Off the Radar Sonoma County Eateries

Sonoma County is definitely known for fine dining. Many places are well known by visitors -- Single Thread, Girl & the Fig, Glen Ellen Star, Willi's Seafood, etc. The following list maybe isn't quite so well known, but will give you a real taste of Sonoma County and what the locals enjoy every day. Many of these places are nothing fancy, are off the beaten path, and none will break the bank.

Diavola

Brewsters Beer Garden, Petaluma
The theme is the beer taps, but there's also good BBQ and quality pub food. Info

Cochon Valante BBQ, Sonoma
Pretty fancy name for a BBQ joint that looks like a diner and is actually in Boyes Hot Springs. But you can get some fancy local beers and wines to go with your brisket. Info

Diavola Pizzeria, Geyserville
Pasta and pizza done right. People drive a long ways to get their pizza. Info

East West Cafe, Santa Rosa & Sebastopol
Best described as casual Mediterranean-influenced California food. Good selection of vegetarian and GF food. As with many restaurants now, they're big on using fresh, local ingredients. Info

The Fig Cafe, Glen Ellen
Pizzas, burgers, comfort food entrees. A casual walk-in American bistro. Info

Fork Roadhouse, Sebastopol
Rustic, short on parking, fills up for dinner every night. Info

Gypsy Cafe, Sebastopol
Fancy prepped comfort food served for breakfast and lunch from biscuits and gravy to pot roast. Info


The Reel Fish Shop and Grill, Sonoma
An old building with a bar, shrimp tacos and live music. Service can be slow during prime dining hours so you might want to skip weekends. Info

Trattoria Catteneo, Santa Rosa
A friendly family-run neighborhood Italian restaurant and bar. I only wish it was in my neighborhood. Info on FB

Twin Oaks Roadhouse, Penngrove
Operating since 1924 and now run by a member of the Gordon Biersch family that also owns the Hop Monk restaurants in the county. It's about beers, cocktails, burgers and weekend music. If you like the atmosphere of an old time tavern this is one of many old roadhouses in the county. Info

Woodfour Brewery, Sebastopol
One step above your typical pub grub and not your typical Sonoma County brewery (most tend to be heavy on IPAs and sours). Nice, airy atmosphere, too. Info 

Woodfour - image from mercurynews.com

Disclaimer: I haven't eaten at all of these. Reviews by others were used in compiling the list.