12 New Sonoma Restaurants We Can’t Wait to Try in 2021

A new year, and so many delicious new restaurants — and restaurants slated for later in the year — on our radar. Here are a few that we’ll be checking out soon, or as soon as outdoor dining returns. Some of these restaurants are still in the works. Much depends on the lifting of the stay-home order, so it’s unclear exactly when these restaurants will open — hopefully in the coming months. Click through the above gallery for details.

Now Open – Ippinn Sushi Go Round, Santa Rosa

Available for takeout, but the real fun comes when we can enjoy sushi going round and round the conveyor and a “fast track” race car for speedier orders. 1985 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, 707-800-7699

Now Open – Asahi Sushi & Kitchen, Healdsburg

Locals are raving about a new downtown sushi bar and Japanese restaurant that features the usual nigiri, sashimi and rolls along with chicken karaage, Japanese curries, bento boxes and noodles. Currently available for takeout. 335 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-395-0487

Now Open – Quail and Condor, Healdsburg

Bakery superstars Melissa Yanc and Sean McGaughey have quietly opened a small storefront at 149 Healdsburg Ave. in Healdsburg. The couple are known for their wild yeast sourdough and hearty dark loaves (walnut persimmon is our fave) but their sweet pastries — croissants and filled Danish also made with sourdough — are worth the trip alone. 

Now Open – The Altamont General Store, Occidental

A 19th-century hotel has been revamped into a modern-day marketplace. Roast chicken is available, along with daily soups and specials to-go. Thursday through Sunday. 3703 Main St, Occidental, 707-874-6053

Now Open – Anna’s Seafood, Petaluma

Petaluma fishmonger Annalicia Svedise has moved her fish market across town to 901 Lakeville St., The daughter of the late Mike Svedise of Santa Rosa Seafood, she’s built her own sustainable seafood empire with line-caught fish primarily sourced from local fishermen. Construction started before the pandemic, and now that it’s finally completed, she’s planning to open a seafood restaurant at the location as well. shopannasseafood.com. 

Now Open – Taub Family Outpost, Sonoma

This exciting new restaurant and wine shop opened just in time for the pandemic. Though they had some outdoor dining success over the summer, they’re focused on breakfast and all-day takeout along with prepared cocktails and a stunning collection of wines. We are beyond excited to try Chef Trevor Anderson’s menu when we can fully enjoy it at a table. 97 1st St. West, Sonoma, 707-721-1107

Now Open – Folktable, Sonoma

Black truffle chicken hand pies, steak tartare with fried capers and hash browns, wild mushroom tartine and fried chicken with hot honey are on the takeout-only opening menu of this new restaurant from Top Chef finalist Casey Thompson. Located at Cornerstone Gardens in Sonoma is the first of several eateries planned by the Sonoma-based celebrity chef. Here’s to the dream of sipping wine and sitting in the lovely gardens come springtime. 23584 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, 707-356-3567 

Now Open – Valley Bar and Bottle, Sonoma

This precious space was another pandemic opener that muscled along with takeout and bottleshop items but never really got a chance to fully show us all it had — yet.  The restaurant is on a winter break until Jan. 21 but another we’re eager to discover later this year. 487 First West, Sonoma, 707-934-8403

Still in the Works – Khom Loi, Sebastopol

New Thai concept from the owners of Ramen Gaijin and Lowell Sheldon. We’ve tried some of their incredibly flavorful dishes in earlier pop-ups, but a full brick and mortar in Sebastopol will be yet another reason to hit up this foodie town.

Still in the Works – Single Thread Outdoor Experience, Healdsburg

“Usu-Zan”, which was forced to close just a day after its debut in early January will return after SIP as a five-nights-per-week immersive outdoor dining experience inspired by the food and wild spaces of Hokkaido, a far-flung island prefecture of Japan. The event is a collaboration between Chef Kyle Connaughton and Katina Connaughton of Single Thread and interior designer Ken Fulk. 

Single Thread’s “Usu-Zan” will return after SIP as a five-nights-per-week immersive outdoor dining experience inspired by the food and wild spaces of Hokkaido, a far-flung island prefecture of Japan.

Still in the Works – Hazel Hill Restaurant at Montage, Healdsburg

The new luxury resort restaurant hasn’t been able to open to the public yet, but here’s to hoping that we’ll be able to enjoy the outdoor grounds soon. 100 Montage Way, Healdsburg,

Still in the Works – Sol Food, Petaluma

The much-loved Puerto Rican restaurant based in San Rafael is building an outpost in Petaluma. How excited are we! 151 Petaluma Blvd S #129, Petaluma, 707-410-4400, solfoodrestaurant.com/menu.

Still in the Works – The Matheson, Healdsburg

Chef Dustin Valette’s long-awaited 17,000 square-foot restaurant, retail, and living space on the Healdsburg Square will feature a rooftop bar and plenty of great food. 106 Matheson St., Healdsburg, thematheson.com. 

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By Heather Irwin