Restaurants

10 Sonoma County Restaurants with Outdoor Seating

Brewsters Beer Garden in Petaluma, California

Sonoma County’s wonderful Mediterranean climate means you can enjoy the luxury of dining outside year-round. Sometimes a farm-to-table meal tastes even better when relaxing al fresco, surrounded by Sonoma Wine Country’s great outdoors.

Here are just a few Sonoma County restaurants that are perfect for enjoying fresh-air dining.

1. Barndiva, Healdsburg

The exterior of the barn is lit up at night in Healdsburg — Barndiva at night in the town of Healdsburg, California

You know you’re in for something special when you take in this garden patio, lushly landscaped for outdoor eating in grandeur. Chef Ryan Fancher creates mouthwatering dishes in a renovated mahogany barn, complete with pitchforks on the walls. Partnering with local farms, this Sonoma County restaurant features fresh, seasonal favorites like cauliflower soup and sautéed Pacific swordfish. Next door, Barndiva owner Jil Hales showcases her art gallery Barndiva Gallery + Bar.

2. Estero Cafe, Valley Ford

The patio is a popular place at Estero Cafe in Valley Ford, California.

Estero Cafe’s relaxed, family-style environment includes homemade meals made with local and organic ingredients, as well as beer and wine, often enjoyed on the large patio. The restaurant partners with local farms and ranches to offer the best of Sonoma County’s local bounty. Weekends are particularly busy for tasty brunch and mimosas.

3. Brewsters Beer Garden, Petaluma

A group of women enjoy beers on the patio at Brewsters — The beer garden at Brewsters, Petaluma, California

Located in historic downtown Petaluma on the edge of the river, this family- and pet-friendly open-air restaurant has over 350 seats with a fire pit, heat lamps, a bocce court, a children’s playground, and a live music stage. Think Southern BBQ meets California produce with refined flavors and a healthy dose of locally sourced ingredients. Brewsters offers more than 30 revolving craft beers on draft, local wines, and a full selection of spirits and cocktails.

4. Ca’ Bianca, Santa Rosa

Image of exterior of Ca' Bianca in Santa Rosa, California. — Ca’ Bianca in Santa Rosa, California

Enjoy al fresco flair overlooking the fountain garden at this grand mansion in Old Town Santa Rosa. Husband-and-wife owners Marco Diana and Karin Hoehne showcase tantalizing Italian cuisine, like seared ahi with homemade ravioli and Sardinian semolina gnocchi with porcini and slowly braised beef. Dressing up isn’t necessary but can be fun in the old-school glamour of chandeliers, antiques, white tablecloths, and the gracious gardens.

5. Cafe Aquatica, Jenner

Cafe Aquatica in Jenner, California, offers outdoor seating with a view of the Russian River and live music on the weekends.

Grab your food (and a drink if you’d like) and head outside to enjoy the calming view of Sonoma County’s beloved Russian River. You’re bound to see kayakers glide by and possibly an otter, sea lion, or other coastal wildlife. On weekends, you’re treated to live music on the shoreline. Cafe Aquatica is a must-stop when you’re in Jenner.

6. Catelli’s, Geyserville

The outdoor patio at Catelli's in Geyserville — The outdoor patio at Catelli’s in Geyserville, California

This forever-favorite draws diners near and far to its 7,000-square-foot back patio — a wonderland boasting a full bar, al fresco bistro seating, an adjacent garden, and an Italian marble floor in beautiful black and white. Sample rustic, soul-satisfying Italian cooking like out-of-this-world chicken roasted with rosemary, garlic, mushrooms, and white wine served over soft polenta and chard.

7. Wild Poppy Cafe, Sebastopol

This family-run roadside cafe with a creekside patio and local market is a welcome stop to dine, drink, and shop. Come for brunch and lunch to be delighted by a seasonal menu of creative sandwiches, tasty tacos, and yummy vegetarian or gluten-free options – all with a special emphasis on organic and biodynamic ingredients. Browse their curated selection of beer, wine, artisan goods, and bakery treats to take home.

8. the girl & the fig, Sonoma

People enjoy the shade-covered patio at the girl & the fig — the girl & the fig located in the town of Sonoma, California

This restaurant boasts an expanded garden patio for extra shade and seating, and that’s a good thing since there are usually lines out the door. The lure is lovely plates like breakfast tartine with housemade chicken sausage, veggie scramble, smoked paprika hollandaise, salsa verde, and grilled French bread. Or try baked eggs Provencal with garden tomatoes, leeks, gremolata, and grilled bread. A decadent pork belly sandwich with apples and cabbage, fennel aioli, and a brioche bun is served with crispy frites.

9. Fishetarian Fish Market, Bodega Bay

Few dining experiences are as iconic in Sonoma County as enjoying fresh seafood while overlooking the Bodega Harbor. Fisheterian Fish Market is one of a few Bodega Bay restaurants where you can do this. Enjoy casual, outdoor dining mere steps from the very waters where the fresh food is caught. Try favorites like Charlie’s Chowder, fish and chips, crab cakes, and smoked salmon with local wine or craft beer. Then stroll the harbor.

10. Rustic, Geyserville

Two women enjoy a glass of wine on the patio at Rustic in Geyserville — The patio at Rustic in Geyserville, California

Rustic, the restaurant at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, offers a beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the gently rolling hills of the Alexander Valley. As one of Hollywood’s most famous movie directors, Coppola shares film memorabilia throughout his properties and highlights his favorite international and Italian dishes on the menu, including wines from his winery. A full-service bar next to the restaurant for cocktails in casual style.