With all the fun there is to have in Sonoma Valley, sometimes a quick bite to eat is all the time you’ll have before bouncing off to the next wine tasting, nature trail or boutique. Best of all, speed won’t come at the expense of quality. Sonoma Valley’s farm-to-table legacy makes us an epicenter of delicious produce and fresh meats. Check out this list of great places to eat when you’re on-the-go!
Markets
Whether you want to picnic or eat on site, Sonoma Valley’s extensive markets make it easy to grab yummy sandwiches, salads, and cheese and cracker samplers. Of course, if you want to go right to the source, there’s always the Friday morning farmer’s market at Depot Park or the Tuesday night farmer’s market on the Sonoma Plaza—great places to appreciate your surroundings while eating mouthwatering fruits and delicious baked goods.
Sonoma Market and Glen Ellen Village Market have amazing pre-prepared foods, delis, quick snack packs and cheese samplers (perfect for pairing with wines), awesome local wine selections, and even supplies like cutting boards and plastic wine glasses. Sonoma Market has indoor seating when you want to escape the heat, and Glen Ellen Village Market has a beautiful outdoor patio with picnic tables and umbrellas. Broadway Market makes generous sandwiches with a great selection of soft drinks and snacks for a super speedy turnaround. Make sure to call your order in ahead of time if you want to escape the lunch rush!
Take-Out
Every restaurant in Sonoma Valley offers wonderful take-out options, so sky’s the limit. But if you’re looking for a quick in-and-out experience, you won’t want to miss the take-out windows at Taub Family Outpost and girl + the fig. The former known for their roast chicken and the latter for their homemade ramen, they are ideal for quality to-go!
In the same spirit, the El Dorado Cantina, sister restaurant of the famous El Dorado Kitchen, just kitty corner to it, is home to delicious Mexican tacos, pupusas, burritos, and tamales—not to mention super fresh ceviche! And not to worry if you have any dietary restrictions. The Cantina is great about accommodating them.
Those who love Italian food will swoon for Salumeria Ovello—known for their incredible selection of cheese, house-made artisan charcuterie, and freshly baked focaccia and breads. Pick up a couple of their daily specials and elevate your picnic game to the next level.
If you’re really, really on-the-go, there’s nothing like Mary’s Pizza Shack. This longtime locals’ favorite makes quick eats fun and affordable. Grab a slice and a drink or opt for the family meal and feed the whole tribe!
Bakeries & Cafés
Diverse and high-quality bakeries abound in Sonoma Valley, with something for everyone to enjoy, whether you eat on site or take your lunch to-go.
In downtown Sonoma, look to the Basque Boulangerie & Café for simple coffee, pastries, soups and salads, just across the street from our Visitors Center on the Plaza. If you’re looking for that quiet and quaint eating experience, check out Sweet Pea Bakeshop on West Napa Street. Their selection of Filipino dishes, delicious savory entrees and sweets will tempt you in all directions. Just nearby, the Scandia Bakery offers a great selection of sandwiches and traditional Scandinavian cakes and pastries.
In the Springs, go to the Little Maya Bakery for traditional Cuban tortas, Mexican tamales and Latin American pastries and breads. Farther up Highway 12, make sure to stop by Baker & Cook—the ultimate in farm-to-table luncheons with unforgettable savory dishes for every diet, exceptional pastries, including an impressive selection of gluten-free treats. Their back patio offers both sunny and shady spots to stretch out and relax.
In Glen Ellen, take your French game to the next level with quiches, baguette sandwiches and melt-in-your-mouth croissants at Les Pascals Patisserie & Boulangerie. Their cute and cozy patio is the perfect spot to escape the summer heat!
Restaurants
Restaurants in Sonoma are typically dedicated to a full-service experience, which may or may not work for a "quick" lunch, depending on your time frame.
If you’re short on time, but big on hunger and want a dine-in experience, check out Sonoma Eats’ sweet patio on Highway 12. Known for their Oaxacan fusion dishes, you’ll revel in memorable home cooking and filling dishes that are sure to safely pave the tummy for an afternoon of wine tasting.
Farther up Highway 12, El Molino Central is a local favorite. Specializing in mole enchiladas, seafood cocktail, and homemade tortillas, take in exquisite Mexican cuisine without any of the pretense. Order a glass of French rose or a cold beer to pair with your meal and enjoy it out on one of their beautiful picnic tables—complete with heat lamps to keep you warm in the winter.
On Arnold Drive, in between Sonoma and Glen Ellen, don't miss Delicious Dish--a great place for sandwiches and salads with a expansive patio to rest and recuperate before your afternoon activities!
Something for Everyone
Regardless of what you choose—quick meal on site or a delectable picnic to-go—you can’t go wrong in Sonoma Valley when it comes to lunch! Save time without sacrificing all of the foodie goodness that the valley is known for. Best of all, there’s something for every palate and time table.
