Jewish Food in Sonoma County for Passover and Beyond

Spring is a sure sign that the Jewish holiday of Passover is on its way. A big part of Passover is the delicious dishes and traditional foods that include unleavened matzoh (also spelled matzo and matzah). Year-round Jewish foods are a treasured treat, and this helpful list highlights some of the best spots for Jewish food in Sonoma County. 

Grossman’s Noshery & Bar, Santa Rosa  

When a whole section of the menu is called “Bubbie’s Favorites,” you know you’re at a real Jewish restaurant. Grossman’s is Sonoma County’s hotspot for house-made Jewish specialties. Their matzoh ball soup, aptly named “The Big Piece of Chicken,” can be made Passover-possible by omitting its usual noodles.

Other Bubbie-approved offerings for Passover celebrations include brisket, stuffed cabbage, and quinoa tabbouleh. Grossman’s bagels, challah, rye, and pastry specials like hamentachen are baked on-site. Luscious lox is house-cured, traditional deli sandwiches include housemade whitefish salad, and healthy side-dishes include an Israeli salad of dukkah-sprinkled tomatoes and cucumbers.

Mac’s Deli & Cafe, Santa Rosa 

Owned and operated by the Soltani family since 1970, this is Sonoma County’s oldest Jewish deli, offering a friendly neighborhood vibe. Renowned for their pastrami reuben (on rye, of course), they also offer locally made pumpernickel, bagels, and sourdough, and tasty corned beef hash. Breakfast is packed with a trove of omelettes and scrambles, and if you’re avoiding hametz (leavened foods) for Passover, keep it kosher by asking for any sandwiches served on lettuce instead of bread. 

Chabad Jewish Center, Santa Rosa

Looking for a kosher caterer? You’ll find an authentic one at this Orthodox center, which handles off-site events both big and small, plus their signature Kosher Wine Country Travel Experience. Offerings include roasted or boneless chicken, rib steak, or salmon served with delicious sides, challah, and even kosher wine. For more info, check out their Kosher Catering order form, or call 707-577-0277. 

Chabad Jewish Center, Petaluma

The Chabad Jewish Center of Petaluma traditionally hosts an elegant Passover Seder at Hotel Petaluma, with delicious food and delightful company. The event is English-friendly and all ages are welcome to join this cherished event. Check their website for specifics and experience this evening with friends, family, and neighbors.

Sonoma Valley Bagel & Cafe, Rohnert Park

This laid-back spot honors the traditional bagel: Kettle-boiled and baked, but never steamed. The house specialty is the “eggel,” a bagel sandwich topped with scrambled eggs and cheese, plus a slew of topping choices. The lox is nova and cream cheese flavors include chives, garlic & herb, and salmon. For those craving a Passover treat, indulge in the coconut macaroons, either plain or studded with chocolate chips. 

The Bagel Mill, Petaluma

After graduating from NYU and returning to Sonoma County, Sebastopol native Glenda Doughtery missed New York-style bagels so much, she started milling her own flour and making them herself. For a Bay Area twist, these bagels include a sourdough starter. On the full menu, you’ll discover treats like bagel sandwiches, bialys, bagel dogs, rugelach, seasonal-flavored cream cheese spreads, and for Passover — Matzo Toffee Bark coated with Guittard chocolate. 

Healdsburg Bagel Company & Drewish Deli, Healdsburg

In 2018, Healdsburg local Drew Ross started Healdsburg Bagel Company in his garage, and as the business boomed, he moved into a bustling off-site bakery, providing New York-style bagels and more to delis, cafes, farmers markets, and grocery stores.

Offering both pickup and delivery, Healdsburg Bagel Company’s “Drewish Deli” menu includes bagel dogs, bagel chips, knishes, bialys, and house-made lox and pastrami. Round out your seder table with a few quarts of the delicious matzoh ball soup made right here.

In 2023, he opened Drewski Deli opened, adding more to the menu including, savory pastrami and homemade matzo ball soup.