Sonoma County's seafood scene stretches from Bodega Bay's working fishing docks to inland wine towns where chefs transform Pacific catch into sophisticated plates. The best spots here understand that proximity to both ocean and vineyard creates magic.
These ten restaurants represent everything from no-frills crab shacks to polished wine country establishments. Each earns its place through consistent quality, whether you're cracking Dungeness on paper tables or pairing halibut with local Pinot.
📍 All 10 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- Spud Point Crab Company — Crab Shack Royalty
- Fisherman's Cove — Dockside Dining Done Right
- Fishetarian Fish Market — No-Nonsense Fish Haven
- Willi's Seafood & Raw Bar — Wine Country Sophistication
- Ginochio's Kitchen — Local Family Favorite
- Handline — Sustainable Sebastopol Star
- Sonoma Grille — Vineyard View Elegance
- Betty's Fish & Chips — Classic Fish Counter
- Cape Cod Fish N' Chips — Hometown Fish Spot
- Mandarin Kitchen — Dim Sum Surprise
1. Spud Point Crab Company
✨ Best for: Crab Shack Royalty
📍 Bodega Bay · ⭐ 4.4 · 1895 reviews · $$
The weathered wooden building perched over Bodega Harbor has been slinging Dungeness crab since 1975, and the formula hasn't changed much. You order at the counter, grab a seat on the deck, and crack shells while pelicans dive for scraps. The crab sandwich overflows with sweet meat barely held together by light mayo, while the cioppino arrives steaming with chunks of rockfish, prawns, and mussels. Tourists mix with locals who've been coming here for decades, everyone united by butter-stained fingers and satisfied grins.
Must-Order:
Dungeness Crab SandwichClam ChowderFish and Chips
Insider Tip: Arrive before 11:30 AM or after 2 PM to avoid tour bus crowds, and always check if the crab is local before ordering.
View Spud Point Crab Company →
2. Fisherman's Cove
✨ Best for: Dockside Dining Done Right
📍 Bodega Bay · ⭐ 4.4 · 1394 reviews · $$
Just down the road from Spud Point, this family-run spot offers a slightly more polished take on Bodega Bay dining. The fish and chips feature thick cod fillets in golden beer batter, accompanied by hand-cut fries that actually taste like potatoes. Their clam chowder comes thick with tender chunks and smoky bacon, while the salmon burgers showcase Pacific king salmon grilled to perfection. The harbor views through salt-stained windows remind you exactly where your dinner came from.
Must-Order:
Beer Battered CodSalmon BurgerClam Chowder
Insider Tip: The outdoor seating fills up fast on weekends; call ahead to check wait times and dress warmly for harbor breezes.
3. Fishetarian Fish Market
✨ Best for: No-Nonsense Fish Haven
📍 Bodega Bay · ⭐ 4.2 · 1801 reviews · $$
Part fish market, part restaurant, this bustling spot lets you watch your dinner get filleted before it hits the grill. The rock cod tacos burst with flaky white fish, crisp cabbage slaw, and tangy crema, while the seafood pasta combines prawns, scallops, and mussels in a garlic-white wine sauce. The fried calamari arrives tender inside with a light cornmeal crust. Fishermen stop by to sell their catch directly to the kitchen, ensuring everything tastes like it was swimming yesterday.
Must-Order:
Rock Cod TacosSeafood PastaFried Calamari
Insider Tip: Ask to see the daily catch display case before ordering; the staff will recommend the freshest options and best preparations.
View Fishetarian Fish Market →
4. Willi's Seafood & Raw Bar
✨ Best for: Wine Country Sophistication
📍 Healdsburg · ⭐ 4.2 · 1693 reviews · $$$
Healdsburg's temple to sophisticated seafood draws wine country visitors who expect their oysters paired with Sancerre and their whole fish deboned tableside. The raw bar showcases pristine bivalves from up and down the coast, while the wood-fired oven produces items like whole branzino with fennel and citrus. The bouillabaisse arrives as an event, with saffron-scented broth poured tableside over a mound of Pacific rockfish and shellfish. This is seafood for people who take their wine seriously.
Must-Order:
Raw Oyster SelectionWhole BranzinoBouillabaisse
Insider Tip: Make reservations well ahead for dinner service, and don't miss their Monday night raw bar specials with half-price oysters.
View Willi's Seafood & Raw Bar →
5. Ginochio's Kitchen
✨ Best for: Local Family Favorite
📍 Bodega Bay · ⭐ 4.3 · 467 reviews · $$
This unassuming spot has been feeding Bodega Bay families since before it became a tourist destination. The fish and chips use locally caught rockfish in a crispy batter that doesn't overwhelm the delicate meat, while their crab cakes contain actual chunks of Dungeness rather than filler. The halibut special changes based on what the boats bring in, always grilled simply with lemon and herbs. Regulars know to ask about the daily catch special, which often features whatever swam into local nets that morning.
Must-Order:
Dungeness Crab CakesDaily Fish SpecialFish and Chips
Insider Tip: Cash only establishment, so hit the ATM first. The locals eat lunch here around 11:30 AM before the afternoon rush.
6. Handline
✨ Best for: Sustainable Sebastopol Star
📍 Sebastopol · ⭐ 3.8 · 749 reviews · $$
Sebastopol's commitment to sustainable dining finds its seafood expression in this farm-to-table spot that sources directly from local boats. The menu changes weekly based on what's being caught responsibly, but expect dishes like line-caught salmon with seasonal vegetables or Pacific rockfish ceviche with Meyer lemon. The oyster selection focuses on local Tomales Bay varieties, served with house-made mignonettes. Everything arrives beautifully plated but without pretension, reflecting Sebastopol's down-to-earth food culture.
Must-Order:
Line-Caught SalmonPacific Rockfish CevicheTomales Bay Oysters
Insider Tip: Check their Instagram for weekly menu updates, as the best dishes often sell out by early evening.
7. Sonoma Grille
✨ Best for: Vineyard View Elegance
📍 Sonoma · ⭐ 3.9 · 500 reviews · $$$
Located in the heart of wine country, this elegant restaurant treats seafood with the same reverence locals show their grapes. The pan-seared halibut comes with seasonal risotto and local wine reductions, while the seafood tower showcases oysters, prawns, and Dungeness crab arranged like edible art. The wine list emphasizes Sonoma County whites that complement the ocean-fresh preparations. The patio dining feels like eating in someone's very sophisticated backyard, complete with vineyard views.
Must-Order:
Pan-Seared HalibutSeafood TowerSeasonal Fish Special
Insider Tip: Request patio seating when making reservations for vineyard views, and ask your server for wine pairing recommendations.
8. Betty's Fish & Chips
✨ Best for: Classic Fish Counter
📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 3.9 · 480 reviews · $$
This no-frills counter serves Santa Rosa's most reliable fish and chips, with thick pieces of cod in beer batter that shatters at first bite. The prawns come butterflied and golden, while the fish sandwich uses fresh rockfish on a toasted bun with house-made tartar sauce. The coleslaw provides necessary acid to cut through the fried goodness. It's the kind of place where construction workers eat lunch next to families, everyone bonding over perfectly executed comfort food.
Must-Order:
Fish and ChipsFried PrawnsFish Sandwich
Insider Tip: Order ahead by phone during lunch rush to skip the line, and don't expect fancy plating—focus on the perfectly cooked fish.
9. Cape Cod Fish N' Chips
✨ Best for: Hometown Fish Spot
📍 Cotati · ⭐ 4.0 · 356 reviews · $$
Cotati's best-kept secret serves fish and chips that rival anything on the coast, despite being twenty miles inland. The halibut arrives in impossibly light tempura batter, while the clam strips are actual clam rather than processed nonsense. Their fish tacos use beer-battered cod with fresh salsa and avocado. The hand-cut fries taste like potatoes should, and the portions satisfy without overwhelming. It's proof that great seafood doesn't require an ocean view.
Must-Order:
Tempura HalibutFish TacosHand-Cut Fries
Insider Tip: Tuesday through Thursday offers the shortest waits, and portions are generous enough to share appetizers.
10. Mandarin Kitchen
✨ Best for: Dim Sum Surprise
📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.1 · 290 reviews · $$
This Chinese restaurant might seem out of place on a seafood list until you taste their salt-and-pepper prawns or whole steamed fish with ginger and scallions. The honey walnut prawns balance sweet and savory perfectly, while the sizzling fish arrives still bubbling in black bean sauce. The dim sum selection includes excellent har gow with translucent wrappers showcasing fresh shrimp. It's a reminder that some of the best seafood preparations come from traditions that understand fish as more than just a protein to batter and fry.
Must-Order:
Salt-and-Pepper PrawnsSteamed Whole FishHoney Walnut Prawns
Insider Tip: Arrive early for dim sum service on weekends, and don't hesitate to ask servers about the catch of the day preparations.
Tips for Finding Great Seafood in Sonoma County
Follow the Boats: The best seafood in Sonoma County follows the daily catch from Bodega Bay. Ask servers about what came in that morning rather than sticking to printed menus.
Timing Matters: Coastal spots serve freshest fish Tuesday through Thursday when boats return from multi-day trips. Avoid Monday unless you're okay with weekend leftovers.
Wine Country Advantage: Inland restaurants often have better wine selections to pair with seafood. Take advantage of local Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc when dining away from the coast.
Seasonal Awareness: Dungeness crab season runs November through June, while salmon peaks in late summer. Plan your visits around these natural cycles for the best experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We selected these restaurants based on consistent quality ratings, local reputation, and authentic seafood preparation methods. Our picks balance everything from casual crab shacks to wine country sophistication, prioritizing places where locals actually eat.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, reviews, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
