One of the HARDEST parts to where I live (Sonoma County) is just narrowing it down to a few Restaurants to choose from. Needless to say, when you come up to this area, where you choose to eat, there will be a variety of options.
For this list I really try to encompass all areas of the county, along with bringing in some of my favorites. Some of these restaurants are a GREAT spot for food, others really set an amazing romantic ambiance.
Some of my Favorite Restaurant Picks around Sonoma County:
Zazu Kitchen + Farm:
For REALLY good food, and a restaurant that truly represents Sonoma County, head to Zazu Kitchen + Farm where Duskie Estes and husband John Stewart work hard to bring Farm to Table ingredients to their restaurant offering fantastic eats. Two gardens located directly on The Barlow property where their restaurant resides, while they also live on a farm themselves where they also make their own bacon and salumi.
The right hand corner is Duck over a combination of Persimmons and Black Rice and below is the Baked Alaskan. Other times I’ve gone on, depending on the season have included a Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie, delicious Burgers, and of course the famous Rodeo Jax (Popcorn you have to try!)
Rocker Oysterfeller’s
Valley Ford Hotel, 14415 Coast Hwy 1, Valley Ford, CA
A few miles West of Petaluma lies a little town known as Valley Ford, that offers a bit of small town feel right in the heart of Sonoma. A perfect place to stop for dinner on your way back from the Sonoma Coast for sites unseen.
Rocker Oysterfeller’s is a locals favorite especially if you have a love of Oysters, they definitely provide.
Farmhouse Inn:
7871 River Road, Forestville, CA 95436
The Farmhouse Inn just went through a major renovation on the rooms within their inn, however, the restaurant is where a lot of magic happens. This 1 Star Michelin style restaurant will have you begging for more after.
The Restaurant offering 3 Course and 4 Course meal offerings along with wine pairings, if preferred:
3 Course $79… 2 savory, 1 sweet
4 Course $94… 3 savory, 1 sweet
3 Course Wine Pairing $59
4 Course Wine Pairing $69
Meal offerings of Butternut Squash, Scallops, Dungeness Crab Hash, Rack of Lamb, Rib Eye and more.
Rustic at Francis Ford Coppola Winery:
300 Via Archimedes
Geyserville, CA 95441
From the first time I set foot on the Francis Ford Coppola property I was blown away so when my other half acquired a job there, it meant more time for me to spend there. Exploring the grounds, and fantastic meals at the restaurant.
Of course my favorite part, every time, is the view overlooking the beautiful vineyards. Summer and Fall are my favorite times to visit.
See what I mean about the views? Walk around the Winery looking through all of the Movie Memorabilia, play a round of Bocce ball then enjoy a nice meal inside or outside.
SpoonBar:
219 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Or if hanging a little further south is more your style head to Downtown Healdsburg where plenty of Restaurant Options are available. A favorite of mine is none other than SpoonBar.
This Valentine’s Day they are offering a 5 Course Menu option available February 13-15.
Includes offerings of:
Valentine’s Menu
First course
Kanpachi sashimi, chamomile gelée, radishes, citrus, cilantro
Second course
Ocean trout cooked on the plancha, goddess jus, osetra caviar, crushed potatoes, pickled onions
Third course
Wild mushrooms steamed in Thai aromatics, coconut milk, lettuce, poached egg, crispy rice
Fourth course
Beef braised in yuzu + ras al hanout with a crisp salad of jicama, pear + cabbage, grilled lime
Dessert
Buttermilk bavarois, hibiscus granite, sesame, honey
Vegetarian + a la carte menu also available
$78 per person
Tax and gratuity excluded
Seared Petaluma:
170 Petaluma Blvd. No.
Petaluma, CA 94952
For those that have a love of Petaluma, there’s still plenty of options around. One of my favorites happens to be Seared Petaluma. The only premium Steak and Seafood Restaurant within the area, and it is so worth it.
Again, the service, and the food were impeccable, and this would make a great dining spot for Valentine’s Day. The Tides Wharf and Restaurant: 835 Bay Highway, Bodega Bay, CA 94923
If you want to head to the Sonoma Coast, The Tides Wharf and Restaurant is a great option right in Bodega Bay especially if you have a deep love of Seafood. Not to mention the amazing Crab Feeds they offer every January and February on select dates.
The perfect way to enjoy the sunset while eating a great meal as all views point out towards the ocean in this fun restaurant environment. A favorite amongst our family.
Spinster Sisters:
One of my absolutely favorite restaurants within Santa Rosa is The Spinster Sisters. A favorite amongst locals. A great place to get a wonderful done meal at a real affordable price.
Union Hotel:
3731 Main Street, Occidental, CA
The Union Hotel
If you love Italian, head down to the beautiful small town of Occidental for a fun evening of dinner at the Union Hotel. Often times live performances take place on the piano as you have a delicious meal alongside it.
The Union Hotel is also a great place for family gatherings, big parties, or celebrations.
The Swiss Hotel:
18 West Spain Street, Sonoma, CA 95476
The Swiss Hotel
If lunch is more your style, I highly recommend heading to the Sonoma Square, and dining at The Swiss Hotel. Be sure to get a Patio seating so you can people watch along the Sonoma Square as you dine. Always a fun environment.
