Best Restaurants in Santa Rosa (2025)

Chef-owner Liza Hinman’s SOFA-district landmark distills “Sonoma County cuisine” into seasonal, artful plates served in a gallery-like room. Frequently praised by local food critics and named Best Restaurant in Santa Rosa by the Bohemian in 2025, it’s a dinner-only spot where community and creativity meet. The Press Democrat also highlights its special event menus and neighborhood role.

A beloved small-plates pioneer from Mark and Terri Stark, Willi’s pairs globally inspired bites with a deep wine list and relaxed Wine Country energy. Long a critics’ favorite and frequently featured by Sonoma food media, it remains an essential pre- or post-winery stop for locals and visitors alike.

This lively “modern tavern” celebrates America’s melting pot—smoked fish, Southern accents, Jewish deli nods, and Asian spice—under James Beard–recognized restaurateurs Mark and Terri Stark. It’s a spirited, share-plate hangout that local press consistently recommends for its originality and sense of place.

Set in a historic Railroad Square building, Stark’s is the city’s go-to for in-house dry-aged beef, classic cocktails, and polished service. Regularly cited by local media for top steaks and a standout happy hour, it blends big-city steakhouse swagger with Santa Rosa’s easygoing charm.

A New York–style deli, bakery, and bar from the Stark team, Grossman’s knits Jewish culinary traditions into Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square fabric—think house-cured fish, matzo ball soup, pastrami, babka, and a legit cocktail program. Open daily from breakfast to dinner, it’s warmly embraced by local press and diners.

Family-owned and deeply rooted in Roseland, Sazón brings Santa Rosa a full sweep of Peru’s flavors—bracing ceviches, lomo saltado, aji de gallina, and special-order dishes—celebrated by The Press Democrat and Sonoma Magazine. It’s a flavorful, heartfelt window into one of the world’s great culinary traditions.

Since 2009, this independent, women- and Latino-owned spot has introduced Santa Rosa to mofongo, pernil, arroz con gandules, and salsa-night energy. The Press Democrat profiled its enduring impact and community ties—come for comforting island flavors and stay for the welcoming vibe.

Chef Tony Ounpamornchai’s long-running bistro marries Thai flavors with California seasonality—papaya salad, curries, noodle dishes, and seafood—earning consistent local accolades and strong diner reviews. It’s a relaxed Montgomery Village favorite with polished dishes and warm service.

A downtown brasserie from the Starks that leans classic—French onion soup gratinée, steak frites, and boeuf bourguignon—paired with a French-focused wine list and aperitif cocktails. Featured by Sonoma Magazine and lauded by diners, it delivers the timeless comforts Francophiles crave.

A downtown pizzeria run by a trained Neapolitan pizzaiolo, L’Oro di Napoli draws raves from Sonoma Magazine and Eater for blistered, light pies and Nonna-style lasagna. Ingredients and technique stay true to Naples while the mood is pure Santa Rosa conviviality.

One of Sonoma’s original farm-to-table restaurants, John Ash continues to showcase produce from on-site culinary gardens and nearby farms. In 2025, the surrounding resort rebranded to Vinarosa; the dining room remains a refined, vineyard-view stage for seasonal Wine Country cooking.

Roseland’s community-driven Mexican food park returned in 2025 at a new address, gathering family-run vendors under one festive canopy. Covered widely by The Press Democrat and Sonoma Magazine, it’s a cultural crossroads where birria, panuchos, mariscos, and mezcal cocktails spark lively evenings.