Michelin Stars in Sonoma County
We're extremely proud of Sonoma County's reputation as a food-lover's paradise—and thrilled that both the Michelin Guide 2021 and its Bib Gourmand category agree.
Two restaurants in Healdsburg have received three stars and one star, respectively. Three other Sonoma County dining spots—one in Sebastopol, and two others in Sonoma—have been awarded Bib Gourmand.
The dining awards of the Michelin Guide are some of the world's most prestigious culinary accolades. Zero to three stars are awarded based on the inspections of anonymous reviewers, who concentrate on the quality, personality, and consistency of a restaurant's food.
Restaurants awarded zero stars are recognized as "Bib Gourmand," representing remarkable establishments that serve two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less (tax and gratuity not included).
These Sonoma County restaurants have won Michelin stars or Bib Gourmand awards for 2021:
As the 2021 Michelin Guide notes, "’Exquisite’ barely begins to describe a meal at this Healdsburg jewel, where every detail has been considered, from the moss and flowers cradling the amuse-bouche presentation to the packets of heirloom seeds that are sent home as parting gifts."
Barndiva, Healdsburg - One Star
A Healdsburg favorite for 17 years for its stunning garden terrace and stellar Wine Country cuisine sourced from nearby farms, ranches and waters, this is the first time Barndiva has been awarded a Michelin star.
From the 2021 Michelin Guide: “The cooking, as conceived by chef Jordan Rosas, hones in on prime local produce and sustainability. There is a tangible deftness in such aromatic flavor combinations as seared day boat scallops with kohlrabi, grapefruit and lemongrass-ginger butter sauce. Of course, it should be unlawful to forgo the creative goodies from pastry chef Neidy Venegas.”
Michelin Bib Gourmand
These three Sonoma County restaurants were all opened during the pandemic in 2020, making their awards all the more remarkable. The following quotes are from the 2021 Michelin Guide:
Khom Loi, Sebastopol
"Extensive travel throughout Thailand has informed and inspired this team [Ramen Gaijin owners Matthew Williams and Moishe Hahn-Schuman] to bring a taste of Chiang Mai to Sebastopol. This is food that is spiced and seasoned with little hesitation and fresh and electric at the same time."
Valley Bar + Bottle, Sonoma
"The affordable wine list is a veritable call to adventure, highlighting organic and biodynamic favorites from California and beyond. The kitchen serves items such as soft-boiled eggs finished with a savory XO sauce and duck breast tortillas served with house-made hoisin that is best in class."
FolkTable, Sonoma
"Housed within a charming outdoor marketplace [Cornerstone Sonoma] is a kitchen brimming with ideas. To wit—beef tartare is ground to order and served on hash browns; while broccoli is grilled, then showered with puffed rice, Thai basil and maple tahini."
Congratulations to all of Sonoma County's 2021 Michelin Guide winners!
Eating options at Sonoma County's 500-plus restaurants range from casual Wine Country cuisine to top gourmet fare, ethnic favorites to diner grub - all with an eat-fresh philosophy that offers visitors a true taste of wine country.
