In one of the busiest opening seasons in recent years, more than 20 restaurants have opened or are slated to debut in 2026. Despite a challenging economic outlook, some restaurateurs point to a softening real estate market — and easing rents — as one reason behind the surge. For many of the newcomers, though, the explanation is simpler: optimism, a quality the restaurant world has rarely lacked.
Mediterranean & Levantine
Coming Soon
Olives and Agave: Tapas and Mediterranean plates inspired by Spain and the Middle East will replace Montgomery Village’s Cascabel, which quietly closed last May. 909 Village Court, Santa Rosa, olivesandagave.com
Alesta: A brick-and-mortar from a popular Santa Rosa food truck is set to open in the former Piala space. 7233 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol, instagram.com/alestamediterranean
Now Open
Mazza Kitchen: Levantine grab-and-go from longtime caterer Kristina Daya, with specialties like spiced chicken, shawarma, manoushe and chocolate-covered dates. 1000 Clegg Court, Petaluma, instagram.com/kitchen_mazza
Juju’s: A Moroccan- and French-inspired pop-up from former Hazel Hill (Montage Healdsburg) chef Jason Pringle, offering elegant takes on lamb tagine, roasted chicken, mezze and fresh, piping-hot pita. The mezze is a standout. 124 Matheson St., Healdsburg, acornhealdsburg.com/popups
Bring the family
Coming Soon
Parkside Eats: Slated to open in early April in the former Lepe’s space, this new cafe blends Mexican-influenced favorites — tacos, quesabirria and fresh guacamole — with California-style burgers, salads, soups and juices. Owners Hayley Cutri and Efrain Balmes recently closed their Sonoma Eats restaurant in Agua Caliente after the building was put up for sale. 4323 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa
Acre Pizza: A Healdsburg outpost of the popular local chain known for New York- and Detroit-style pies. Just off the downtown square, it offers easy parking and a next-door bonus: Quail & Condor’s new bakery cafe. 44 Mill St., Suite C, Healdsburg, acrepizza.com
SMASH: From the Stella and Glen Ellen Star team, this fast-casual spot near the Sonoma Plaza will serve smashburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, fries, shakes and cocktails, including a few boozy ones. It marks a shift from the group’s higher-end menus, but a peek at their social media shows plenty of test flipping already in progress. 497 First St. W., Sonoma, smashsonoma.com
The Junction: Expected to open in May, the former Villa returns as a modern, family-friendly hangout for craft beer, upscale pizza and cocktails, with sweeping hilltop views. We can almost feel the sun on our shoulders and craft brew in our hands. 3901 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa
Sam’s General Store: The Calistoga-based coffee shop and cafe is headed to Sonoma County, though details on location and timing remain limited. samsgeneral.store
Locally inspired
Coming Soon
Spur Saloon: The team behind Grata Italian Eatery is planning a casual, saloon-style pub in the long-vacant Windsor Brewery, blending country-western flair with what chef-owner Eric Foster describes as an “upscale Yellowstone lodge” feel. Yeehaw. 9000 Windsor Road, Windsor
Wild Poppy: The west county cafe known for its plant-forward breakfast and brunch is expanding to a second location at The Barlow, taking over the former Woodfour Brewing space, with an early summer target. Plans also include a tofu factory in the former brewery room. 6780 Depot St., Suite 160, Sebastopol
Bonnie Bagels & Co.: East Coast-style bagels with a West Coast twist. 280 S. Main St., Sebastopol, bonniebagels.com
Coming in 2026
Hazel (reopening): The owners of the longtime comfort food spot, which left its cozy Occidental home, plan to reopen in the long-shuttered Barley & Hops space. 3688 Bohemian Highway, Occidental
Dead Letter: The Girl & The Fig team is keeping details close, but owner John Toulze has hinted at a live-fire kitchen at the former Maya Restaurant space. 101 E. Napa St., Sonoma, instagram.com/deadlettersonoma
Upscale Californian
Coming Soon
Aya: A major addition to Graton Resort & Casino, this 28,000-square-foot restaurant and bar will include two terraces overlooking Sonoma Mountain, a walk-through wine tunnel and a $1 million cellar. Las Vegas chefs Roy Ellamar and Jennifer Murphy-Ellamar are leading the project, expected to open in early May. 288 Golf Course Drive W., Rohnert Park
Bohemian Bistro: The former Hazel space in Occidental is set to reopen this spring as a white-tablecloth destination under chef James Millar, formerly of Violetto in Napa Valley and backed by the owners of the Acme Burger chain. 3782 Bohemian Highway, Occidental
Pacific Rim
Now Open
Seoul to Tokyo: Korean, Japanese and Pacific Rim dishes, with standouts including bulgogi, ramen, tteok-bokki and katsu. 3082 Marlow Road, Suite B3, Santa Rosa, seoultotokyokitchen.com
Coming in 2026
Hapa’s on the Mainland: From the Sweet T’s team, along with pit master George Ah Chin, this Hawaiian restaurant will open at the rebuilt Cricklewood site, with indoor dining and expansive outdoor patios. Expect casual island fare and tiki-style cocktails. 4618 Old Redwood Highway, Santa Rosa, hapasmainland.com
Sake: An all-you-can-eat sushi spot. 1000 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa
Flambé all day
Coming in 2026
Mansoor: The former Gravenstein Grill location has changed hands and will focus on dishes finished over live fire. 8050 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol