Forget the tourist traps lining Sonoma Plaza. The real food scene here stretches beyond predictable wine country fare into neighborhoods where locals queue up for everything from Portuguese linguiça to Lebanese fattoush.
These ten spots represent the full spectrum of Sonoma's dining landscape — from date-night French bistros to family-run taquerias that fuel vineyard workers. Each has earned its place through consistent quality and community devotion.
📍 All 10 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- The Girl & The Fig — Wine Country French Classic
- El Molino Central — Authentic Taqueria Treasure
- El Dorado Kitchen — Plaza-Side Sophistication
- LaSalette Restaurant — Portuguese Soul Food
- Wit & Wisdom — Modern Wine Country Elegance
- The Red Grape — Neighborhood Pizza Haven
- OSO Sonoma — Farm-Fresh American Comfort
- HopMonk Tavern — Beer Garden Institution
- Della Santina's — Old-School Italian Warmth
- Spread Kitchen — Lebanese Family Kitchen
1. The Girl & The Fig
✨ Best for: Wine Country French Classic
📍 Sonoma · ⭐ 4.1 · 4688 reviews · $$$
This French bistro anchors Sonoma Plaza's dining scene with rustic charm and plates that actually live up to the wine country setting. The fig and arugula salad arrives as a towering composition of peppery greens, while their duck confit falls off the bone into a pool of rich jus. Wine professionals and anniversary couples fill the covered patio, debating Burgundian producers over cheese plates that span from creamy Cowgirl Creamery offerings to aged French imports. The servers know their wines and aren't shy about steering you toward unexpected pairings.
Must-Order:
Fig and Arugula SaladDuck ConfitCheese Plate
Insider Tip: Grab a table on the covered patio for people-watching, and don't skip their cheese course — the selections change weekly based on what's aging perfectly.
2. El Molino Central
✨ Best for: Authentic Taqueria Treasure
📍 Sonoma · ⭐ 4.4 · 1438 reviews · $$
Tucked into a strip mall, this family-run taqueria serves the Mexican food that vineyard crews actually crave. Their carnitas possess that perfect ratio of crispy edges to melting interior, while the al pastor gets carved from a proper trompo with charred pineapple chunks. Construction workers line up alongside sommeliers at lunch, everyone ordering in rapid-fire Spanish. The salsas range from bright tomatillo to smoky chipotle that builds heat slowly. Nothing fancy, just tortillas pressed to order and proteins cooked with serious skill.
Must-Order:
Carnitas TacosAl PastorChipotle Salsa
Insider Tip: Order at the counter but find your table first during lunch rush. The green salsa has serious heat, so start with the red if you're spice-sensitive.
3. El Dorado Kitchen
✨ Best for: Plaza-Side Sophistication
📍 Sonoma · ⭐ 4.1 · 1650 reviews · $$$
The hotel restaurant that transcends its lobby location through genuinely inspired New American cooking. Their duck breast arrives sliced over farro risotto studded with dried cherries, while the pork belly starter practically melts into its white bean purée. The clientele skews toward well-dressed visitors and local wine industry folks conducting business over lunch. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the dining room with natural light, and the seasonal menu shifts with whatever's growing in nearby farms. Cocktails lean craft-focused without the pretension.
Must-Order:
Duck BreastPork BellySeasonal Cocktail
Insider Tip: Request a window table for the best light and plaza views. Their lunch prix-fixe offers excellent value compared to dinner pricing.
4. LaSalette Restaurant
✨ Best for: Portuguese Soul Food
📍 Sonoma · ⭐ 4.1 · 1040 reviews · $$$
Sonoma's only Portuguese restaurant brings the flavors of the Azores to wine country through dishes that feel both rustic and refined. Their linguiça-stuffed clams steam in white wine and garlic, while the cataplana seafood stew arrives bubbling in a copper pot with prawns, mussels, and chunks of fresh fish. Portuguese families celebrate here alongside curious locals drawn by word-of-mouth recommendations. The wine list heavily features Portuguese varietals that pair beautifully with the intensely flavored food. Service moves at European pace, encouraging lingering over multiple courses.
Must-Order:
Linguiça ClamsCataplana Seafood StewPortuguese Red Wine
Insider Tip: Make reservations for weekend dinners, and ask your server about Portuguese wine pairings — they'll guide you to bottles unavailable elsewhere locally.
5. Wit & Wisdom
✨ Best for: Modern Wine Country Elegance
📍 Sonoma · ⭐ 4.4 · 586 reviews · $$$
This upscale newcomer elevates familiar American dishes through French technique and local sourcing. The roasted chicken breast gets paired with housemade gnocchi and seasonal vegetables, while their burger features dry-aged beef on brioche with truffle aioli. The crowd mixes wine industry professionals with affluent retirees who appreciate the polished service and thoughtful wine list. Plating shows restaurant-quality precision, and flavors balance richness with bright acid. The bar area buzzes with industry types discussing harvests over natural wines and craft cocktails.
Must-Order:
Roasted ChickenTruffle BurgerNatural Wine
Insider Tip: The bar area serves the full menu and moves faster than dining room service. Happy hour features discounted small plates perfect for wine tasting.
6. The Red Grape
✨ Best for: Neighborhood Pizza Haven
📍 Sonoma · ⭐ 4.0 · 984 reviews · $$
More than just pizza, this neighborhood spot serves as unofficial community center for locals seeking honest food and reasonable prices. Their margherita showcases San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella on thin crust with proper char, while the meatball sub gets loaded with house-made balls in tangy marinara. Families with kids occupy booths alongside couples sharing bottles from the surprisingly deep wine list. The atmosphere stays casual and welcoming, with servers who remember regulars' usual orders. Quality remains consistent whether you're grabbing a quick slice or settling in for dinner.
Must-Order:
Margherita PizzaMeatball SubLocal Wine
Insider Tip: Call ahead for large parties, and try their Tuesday wine specials when local bottles get marked down significantly. Slices are available all day.
7. OSO Sonoma
✨ Best for: Farm-Fresh American Comfort
📍 Sonoma · ⭐ 4.2 · 696 reviews · $$
This farm-to-table focused spot nails the casual-upscale balance that wine country dining demands. Their grass-fed burger comes topped with local cheese and seasonal vegetables, while the roasted salmon gets paired with whatever vegetables looked best at the farmers market. Young professionals and families make up the core clientele, appreciating both the quality ingredients and approachable atmosphere. The patio fills up quickly during harvest season with winemakers decompressing over craft beers and cocktails made with house-infused spirits. Portions satisfy without overwhelming.
Must-Order:
Grass-Fed BurgerRoasted SalmonCraft Beer
Insider Tip: The patio fills fast during harvest season, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. Their house-infused spirits rotate seasonally.
8. HopMonk Tavern
✨ Best for: Beer Garden Institution
📍 Sonoma · ⭐ 3.9 · 1127 reviews · $$
Equal parts restaurant and beer garden, this sprawling venue attracts everyone from touring cyclists to local families seeking reliable pub fare. Their fish tacos feature beer-battered cod with cabbage slaw and chipotle crema, while the pulled pork sandwich gets piled high with tangy barbecue sauce. The beer selection runs deep, emphasizing local breweries alongside European imports. Multiple dining areas accommodate different moods, from intimate booths to communal picnic tables under string lights. Live music draws crowds on weekends, but the kitchen maintains consistency even during busy periods.
Must-Order:
Fish TacosPulled Pork SandwichLocal IPA
Insider Tip: Weekend evenings get loud with live music, so choose indoor seating for conversation. Their beer flights let you sample multiple local brews.
9. Della Santina's
✨ Best for: Old-School Italian Warmth
📍 Sonoma · ⭐ 3.8 · 1278 reviews · $$$
This old-school Italian trattoria hasn't changed much since opening, and regulars wouldn't have it any other way. Their osso buco braaises until fork-tender, served over creamy polenta, while the cioppino brimms with fresh seafood in bright tomato broth. Longtime Sonoma residents bring visiting relatives here, knowing the generous portions and familiar preparations will satisfy. The wine list focuses on Italian varietals with some local options, and servers possess encyclopedic knowledge of both. Checkered tablecloths and dim lighting create that authentic neighborhood Italian atmosphere increasingly rare in wine country.
Must-Order:
Osso BucoCioppinoItalian Chianti
Insider Tip: Portions easily serve two people, so consider sharing entrees and ordering extra sides. The early-bird dinner special runs until 6 PM.
10. Spread Kitchen
✨ Best for: Lebanese Family Kitchen
📍 Sonoma · ⭐ 4.8 · 258 reviews · $$
This family-run Lebanese restaurant surprises with its depth of flavor and generous hospitality. Their lamb shawarma gets carved from the vertical rotisserie into warm pita with tahini and pickled vegetables, while the kibbeh arrives perfectly seasoned and golden-fried. Middle Eastern families mix with adventurous locals drawn by consistently excellent reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations. Vegetarian options shine, particularly the muhammara and baba ganoush that showcase the kitchen's skill with traditional preparations. The intimate space fills quickly, especially on weekends when extended families gather for lengthy, joyous meals.
Must-Order:
Lamb ShawarmaKibbehMuhammara
Insider Tip: This tiny space doesn't take reservations, so arrive early or late to avoid waits. Their combo platters offer the best way to sample multiple dishes.
Tips for Eating Well in Sonoma
Skip Plaza Tourist Traps: The best meals hide in strip malls and residential neighborhoods where rent allows family-owned restaurants to focus on food quality over location.
Make Harvest Season Reservations: September through October brings crowds of wine tourists, so book popular spots well in advance or be prepared for longer waits.
Ask About Portuguese Wines: Sonoma's Portuguese restaurant showcases incredible wines from the Azores and mainland that pair beautifully with the intensely flavored cuisine.
Lunch Often Beats Dinner: Many upscale restaurants offer the same quality at lunch with smaller crowds, better lighting, and more relaxed service from the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We selected these restaurants based on sustained local popularity, consistent quality across multiple visits, and genuine community support rather than tourist marketing. High ratings combined with strong word-of-mouth recommendations from longtime Sonoma residents guided our choices.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, reviews, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
