24 Sonoma Restaurant Picks from the Food Critics

Hungry for something new? Here's a serving of hot restaurants in Sonoma County.


Hungry for something new? Here are spoon-size portions of hot restaurant picks from our food critic. Bon Appétit!

Alioto’s Healdsburger: A locals’ favorite at a former A&W, it’s pricey, but the burgers and hot dogs are top-quality stuff. Sixteen regular-menu burgers and several specials are available, including the hangover burger with fried egg, bacon, cheese, Sriracha sauce and mayo, paired with fries and a drink. 48 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-473-9604, healdsburger.com.

Boathouse Asian Eatery: The former M.Y. China has been reborn as a swanky restaurant featuring Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. Flavors are fresh, portions are big and signatures impress, such as duck soup, classic sushi and pork belly kimchee lime fried rice. 630 Park Court, Rohnert Park, 707-588-9440, gratonresortcasino.com/dining.

Calistoga Kitchen: A local’s secret, this classic cottage bistro deserves to be on everyone’s radar. Chef-owner Rick Warkel is a Culinary Institute of America graduate, and his training shows in his meticulously crafted panroasted Grimaud Muscovy duck breast in sour cherry jus and skillful rabbit gumbo. 1107 Cedar St., Calistoga, 707-942-6500, calistogakitchen.com.

Coast Kitchen: Since 1963, the redwood and stone Timber Cove resort has been a fun, if somewhat funky, retreat. A lavish renovation in 2016 turned it into a truly deluxe destination, with a luxury Cal-cuisine restaurant to match. Inventive bites shine, like fried quail drizzled in sweet chile vinaigrette, and King salmon over lentils and tangy sorrel salad. 21780 Highway 1, Jenner, 707-847-3231, coastkitchensonoma.com.

Click through the gallery above for the full list.