Santa Rosa's Italian scene runs deeper than most wine country visitors realize. From family-run trattorias to modern pizzerias, the city serves up serious Italian food that holds its own against Napa's flashier options.
These five spots represent the best of what locals actually eat, not just tourist traps. Each brings something distinct to the table, whether it's old-school charm or innovative wood-fired techniques that pair beautifully with Sonoma wines.
📍 All 5 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- LoCoco's Cucina Rustica — Rustic Family Tradition
- Ca Bianca — Elegant Northern Italian
- Riviera Ristorante — Refined Wine Country
- Cafe Citti — Casual Counter Culture
- Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar — Wood-Fired Wine Bar
1. LoCoco's Cucina Rustica
✨ Best for: Rustic Family Tradition
Tripadvisor📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.1 · 1441 reviews · $$$
LoCoco's feels like stepping into someone's Italian grandmother's kitchen, if nonna happened to live in wine country. The dining room buzzes with multi-generational families sharing platters of house-made ravioli and braised short ribs that fall apart at the touch of a fork. Chef-owner Marco LoCoco built his reputation on generous portions and bold flavors that don't apologize for their richness. The clientele skews local, with winemakers and restaurant workers stopping by for late dinners after service.
Must-Order:
House-Made RavioliBraised Short RibsTiramisu
Insider Tip: Call ahead for weekend reservations, as locals pack this place for family dinners. Ask about daily specials—they often feature seasonal ingredients from nearby farms.
View LoCoco's Cucina Rustica →
2. Ca Bianca
✨ Best for: Elegant Northern Italian
📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.3 · 952 reviews · $$$
Ca Bianca elevates Italian dining without losing its soul, drawing inspiration from Northern Italy's sophisticated wine regions. The restaurant's cream-colored walls and warm lighting create an intimate setting where couples celebrate anniversaries over perfectly executed osso buco and silky pappardelle. Their wine list reads like a love letter to both Italian and Sonoma varietals. The crowd tends toward wine industry professionals and discerning locals who appreciate technique as much as flavor.
Must-Order:
Osso BucoPappardelle PorciniPanna Cotta
Insider Tip: Request a table in the back dining room for a quieter, more romantic experience. The sommelier knows both Italian and local wines intimately, so ask for pairing suggestions.
3. Riviera Ristorante
✨ Best for: Refined Wine Country
📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.4 · 696 reviews · $$$
Riviera Ristorante strikes the perfect balance between special occasion elegance and neighborhood comfort. The kitchen excels at seafood preparations that showcase the Italian coastline's influence, with dishes like cioppino that rival anything in San Francisco's North Beach. Tables fill with a mix of tourists discovering wine country and locals treating themselves to white tablecloth service. The pasta is made fresh daily, and it shows in every silky strand.
Must-Order:
CioppinoFresh Linguine alle VongoleChocolate Gelato
Insider Tip: Arrive early or be prepared to wait—they don't take reservations for parties under six. The bar area offers the full menu if you're dining solo or as a couple.
4. Cafe Citti
✨ Best for: Casual Counter Culture
Tripadvisor📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.2 · 656 reviews · $$
Cafe Citti operates as a counter-service Italian deli where the real magic happens behind the glass cases filled with rotating daily specials. Lines form at lunch for their legendary meatball sandwiches and rotating selection of house-made pasta salads. The atmosphere is pure deli culture—grab your number, place your order, and find a spot at the communal tables. It's where contractors, office workers, and smart tourists converge for authentic Italian comfort food at refreshingly honest prices.
Must-Order:
Meatball SandwichDaily Pasta SpecialItalian Combo Salad
Insider Tip: Get there before 1 PM for the best selection of daily specials, and don't skip the imported Italian sodas. Parking can be tricky during lunch rush.
5. Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar
✨ Best for: Wood-Fired Wine Bar
Tripadvisor📍 Santa Rosa · ⭐ 4.5 · 34 reviews
Rosso Pizzeria underwent a complete transformation under new management, emerging as Santa Rosa's most exciting Italian spot. The wood-fired oven produces pizzas with perfectly charred crusts that provide the ideal canvas for quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and house-made mozzarella. Their Margherita achieves that elusive balance of simplicity and perfection, while the Prosciutto and Arugula showcases how Italian classics translate beautifully in wine country. The pasta bolognese simmers for hours, creating depth that pairs brilliantly with their carefully curated wine selection.
Must-Order:
Wood-Fired Margherita PizzaHouse-Made Pasta BologneseProsciutto and Arugula Pizza
Insider Tip: Visit during weekday evenings for a more relaxed atmosphere and better service, as weekends can get quite busy. The wine selection changes frequently, so ask what's new.
View Rosso Pizzeria & Wine Bar →
Tips for Finding Great Italian Food in Santa Rosa
Skip Peak Hours: Most locals eat Italian dinner late, around 7-8 PM. Arrive at 5:30 PM for better service and quieter dining, especially on weekends.
Ask About Specials: Santa Rosa's Italian kitchens often feature seasonal dishes using local ingredients. The daily specials frequently outshine the regular menu items.
Wine Pairing Wisdom: Don't overlook local Sangiovese and Italian varietals from Sonoma producers. Many Italian restaurants carry these alongside imported bottles.
Reservation Reality: Family-run Italian spots often have limited seating. Call ahead, especially for weekend dinners, or be prepared for a wait at the most popular places.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We selected these restaurants based on consistent quality over time, local reputation among wine country residents, and authentic Italian cooking techniques. Each spot earned its place through strong ratings, word-of-mouth recommendations, and our own dining experiences.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, reviews, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
