Healdsburg
Really great and consistent spot that is always a fun visit.
Petaluma
The Table Culture Provisions team's casual French sibling, at roughly half the price.
Unapologetically classic French bistro cooking, tableside steak tartare included, from a France-trained chef.
Geyserville
A Geyserville institution since 1936, still family-run, still making the ravioli by hand.
Designed for a long, unhurried evening. On the list for a very special ocassion.
City of Sonoma
Right on the square, with the patio seating that makes the plaza worth it.
The most accessible entry point into Sonoma's top tier. Saving this one for a very special occasion, likely our 20th wedding anniversary.
Glen Ellen
One of the best values in fine-casual dining in the entire county.
Santa Rosa
Greek and Mediterranean done with intent, octopus to lamb shank, hiding in a Santa Rosa shopping center.
Sebastopol
Noted for being above the typical Thai in Sonoma County. My neighbor raves about it. My standard is Kin Khao in SF and I hope this place comes close.
The garden-patio restaurant at MacArthur Place.
Jenner
The sunset over the Russian River mouth is legendary.
Valley Ford
Super-insider spot with a devoted following precisely because it's in the middle of nowhere and it’s comfort food.
A Japanese restaurant with Japanese food, not an American restaurant serving Japanese food is the local reputation.
Forestville
For wood‑fired, locally sourced pizzas in a casual garden setting that has earned top‑50 Bay Area recognition from Yelp Elites.
Kenwood
Same kitchen pedigree as Glen Ellen Star. Less crowded, less known. My friend Meredith raves about it, so it’s climbed on my list.
Six tables in 300 square feet with an outsized reputation.
Highly regarded in a community with many respected restaurants. The team is lauded as outstanding so excited to visit.
The plaza standby for French country cooking, with seats outside.
Spinster Sisters is where you go a spot-on meal that is fully seasonal. Other than a few dishes, including their incredible burger on Wednesday nights, the menu changes often.
Central European comfort (schnitzel, spätzle, strudel) from a chef out of the global luxury circuit.
Serious cooking without any stuffiness.