Good Eats
Sonoma’s Best Restaurants, from cheap eats to Michelin stars, every bite is going to be delicious.
GOOD EATS: BEST RESTAURANTS AND DINING IN SONOMA
From Cheap Eats to Michelin Stars, The Best Sonoma Dining Guide 2026
There’s nothing worse than being in a new town and not sure where to go for dinner, especially in a town like Sonoma where there are dozens of great restaurants. You hem and haw, you walk up and down looking at the menus at the hostess stand, and you freeze up not knowing whether this is the place.
Well you’re talking to the original food FOMO guy whose so afraid of making a bad dining choice that I spend hours researching restaurants before I go anywhere. And now you can reap the benefits of my neurosis because here are Sonoma’s best restaurants, the ones I eat at, the ones locals love, and the ones that should make your short list. So rest assured, no matter which one you pick you’re in for some Good Eats, Sonoma style!
Don't Forget Your Wine Pass
Sorry to nag but if you come to Sonoma without a Priority Wine Pass don't blame me if your wallet is screaming at you by the end of the trip. That's because spending $25+ per person at every stop is for rookies. Experienced travelers use the Priority Wine Pass to get 2 for 1 tastings - half off - at some of Sonoma and Napa’s best wineries. Use your savings to justify splurging on dinner. See how my brain works?
CHEAP EATS IN SONOMA
Every bite delicious, $20 or less per person. The perfect lunch or casual dinner options in Sonoma.
Aladdin Grill
A food truck making authentic Mediterranean cuisine such as kebobs grilled over an open flame, around $20, or wraps filled with chicken, gyro meat or falafel, around $16. It’s a food truck but it’s always in the same spot a couple of miles north of the Sonoma Plaza.
Wally Says: No seating so grab your food and head over to nearby Maxwell Farms Regional Park for a casual lunch or the Sonoma Plaza where you can legally open a bottle of wine for a casual dinner.
Aladdin Grill | Map | Open until around 9PM
Angelo’s Wine Country Deli
As you first enter wine country you can’t miss Angelo’s Wine Country Deli with the giant cow on the roof where you’ll find incredible sandwiches made with homemade cold cuts and sausages. Nostalgic ambiance inside, no frills, house-made beef jerky. Sandwiches are $16 to $20 but large enough to split.
Wally Says: If you’re coming in for the day from the Bay Area you’ll drive right by this place, the perfect spot to get a sandwich for that picnic later.
Angelo’s Wine Country Deli | Map | Closes at 4:30PM
Photo by Ashley White
Broadway Market
A long time local favorite, Broadway Market has that old Mom and Pop grocery store feel with a full deli in back. All ingredients local, from their fresh bread from Basque Boulangerie to cured meats from Zoe’s in Petaluma. Full sandwiches around $20 but half sandwiches also available.
Wally Says: In a rush? They have grab and go sandwiches too.
Broadway Market | Map | Open until 8PM
The Butcherman @ Sonoma Cheese Factory
Authentic BBQ at surprisingly affordable prices - less than $20 for a full sandwich. Located inside the Sonoma Cheese Factory, extensive menu including breakfast and smoked meats by the pound.
Wally Says: Cheese from the Sonoma Cheese Factory, smoked ribs and BBQ from The Butcherman, the park is right across the street.
The Butcherman | Map | Closes at 6PM
El Molina Central
MICHELIN BIB GOURMAND
Casual Mexican eatery with authentic recipes prepared with a chef’s touch, this isn’t your standard taco shop experience but wine country worthy. Tamales are killer.
Wally Says: For under $20 per person gets you the choice of anything on their menu, from beer battered fish tacos to lamb barbacoa.
El Molino Central | Map | Open until 8PM
Little Lou’s @ Jack’s Filling Station
One of my favorite lunch spots, Lou’s Luncheonette, parks a food truck at Jack’s Filling Station, an actual gas station that’s also a hip, retro convenience store with a great wine and beer selection. Gooey smash burgers, fries and onion rings, picnic tables.
Wally Says: You will dream about these burgers once you have them. Prices start under $7 for a basic smashburger and cap out at $13 for a double cheeseburger with bacon.
Little Lou’s | Map | M-F only, Open until 7PM
Lou’s Luncheonette
Looking like an old roadside cafe from yesteryear, hidden inside is a kitschy retro vibe with a chef clearly passionate about creating top quality comfort foods like fried chicken, burgers and Nashville hot chicken sandwiches.
Wally Says: With prices cheaper than a lot of fast food, Lou’s Lunchenette is a foodie find with $8 burgers and totally legit fried chicken sandwiches for $12. Beer and wine available, picnic tables and quaint diner setting inside.
Lou's Luncheonette Official Site | Map | Open until 7PM
Murphy’s Irish Pub
I’m a sucker for an Irish Pub, especially on vacation, and Murphy’s Pub delivers a fun and lively setting with live music, trivia night, great affordable food and, of course, cold beer. Fish and Chips, burgers, wings, the food isn’t second fiddle to the fun.
Wally Says: You’ve been on good manners all day at the wineries. Now it’s time to have a bit of fun back in your natural environment.
Murphy’s Irish Pub | Map | Kitchen open until 10PM, bar open later, Happy Hour 3-6
Oso Sonoma
More of a tavern than a formal restaurant, Oso Sonoma knocks it out of the park for casual dining in a bar-like setting with food that is definitely elevated above the casual setting. Lots of small plates to share around $15, and larger dinner plates in the $20’s.
Wally Says: One of the best Happy Hours (Wed-Fri, 4-5:30) with a half dozen oysters for $12 among other delights along with drink specials makes this a great stop after a long day of wine tasting.
Oso Sonoma | Map | Open until 9PM all days except Sun which closes at 8. Closed Mon and Tues.
Picazo Cafe
Charmingly unpretentious cafe, the sort of restaurant you might remember if you’re old enough that seemed to be in every small town, serving breakfast and lunch. Usual fare, pancakes and omelettes, burgers and chicken sandwiches, all around $16.
Wally Says: In a rush to get wine tasting but need a quick bite? Picazo has a “take and go” breakfast sandwich that’s way better than a McMuffin and only $6.
Picazo Cafe | Map | Open until 3PM
Slice Shack by Mary’s
Located at the Sonoma Plaza, get pizza by the slice starting at $6. Mary’s Pizza has been a staple in Sonoma since 1959 with their first restaurant still in operation just north of the plaza. Slice Shack is their offshoot and perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Wally Says: Grab a slice and a salad and cross the street to the public park where you can legally open a bottle of wine and have a great impromptu picnic.
Slice Shack by Mary’s | Map | Open until 7:30PM Sun-Thur, 8:30 Fri and Sat
SONOMA’S BEST “SIT DOWN” RESTAURANTS
For lunches that linger to dinners to remember, here are Sonoma’s top restaurants.
🤑 AFFORDABLE ($30’s) 💵 REASONABLY PRICED ($40’s) 💰 EXPENSIVE ($50+)
Buck’s Place 🤑
You loved Lou’s Luncheonette, you loved Jack’s Filling Station, now check out a dinner spot owned by the same creative restaurateurs. Pizzas, wings, salads, fancy cocktails, all done up with wine country flair in a rustically eclectic setting. Salads and apps under $20, pizzas around $30.
Wally Says: Pinball machines, a photo booth, and sometimes live music, it’s a vibrant fun sort of place that looks like an old school restaurant in the mountains.
Bucks Place | Map | Kitchen open until 9:00, Bar open later. Sunday closes at 8:00. Closed Mon and Tues.
Cafe La Haye 💵
Located just off the square, a tiny bistro with a dozen or so tables serving up modern California fare using the freshest ingredients. White linens, elevated food preparation, simple and honest authentic food, nothing too fancy but everything executed perfectly. Entrees around $40, salads and starters less than $20.
Wally Says: Small bistro setting, bustling atmosphere, sophisticated dining. Reservations open a month in advance and recommended on weekends.
Cafe La Haye | Map | Open until 8:30
Della Santinas 🤑
Since 1990, Della Santinas has been bringing the foods of their Italian roots to Sonoma featuring handmade pastas, rotisserie meats, daily fresh seafood, and a farm to table approach using local ingredients. Next door is Enoteca Della Santinas, a wine bar where you can order from the same dining menu.
Wally Says: Romantic outdoor patio feels like a Tuscany backyard, a great spot for an intimate dining experience. Located just off Sonoma Square.
Della Santina's | Map | Open until 8:30
El Dorado Kitchen 💵
I usually avoid hotel restaurants but make an exception when it comes to El Dorado Kitchen. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, expect California cuisine using the freshest local ingredients. Large menu will keep everyone happy and the lovely courtyard patio is the perfect al fresco dining spot.
Wally Says: Terrific Happy Hour M-F from 3-5 in the lounge with everything from oysters and caviar to burgers and paella and low alcohol drinks to keep you going.
El Dorado Kitchen | Map | Open until 8:30
The Girl & The Fig 🤑
Perhaps Sonoma’s most popular restaurant, The Girl & the Fig is French Bistro meets California. Charming dining room is relaxed elegance, outdoor is casual and inviting. Don’t let the notion of “French food” scare you off - the menu is as friendly as the staff.
Wally Says: Quintessential dining in Sonoma, if you can only dine at one restaurant in Sonoma make it this one. Most entrees in the $30’s and many options below.
The Girl & the Fig | Map | Open until 9:00 and opens early at 10AM on weekends for brunch.
Enclos 💰
TWO MICHELIN STARS
Hidden in a 1880 Victorian steps away from Sonoma Plaza is a two star Michelin award winning restaurant with a 9 course tasting menu. Elegant without being stuffy, this is an extravagant dining experience on par with The French Laundry. $295 pp.
Wally Says: With only 30 seats competition for a reservation is fierce. Be ready on the last Friday of each month at 12:00 PST when reservations open two months in advance.
Glen Ellen Star 💵
MICHELIN BIB GOURMAND AWARD
A charming cottage in Glen Ellen with a wood fired oven houses one of the best dining spots in Sonoma county. Don’t be deceived by their simple menu of pizzas, pastas and meats. This is elevated, award winning dining showcasing the best ingredients.
Wally Says: Sit at the bar to watch the chefs in action, it’s like watching a Top Chef show “live”.
Glen Ellen Star | Map | Open until 9:30 Fri and Sat, 9:00 all others | Reservations open 20 days out so plan ahead.
LaSalette 💵
With deep respect to his Portuguese roots, the chef at LaSalatte combines the distinctive seasonings and flavors of Portugal married to the freshest California ingredients, a fusion of flavors that has made it one of Sonoma’s top dining destinations since 1998.
Wally Says: The whole, wood-fired Branzino is a standout dish for seafood lovers.
Tasca Tasca 🤑
Super cute and casual, Tasca Tasca offers Portuguese small plates to share and affordable, generous pours of wine to compliment. Three plates for lunch, just $26, seven plates to share for dinner, $62. You’ll love this place!
Wally Says: Super fun dining experience, order as many plates as your table can hold and be ready for a flavor explosion.
Tasca Tasca | Map | Open until 9:00
Valley Bar + Bottle Shop 🤑
MICHELIN BIB GOURMAND AWARD
Vibrant and hip, Esquire magazine named it one of the best bars in America and SF Chronicle called them out as one of the best restaurants in Sonoma. Youthful energy and amazing food, a hidden gem on the Sonoma Plaza. Entrees under $40.
Wally Says: Valley Swim Club is their second restaurant and features seafood.
Valley Bar + Bottle | Map | Open for B, L &D, Thurs - Sun until 9:00
