10 Gourmet Sonoma County Restaurants to Try

As dining across the nation leans ever more casual, white tablecloths and fine china are hard to find. However, Sonoma County still features many spectacular dress-up dining destinations where polished service remains de rigeur, menu options are elegant, and elbows-off-the-table celebrations are welcomed.

1. Farmhouse Inn, Forestville

Owned by siblings Catherine and Joe Bartolomei, this elevated farm-to-table restaurant is so beloved that reservations are necessary. It’s first-class at this lovely establishment, with an on-staff Master Sommelier who artfully pairs wines with chef Steve Litke’s luxurious Cal-Mediterranean creations. Menus change frequently, and the best way to savor it all is through the four-course tasting. Their signature rabbit includes applewood-smoked bacon and whole-grain mustard sauce alongside Yukon potatoes.

2. Sante Restaurant at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, Sonoma

This acclaimed restaurant at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa features a modern, minimalist design, but the menu is full of flair. The elegant restaurant has earned a reputation for its dazzling yet simple dishes that let the food speak for itself. Santé, which means “to your health,” not only honors California cuisine and refined taste but has also earned a national reputation for magnificent food.

3. Drakes Sonoma Coast, Bodega Bay

The cozy restaurant inside The Lodge at Bodega Bay delivers cuisine as riveting as the views stretching across the water. The chef fosters relationships with local organic family farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and artisan cheese makers to create a fresh and innovative menu. Examples of the seasonally changing menu include grilled Pacific long-line swordfish, braised California lamb shank, and pan-seared liberty duck breast.

4. SingleThread Farm Restaurant & Inn, Healdsburg

Proprietors Kyle and Katina Connaughton finessed every detail of their combination restaurant and luxury inn. The result is an elegant space that’s home to equally sophisticated dining. Offering an 11-course tasting menu customized to guests’ dietary preferences and needs, SingleThread is based on the Japanese concepts of kaiseki — elaborate multicourse meals crafted as art — and donabe — rustic clay pot cooking.

5. Catelli’s, Geyserville

A third-generation family-owned Italian restaurant in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, this restaurant offers an extensive list of local wines and authentic Italian-style dishes with a fresh and local twist. The menu portrays many of Grandpa Catelli’s authentic favorites, but the current chef, Domenica Catelli, gives them modern flair. 

Try the “Pasta of the Moment,” which pairs seasonal regional ingredients with handmade pasta. The charming checkered patio in the garden is the perfect place to sip and savor.

6. John Ash, Santa Rosa

This romantic fine dining destination in the Vinarosa Resort & Spa is legendary as one of Sonoma County’s first restaurants highlighting wine-country cuisine. Acclaimed chef John Ash is no longer affiliated, but the food remains top-notch under chef Thomas Schmidt. Discover seasonal dishes, regional wines, and a commitment to making gourmet food and wine fun and approachable for visitors and locals alike.

7. Stark’s Steak & Seafood, Santa Rosa

Stark’s is all about classic American fare with a modern approach to seafood and steak. Housed in the oldest restaurant building in Santa Rosa (built in 1938), Stark’s offers a classy historical setting, including rich wood accents, flickering fireplaces, and brick-lined walls. Discover a dining area with intimate and formal seating as well as a buzzing, vibrant bar with smaller tables. This traditional establishment has room for everyone. 

8. La Gare French Restaurant, Santa Rosa

A local favorite for almost 40 years and two generations, La Gare has long been regarded as Sonoma County’s most romantic restaurant, and the San Francisco Chronicle agrees. Serving old-world classic French cuisine crafted with fresh local ingredients, this restaurant merveilleux is a little extra by including specialty soups and salad with every entree.

9. Glen Ellen Star, Glen Ellen

When you walk through the doors of Glen Ellen Star, you’re immediately greeted by knotty pine tables and the aromas of a traditional wood-burning oven. But don’t let the natural, laid-back vibe fool you. This local gem earned a Bib Gourmand rating with incredible hand-tossed pizzas, wood-roasted vegetables, and decadent desserts.

10. River’s End, Jenner

Nestled at the convergence of the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean, River’s End Restaurant pairs breathtaking, romantic views (and sunsets that are arguably unbeatable) with local flavors, amazing service, and craft cocktails.

Additional Sonoma County fine dining restaurants:

• Barndiva, Healdsburg
• Boon Eat + Drink, Guerneville
• Café La Haye, Sonoma
• Rustic, Geyserville

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Written by Sonoma Insider Carey Sweet