Sonoma Valley’s long legacy in the farm-to-fork movement has not only made it one of the original inspirations for recreating American cuisine in the 1970s but also one of the hotspots of American fine dining today.

While Sonomans appreciate the bounty and quality of local produce and wine, we also don’t believe it needs to be pretentious. As such, you’ll find that Sonoma Valley’s best restaurants don’t produce sculptures on plates, nor do they demand you wear a coat and tie when you walk in the door. There are no $500 tasting menus here, either. In fact, their chief raison d’être is to make the local ingredients shine, in all their simplicity. Authenticity is what defines the great cuisines of the world, and no one is more committed to authenticity than Sonoma Valley.

For those looking for the finest of what the valley has to offer, we’ve put together this list of ten classics that are sure to tempt any palate. As with any dining experience, we highly recommend making reservations well in advance, especially during the summer season and holidays. And it goes without saying that this list is merely a teaser for all the great dining experiences to enjoy while you’re here.

the girl & the fig

Run by Chef John Toulze, this classic, French-inspired restaurant has been going strong for well over two decades for good reason: meals here are as delicious as they are consistent. With bistro favorites like Steak au Poivre and Duck Confit on the menu, you may think you’ve been transported to the South of France. But with all local ingredients and a California wine list that makes wine lovers swoon, you’ll realize you are undeniably in downtown Sonoma. Make your reservations well in advance, but make sure to factor in a little extra time to sit at the bar beforehand to enjoy a Sonoma Sour or a Fig Manhattan while catching up on some small-town gossip.  

Valley Bar & Bottle

Owners Tanner Walle and Lauren Feldman started this neighborhood just prior to the pandemic and have made it a smash hit ever since. With such a highly understated menu, you may wonder if you weren’t better off making the dish at home. However, once the plates arrive—served family style—you’ll realize the caliber of cuisine you’re dealing with. Valley emphasizes locally sourced ingredients that are grown or raised organically, biodynamically or regeneratively, and the menu changes too quickly to even call out specific dishes. If you love being surprised, take you and your loved ones to Valley Bar & Bottle and see what unforgettable flavors await.

El Dorado Kitchen

El Dorado Kitchen has all of the swank of big city dining: a dimly lit dining room, top-notch servers, craft cocktails, and dishes that reach your table that look like they’ve been pulled out of Town & Country Magazine. The difference, of course, that you’re not only in downtown Sonoma, but in one of its most historic buildings. And the food is quintessentially Sonoman with its emphasis on mouthwatering vegetables and ranch-raised meats; and service so warm-hearted and informed, you’ll think that this is what all dining experiences should be. If you don’t make it to dinner at the El Dorado during your stay, then definitely be sure to brunch here: it undoubtedly raises the bar on what breakfast should be. Needless to say, Executive Chef Armando Navarro doesn’t miss a chance to showcase the best of the county.

LaSalette Restaurant

LaSalette is the ultimate date night destination. Nestled in a courtyard alongside the historic Sonoma Plaza, the restaurant glows at night like a jewel box, with a warm interior focused around a woodfired oven and an intimate patio that takes you back to old Europe. Drawing its inspiration from Mediterranean and Portuguese cuisine, Chef Manuel Azevedo's signature New Portuguese Cuisine celebrates the diverse and complex flavors of his native Portugal while adapting them to the bounty of top-quality ingredients found in California.

Layla at MacArthur Place

To dine at Layla is to soak in its sophistication. A bright and spacious dining room opens to an outdoor garden patio—both of which are warm and inviting but also spacious and modern. And the menu is simple and elegant, offering healthy and delicious options sourced from local farms and ranches and several exciting options for gluten-free and vegan diners. Cap the evening off feeling a little glamorous with a night cap and live music at the bar.

Santé at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn

Located at Boyes Hot Springs’ famous Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, Santé is the epitome of fine dining, with many signature dishes one finds in high-end restaurants: Petrale Sole, Seared Duck Breast, NY Strip Steak, and so much more. The difference, however, lies in the local ingredients sourced from Sonoma Valley’s finest establishments. Check out their special winemaker dinners to get the full breadth of the style and class of their impeccable service.

Wit & Wisdom

Chef Michael Mina extends his influence and creativity to Sonoma with this fun fusion between tavern fare and fine dining. With a menu ranging from Maine Lobster and Wagyu Beef to Truffle Mac & Cheese and Duck Fat Potatoes, a diner can experience everything from wine country comfort food to elegant international cuisine. Choose from the à la carte menu on your average night or step it up with a smart investment in their tasting menus—all reasonably priced for the quality on the plate. And don’t forget to check out Wit & Wisdom’s wine list, recently recognized by Wine Spectator with a Best of Award of Excellence.

Glen Ellen Star

Chef Ari Weisswasser turns the ordinary into the divine with his innovative entrees and starters, and woodfired pizzas and vegetables, all with a unique twist: most of their ingredients come from a single biodynamic farm just a few miles away. Centered on an open kitchen, the atmosphere is cozy, inviting, and infinitely romantic; you can’t help but want to share plates with your sweetie beside you. Sit at the bar if you want to watch the magic happen before you, find a seat in their dining room, or camp out on their patio during nicer weather. As the famous Michelin Guide affirms, Glen Ellen Star is one of Sonoma Valley’s culinary gems.

Songbird Parlour

Set in a historic 19th century sawmill started by Sonoma’s founder, Mariano Vallejo, the Songbird Parlour has been a rising star since its inception. Originally started by owner Lauren Kerschner as a venue to showcase her catering, Songbird Parlour quickly evolved into a full-time restaurant that’s become a love letter to Sonoma Valley with local farm-inspired dishes, warm and colorful Bohemian décor, and community events and pop-ups. One journey into their menu will have you dreaming of the dreamy farms this food comes from: Oak Hill, Cassidy Ranch, and Seven Moon Farms to name a few. Don’t miss their Espresso-braised Pork Belly, the Pacific halibut crudo, and their house-made Valley of the Moon Kombucha. Wowza!

Salt & Stone

The old surf and turf restaurants of the 70s may have gone out of style, but owner Todd Lake has rebranded them into his own contemporary creation to reflect the abundance of Sonoma County’s farms, ranches and fisheries. Based in Glen Ellen, off the historic Highway 12 Wine Trail, Salt & Stone is more than a local’s favorite—it’s a place to stop, take a breath, and get on Sonoma time. With a friendly dining room and a magnificent garden terrace, atmosphere matters here, allowing you to appreciate delicious dishes that are never rushed, breathtaking vineyard views, and seafood so fresh you can taste the ocean.