Animo, Sonoma: Former Per Se chef Joshua Smookler and his spouse, Heidy He, have, in mere months, reworked a humble taqueria into one of the buzziest destination restaurants this year. Defying easy categorization, the menu focuses on dry-aged entire Spanish turbot, native beef, and Iberico pork, all cooked over an open hearth. Boquerones toast with anchovies is a required dish, together with scallops crudo with yuzu, and a whimsical affogato served in a cat mug. 18976 Sonoma Hwy., Sonoma. @animo_restaurant on Instagram (Kim Carroll/for Sonoma Journal)
EDGE, Sonoma: As soon as a non-public supper membership showcasing the bounty of Glen Ellen’s famend Stone Edge Farm and its property wines, EDGE is now a prix fixe restaurant open to the general public—and an outlet for Peruvian chef Fiorella Butron’s exquisite creativity. The result’s an alchemy of seasonal farm-to-table flavors and culinary influences, together with Peru, Hawaii, Europe, Southeast Asia, and India. 139 E. Napa St., Sonoma. 707-935-6520, edgesonoma.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
El Molino Central, Sonoma: We may complain that there’s by no means parking and at all times a line out the door at this cantina, however individuals have a tendency to not discover such particulars when sitting down for the world’s finest Mexican meals. It begins with house-ground masa pressed by hand into imperfectly good corn tortillas. Prime these with pork al pastor or Dungeness crab, and also you’ve acquired one thing exceptional. Add to the menu chiles rellenos with walnut sauce, do-it-yourself mole, and tamales, and you’ll see why this unassuming taqueria is one thing particular. 11 Central Ave., Sonoma. 707-939-1010, elmolinocentral.com (Jeff Kan Lee/The Press Democrat)
Folktable, Sonoma: A number of the most artistic dishes in Sonoma County are popping out of this hidden brunchy-lunchy gem at Cornerstone Gardens, which seems tartines and toasts, amazingly good sweet-spicy fried hen, steak frites, and fruity hand pies. However the star, particularly presently of 12 months, is the plush, wonderland backyard setting. 23584 Arnold Dr., Sonoma. 707-356-3567, folktable.com (Courtesy of Folktable)
Glen Ellen Star, Glen Ellen: Chef Ari Weiswasser’s custom-built wooden oven is the glowing coronary heart of the Star, one in all Wine Nation’s perennial must-try spots. Combining basic French strategies with laserfocused consideration to element, Weiswasser impresses with roasted Brussels sprouts with brown sugar marmalade, a genuinely exceptional brick hen, and spectacular Neapolitan-style pizzas. 13648 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen. 707-343-1384, glenellenstar.com (Crista Jeremiason/The Press Democrat)
Salt & Stone, Kenwood: Being wildly fashionable doesn’t at all times equal nice meals, however this always-packed Kenwood roadhouse has an approachable menu that delivers. The previous house owners of Mendocino’s critically acclaimed Cafe Beaujolais discovered diners keen for his or her environment, value level, and French-Italian menu. A full bar and completely happy hour specials attraction to close by Oakmonters, Valley guests, and wine trade people alike. It’s simple to make an entire dinner simply from their oyster bar and appetizer menu, however seafood and steaks are equally wonderful. 9900 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood, 707-833-6326, saltstonekenwood.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Journal)
Valley Bar + Bottle, Sonoma: This neighborhood restaurant, wine bar, and bottle store has effortlessly surged to the highest since its 2020 debut. Opened by 4 Scribe Vineyard alums, the eatery contains a riduculously intelligent and of-the-moment wine checklist (biodynamic wines, uncommon varietals, and difficult-to-source areas). Cooks Emma Lipp and Stephanie Reagor supply a wide-ranging, seasonal menu, together with pats of crispy rice with scallions and ginger, fried hen with peanut curry, and a custardy boiled egg with spicy, umami-laden Hong Kong XO sauce. 487 First St. W., Sonoma. 707-934-8403, valleybarandbottle.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Wit & Knowledge, Sonoma: The menu hasn’t modified a lot since chef Michael Mina opened this spot, his first Wine Nation restaurant, in 2020. And that’s not a foul factor, as a result of he acquired it proper the primary time, with dishes like meaty braised quick ribs in puff pastry, crunchy Liberty duck wings, and carbonara pizza. But it surely’s the vegetarian choices that bowl us over: Heirloom roasted carrots bathed in vadouvan-spiced yogurt, broccolini in preserved lemon sofrito, and beet carpaccio with tangerine labneh. 1325 Broadway, Sonoma. 707-931-3405, witandwisdomsonoma.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Grossman’s Noshery & Bar, Santa Rosa: This Jewish eatery has lastly quelled the kvetching about our county’s lack of a New York-style deli. Grossman’s menu is one thing to discover over time — right this moment, possibly lox and housemade bagels, latkes and applesauce, some matzoh ball soup or brisket. Subsequent, maybe the vegetarian sabich platter, chopped liver, and some boozy egg lotions. For later, take residence pints of pickles and egg salad, a loaf of challah, or a whole corned beef sandwich package. 308 Wilson St., Santa Rosa. 707-595-7707, grossmanssr.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Journal)
Hana Japanese Restaurant, Rohnert Park: Chef Ken Tominaga is Japanese delicacies in Sonoma County. Whereas fancy sushi bars come and go, Hana sticks to the fundamentals of pristine fish (typically flown in from Japan), proficient sushi cooks, and genuine preparation. Openers like chawan mushi, a savory egg custard with prawns and scallops, and the signature Blissful Spoon, a single chunk of oyster with uni, tobiko, ponzu sauce, and crème frâiche, take you to the streets of Tokyo. Save room for fundamental dishes like kurobuta pork tonkatsu and delicate, miso-marinated black cod. 101 Golf Course Dr., Rohnert Park. 707-586-0270, hanajapanese.com (Erik Castro/for The Press Democrat)
Pizza Leah, Windsor: The world wants extra Leah Scurtos. The champion pizzaiola places each little bit of her soul into making the right pizza. Lengthy-fermented Roman-style pizzas are boss; the award-winning Previous Gray Beard with Italian sausage, scorching honey and orange zest slays; and we go a bit of weak within the knees over the Roo’s, with olive oil, mushroom, Fontina, thyme, and shaved Parmesan. Greater than only a pie slinger, Scurto is a community-minded restaurateur who’s at all times completely happy to help to different cooks. 9240 Previous Redwood Hwy., Windsor. 707-620-0551, pizzaleah.com (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)
Sazón, Santa Rosa: Regardless of a spate of latest Peruvian eating places in current months, nobody has knocked this undisputed champion off its pedestal. Sazón’s ceviche de pescado with its tangy (dare we are saying drinkable) “ leche de tigre,” papa a la Huancaína, and lomo saltado are requirements in Sonoma County. The combination of indigenous Peruvian substances and influences from Spanish, Japanese, and African and Chinese language immigrants make it one of the crucial fascinating cuisines on the earth. 1129 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa. 707-523-4346, sazonsr.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Candy T’s Restaurant and Bar, Windsor: Good barbecue is the white whale for Sonoma County diners. However pull into the parking zone of this upscale, strip-mall restaurant, and the candy scent of wooden smoke drifting by way of the parking zone declares that sure, you’ve discovered it. Pitmaster George Ah Chin isn’t messing round, serving up tender ribs, pork, and brisket—however that’s simply the half of it. Southern-style sides like creamed corn, mashed potatoes, and mac ’n cheese don’t disappoint; fried hen nails it; and the cocktails will make you overlook any woes you got here in with. 9098 Brooks Rd. S., Windsor. 707-687-5185, sweettssouthern.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
The Spinster Sisters, Santa Rosa: The little café that would. All through the pandemic, chef Liza Hinman’s weekly pickup “Household Meals” of have been a supply of hope and inspiration. Final spring, they constructed a captivating out of doors house, including seafood dishes impressed by Hinman’s East Coast upbringing. The restaurant impresses with comforting roast hen, flaky wild-mushroom hand pies, and top-notch burgers. If there’s a restaurant to root for, it’s The Spinster Sisters. 401 S. A St., Santa Rosa. 707-528-7100, thespinstersisters.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Journal)
Taqueria Molcajetes, Santa Rosa: Man Fieri introduced molcajetes into the nationwide consciousness when he featured this tiny taqueria’s namesake dish — a steaming stew served in a blisteringly scorching stone bowl — on the Meals Community’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in 2018. Traces could be lengthy, however the al pastor rotisserie, contemporary aguas frescas, hefty burritos, and homey weekend specials together with birria de res, menudo, and morisqueta are well worth the wait. After exhaustive analysis (and some burnt fingers), we are able to safely say you received’t discover higher. 1195 W. Faculty Ave., Santa Rosa. 707-544-8280. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Journal)
Willi’s Wine Bar: Although it doesn’t have the identical funky French bistro appeal as the unique (which burned within the 2017 wildfires), the rebuilt Willi’s demonstrates a nuanced maturity, with small plates like curried crab tacos, ahi tuna tartare, goat cheese fritters with lavender honey, barbecue-duck polenta, and Moroccan lamb chops. The wine checklist has a transparent viewpoint and alternatives to discover, with 2-ounce pours along with by-the-glass, half-bottle, and bottle choices. The restaurant’s “Personal Stash” wine checklist lets wine snobs flex a bit of. 1415 City and Nation Dr., Santa Rosa. 707-526-3096, williswinebar.net (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Barndiva, Healdsburg: After successful a 2021 Michelin star, the restaurant’s already stellar repute for farm-to-table, tweezer-perfect plates jumped even larger with the current addition of chef Erik Anderson (Coi, Noma, Catbird Seat). The out of doors patio is prime seating, however there’s not a awful desk to be discovered on this mild, ethereal, barn-inspired restaurant. Pastry chef Neidy Venegas’ excellent desserts and mixologist extraordinaire Scott Beattie’s cocktails, all of that are crafted with substances sourced from the restaurant’s farm in close by Philo, add to the marvel of this extraordinary restaurant. 231 Heart St., Healdsburg. 707-431-0100, barndiva.com (Jil Hales/Barndiva)
Catelli’s, Geyserville: Generations of Catelli relations have owned this historic Italian restaurant, however present chef Domenica Catelli has raised the bar with up to date classics in a contemporary house. The lasagna is known, with 10 paper-thin pasta sheets layered with cheese and Domenica’s secret tomato sauce. Different finest bets: hen Parmesan and their “final” burger (the key is house-ground meat). 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville. 707-857-3471, mycatellis.com (Chris Hardy/for Sonoma Journal)
Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria, Geyserville: Chef Dino Bugica is a chef’s chef. After spending a decade in Italy mastering the artwork of butchery and rustic “ cocina povera” cooking, Bugica honed his craft at this sought-out pizza kitchen and restaurant. There’s magnificence in one thing so simple as spaghetti with pork-cheek ragu and wood-fired pizzas, however dishes like veal sweetbreads and squid-ink pasta with uni make Diavola distinctive. 21021 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville. 707-814-0111, diavolapizzeria.com (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
Dry Creek Kitchen, Healdsburg: When Charlie Palmer opened DCK in 2001, Healdsburg was barely a blip on the culinary map. Through the years, its repute has risen and fallen with the comings and goings of government cooks. However with the promotion of longtime sous-chef Wyatt Keith to move up the kitchen, this basic spot is experiencing a renaissance. Threecourse prix fixe menus ($75) and a few up to date dishes herald newcomers, whereas the $115 tasting menu nonetheless appears a deal on this ever-more-expensive city. 317 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707-431-0330, drycreekkitchen.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Little Saint, Healdsburg: One of the vital eagerly-awaited initiatives in Sonoma County, this farm-focused and fully plant-based restaurant inside the previous SHED constructing is a sensory expertise. The collaboration between Little Saint Farm, SingleThread’s Kyle and Katina Connaughton, and chef de delicacies Bryan Oliver options eye-popping, painstakingly-made creations impressed by world delicacies. Even the pastries are plant-based. 25 North St., Healdsburg. littlesainthealdsburg.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Journal)
Lo & Behold, Healdsburg: It’s uncommon to search out good meals at a bar and equally uncommon to search out wonderful drinks at a restaurant, however Lo & Behold cracks the code. Former Duke’s Spirited Cocktails founders Laura Sanfilippo and Tara Heffernon opened their dream cocktail bar with good friend and chef Sean Raymond Kelley, inviting locals and intrepid vacationers alike to relax on the again patio or seize a drink and bar snacks. Upscale hen tenders and a deconstructed crab rangoon are favorites, together with a creamy margarita with avocado and coconut oil. Why didn’t somebody consider this earlier than? 214 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707-756-5021, loandbeholdca.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Journal)
Quail & Condor/Troubadour, Healdsburg: SingleThread alums Melissa Yanc and Sean McGaughey are the type of culinary disrupters Sonoma County wants. The couple’s tiny bakery on Healdsburg Avenue sells out of crispy, lacquered pastries, loaves of bread, bagels, desserts and no matter else they dream up day by day. The couple just lately opened a second enterprise, Troubadour, specializing in connoisseur sandwiches. Naturally-fermented bread is filled with brisket, Dungeness crab, or roasted hen, however the perfect is the creamy, dreamy egg salad on fluffy Japanese milk bread. Quail & Condor, 149 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. quailandcondor.com; Troubadour, 381 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707-756-3972, troubadourhbg.com (Emma Okay. Morris)
Single Thread Farm, Restaurant and Inn, Healdsburg: Not only a high spot in our books, Kyle and Katina Connaughton’s 55-seat restaurant has climbed to No. 37 on the earth, in keeping with the annual checklist curated by The World’s 50 Greatest Eating places. Micro-seasonal cooking in keeping with conventional Japanese farming calendars is on the coronary heart of what makes the restaurant so particular, together with a powerful wine checklist, bespoke menus, and meticulous consideration to element. 131 North St., Healdsburg. 707-723-4646, singletheadfarms.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Journal)
Buying and selling Put up Restaurant, Cloverdale: Quaint Cloverdale typically will get neglected, however Buying and selling Put up is a gem within the northern reaches of Sonoma County. The dinner menu is crafted round seasonal consolation classics like roast hen with spelt berries and herb butter, or a lightweight saffron seafood stew. Sunday brunches include stay music, and on Wednesday nights, there’s a three-course prix fixe meal, often coming in below $30. 102 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale. 707-894-6483, thepostcloverdale.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Valette, Healdsburg: Chef Dustin Valette comes from one in all Healdsburg’s oldest households and carries a ardour for native substances in his DNA. Whereas the menu, with Kobe beef, truffles, caviar, and his well-known day-boat scallops en croûte learn as “fancy,” you’ll discover loads of native winemakers, neighbors, and buddies having fun with a glass of wine and dinner on the bar. For first-timers, we just like the “Belief Me” tasting, which affords the prospect to expertise lots of the menu’s highlights. 344 Heart St., Healdsburg. 707-473-0946, valettehealdsburg.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Straightforward Rider, Petaluma: Certain, you’ll discover shrimp and grits, collard greens, and hush puppies at this Southern- and Low Nation-inspired restaurant. However quite than shouting “howdy, y’all,” the domestically sourced substances and a mild hand create a snug marriage of the South and the West. Low Nation crab desserts, the Southern fried-chicken dinner, and bar’s good cocktails don’t disappoint. We’re particularly keen on the Pisco Punch, a velvet-gloved slap within the face, in a great way. 190 Kentucky St., Petaluma. 707-774-6233, easyriderpetaluma.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Della Fattoria, Petaluma: Lengthy earlier than Petaluma was a foodie vacation spot, Kathleen and Ed Weber based a European-style bread bakery and cafe that modified the paradigm of artisan bread. The bakery’s brick-oven loaves are nonetheless sought out all through the Bay Space, and the café has grown right into a weekend scorching spot with ridiculously good breakfasts and sandwiches. Youngsters’ eyes are glued to bakery circumstances full of just-made pastries, cupcakes, and croissants, whereas grown-ups ogle the lineup of contemporary, yeasty loaves (the Meyer lemon-rosemary bread is a favourite). Should you can, rating a seat on the communal farm desk by the window. 143 Petaluma Blvd N. Petaluma. 707-763-0161, dellafattoria.com (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)
Pearl, Petaluma: Impressed by the flavors of the Jap Mediterranean and North Africa, house owners Brian Leitner and Annette Yang carry a California contact to far-off flavors. Luscious shakshuka, heat pita with mint labneh and roasted carrot hummus, Levantine-spiced brisket, and a Persian meatball tagine, loved on their tiny patio or inside the nice and cozy, sunny café, affords a digital journey alongside the Spice Route. The restaurant was one of many first to incorporate service of their menu costs (no ideas). 500 First St., Petaluma. 707-559-5187, pearlpetaluma.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Journal)
Avenue Social, Petaluma: With simply six tables and 300 toes of eating house, Avenue Social feels such as you’ve stumbled throughout a secret culinary hideout. From a hobbit-sized kitchen house, chef Jevon Martin seems obsessively-constructed plates, together with steak tartare on grilled bread with horseradish, onion jam, and egg-yolk bottarga; and pan-fried monkfish with ’nduja butter and rice porridge. The lineup is at all times temporary however intriguing, and it modifications every Wednesday on the whim of the chef. 29 F Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. 707-774-6185, streetsocial.social (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Sol Meals, Petaluma: A sister to 2 wildly fashionable Puerto Rican eating places in Marin, Sol Meals opened this spring in a large Theatre District house reimagined as an island outpost. Brunch is fashionable, with a prolonged checklist of soul-satisfying dishes together with French toast, espresso with condensed milk, spicy picadillo on rice, and a terrific Cubano sandwich. The signature pollo al horno with fried plantains is a good place to begin, however degree up with the mofongo relleno de camarones, a spicy shrimp dish served over mashed plantains. 151 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma. 707-347-5998, solfoodrestaurant.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Journal)
Stockhome, Petaluma: The unfussy, family-friendly vibe of this cafe is undeniably Swedish. Shiny Josef Frank floral wallpaper speaks to the eatery’s traditional-modern menu of pickled herring, gravlax, Swedish pancakes, and meatballs with lingonberry jam. However along with Swedish favorites, chef Roberth Sundell breaks the mildew with Mediterranean avenue meals fashionable in his residence nation: hearty kebab plates, falafel pita wraps, and fried Halloumi. The European sweet in glass jars is a particular deal with. 220 Western Ave., Petaluma. 707-981-8511, stockhomerestaurant.com (New Rev Media)
The Shuckery, Petaluma: Sisters Jazmine and Aluxa Lalicker began their enterprise in 2007 once they hit the occasion circuit carrying cocktail attire and shucking oysters with the talent of grizzled fishermen. Their success led to a brick-and-mortar restaurant contained in the historic Lodge Petaluma. The main focus is on their uncooked oyster bar, together with an expanded menu of fastidiously sourced seafood that goes into tasty baked oysters, fish and chips, chowder, and gumbo. 100 Washington St., Petaluma. 707-981-7891, theshuckeryca.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Desk Tradition Provisions, Petaluma: After investing their pandemic stimulus checks in Tesla stock, cooks Stéphane Saint Louis and Steven Vargas used the $17,000 windfall to launch their restaurant dream. Now, after rising the enterprise in non permanent digs, they’ve discovered a tiny new Petaluma Boulevard house of their very own, the place the meals has advanced into a really masterful mix of high-low eats, together with delicata squash rings with onion dip and caviar; yeasty Parker Home rolls with bone-marrow butter; and rib eye with potato pavé and shaved truffles. 312 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma. 707-559-5739, tcprovision.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Altamont Normal Retailer, Occidental: The constructing is from 1872, however the modern-day market and café caters to up to date palates searching for mouthwatering wonders like a Boho Bowl of (dangle on, there’s so much taking place on this dish): stewed French lentils, Koda Farms Kokuho rice, natural brown rice, Brussels sprouts, charred cabbage, cauliflower, marinated carrots, arugula, pickled beets, kraut, pumpkin-seed chimichurri, pepitas, and crème fraîche. And but you will get scorching canine, too, of natural beef or Past beef, plus housemade mochi donuts and a killer Straus Household Creamery milkshake. 3703 Primary St., Occidental. 707-874-6053, altamontgeneralstore.com (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)
Blue Ridge Kitchen, Sebastopol: You’ve by no means had grits as high-quality as these from chef Matt D’Ambrosi, which come studded with shrimp and bacon and laced with a crawfish-cognac cream. There’s a lot to get pleasure from at this trendy spot within the Barlow, the place you’ll be able to attempt a wood-grilled portobello muffaletta sandwich, or savor elegant cioppino stocked with shellfish, salmon, and prawns in tomato-anise broth. End with a slab of Mississippi mud pie. 6770 McKinley St., Sebastopol. 707-222-5040, brkitchen.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Brot, Guerneville: Depart it to ingenious, unstoppable chef Crista Luedtke to carry us this twist on Midwest-inspired German fare, set in an exquisite small city recognized for its riverside cabins and LGBTQIA+ group. The tiny, wood-trimmed broterie (is {that a} phrase? it’s now!) delivers the scrumptious items, with Panizzera Meat Co. or housemade vegan brats mounded in mushrooms and kraut, crispy pork schnitzel with apple cabbage slaw, and, in fact, heat Bavarian pretzels to absorb all that good German beer in your tummy. 16218 Primary St., Guerneville. 707-604-6102, brotguerneville.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Journal)
Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant, Forestville: This posh resort has all of the awards: Greatest Eating places in America, World’s 36 Greatest Meals Locations, and a Michelin star yearly since 2006. This spring, the beloved restaurant was in transition as a brand new government chef was set to take the reins — however with a stable kitchen group in place, it’s certain to stay one in all our most interesting spots. A brand new four-course tasting menu has simply been unveiled, that includes sunchoke ricotta tortellinin with morels, peas, and Parmesan fonduta, and rack of lamb. 7871 River Rd., Forestville. 707-887-3300, farmhouseinn.com (Charlie Gesell/for Sonoma Journal)
Fern Bar, Sebastopol: The groovy joint in The Barlow is chock-a-block with ferns, similar to the Seventies. However the food and drinks are trendy, child. Craving chawan mushi with crispy bone marrow and shiitake mushrooms? Or a terrific cocktail of mezcal, rum, pandan leaf, toasted brown rice, sunomono shrub, orgeat, lemon, and egg white? A part of the enjoyable right here is exploring unusual flavors and bouncing round amongst eclectic dishes. And earlier than we overlook, three phrases: crème fraîche biscuits. 6780 Depot St., Sebastopol, 707-861-9603, fernbar.com (Courtesy of Fern bar)
Handline, Sebastopol: Let’s discuss tortillas. This café boasts an genuine stone mill to grind natural corn kernels into masa for its do-it-yourself rustic-thick tortillas, that are then griddled to order for marvelous meat, fish, or vegetarian tacos. Salads are excellent, just like the Baja Sur, which tosses kanpachi crudo with avocado, hibiscus, cilantro, chives, seaweed, ancho chiles, and damaged tostadas. Sit inside and admire the fish tanks stocked with plastic motion figures (you gotta see them to grasp), or chill out on the patio together with your pup. 935 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol. 707-827-3744, handline.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Khom Loi, Sebastopol: Spicy, candy, bitter, salty, and, sure, a bit of funky — that’s how we depend the methods we’re smitten with this contemporary Thai delicacies. Sonoma County substances star (beautiful Liberty duck with fish sauce, coriander, lemongrass and nam prik noom chile sauce), and layered flavors shine (tripe provides infinite umami to a beef, makrut lime, mint, and cabbage salad). Vegans, rejoice: You’re nicely taken care of right here, with signatures just like the inexperienced curry with Okinawan candy potato, tofu, rainbow chard, cauliflower, and Thai basil. 7385 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol. 707-329-6917, khomloisonoma.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Journal)
Ramen Gaijin, Sebastopol: You merely received’t discover higher noodles in Wine Nation than these handcrafted marvels, with their good, barely chewy texture. The shoyu broth is deep, savory and just-right salty, with notes of kombu, garlic, and ginger amid the silky umami fat from entire hen, pork neck, and smoked hocks (there’s vegan shiitake miso ramen, as nicely). The menu modifications based mostly on the seasons, however you have to at all times get the tsukemono — every vegetable on the pickle plate is brined individually, together with spicy turnip, sweet-tart white strawberries, tangy shiitakes, and fiery kimchi. 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. 707-827-3609, ramengaijin.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Underwood Bar and Bistro, Graton: Play “identify that winemaker” as you people-watch at this elegant, Parisian-style bistro – native vintners love to hold on the nickel-topped bar or within the crimson banquettes lit by milk glass sconces. We will’t resist wealthy French onion soup smothered in Gruyère, and the flatiron steak frites draped in mushroom-shallot butter. Insiders know that the Thai meals is tops right here, too, such because the five-spice duck confit Massaman curry. 9113 Graton Rd., Graton. 707-823-7023, underwoodgraton.com (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
Cafe Aquatica, Jenner: Dwell music on a waterfront deck, from-scratch pastries, and yummy, natural bites with quantity of vegan and gluten-free choices – sure, please. We swoon over the toasted focaccia layered with avocado, arugula, all the things seeds, poached egg and smoked salmon. Proprietor Rachel Kulinski additionally wows along with her rainbow sandwich, piled with crispy cabbage, avocado, greens, beet unfold, shredded carrots, sliced beets, pickles. 10439 Hwy. 1, Jenner. 707-865-2251, cafeaquaticajenner.com (Courtesy of Cafe Aquatica)
Coast Kitchen, Jenner: Brendalee Vialpando is the brand new government chef at this cliffside vacation spot within the spectacular Timber Cove Resort, with its massive ocean views. Her California menu covers the classics, however we particularly just like the grain and veggie sides, resembling toasty fregula sarda, and grilled smoked carrots with honey bitter cream and pistachios. The crispy brussels sprouts glazed in apple caramel sauce are distinctive. 21780 Hwy. 1, Jenner. 707-847-3231, coastkitchensonoma.com (Courtesy of Coast Kitchen)
Dillon Seaside Coastal Kitchen, Dillon Seaside: The relaxed Dillon Seaside setting and informal menu belies chef Jennifer McMurry’s meticulous preparation with high-end, native substances and fairly accents like edible flowers. Dig right into a juicy fried hen sandwich topped in spicy, housemade pickles; or a splendid clam chowder thick with seafood, applewood-smoked bacon, potatoes and leeks. End with a chic vanilla bean panna cotta, fancied up with mandarin granita and pumpkin seeds. Tip: the perfect seats are on the alfresco counter on the bluff overlooking the ocean. 1 Seaside Ave., Dillon Seaside. 707-878-3030, dillonbeachresort.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Journal)
Estero Cafe, Valley Ford: This darling clapboard hideaway welcomes diners with scrumptious, all-day breakfast and lunch, crafted with substances from the encircling space’s farms, ranches, and creameries. House owners Samantha and Ryan Ramey ship out a wonderful chicken-fried hen smothered in nation gravy, with two eggs, golden hash browns and greens (you’ll devour each final bit), and a killer grilled sammy of natural cheddar and Estero Gold cheese on thick Village Bakery sourdough, alongside crispy, hand-cut fries. Save room for pie. 14450 Hwy. 1, Valley Ford. 707-876-3333, esterocafe.com (Courtesy of Estero Cafe)
Fishetarian Fish Market, Bodega Bay: Massive waterfront views set the temper at this informal, seafood-centric spot. Cod comes straight from the cove, there’s contemporary Dungeness crab in season, in addition to delectable prawns, calamari, oysters, rockfish, and ahi. You need to attempt the clam chowder (get it with candy corn combined in and served in a gluten-free Mariposa Baking Firm bread bowl). How contemporary is contemporary? Co-owner Shane Lucas comes from an extended line of native fisherfolk and offered seafood wholesale for greater than twenty years earlier than launching his restaurant. 599 Hwy. 1, Bodega Bay. 707-875-9092, fishetarianfishmarket.com (Courtesy of Fishetarian)
Rocker Oysterfeller’s, Valley Ford: Set within the historic six-room Valley Ford Lodge in-built 1864, this roadhouse restaurant begins with a saloon, outfitted with Tiffany lamps and a elegant mahogany bar. It flows right into a farmhouse eating room, then out onto a patio populated by plenty of cats (that’s west county appeal). Dig into the Rocker signature: free-range fried hen doused in bittersweet Lagunitas ale-caraway gravy, then add a facet of fluffy buttermilk biscuits slathered with molasses butter, plus an order of the perfect onion rings you’ll ever have (secret: the batter is house-made beignet dough). 14415 Hwy. 1, Valley Ford. 707-876-1983, rockeroysterfellers.com (Courtesy of Rocker Oysterfeller’s)
Terrapin Creek, Bodega Bay: Husband-and-wife house owners Andrew Truong and Liya Lin left San Francisco, and their profession in high-end eating places like Jardiniere and Michael Mina, 14 years in the past to settle in quiet Bodega Bay. And fortunate for us they did, as a result of their charming bistro is excellent, tempting with vibrant Cal-Mediterranean-Asian signatures like pan-roasted Hokkaido scallops nested atop sunchoke puree, with pickled mushrooms, fennel and radish; and house-made, ribbon-shaped mafalde pasta tumbled with Manila clams, chorizo, Tuscan kale, and Parmesan. 1580 Eastshore Rd., Bodega Bay. 707-875-2700, terrapincreekcafe.com (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)
