybungalow.com

Blue corn tacos

Quiote

Handmade blue corn tortillas topped with fresh rock cod, cochinita pibil with pickled onions, or al pastor and salsa verde, always make our “best tacos” list. Add a side of guacamole with serrano chiles and crispy raspadas or brothy Rancho Gordo beans to get the full experience. 121 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-774 -6130, quiotemx.com

Pizza

Psychic Pie

Rectangular, Roman-style pizza with a fermented sourdough crust is served by the inch (you tell them how much you want) at this casual slice house in Sebastopol. The picks switch up weekly, and there are always veggie and vegan types in addition to meatier options. New this winter? They’re trying out round pies every once in a while — what a concept! 980 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-6032, psychicpie.com

The post 8 Must-Try Dishes in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Sonoma County boasts some of the best cuisine around — thanks in part to our bountiful agriculture industries and world-renowned chefs. It’s no surprise, then, that several local eateries have received such resounding acclaim to warrant opening additional locations.

While national megachains like McDonald’s, Starbucks and Taco Bell may come to mind when thinking of fast food franchises, a business only needs at least two locations to be considered a chain. Plenty of establishments in the county fit the bill, many of which have become entrenched as local staples that we couldn’t imagine our cities without.

Check out our list below of popular chain restaurants that started right here in Sonoma County. Click through the above gallery for a peek at some of our favorite dishes at each restaurant.

Five or more locations

Mary’s Pizza Shack

New York City native Mary Fazio opened her first pizza shack in the county in 1959 with her Italian father’s original recipes and a goal to provide delicious, home-cooked meals to family and friends. Today, Mary’s Pizza Shack has 10 locations (pared down from 17) across Sonoma, Napa and Solano counties — all owned and operated by third and fourth generations of Fazio’s family. In September of 2024, Mary’s Pizza Shack Corporation announced it filed for bankruptcy, though its press release stated it would not be closing any locations.

The long-established local pizza chain made Bite Club’s list of best pizza in the county for its family-friendly atmosphere — kids can even craft their own pies. Try out a variety of Mary’s offerings with friends and family (how Fazio would have wanted it) with the “Mary’s BIG Spaghetti and Pizza Meal Deal” for $64.95, which comes with a medium, two-topping pizza, a family-sized dish of spaghetti with two giant meatballs, a half loaf of garlic bread and a choice of two large salads or soups.  

Locations in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Sonoma, Windsor, Napa, Fairfield and Vacaville. maryspizzashack.com

El Roy’s

After forming a successful Marin County taco truck in the early aughts, siblings Yvette Vega and Roy and Fernando Cabrera moved their operation to Petaluma and established a new brick-and-mortar restaurant, opening in 2016. El Roy’s Mexican Grill became an instant hit, along with its now-five local taco trucks, which were voted the “best taco truck” in the county several years in a row by The Press Democrat readers. 

The trucks, including El Roy’s Express Mex, are cleverly located in high-trafficked areas, like the Petaluma Fairgrounds and on Roseland’s Sebastopol Road, beckoning passersby with its roasted al pastor and bright orange facade. Shrimp burritos and tacos dorados are fan favorites. On the heels of the closure of El Roy’s Petaluma restaurant in January, El Roy’s announced its new brick-and-mortar restaurant in south Santa Rosa will open soon.

Locations in Petaluma and Santa Rosa. elroysxpressmex.com

Costeaux French Bakery

France natives Jean and Anne Costeaux bought a 1920s-era French American bakery in Healdsburg in 1973, changing its name to Costeaux French Bakery. Karl and Nancy Seppi purchased the bakery from them in 1981 with a vision to expand, and Jean taught them the art of bread baking. Ever since, Costeaux French Bakery has been featured in food and travel magazines around the world and won several Harvest Fair medals for its sourdough baguettes, French macaroons, princess cake, the famed cinnamon walnut bread and more.

Along with the original bakery and cafe on Healdsburg Avenue, Costeaux locations include a bakery inside Big John’s Market in Healdsburg, Costeaux On The Go at the Sonoma County Airport and its newest outpost in Petaluma in the Hotel Petaluma. The Seppis’ son, Will Seppi, launched Costeaux’s sister bakery Tía María, named after his aunt Mary who helped his parents start the Costeaux bakery, in 2019 in Roseland. The Mexican panaderia (bakery) menu includes conchas, bolillos, churros, sandwiches and its signature cuatro leches cake. 

Locations in Healdsburg, Santa Rosa and Petaluma. costeaux.com

Three to four locations

Bianchini’s Sandwich & Salad Market

When Bryan Crane’s mom and step-father, Steve and Deborah Bianchini, were ready to retire from their just two-year-old delicatessen, Crane started working there and decided to purchase the business with a goal to extend its healthy offerings to the greater community. The first ​​Bianchini’s store opened on North McDowell Boulevard in Petaluma in early 2009, and a second store in Santa Rosa opened in 2013. Another Petaluma location opened up in 2016 on South McDowell. 

The popular deli boasts a wide variety of salad and sandwich offerings — and customers can create their own or opt for grab-and-go meals and refreshments. There are over a dozen specialty sandwiches to choose from, such as the hotly requested roasted turkey breast with avocado and pesto or the loaded Veggie Delight with house spread.

Locations in Petaluma and Santa Rosa. bianchinisdeli.com

Fruta Ice Cream

Born and raised in Mexico, Salvador Cruz left the cabinetry business after 20 years and founded his ice cream business in 2010 on Stony Point Road in Santa Rosa to share his favorite childhood flavors with the community. After two years of success in Roseland, Cruz opened a second location in Petaluma. The third and fourth locations, both in Santa Rosa, followed in 2014 and 2018. 

As Fruta expanded, so did its quality cold dessert offerings, including paletas, bionicos, milkshakes, mangonadas, aguas frescas, acai bowls and more. There are also savory dishes, such as esquites and the spicy Takislocos — Takis chips with jicama, cucumber, cueritos (pickled pork rinds) and Japanese peanuts, all sprinkled with tajin and drizzled with chamoy, lime juice and Valentina hot sauce. Our “best ice creams in the county” roundup lists Fruta’s unique and traditional flavors, like mamey, membrillo, rose petal and chongo zamorano. Fan favorite flavors include coconut, guava, strawberry and arroz con leche.

Locations in Santa Rosa and Petaluma. frutaicecream.com

HopMonk Tavern

Dean Biersch, a founding partner in Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant in Palo Alto, branched out and opened his tavern/beer garden concept in Sebastopol in 2008. HopMonk Tavern — which has three locations in the area and also owns the 1920s-era Twin Oaks Roadhouse in Penngrove since 2016 — is known for its craft beer, modern pub grub and regular live music performances. 

If you’re stopping in for more than a German-style brew, might we recommend the Nashville hot fried chicken? Spicy, juicy fried chicken is dressed with bread and butter pickles, mayo and lettuce between toasted brioche buns, resulting in a mouthwatering union of textures and flavors. The nachos, sliders and samosas are also great dishes to share.

Locations in Sonoma, Sebastopol and Novato. hopmonk.com

Mombo’s Pizza

The late pizzaiolo Fred Poulos founded Mombo’s Pizza in 2002 in Santa Rosa, conveniently located near Santa Rosa Junior College, where it’s been feeding authentic New York-style pizza to hungry students for over 20 years. Popularity skyrocketed, and a second location opened in 2005 in Sebastopol, closer to where Poulos lived. Andrew Peletz, who started as general manager of the two pizza shops, purchased the restaurants from Poulos a few months before his death. Peletz opened a long-awaited third Mombo’s in 2022 in Healdsburg, and a fourth location opened later this summer in Cotati. 

Mombo’s sells thin-crust pizza whole or by the slice, following New York pizza tradition, along with salads, fries, wings, pasta and desserts. Local favorites include the Mombo Pesto pizza, made with the house’s award-winning pesto sauce, and the Mushroom Cloud pizza with mushroom, onion, garlic, parmesan and pillows of ricotta. Don’t miss the fried raviolis, meatball subs and gelato.

Locations in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol and Healdsburg. mombospizza.com

Acme Burger

After several years cooking French cuisine in high-end restaurants, Culinary Institute of America-trained Todd Kniess moved to Sonoma County and opened Acme Burger in 2019 in Cotati. Using local ingredients, such as Sonoma Mountain Beef and Willie Bird turkey burgers, the quality of Acme Burger’s fare exceeds expectations of what one would predict from an affordable, casual eatery.

In just a few years, the local chain opened up a second location in Santa Rosa in 2021 and a third location at a former gas station in Petaluma in 2022. In September of 2024, Petaluma got its second Acme location, located in the former Flamez Grill.

Another “Best Burger” lister, Acme’s Sonoma Beef Burger is a classic — sporting a fresh seared patty, house sauce, lettuce and tomato between Franco American Bakery sesame seed buns. Make it a combo with a side of shoestring fries and a classic milkshake.

Locations in Cotati, Santa Rosa and Petaluma. acmeburgerco.com

Angela’s Organic Ice Cream

Formerly known as Lala’s Creamery, this go-to Petaluma ice cream parlor opened up additional locations in Forestville and Healdsburg in 2023. (The Healdsburg location also houses Iggy’s Organic Burgers — because what’s more down-home American than burgers and ice cream?)

Angela’s gets a shout-out in our best ice cream lineup for its traditional banana splits as well as more unique flavors like lavender, Earl Grey tea, mojito sorbet and “Pigs in a Cream Blanket.” Our dining editor calls the Iggy burger (at Healdsburg location only) “a delicious take on a classic smash burger.”

Locations in Petaluma, Forestville and Healdsburg. angelasicecream.com

Amy’s Drive Thru

Petaluma-based organic food producer Amy’s Kitchen introduced an all-vegetarian fast food concept to the county when it opened Amy’s Drive Thru in Rohnert Park in 2015, reenvisioning what drive-thru fare could entail. The menu at Amy’s includes pizza, burritos, soups, salads, veggie burgers and other fast food staples, in addition to fan favorites like mac and cheese.

Amy’s veggie burger boasts the title of the “best non-meat burger” on our list of best burgers in the county. For vegans with a sweet tooth, the drive-thru also offers non-dairy shakes and cinnamon rolls. Amy’s currently has three locations, including inside the San Francisco Airport. 

Locations in Rohnert Park, Corte Madera and San Francisco. amysdrivethru.com

Cafe Mimosa

Restaurateur Mike Atallah and his son Yazen opened their first Cafe Mimosa in Rohnert Park in May 2019, just a month before Atallah closed down his popular Adel’s Restaurant on Santa Rosa’s College Avenue. By early 2020, Atallah opened a second Cafe Mimosa in the renovated Adel’s space, which he purchased in 1986. The modern, brunch-focused eatery quietly opened a third branch, on North McDowell Boulevard in Petaluma, in 2021.

The cafe’s bottomless weekend mimosas and tempting selection of eggs Benedicts and breakfast hashes lend to it being among the best brunch spots around. The fresh berry-topped French toast and chilaquiles in salsa verde also get rave reviews.

Locations in Petaluma, Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa. cafemimosaaa.com 

Acre Pizza

An offshoot of the old Acre Coffee (now Avid Coffee) — in connection with San Francisco-based Acre Gourmet — owner Steve DeCosse switched gears in February 2020 to open a pizza parlor. The first Acre Pizza opened in The Barlow in Sebastopol, and its New York and Detroit-style pies made with high-quality, local ingredients were a hit. Just a few months later in May, the Acre Coffee on Petaluma Boulevard reopened as an Acre Pizza. After almost a year of construction, a third location opened in Cotati in 2023. 

Acre’s deep-dish, Detroit-style pizza received a nod on our best pizza roundup for its crispy crust and melty cheese topped with house marinara. Other favorites include the NY Potato Pizza, with thinly sliced potatoes and leeks and three kinds of cheese, and the Detroit Ranch: pesto and ranch dressing layered over smoked chicken and Sonoma County Meat Co. bacon.

Locations in Petaluma, Cotati and Sebastopol. acrepizza.com

HenHouse Brewing Company

Shane Goepel, Scott Goyne and Collin McDonnell founded HenHouse Brewing in January 2012, first releasing its hand-crafted beers at the Petaluma Market and then on draft at several taprooms. HenHouse began partnering with Petaluma Hills Brewing Company on North McDowell Boulevard in 2014, and it wasn’t until 2016 that HenHouse opened its own brewery and tasting room on Bellevue Avenue in Santa Rosa.

By 2018, the HenHouse founders obtained a lease to operate a taproom at the shuttered (as of 2017) Petaluma Hills location, which they call the “Palace of Barrels.” Already garnering a cult-following at this point, HenHouse opened its third location in Fairfax in 2022, only for it to close late last year. Luckily for Marin County beer lovers, HenHouse’s “Record Room” taproom opened on Grant Avenue in Novato last year and has been receiving high praise.

HenHouse’s limited-release Big Chicken IPA is highly anticipated each year, while its original Oyster Stout, one of the brewery’s earliest and most eclectic ales (brewed with whole oysters), is available all year-round. To complement your frothy lagers, each taproom hosts a lineup of rotating food trucks, including Galvan’s Eatery, Red Horse Pizza and ​​Streetside Asian Grill. 

Locations in Petaluma, Santa Rosa and Novato. henhousebrewing.com

Grateful Bagel 

Five people from different parts of the country came together in 1981 to open the Grateful Bagel on Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa — Linda Altman, Joan Rashti, Robert Wilson, Michael Kessler and Laurie Winkler. Kessler and Winkler were from the East Coast, according to the first review of the bakery in The Press Democrat on April 17, 1981, and they missed the bagels they were accustomed to. In a year, the bakery was distributing its bagels to delis and grocery stores from San Francisco to Fort Bragg.

By the mid-’80s, the Grateful Bagel had opened a second shop in Sebastopol and a third in east Santa Rosa. A fourth location opened on Keller Street in Petaluma in 1994. Since then, the Petaluma bakery has closed and the Santa Rosa ones changed locations, to Fourth Street and Corporate Center Parkway, but the quaint location in Sebastopol, on 300 S. Main St., is still going strong.

One can’t go wrong with a bagel sandwich for a filling breakfast or lunch. Popular bagel sandos here include the Wild Boar with ham, egg and cheese, and the Loxy Lady with lox, capers, cream cheese, tomato and onions. The cheesy pizza bagels are delightful, whether you take it with a simple cream cheese schmear or stuff it with meat and veggies.

Locations in Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. instagram.com/gratefulbagel

Sarmentine

French expats Louis and Alexandra Zandvliet originally opened their bakery in Santa Rosa in 2021 with funds from a Kickstarter campaign. The boulangerie was a wild success, and the couple expanded to Sebastopol in 2023, replacing the former Red Bird Bakery, and then to Petaluma in 2024.

Not only does the bakery have some of the best croissants around, it also offers a lineup of éclairs, cream puffs, butter and ham baguettes, olive bread and dozens of other sweet and savory treats.

Locations in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol and Petaluma. sarmentine.com

Superburger

What started off as a small burger shack on the corner of College and Fourth streets in Santa Rosa in the early 1950s ballooned into one of Sonoma County’s most enduring and treasured burger chains. Superburger now has three locations in the county, churning out char-grilled beef to the masses — though it still crafts made-to-order hamburgers and old-fashioned milkshakes just as it has done for over half a century. 

The establishment’s namesake standard, the Cheese Superburger, beats a Big Mac any day — with eight ounces of fresh ground beef under a bed of crisp lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and pickles between toasted local bakery buns. And its St. Helena Ave. Burger, towering with onion rings and thick-cut smoked bacon and drizzled with original barbecue sauce, made it on our list of the best burgers in the county. Don’t forget the crispy shoestring fries and variety of hand-spun milkshakes.

Locations in Santa Rosa, Cotati and Petaluma. originalsuperburger.com

Two locations 

Old Chicago Pizza

Founded in 1977 and opened the following year by owner Bill Berliner, the Old Chicago Pizza on Petaluma Boulevard North has been serving Chicago-style deep dish pizza for over 40 years. Old Chicago opened a second location in 2020 in Petaluma, a delivery and take-out outpost, located on North McDowell Boulevard.

The deep dish pies earned Old Chicago a spot on our best pizza in the county roundup, and the pizzeria also offers thin crust and new double crust pizza, favored by many locals on Yelp. The pesto garlic bread is another all-around favorite, best accompanied with a personalized deep dish while seated in the 1870s-era flagship building.

Locations in Petaluma. oldchgo.com

Omelette Express

Nan Taylor Mishkin, who died in 2010, started Omelette Express in Railroad Square in 1977, and it quickly became a Santa Rosa tradition. Her son Don Taylor has been owner and manager of the establishment since 1987. After 30 years of success in the Railroad Square district, Don and his wife Laura opened up a second location in Windsor. In 2018, they opened a restaurant in Santa Rosa’s “Sister City” Jeju City, on South Korea’s Jeju Island.  

The local breakfast and lunch staple has nearly two dozen omelets to choose from on its menu, or you can customize your own, always served with country potatoes and local, fresh baked bread. If omelets aren’t your thing, the menu also includes French toast, eggs Benedict, corned beef hash, burgers, salads and sandwiches.

Locations in Santa Rosa and Windsor. omeletteexpress.com

Plank Coffee

Marne Dupere and Mike Morisette opened their charming, modern-rustic Plank Coffee shop in 2012 in Cloverdale, offering specialty roasted coffee and organic fare from local farmers. Seven years later, the pair opened their second location in Healdsburg, a cozy, plant-laden spot on Dry Creek Road. 

For a quick pick-me-up, a house-roasted Americano and fresh baked pastry (the vegan orange cake pleases just about everyone) is a sure bet. If you have time to linger in the natural setting, enjoy a hearty vegetarian breakfast sandwich with a seasonal latte or organic tea.

Locations in Cloverdale and Healdsburg. plankcoffee.com

Crooked Goat Brewing 

In 2016, a group of six friends took their home beer-brewing hobby and turned it into a full-fledged brewery and taproom when they opened Crooked Goat Brewing in The Barlow. The Sebastopol brewpub soon became a dedicated hangout spot for people to enjoy a craft beer flight during a trivia night or while listening to live music on the weekends. Crooked Goat added a second taproom in 2022 in Petaluma, where the crew of co-founders originally started crafting their brews in a small space behind Pete’s Henny Penny.

The Bee Beard honey ale and Grapefruit Ibex IPA are just a few of the favorite beers on tap here. Food at the Sebastopol taproom includes fare from Acre Pizza, Osito Style Tacos and The Farmer’s Wife, plus housemade snacks like jerky and pretzels. At the Petaluma location, patrons can order meals from Acme Burger and Stefano’s Pizza.

Locations in Petaluma and Sebastopol. crookedgoatbrewing.com

Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar

Ozzy Jimenez, former Healdsburg mayor, and his partner Christian Sullberg began their endeavor into the dessert scene in 2011 with Moustache Baked Goods in Healdsburg, known for its delectable, scratch-baked cupcakes. Riding the momentum of their bakery’s success, the pair opened a pie and ice cream concept, Noble Folk, in 2014 on Matheson Street. Specializing in pie à la mode and eclectic ice cream flavors — like black sesame, Thai tea and lemon lavender — the shop became a favorite among locals, who excitedly welcomed a second location in 2018 in Santa Rosa. 

The unique, rich flavors of Noble Folk’s ice cream alone is reason enough for the shop to lead the pack in our list of best ice cream in the county. And yes, its pie is also on our list of best local pies — try the Dutch apple for a traditional treat, or the peanut butter mousse pie in an Oreo crust for something to please your inner child. Fun, gourmet cupcakes are also still a part of the mix.

Locations in Healdsburg and Santa Rosa. thenoblefolk.com

Two Dog Night Creamery 

After five years of running the Sub Zero Ice Cream franchise spot that she opened in The Barlow in 2013, Jacki Wilson pivoted to fashion her own ice cream shop in 2018, focusing on naturally flavored frozen concoctions. Located in the same Sebastopol hotspot, Wilson’s Two Dog Night Creamery was a hit among those who liked the liquid nitrogen-frozen desserts they came to know and love from Sub Zero, as well as the new flavors and organic, dairy-free offerings. A second location opened a short time later, by 2019, in Windsor’s Bell Village shopping center. 

The creamery gets a shoutout in our best ice cream roundup for its smooth, gelato-style ice cream and seasonal flavors using local ingredients, such as the Summer Yuzu or the vegan Key Lime. Favorite classic scoops include the Coffee Heath Bar, Banana Foster Crunch, Mint Oreo and the traditional banana split.

Locations in Sebastopol and Windsor. twodognightcreamery.com

Nimble and Finn’s

Sisters Leandra Beaver and Jazmin Hooijer first started hawking artisanal ice cream from a  pushcart freezer in 2012, soon supplying local weddings and events with creamy desserts and winning medals at the county’s Harvest Fair. After about three years, the sisters opened their first ice cream shop inside the historic Bank of Guerneville, bringing their tasty, organic innovations to the Guerneville Bank Club. Nimble and Finn’s opened a second location a few years later in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square district, meanwhile expanding its offerings to ice cream cakes and ice cream cocktails. 

Lively flavors like Whiskey Butterscotch and Lavender Honeycomb earned Nimble and Finn’s a spot on our local best ice cream lineup — not to mention the boozy, summertime Strawberry Letter, with Champagne, vermouth, strawberry sorbet and elderflower. The charming shop also offers pie, cookies, floats, ice cream sandwiches and even upscale grilled cheeses.

Locations in Guerneville and Santa Rosa. nimbleandfinns.com

Cafe des Croissant 

The first Cafe des Croissant opened on Fourth Street in Santa Rosa by Kenneth E. McGee in 1983, according to public legal notices in The Press Democrat at the time. A second location opened on Marlow Road in 1987, and a third on Lomitas Avenue in 1989. The cafe eventually expanded to Sebastopol, a drive-thru in Rohnert Park and an outpost in Santa Rosa’s Roxy Theater. Since then, ownership has changed hands and all but two of the locations have closed — including the Roxy spot being turned into Nana’s Cafe in early 2024. The Lomitas Avenue and Sebastopol locations remain.

Cafe des Croissant has won local Harvest Fair awards for its flaky croissants and unique muffins, such as ginger or cappuccino. The almond and cinnamon walnut croissants are standouts. The cafe also offers bagels, salads, paninis and breakfast egg sandwiches.

Locations in Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. cafedescroissants.com

The post 24 Popular Restaurant Chains That Started in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Putting cheese on bread is no novel concept — people have been uniting the two ingredients as far back as ancient Rome. The method of combining them, however, is another story. One of our favorite ways is the grilled cheese sandwich. 

One of the first iterations of a grilled cheese came from, you guessed it, France. The French Croque Monsieur, a griddled ham and cheese sandwich, came about in the early 1900s. It wasn’t until a few decades later that the grilled cheese sandwich made a proper appearance in the United States. 

Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented the first automatic bread-slicing machine in Iowa in 1928, making the distribution of bread easier and more affordable. During the depression and World War II, Americans in search of cheap, filling meals looked to sliced bread and processed cheese from J.L. Kraft & Bros. Company (later known as Kraft Foods), which had opened its first U.S. plant in 1914. The cheese dream, an open-faced version of the grilled cheese sandwich, became popular during this time. 

By 1949, Kraft Foods introduced its individually wrapped Kraft Singles, which American supermarkets began stocking in 1965. It was around this time that people began making closed, toasted cheese sandwiches and the term “grilled cheese” finally made an appearance in print. 

A simple yet tasty grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate kid-friendly meal, but adults shouldn’t have to miss out on all the gooey, cheesy deliciousness. Sonoma County restaurateurs are serving elevated versions of the tried and true classic. Here are a few to try on National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day (April 12) or any day of the year. Click through the above gallery for a peek at our favorite picks. 

Galvan’s Eatery, Birria Grilled Cheese: Griddled Texas toast piled with melted cheese and stuffed with tender birria. The food truck pops up around Sonoma County. 707-836-5087, instagram.com/galvanseatery

KC’s American Kitchen, Ultimate Grilled Cheese: Cheddar and jack cheeses spill over between parmesan sourdough bread. Add tomato for $1, avocado for $2.50 and bacon or ham for $4.25. For when you’re feeling hungry and nostalgic. 9501 Duvander Lane, Windsor, 707-838-7800, kcsamericankitchen.com

Nimble & Finn’s, Pear and Cambozola Grilled Cheese: Cambozola, kalamata olive and caper tapenade, caramelized onion and pear jam on sourdough, served with housemade pickles. Who knew an ice cream shop could offer such gourmet grilled cheeses? (At the Santa Rosa location only.) 123 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-666-9590, nimbleandfinns.com

Betty’s Fish & Chips, Grilled Crab & Jack Cheese: Dungeness crab and jack cheese on sourdough bread, served with choice of chips or coleslaw. Order with a side of New England Clam Chowder for a truly comforting East Coast lunch. 4046 Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa, 707-539-0899, bettysfishandchips.com

Cozy Plum Bistro, Pesto Grilled Cheese: Vegan provolone, tomato and pesto (made with pistachios and macadamia nuts) on herb focaccia. Served with side salad. Add half an avocado or get gluten-free bread for $3.15. The premier grilled cheese for vegans. 6970 McKinley St., Sebastopol, 707-823-3333, cozyplum.com

Wild Goat Bistro, Adult Grilled Cheese: Comté and gruyere cheeses, bacon, caramelized shallots and Victor’s secret spread on rustic country bread. Served with side salad or soup. Substitute with vegan cheese for $3. What’s more adult than fancy cheeses mixed with caramelized onions enjoyed on the riverfront? 6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A5, Petaluma, 707-658-1156, wildgoatbistro.com

Sax’s Joint, The Joint Grill: Generous amounts of cheddar, cream cheese and bacon (served triple-decker style). Served with choice of fries, coleslaw, potato salad, mac salad or mac and cheese. Of the handful of grilled cheeses on the menu, this one receives the most praise, as the cream cheese adds a special tangy creaminess to the sandwich. 317 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma, 707-559-3021, saxsjoint.com

The Girl & The Fig, Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Vella Cheese Company Cheddar with tomato confit on sourdough. Served with house chips. Simple but oh so satisfying. 110 West Spain St., Sonoma, 707-938-3634, thegirlandthefig.com

Sunflower Caffe, Sunflower Grilled Cheese: Fontina, aged cheddar and Vella dry jack butter on sourdough. Served with salad dressed in a French vinaigrette. Enjoy alongside the cream of tomato soup. 421 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-996-6645, sonomasunflower.com

Sonoma’s Best, Bacon Grilled Cheese: Havarti, gruyere, arugula, smoked bacon and apple spread on choice of bread. Best enjoyed with a local wine out back in the garden. 1190 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-996-7600, sonomas-best.com

HopMonk Tavern, Grilled Cheese and Ham: Honey-cured ham, dijonnaise and three types of cheese oozing between parmesan crusted bread. Order it with the savory tomato soup for a soothing, classic combo. HopMonk Sonoma, 691 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-935-9100; HopMonk Sebastopol, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol, 707-829-7300, hopmonk.com

The Farmer’s Wife, Belly & Jelly: Aged cheddar, Point Reyes blue cheese, apricot conserve, honey lavender bacon and a wildflower honey drizzle. Or go for the Fromage à Trois: Aged cheddar, blue cheese and goat cheese with a wildflower honey drizzle. Talk about gourmet, farm-to-table grilled cheese sandwiches. 6760 McKinley St., Suite 120, Sebastopol, 707-397-9237; 80 Fourth St., Point Reyes Station, 707-827-3306, thefarmerswifeca.com

Lunch Box, Kimchi Grilled Cheese: A three-cheese blend with aioli and housemade kimchi on Red Bird sourdough pullman. All sandwiches are served with kettle chips. 128 N. Main St., Sebastopol, lunchboxsonomacounty.com

Society Bakery And Cafe, Grilled Cheese: Three types of cheese (chef’s choice) with herbs on house-baked bread. Make it a soup and grilled cheese combo with the soup of the day. 2661 Gravenstein Highway South, Sebastopol, 707-861-9665, societybakerycafe.com

Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery, V.F. Grilled Cheese: Housemade “Hwy 1” cheese, rosemary ham and kimchi on multigrain sourdough. A creative sandwich with award-winning cheese in a charming, countryside atmosphere. 14390 Valley Ford Road, Valley Ford, 707-293-5636, valleyfordcheese.com

Estero Cafe, Grilled Cheese: Organic cheddar and Estero Gold cheese on Red Bird Bakery sourdough makes for a delicious, locally-sourced grilled cheese sando. Add avocado, bacon or chicken sausage. 14450 Highway 1, Valley Ford, esterocafe.com

Fishetarian Fish Market, Adult Grilled Cheese: Valley Ford Estero Gold and Highway 1 cheeses with grilled onions and fig jam on sourdough. The seafood here is top notch, but the grilled cheese shouldn’t be missed. 599 Highway 1 South, Bodega Bay, 707-504-0164, fishetarianfishmarket.com

For the best no-frills grilled cheese sandwiches (just melty cheese and toasty bread), check out Downtown Bakery & Creamery, Boudin, Cafe Mimosa, The Twins Restaurant and Hole in the Wall.

Downtown Bakery & Creamery, Grilled Cheese: Cheddar cheese on housemade wheat, sourdough or French bread. The ham grilled cheese with housemade aioli and Dijon is also spectacular. At $7, it’s undoubtedly the most affordable and satisfying sandwich lunch in town. 308 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-431-2719, downtownbakeryhealdsburg.com

Boudin, The Great Grilled Cheese: Havarti and sharp cheddar on parmesan-crusted sourdough. 2345 Midway Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-303-4100, boudinbakery.com

The Twins Restaurant, Grilled Cheese: Swiss, cheddar, provolone and Parmigiano-Reggiano on sourdough. 572 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati, 707-242-3075, thetwinsrestaurant.com

Hole in the Wall, Grilled Cheese: Cheddar cheese on toasted sourdough. 972 Gravenstein Highway South, Suite 100, Sebastopol, 707-827-6040, holeinthewallrestaurantsebastopol.com

The post Where to Find the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

We’ve seen friends nearly come to blows over where to find the best burritos in Sonoma County — everyone has a favorite taco truck or hole-in-the-wall taqueria they’re convinced has the secret sauce for making the world’s best burrito.

To help settle this ones and for all, we’ve come up with the ultimate guide to the best burritos in Sonoma County — from the obvious to the undiscovered, including one that weighs in at 8 pounds. Adding to our own opinions, we’ve previously included direct quotes from Bite Club readers and foodies who responded to our call out for “the best burritos in Sonoma County.”

Click through the above gallery for a peek at some of the best burritos in Sonoma County.

Sonoma

Sonoma Eats: The Wet Super Burrito is enough for a small family or a single teenage boy. It is stuffed with meat (we recommend the house-marinated al pastor), cheese, beans, rice and all the fixings, and comes topped with mole or salsa verde. 18133 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-343-1141, sonoma-eats.com

Juanita Juanita: We say go nuts with the Garlic Garlic Burrito and never worry about vampires again. “I’m partial to their Carnitas Pastor Tacos,” said Tony. Their Super Burrito is a favorite among locals; the next level up is the Big Ranch and the Super, grilled and topped with melted cheese and ranchero sauce. 19114 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-935-3981, juanitajuanita.com

La Bamba Taco Truck: Locals swear this is the ultimate nighttime spot for tacos and some of the best burritos the town of Sonoma has to offer. Open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cash only. 18155 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-322-1070. Find them on Instagram

Santa Rosa

Chelino’s: Chelino’s Super Wet Burrito is as flavorful as it is filling. Readers recommend carne asada for this large burrito, which is topped with a spicy verde sauce or a rich mole. 1079 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-571-7478. Find them on Instagram

Cielito Lindo: “We ordered burritos (the super chicken burrito and a carnitas burrito),” said Elisa O. “They were both huge — stuffed with a lot of fresh deliciousness! We will definitely go again!” Come for the burritos and stay for the birria tacos and fresh ceviche. 52 Mission Circle, Suite 110, Santa Rosa, 707-978-2070. Find them on Instagram

Delicias Elenita Taco Truck: Authentic Mexican food served under the stars makes Delicias Elenita a fiesta after dark. “Their super steak burrito is not only mouthwatering delicious, but is also cheap and affordable,” said Paul. 816 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-575-7021. Find them on Facebook

El Patio: “Burritos and breakfast burritos are probably some of the best in our great city of Santa Rosa,” said Brooks. “My burrito was practically the size of a brick,” said Ricardo, who ordered the Pork Chile Verde Super Burrito. “They did not skimp on anything, including the star of the show, which was the pork.” 425 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa, elpatio1.com; 901 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-571-2222, elpatio2.com

La Palapa: “By far the best burrito I have ever had anywhere is the wet Terminator with Diabla Sauce at La Palapa. It is enough for two people and then some,” said Bite Club reader PepperHead. 590 Lewis Road, Santa Rosa, 707-569-9210, lapalapamexicanrestaurant.com

La Fondita: This downtown cantina brings the fiesta (and some of the best burritos in Sonoma County) to downtown Santa Rosa. The shrimp burrito is awesome, along with the Mole burrito. La Fondita is open until 1 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 816 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-526-0881

Los Arcos: Los Arcos receives high praise from Facebook fans as a place to get a satisfying meat-egg-and-potato-stuffed breakfast burrito, with the chorizo breakfast burrito being among the most highly recommended. The McDougall Deluxe Burrito is a great veggie option. 1791 Marlow Road, Suite 6, Santa Rosa, 707-545-5858, losarcosrestaurantsr.com

Lola’s Market (various locations): Latino grocer with family-friendly prices and solid carnitas. “Huge and great prices, too,” said Michelle. 1680 Petaluma Hill Road, Santa Rosa, 707-571-7579; 440 Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-577-8846; 241 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, 707-762-2112; 102 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg 707-433-1978; 2750 Old Sonoma Road, Napa, 707-251-1698, lolasmarkets.com

Los Tres Chiles: The “No Manches” burrito is about the size of 10 regular burritos. It weighs in at 8 pounds and is 15 inches long. If you can eat it in 60 minutes, it’s free. Otherwise, it’s $44.95. 2765 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-304-5724, lostreschiles.com

Taqueria El Favorito: If you’re looking for Mission-style burritos, head to El Favorito on Sebastopol Road. “Get the super burrito al pastor,” said Crystal, “I would show you a pic, but I ate it with the voracity of a honey badger eating a cobra. Sorry.” 565 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-526-7444, elfarolitosf.com

Taqueria Las Palmas: This unassuming taqueria off Santa Rosa Avenue is a sleeper, but is  popular among authentic Mexican street food fans and off-duty chefs. Carne asada and al pastor burritos are a go-to. “It is HUGE and packed with perfectly tender and flavorful asada, refried beans, rice, avocado, sour cream and salsa with just a hint of fresh lime juice,” said Walt about the Super Burrito with carne asada. 415 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-546-3091

Zoftig Eatery: Zoftig’s Korean BBQ Burrito is a food truck mashup stuffed with Stemple Creek Ranch grass-fed ground beef, kimchi, daikon and short-grain brown rice inside a tortilla. It’s rib-sticking and hearty — not for dainty eaters. Our never-quite-full-enough digital editor gives it a thumbs up. 57 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-521-9554, zoftigeatery.com

Rohnert Park

Don Julios: This secret little gem is well-known for its pupusas, but readers really love the burritos as well. “You MUST try their al pastor. I’ve eaten at a lot of burrito spots and drive further for this place. Please. Try it,” said Brent. The Camarones Tropical Burrito with sautéed prawns, homemade Spanish rice and fresh tropical mango salsa is pretty delish, too. 217 Southwest Blvd., Rohnert Park, 707-242-3160, donjulioslatingrill.com

Petaluma

Mi Pueblo: The Macho, with meat, rice, cheese, sour cream, onion, cilantro, salsa, tomatoes, refried beans and guacamole, gets the wet treatment with a splash of “burrito sauce.” The Padre doubles the amount in the Macho; the Gordo triples it. 7384 Commerce Blvd., Cotati, mipueblocotati.com; 800 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, eatmipueblopetaluma.com

El Roy’s (various locations): “Finally a burrito spot that lives up to the hype,” said Damien. “I’m only mad about the fact that I didn’t eat here sooner. It’s practically perfect, I can’t think of a bad thing to say.” Shrimp Super Burrito and Carne Asada Super Burrito are popular picks. 401 E. Washington St. and 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma; 1569 Sebastopol Road, 2728 Santa Rosa Ave. and 505 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, elroysxpressmex.com

Healdsburg

Agave: This restaurant from brothers Octavio and Pedro Diaz serves up a Diego’s Burrito that is a favorite among our Facebook followers. It features al pastor, grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, organic potatoes, sour cream, guacamole and melted Monterey jack cheese. Regular and super burritos are available, too. 1063 Vine St., Healdsburg, 707-433-2411, agavehealdsburg.com

Casa del Mole: The Super Burrito Al Pastor is a favorite at this market and taqueria from the Diaz brothers. But you’re really here for the mole, which is prepared the old-fashioned way with dozens of ingredients, including Mexican chocolate. 434 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-433-4138, casadelmoletogo.com

Gallina D’Oro: The owners of Healdsburg’s El Farolito have renamed (and revamped the menu) of the longtime restaurant to Gallina D’Oro. The Barbacoa Burrito, with slow-cooked shredded beef and all the fixings, deserves a spot on our list of best burritos. 128 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707-433-2807, gallinadoro.com

Taqueria Guadalajara: “Try the Burrito Manadero! It has the best mole sauce!” said Sue. “It rivals a Mission (San Francisco) burrito — the gold standard,” said Christopher. “Chili Verde Burrito, best avo-green salsa,” said Tina. 125 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-1052, ordertaqueriaguadalajara.com

Guerneville

Guerneville Taco Truck: No one really remembers what this popular food truck is actually called (it seems almost too easy that it’s simply the “Guerneville Taco Truck”). What they do remember is that they have the best burritos around. Usually parked in front of Safeway. 16405 Highway 116, Guerneville, guernevilletacotruck.com

Maci Martell and Owen Ruderman contributed to this article. 

The post Where to Get the Best Burritos in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.