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Restaurant File: Sonoma, California
Old time general stores, elegant dinners, creative lunch spots and more
Although often called "Napa's little sister," I like to think of Sonoma more as true wine country. My Insider Andy Levine put it perfectly when he said, "Sonoma is all about being real and natural, the general stores are so my style." Sonoma's restaurant scene is on that same wavelength—memorable menus & venues without all of the hype. A few of my Insiders passed along their favorites with true Sonoma style.
La Salette
Ham with trout, shellfish with pork and fruit with eggs are just a few of the unlikely food pairings that come off as natural matches in the able hands of acclaimed Azorian chef Manuel Azevedo. This lovely indoor-outdoor restaurant, located at the back of the Mercado Building in historic Sonoma Plaza, offers Portuguese classics that span cheese plates to Portugal's national soup, caldo verde, to cataplana de marisco, Azevedo's signature white bean stew. The restaurant is named for Azevedo's mother, and the staff welcomes you like family the moment you walk in the door. You'll be led through the dining room, adorned with brass cookware, Portugese pottery and rustic furniture, and almost the moment you're seated, warm corn rolls arrive at your table. For the nights you can't get to the Mediterranean for dinner, this is a fine alternate escape.
La Salette Restaurant
452 First Street East, Suite H
Sonoma, California 95476
United States
+1 707 938 1927
Cyrus
Healdsburg
I love the attention to detail at this outstanding French-Asian restaurant, located just off the square in the new Les Mars Hotel in Healdsburg. Insider Nick Fauchald shares,"sure, the food is amazing, but I've always been blown away by the restaurant's cocktail program. Cyrus really started the whole local/seasonal cocktail movement, which has now spread across the country." Warm canapés are served with your cocktail, caviar service and amuse bouches herald the meal. As the night winds down, there's an extensive cheese selection and mignardises (chocolates, candied fruits and petit fours) with coffee. The food in between is pretty dazzling, too. Order à la carte at the bar, or sit in the dining room and select a prix fixe menu of up to eight courses. The dining room even looks like a jewel box, what with china, crystal and silver arranged on crisp white linen under an arched ceiling. It didn't take long for this relative wine country newcomer to establish itself as a nouveau classic. But for all its refinement, chef Douglas Keane enforces a no-rules rule in the kitchen. That explains some of his mind-blowing concoctions, like Thai herbs and lobster. Given the chef's whimsical but firmly grounded creations, maitre d' Nick Peyton's unwavering attention, and sommelier Jim Rollston vast wine knowledge and conviviality, this hat trick racks up big scores.
Cyrus Restaurant
29 North Street
Healdsburg, California 95448
United States
+1 707 433 3311
El Dorado Kitchen
Sonoma
Friends of my Insider Amie O'Shaughnessy recently dined at El Dorado Kitchen and loved it. Part of the El Dorado Hotel, it the has the perfect corner location on Sonoma's downtown square. It has a laid back Sonoma vibe meets California chic feel to the dining room—or on a warm spring/summer night choose al fresco in the garden courtyard. Because it's Sonoma it's so easy to eat locally (something I'm trying to do more & more) … and deliciously, so the 'farm driven' menu is just my style. Even their simple endive salad is made distinctive with Point Reyes blue cheese, Cabernet Sauvignon poached pears and Hobbs Shore bacon! After dinner, stroll around the square for people watching and planning out your next day of vineyard adventures.
El Dorado Sonoma
405 First Street West
Sonoma, California 95476
United States
+1 707-996-3030
For Lunch
The Girl & The Fig
Sonoma
Somewhat of an institution on Sonoma's Spanish style square, my Insider Amie O'Shaughnessy likes The Girl & the Fig for lunch on the leafy patio. If you are a fig lover, you are in for a treat with one of their signature menu items—fig and arugula salad with fig and port vinaigrette! Perfect place to stop in and re-charge on your drive from San Francisco to Sonoma.
The Girl & The Fig
110 West Spain Street
Sonoma, California 95476
United States
+1 707.938.3634
Dry Creek General Store
Healdsburg
My Insider Andy Levine has the Dry Creek General Store on his list when he's sampling Sonoma via bicycle. If you are en route to a vineyard picnic, definitely stop at this western style gourmet market for provisions. Or select a creative sandwich from their massive menu (avocados are one of their ubiquitous ingredients), and enjoy it on the front porch while watching the people/car/bicycle/motorcycle traffic cruise by en route to their next vineyard.
Dry Creek General Store
3495 Dry Creek Rd
Healdsburg, California 95448
United States
+1 707 433-4171
Jimtown Store
Healdsburg
Tucked in Alexander Valley, Jimtown Store has a cozy old town feel (formerly a post office/general store for the valley) matched with local flavors. Above their sandwiches and salads, Andy says you can work with them to arrange a private dinner on the back of the property for a special dining experience. Jimtown also works with some of the local vineyards as their picnic-provider, so even if you can't get to the store, you still can sample from their menu.
Jimtown Store
6706 State Highway 128
Healdsburg, California 95448
United States
+1 707 433-1212
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