15 Distinctive Restaurants Great For Groups

Sonoma County’s sophisticated yet down-to-earth dining scene combines farm-fresh local ingredients with a dash of culinary magic. Incredible food? Check. Breathtaking views of vineyards and lapping waves? Of course! Whether you’re looking to plan an unforgettable group dinner or an intimate VIP dining experience, bold and creative cuisine that’s uniquely Sonoma County is always on the menu.

1. Barndiva – Healdsburg

Offering modern California Wine Country cuisine, this beloved restaurant- turned-events venue features versatile and inspiring spaces, from the mahogany barn to the art gallery to beautiful garden rooms.
Private events capacity: up to 250 seated or 300 standing; up to 60 guests for garden parties.

3. Catelli’s – Geyserville

The family-owned restaurant presents California-inspired Italian fare, including handmade pastas a showstopping signature 10-layer lasagna. It also offers lovely indoor and outdoor spaces for events amid lush landscaping.
Private dining capacity: Up to 50 in the garden and up to 150 seated on the patio; indoor spaces for smaller gatherings of up to 50.

5. Della Santina’s – Sonoma

A well-loved Italian trattoria offering a cozy, authentic experience with private dining rooms and a garden terrace for various group sizes.
Private event capacity: up to 35 guests in the main dining room; 20 to 30 on the upper patio; 50 to 90 for the entire patio.

6. Dry Creek Kitchen – Healdsburg

Chef Charlie Palmer’s culinary institution is famous for vibrant American cuisine made from hyper-local, seasonal ingredients— all starring in multi-course tasting menus.
Private dining capacity: up to 40 guests in the dining room at Hotel Healdsburg.

7. Glen Ellen Star – Glen Ellen

Centered around a wood-fired hearth, this Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient and neighborhood gem features house-made burrata, seasonal veggies and Sonoma-centric comfort dishes.
Private dining capacity: up to 28 guests (buyout required for 13 or more).

8. John Ash – Santa Rosa

A pioneer of farm-to-table dining in Sonoma County, this elegant restaurant at Vinarosa Resort combines Wine Country flavors with French culinary techniques. Vineyard views are also on the menu.
Private dining capacity: up to 500 for receptions; 250 for “meet and feed” events. Multiple dining spaces are available.

9. HopMonk Tavern – Sonoma and Sebastopol

Known for its lively beer garden atmosphere, live music and pub fare, the venue offers fun and casual event spaces for private groups.
Private dining capacity: up to 120 seated/150 standing in Sonoma; 225 guests in the Sebastopol beer garden.

10. La Rosa Tequileria and Grill – Santa Rosa

This modern Mexican restaurant boasts an extensive tequila and mezcal selection, along with vibrant spaces for group events.
Private dining capacity: 20-70 guests, depending on the room.
Full buyout: up to 200 guests.

12. Salt & Stone – Kenwood

Known for its wood-fired dishes, seafood and oyster bar, the popular venue has a comfortable, cozy ambiance with pretty vineyard views on the patio and versatile event spaces.
Private dining capacity: up to 40 guests in the Wine Room and up to 100 on the lawn.

13. Seared Steak & Seafood – Petaluma

Set in downtown Petaluma, this steak and seafood specialist has a dedicated banquet room that’s well-suited for a variety of private dining events.
Private dining capacity: 20 to 105 guests seated or up to 150 standing.

15. The Girl & The Fig – Sonoma

A French-inspired Sonoma classic, this acclaimed bistro on the Sonoma Plaza boasts a lively atmosphere and a thoughtful wine list focused on Rhône varieties.
Private dining capacity: 100 to 150 for full buyouts or 12 seated in the private dining room

More Restaurants to Explore

Hungry for more? Check out these distinctive Sonoma County Dining Destinations.

• The Madrona – Healdsburg: A Victorian mansion meets next-level fine dining, with a menu inspired by the estate’s organic gardens.
• Enclos – Sonoma: French technique meets Sonoma Wine Country ingredients for a refined, intimate dining experience at this Michelin- starred venue.
• Drakes – Bodega Bay: This coastal charmer pairs sustainably sourced, local seafood, produce and meats with panoramic views of Bodega Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
• The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn – Forestville: Experience a playfully creative menu highlighting locally foraged and sourced ingredients.
• Rocker Oysterfeller’s at the Wharf – Bodega Bay: Offering classic coastal dining with a Southern twist, this is the place for ultra-fresh local seafood, fried to golden perfection.
• Valette – Healdsburg: Chef Dustin Valette brings in crowds for his contemporary California-global cooking in the inviting ambiance of an open kitchen.