Not So Famous Restaurants in Sonoma County

When you're visiting the area, you'll want to know where to eat because wine tasting and eating out are the main attractions for many coming to Sonoma County. There are the big names, usually high-end, popular spots. Nothing wrong with going to Girl & The Fig in Sonoma or Matheson in Healdsburg, but maybe you are interested in a few spots only the locals know about.

These are the towns you are more likely to stay in while visiting, and places to eat that aren't on everyone's list. Most are casual, a few are higher-end.

Disclaimer: I haven't been to all of these, but have heard about them from others or maybe read about them in the local paper.

Journeyman Meat Company, Healdsburg

Healdsburg

Healdsburger - What, a dumpy old burger joint? There's about 20 different ways to have your burger here, plus dogs and chicken sandwiches. Grab a big, sloppy burger and a shake for lunch and be all primed for a busy afternoon of wine tasting.

Journeyman Meat Co - Best place to get a sandwich for lunch, maybe something for a picnic at a winery. 

Tisza Bistro - An eastern European take on California cuisine.

Wurst Restaurant - Lunch stop for burgers or sausage. This is the place I usually go to when in Healdsburg at lunchtime.

Agave, El Farolito, El Milagro, Taqueria Guadalajara - These are a few of the many places to get good Mexican food in Healdsburg.

Palooza, Kenwood

Kenwood

Palooza - A casual pub that's hard to locate along the road, but worth the stop for the pizza. Only caveat is that it's a bit pricey. The other two restaurants near this small town are Salt & Stone (popular) and the new Golden Bear (expensive).

Brewster's, Petaluma

Petaluma

This cool town is not a tourist mecca, as it's farther away from wineries than other locations. There's a nice downtown with many good restaurants and more nightlife than anywhere else in the county. A foodie can be very happy in Petaluma. 

The trendy spots might be Central Market, Luma, Table Culture, and Wild Goat. I suppose locals are more likely to go to Brewsters, Cucina, Lunchette, Paradiso, Sax's, Stockhome, and of course, Lagunitas Brewery and In-N-Out.

Mac's Deli, Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa

Cafe Citti - After 30 years in Kenwood they've moved to a "hidden" spot in Santa Rosa, with a smaller, Italian trattoria menu. They have a covered patio for eating or you can get take-out.

Canevari's Deli - Skip Panini and pick up a sandwich here. Their ravioli is a local staple.

Mac's Deli - Opened in 1952 as a NY-style deli. It's busy at lunchtime every day.

Riviera - Italian food loved by locals.

SEA Thai Bistro - One of the many excellent restaurants in town, but it's out of the way from most lodging, except the nearby Flamingo Hotel. Classy interior, nice bar suitable for eating, plus plenty of restaurant seating. The food? Ohhh yeah.

Walter Hansel Bistro - Outside of town, so a bit of a drive. California / French menu is not inexpensive, but is highly-rated.
 

The Depot, Sonoma

Sonoma

Creekside Cafe - Breakfast / brunch

The Depot - It covers all the standard Italian dishes and does them very well in an 150-year-old train depot. This restaurant is hidden because it's a couple blocks off the town plaza, and it seems only locals know about it. Right across from Arnold Field in case you want to see a Sonoma Stompers baseball game. Stompers, get it? Like stomping grapes.

Hop Monk - Also, a couple blocks off the plaza this is where the locals go for a cold one. Outdoor seating, pub food, lots of beer choices, and sometimes live music.

Sweet T's, Windsor

Windsor

This small town isn't really known as a tourist town, but its central location to wineries and less expensive lodging options compared to nearby Healdsburg make it a choice for some visitors. 

Maison Porcella - A French bistro that's highly rated. Never been and don't know anything about it except that their website says they automatically add a 20% gratuity.

Pizzaleah - This might not be "hidden" if you are a pizza aficionado. They've won many awards, including at the national level.

Sweet T's - Well known to locals for Southern comfort food, something pretty rare in this area. Food is excellent, prices are a bit high.

Paradise Burger, Skillets Cafe, and West Coast Sourdough - If you're looking for better prices, especially for lunch, check out one of these casual spots.