Top Restaurants in Santa Rosa

With so many fantastic restaurants in Sonoma County, picking a favorite is tough. In Santa Rosa alone, there are many tasty options to choose from, ranging from classic California to Latin American, Asian, and beyond. 

Below are some popular picks in Santa Rosa that are sure to satisfy any craving and mood. (For even more options, check our listings of Sonoma County Restaurants and simply filter by type or location.)

Spinster Sisters

Chef Liza Hinman brings Cal-Mediterranean flavor and a delicious touch of Italian to her extraordinary cuisine. In Santa Rosa’s arts district, the spacious restaurant is stylish, with a redwood bar, a large communal table, and intimate tables for two. Mouthwatering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch menus get much love, with plates like ricotta gnocchi, breadcrumb fried duck egg, and grilled bavette steak with sweet potato-coconut gratin.

Stark’s Steak & Seafood

Part of the charm of this restaurant is its cool, retro mood, from the neon sign, fireplaces, and rich red leather chairs to the huge bar. Top-quality steaks are skillfully prepared with a “crust” to seal in the deep flavor and ensure each cut stays juicy. All the classics here are so good like Maine lobster dunked in garlic butter, gooey mac ‘n’ cheese, and crisp iceberg salad slathered in creamy blue cheese.

Dierk’s Parkside Café

It’s a good thing chef-owner Mark Dierkhising has two locations in Santa Rosa because his breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunches are enormously popular. Visit the original Dierk’s Parkside Café on Santa Rosa Avenue or J&M’s Midtown Café on 4th Street. At both, you’ll find excellent dishes like duck confit with potato hash, crispy chicken-fried steak, smoked salmon tart in puff pastry, and insanely good cinnamon pull-apart bread.

Sazon Peruvian Cuisine

Sazon is a true jewel, serving delicious Peruvian cuisine in an upscale bistro ambiance around an open kitchen. Savor masterful dishes such as marinated ceviche tossed with toasted Peruvian corn. Some ingredients are imported from South America, including yucca, plantains, and Inca Kola soda. Don’t miss the mouthwatering lime-infused potato terrine studded with Dungeness crab, avocado, and pepper-cilantro aioli.

SEA Thai Bistro

Chef-owner Tony Ounpamornchai showcases modern Thai ingredients in brilliant dishes. This restaurant’s name, “SEA,” stands for South East Asia, and the beautiful, flavorful options focus on Thai cuisine and neighboring countries with Japanese, Chinese, and California fusion. Spicy squid in peanut vinaigrette shares the table with wild mushroom potstickers, fried squash blossoms, and a rainbow array of curries.

Ca’Bianca Italian Restaurant

This grand mansion in old town is home to excellent Italian cuisine crafted by husband-and-wife owners Marco Diana and Karin Hoehne. Discover dishes like seared ahi with ravioli in almond sauce, semolina gnocchi with porcini and braised beef, or roasted breast of duck. Dressing up isn’t necessary but can make the experience fun in the old-school sophistication of chandeliers, white tablecloths, antique furniture, and gracious gardens.

John Ash & Co.

With recipes created by the ‘godfather of Wine Country cooking,’ this special occasion Sonoma County restaurant will speak to your senses. White tablecloths, romantic lighting, and work-of-art dishes are created with fresh ingredients plucked from the culinary gardens next to 92 acres of vineyards. Feast on Mary’s brick chicken with creamed garden greens or sweet potato ricotta gnocchi with garden kale and cheeses.

Find more local restaurants to add to your must-try list at Best Restaurants in Sonoma County. Or check our comprehensive listing of all eatery options: Sonoma County Restaurants.

Discover things to do in Sonoma County and places to stay in Sonoma Wine Country.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Carey Sweet