Sonoma County's culinary landscape extends far beyond wine pairings and farm-to-table fare. A thriving community of Himalayan and Nepalese restaurants has quietly established itself across the county, serving up some of the most soul-warming comfort food you'll find.
From handmade momos that put any dumpling to shame to curry that actually packs heat, these family-run spots offer something completely different from the usual Wine Country dining scene. Here are the six places locals swear by.
📍 All 6 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- Himalayan — Windsor's Momo Masters
- Shangri-La Cafe & Grill — Family Tradition Perfected
- Kafal Restaurant — Spice-Forward Santa Rosa
- Taste of the Himalayas — Sonoma's Cultural Gem
- Kathmandu Cafe & Grill — Sebastopol's Hidden Treasure
- Himalayan Momo & Kebob — Fresh & Flavorful
1. Himalayan
✨ Best for: Windsor's Momo Masters
📍 Windsor · ⭐ 4.6 · 634 reviews · $$
The moment you bite into Himalayan's handmade chicken momos, you understand why this Windsor spot has earned such a devoted following. The dumpling wrapper has that perfect chewy texture, giving way to juicy, spiced chicken filling that's clearly been perfected over years. Their lamb curry hits with deep, warming spices that build slowly, while the chicken tikka masala strikes an ideal balance between creamy and complex. The dining room fills with multigenerational families and curious wine country visitors looking for something completely different from their usual Pinot and pasta routine.
Must-Order:
Chicken MomosLamb CurryChicken Tikka Masala
Insider Tip: Order the momos as an appetizer to share – they're handmade daily and showcase the kitchen's authentic preparation techniques.
2. Shangri-La Cafe & Grill
✨ Best for: Family Tradition Perfected
Tripadvisor📍 Rohnert Park · ⭐ 4.4 · 467 reviews · $$
Shangri-La has that rare quality of making every dish feel like it was prepared specifically for you. Their chicken momos arrive steaming hot with a thin, delicate wrapper that doesn't break when you pick it up – a sign of serious skill. The lamb curry here leans heavily on cardamom and cinnamon, creating layers of warmth that pair beautifully with fluffy basmati rice. But it's the dal bhat that really showcases their expertise – the lentils are cooked to creamy perfection and seasoned with a complexity that keeps you coming back for more spoonfuls.
Must-Order:
Chicken MomosLamb CurryDal Bhat
Insider Tip: Call ahead for reservations on weekends, as this popular spot fills up quickly with both locals and visiting families.
View Shangri-La Cafe & Grill →
3. Kafal Restaurant
✨ Best for: Spice-Forward Santa Rosa
Tripadvisor📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.3 · 500 reviews · $$
Kafal doesn't mess around with their spicing, and that's exactly what keeps regulars coming back week after week. Their chicken momos pack more punch than most, with a filling that's seasoned aggressively with ginger and garlic. The chicken tikka masala here skews more traditional than the overly sweet versions you'll find elsewhere, with a tomato base that lets the spices shine through. Their dal bhat comes with perfectly spiced lentils that have just enough heat to make you reach for your lassi, but not so much that you can't appreciate the nuanced seasoning.
Must-Order:
Chicken MomosChicken Tikka MasalaDal Bhat
Insider Tip: Ask your server about the spice level recommendations if you're new to Himalayan cuisine – they're very knowledgeable about adjusting dishes to your preference.
4. Taste of the Himalayas
✨ Best for: Sonoma's Cultural Gem
Tripadvisor📍 Sonoma · ⭐ 4.3 · 432 reviews · $$
Tucked away in Sonoma proper, Taste of the Himalayas serves up some of the most authentic flavors you'll find outside of Nepal itself. Their chicken momos have a slightly thicker wrapper than most, creating a more substantial bite that holds up well to the robust meat filling. The dal bhat here comes with multiple accompaniments – pickled vegetables, papadum, and a dollop of ghee that melts into the warm rice. Their Himalayan lamb curry is the standout, slow-cooked until fork-tender with a sauce that's built on layers of toasted whole spices.
Must-Order:
Chicken MomosDal BhatHimalayan Lamb Curry
Insider Tip: Ask about the spice level preferences when ordering, as the kitchen can adjust the heat to suit different palates while maintaining authentic flavors.
5. Kathmandu Cafe & Grill
✨ Best for: Sebastopol's Hidden Treasure
📍 Sebastopol · ⭐ 4.5 · 157 reviews · $$
Despite having fewer online reviews, Kathmandu Cafe & Grill has quietly built a loyal local following in Sebastopol. The intimate dining room feels more like eating at a friend's house than a restaurant, with attentive service that ensures your water glass never goes empty. The kitchen excels at adjusting spice levels without compromising flavor integrity, making this an ideal spot for groups with varying heat tolerances. Their preparation style leans toward traditional Nepalese techniques rather than the more Americanized versions you'll find at some other spots.
Must-Order:
Vegetable MomosChicken CurryGarlic Naan
Insider Tip: Visit during lunch hours for a quieter experience and often faster service from the attentive staff.
6. Himalayan Momo & Kebob
✨ Best for: Fresh & Flavorful
📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.8 · 25 reviews
This newer addition to Santa Rosa's food scene punches well above its weight class despite minimal online presence. The owners clearly prioritize quality over quantity, handmaking their momos throughout the day to ensure freshness. Their lamb kebob brings serious char and smoke flavors, served alongside perfectly seasoned rice that soaks up every drop of the accompanying sauce. The dal bhat here comes with some of the best homemade chutneys in the county – try the spicy tomato version that adds bright acidity to cut through the richness of the lentils.
Must-Order:
Chicken MomosLamb KebobDal Bhat
Insider Tip: Order the momo sampler to try different fillings, and don't miss the homemade chutneys that come with most dishes.
Tips for Navigating Himalayan Cuisine in Sonoma County
Start with Momos: These steamed dumplings are the perfect introduction to Himalayan flavors and showcase each restaurant's skill level. Most places make them fresh daily.
Discuss Spice Levels: Himalayan cuisine can pack serious heat, but most family-run spots are happy to adjust spicing to your preference without compromising authenticity.
Try Dal Bhat: This traditional lentil and rice combination is comfort food at its finest and often comes with multiple accompaniments that showcase the kitchen's range.
Weekend Reservations Recommended: These popular family-run spots fill up quickly on Friday and Saturday nights, so calling ahead ensures you won't be disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
These picks are based on consistent quality, authentic preparation techniques, and strong word-of-mouth recommendations from locals who frequent these family-run establishments. We prioritized restaurants that make their momos fresh daily and maintain traditional spicing methods.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, reviews, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
