Wow does time fly. I thought I had already updated the restaurant list but that was a year ago!

Here is the latest edition of the Restaurant List. We can tell you a little about them as we’ve eaten at many of them. Let us help guide you with what you’re looking for.

Although our home is just 2 exits south of Healdsburg, this small area yet central part of Sonoma County thrives on the food it serves so the list is still extensive. We try to revise it every year for our guests but I’ve finally added it to the website.

We find there are constantly new restaurants to try and some of our favorites that eventually heartbreakingly close down like Campo Fina which closed its doors on October 1st.

This revised list includes Michelin-rated restaurants, Chef Valette’s latest addition, and the Madrona which was recently renovated and now serves a beautiful brunch. These are all within a quick Uber drive from the Sonoma Wine Nest.

We’ll start from the top from the farthest north we’ve been to, (I know, we still have the Anderson Valley, the Coast, Mendocino...so much to see, so little time.)

Geyserville

Rustic @ Coppola Winery – They have an outdoor patio facing the vineyards as well as a pool cafe. It’s a fun place to see Francis Ford Coppola’s movie artifacts while you wait for your table. My favorite dish is the Marrakesh Lamb for two.
Catelli’s – They are famous for their ravioli and homemade sausage. The evenings are lively and very pleasant for more upscale dining far away from any corrupt civilization.
Diavola’s – they have a nice quaint patio in the back, an excellent steak served on a chopping board and good pizza.
Geyserville Gun Club Bar & Lounge – This is a great spot for a nightcap. It’s fun and unpretentious with a full bar and a terrific small menu such as pork belly tacos.

Healdsburg

Single Thread Farms – Wow, I can’t believe I’ve left this one out all these years. This is the 3-star Michelin restaurant that has expanded into an Inn and rooftop restaurant exclusive to the guests who stay at their Inn. You’re served 11 courses on a prefix Asian-inspired menu that starts off with a large plant filled with flowers and food. It’s an experience like no other and one where you’ll need a sports jacket and pearls.

Valette – Chef Valette really nails it. Their food is quintessential Sonoma, and they do a great job of creating superb dishes. They’re known for their Day Boat Scallops en Croute and honestly, why go if you don’t order this? If you can, make reservations well ahead to experience authentic Sonoma dining.

The Matheson – This is Chef Valette’s newest addition to the town square. His idea was to have multiple settings for different dining options and so far, our favorite and recommended place to pop in on your first night is on the rooftop. Here they serve pizzas that you can eat on the table or curl up next to a fireplace on couches. No reservations are required except in the dining room downstairs. Do you want to try different wines? They have multiple bars downstairs and upstairs with a wine wall at the front with 88 wines on tap for pours including Opus One.

Warm Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Tataki, Kombu Emulsion, Barrel Aged Soy, Puffed Rice, Sesame Snow - as stated on the menu and my favorite dish.

The Madrona – No longer the Madrona Inn – just The Madrona. This is a nice place for brunch just outside the town of Healdsburg. It’s a great place for a celebration, to treat someone special, or just to complement your day of wine tastings.

Bravas – My favorite. The outdoor backyard looks almost like the backyard I great up in. There are 2 bars, one inside and one in the backyard. They have a good fried chicken and kale salad entrée good for two that is one of my favorite dishes I like to order. Their lamb chops are excellent but small, (tapas) and they had a scotch menu with pairing recommendations that I didn’t even know there was such a thing. Although their menu changes every so often, we’ve never been disappointed. (Part of the Stark restaurant group).

Willi’s Wine Bar – If you like small seafood plates and white wine this is your choice. They don’t make one bad plate. Everything is artfully made. The combination of their ingredients is really remarkable. (Another Stark restaurant.)

Baci Café and Wine Bar – This is a great choice for dinner for those last-minute reservations. They have a wonderful Italian-style menu.

Agave Mexican Restaurant – Great for mole and for a non-pretentious sit-down Mexican dinner.

El Sombrero – Small place to grab a bite. They serve wine here too of course but don’t order the veggie taco because it’s just beans and rice.

The Wurst – It’s really not! It’s a casual place with a friendly owner who has one of the best smash burgers in town actually. It’s a local favorite and a great spot for something quick and casual.

HBG – They also have a nice burger and with a glass of wine after a long drive, it “hits the spot!” We’ve rolled into town late and it’s one of the few places that are still open. (Idea: pick up a bottle next door at Stephen & Walker who don’t close until 7 pm - to have with your burger.)

Big John’s Ready Made foods at the Deli Counter

Big John’s Market – Although we have Oliver’s Market nearby, we tend to come here. It’s a good market to pick up picnic items before heading into the Dry Creek Valley. The only place for food is the Dry Creek Store and if it’s a busy time, come here instead. You can face long lines at Dry Creek Store.

Dry Creek General Store – A Small store that has all the fixings for a picnic in Dry Creek. They have gifts too but as I mentioned, it can be very crowded during peak times. (Hint: Big John’s has nice gifts too.)

Others to try in the town of Healdsburg are Chalkboard in the Hotel Les Mars, Little Saint which opens at 6 am and focuses on plant-based foods, and Dry Creek Kitchen, (which has free corkage with dinner for any wines brought in from Napa or Sonoma).

Windsor

I love eating in the Town of Windsor for that local feel. There is absolutely nothing pretentious about this town and the people are always friendly. I love their warm hospitality dining options, the fair pricing, and the great food. Eat in the Town of Windsor for the best value in the area.

Kin – They’re moderately priced and a good-food-diner-style place. Think diner and white table linens with a twist of farm-to-table. Popular among locals who know their food…and wine.

Tomi Thai – Good affordable Thai; quiet dinner

Oliver’s Market – Great place to pick up pre-made food, have a beer in their bar, order sandwiches to go, and pre-order platters for your tastings, gathering, or picnic. This is Whole Foods on steroids.

PizzaLeah’s – This is one of the top 5 pizza joints in all of Sonoma County. Very casual for pickup or a quick casual bite. They also serve beer and wine.

Sweet T’s – Excellent BBQ even when ordered to go. It’s a local favorite.

Martins Taqueria – Craving tacos? This place around the corner from the house and next door to Ana’s has great tacos and our guests have raved about it. I should also mention they offer Menudo on the weekends.

For my complete Reviews Check Here on Yelp. You can see all towns in Sonoma County by clicking on the locations.

Please feel free to add your favorite spots to eat in and around the Town of Windsor and Healdsburg in Sonoma County.