Petaluma: Eat, Sip & Stay

Set along the banks of the Petaluma River, the exciting town of Petaluma blends small-town warmth with a vibrant atmosphere of a larger city. Petaluma’s rich agricultural history, bustling downtown, and farm-to-table ethos make it a must-visit destination in Sonoma County. Whether you’re indulging in artisan cheeses, sipping local wines, or settling in for a cozy overnight stay, Petaluma has something special in store. 

Getting to Petaluma

Located just 32 miles north of San Francisco, Petaluma is easily accessible via Highway 101. For travelers flying into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK), it’s about an hour drive to Petaluma. If flying directly into Sonoma County, it’s just a quick 20-minute drive south from Santa Rosa’s Charles M. Schulz Airport (STS). Other transportation options for Bay Area travelers include the convenient Golden Gate ferry and SMART train, which now has two stops in Petaluma. 

Where to Eat

Historically known as a farming hub of the West Coast, Petaluma’s culinary scene reflects its agricultural roots, featuring everything from European-inspired bakeries to Michelin-recognized dining. Whether it’s a casual meal, a couple of brews or an exquisite dinner, here are some top spots to savor when in Petaluma: 

• Brigitte Bistro: A cozy French bistro with classic dishes like escargot and duck confit, Brigitte Bisto is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. 
• Stellina Pronto: A charming café that’s a hit among the locals, Stellina Pronto is known for its Italian-style pastries, panini, and robust espresso. 
• Costeaux French Bakery: This fabulous offshoot of the original Healdsburg favorite offers delectable French pastries and hearty breakfasts, and it’s located within the Hotel Petaluma building, making it extremely convenient for guests. 
• Sarmentine: A hidden gem with multiple locations in the area, Sarmentine makes handcrafted croissants, baguettes, and buttery viennoiseries that are reminiscent of Paris bakeries. 
• Table Culture Provisions: Newly Michelin-recognized, this modern American eatery showcases seasonal tasting menus with inventive pairings. TCP, as it’s known by locals, offers an approachable fine-dining menu that is sure to leave you satisfied and talking about it for months to come.  
• Chan Chao Thai: Authentic Thai flavors shine at this vibrant eatery, where dishes like Khao Soi and Pad See Ew steal the show. 
• Sol Food: This Bay Area favorite with multiple locations serves up Puerto Rican cuisine, with house-made plantains and mofongo being must-tries. 
• Della Fattoria: This rustic bakery and café offers artisanal bread, hearty breakfast plates, and an inviting courtyard. 
• Stockhome: Swedish-inspired fare meets California ingredients at this family-friendly Michelin-rated spot. Come ready for a delicious meal featuring Wienerschnitzel, meatballs and smörgåsbord platters. 
• Risibisi: This refined Italian eatery boasts handmade pasta, a robust wine list, and a warm ambiance. 
• L’Oro di Napoli: Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven is a specialty here, but any of the dishes at Loro di Napoli are so good, that you’ll believe you are in Italy on the shores of the Gulf of Sorrento. 
• Marin French Cheese Company: The perfect stop for creamy, handcrafted cheeses to take on a picnic or pair with local wine, but if you can’t make it, you’re bound to see these cheeses all over the Bay Area and beyond.
• McNears: This lively downtown spot offers classic American fare, craft beers, and a historic ambiance in a beautifully restored 1886 building. 

Where to Sip

Beyond its fantastic food scene, Petaluma is home to an impressive selection of craft breweries, distilleries, wineries and coffee shops. While Sonoma County may typically be associated with wine, the beer scene in Petaluma (and its neighbor-city Santa Rosa), make it feel like the center of West Coast brewing. Here are a few places you can grab a drink: 

Beer 

• Crooked Goat Brewing: This lively taproom features a rotating selection of craft beers, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts. 
• Lagunitas Brewing Company: One of California’s most famous craft breweries, Lagunitas is known for its bold flavors and lively beer garden. 
• Brewsters Beer Garden: An outdoor beer garden with a wide selection of brews, barbecue, and live music, Brewsters is a must-visit, especially during the holidays when it explodes with Christmas-themed décor.  
• HenHouse Brewing Company: A local favorite, HenHouse specializes in fresh, small-batch beers with creative flavors. 

Spirits 

• Griffo Distillery: This family-run distillery crafts small-batch gin, whiskey, and vodka with locally sourced ingredients. 
• Barber Lee Spirits: This boutique distillery produces artisan brandy and bourbon and offers a cozy tasting room experience. 

Coffee 

• Grand Central Café: This charming café serves up expertly brewed coffee and pastries in a relaxed setting. 
• Caffeine Inc.: A local favorite for strong espresso, here you’ll also find creative lattes, and a welcoming atmosphere. 

Wine 

• McEvoy Ranch: Just outside town, this olive-oil estate offers a Mediterranean-style café experience with small bites and local wines. Make some time to take a tour of the incredible estate and its exquisite gardens. 
• Adobe Road: Adobe Road Winery is renowned for its premium, small-batch wines that highlight the diverse terroirs of Sonoma County. The winery’s passion for precision winemaking and focus on quality has earned it a reputation for crafting bold, complex wines that consistently impress wine enthusiasts. 
• Brooks Note: With a lively tasting room downtown, Brooks Note focuses on small-lot production. The winery emphasizes quality, expression, and balance in its wines. 
• Parum Leo: Parum Leo is a boutique winery known for producing elegant, hand-crafted wines with a focus on small-lot production. These wines, made with a commitment to sustainable farming and minimal intervention, offer a refined taste of Sonoma County’s rich terroir. 

Where to Stay

Lodging options in Petaluma range from boutique hotels to historic landmarks. Here are a few places you can rest your head: 

• Metro Hotel and Café: A fun, French-inspired boutique hotel with eclectic décor and a laid-back vibe, Metro Hotel and Café is more than just a stay. A fantastic breakfast of crêpes and French coffee greets guests in the morning. In the evening, guests are treated to comfy beds and spacious rooms – including retro Airstream trailers. The hotel is well-situated to explore Petaluma’s many attractions and provides ample parking. 
• Hotel Petaluma: Hotel Petaluma is a historic downtown space with elegant charm, modern amenities and a great cocktail bar. Located in the heart of Petaluma, Hotel Petaluma allows guests to easily visit the city’s many downtown attractions. 
• Sheraton Sonoma County Wine Country Petaluma: This comfortable waterfront hotel with spacious rooms offers easy access to Wine Country via Highway 101 and incredible views via an attached set of docks that fill up in the spring and summer.  

Plan Your Visit 

From fine dining to casual bites, craft brews to artisanal spirits, Petaluma’s culinary and beverage landscape is a testament to the region’s rich flavors and agricultural heritage. With a range of hotels for differing tastes and desires, Petaluma is a perfect Sonoma County hub. Plan your visit, bring an appetite, and get ready to eat, sip, and stay awhile. 

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Written by Rachel Dickinson