Sonoma Magazine: Things to Do in Sonoma

What's New In Wine Country

Smash, a new smashburger spot from chef Ari Weiswasser, has opened in Sonoma. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)

Glen Ellen Star Owner’s New Burgers Are Smashing

Chef Ari Weiswasser, the restaurateur behind Glen Ellen Star and Stella, has opened Smash, a fast-casual restaurant on Sonoma Plaza devoted to lacy-edged smashburgers and a family-friendly vibe.

Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini addresses an audience at Terra Madre 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Terra Madre)

Carlo Petrini, Slow Food Founder and Sustainable Eating Advocate, Dies at 76

The St. Helena Ave. Burger at Superburger. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

The Best Burgers in Sonoma County

Betsy Fischer is retiring as the head of the Santa Rosa Junior College Culinary Arts Department. Photo taken in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)

‘This Has Been My Whole Life’: SRJC Culinary Chair Bids a Bittersweet Farewell, Reflects on Joy of Teaching

More What's New In Wine Country

Dining

03/30/2011: D1: PC: Patisserie Angelica, in Sebastopol, features tea from Mariage Freres.

10 Best Places for Tea in Sonoma County

Whether you're looking for a morning cuppa or an afternoon high tea service, here are our favorite tea spots in Sonoma County.

Pizza, fried chicken sandwich and salads are among the favorite dishes at the newly opened Junction in Santa Rosa. (Photo: Jessica Paul @jessicapaulphoto )

The Junction Opens in Santa Rosa With Pizza, Beer Garden and Family-Friendly Patio

The Monterey Trout Salad with house-smoked trout, roasted beets, candied walnuts, charred Meyer lemon creme fraiche dressing from Handline Monday, March 30, 2026 in Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

These Giant Sonoma County Salads Are the Only Thing We Want To Eat This Summer

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Top Restaurants

Tacos de Birria con queso with consomme for dipping from Cielito Lindo restaurant in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

20 Favorite Mexican Restaurants in Sonoma County

If you're heading out to the coast, the Wild Poppy offers a creekside, dog-friendly patio with music for brunch on the weekends Saturday, July 13, 2024 on the Bodega Highway west of Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

24 Best Outdoor Dining Spots in Sonoma County

Strawberry Tart with strawberry compote, vanilla cream, mint strawberry sorbet and meringue from Bijou Monday, July 1, 2025, in Petaluma. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Sonoma County’s Best New Restaurants of 2025

Spaghetti all Bolognese with American Kobe beef, veal and pork ribs in a slow-cooked meat sauce at Baci Cafe and Wine Bar Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

The Best Italian Restaurants in Sonoma County

Seafood ramen with a medley of scallops, shrimp and squid in a shiso ponzu broth from Taste of Tea in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Cozy Sonoma Restaurants and Bars for Chilly Days

Beet and Butter Bean Hummus garnished with pickled carrot, toasted pistachios and mint, served with grilled ciabatta from chef Barney McGrath's Meatless Monday meals at Muir's Tea Room. (photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

25 Sonoma Restaurants for Delicious Plant-Based Meals

The Mushroom Pie with herbed cream sauce, chives, mozzarella and fontina from Buck’s Place Friday, July 19, 2024, in Sonoma. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Top Sonoma County Restaurant Picks from a Food Critic, Part Two

A plate of tacos includes four types: al pastor, veggie, fish, and shrimp, at El Roy’s Express Mex truck No. 2 on Santa Rosa Avenue in Santa Rosa, on Thursday, July 11, 2024. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)

Who’s Got the Best Tacos in Sonoma County? Here Are Our Dining Editor’s Top Picks

More Top Restaurants

BiteClub

Three-way Smoker Combo with ribs, chicken, brisket and sides of Mac N' Cheese and Okra/Corn/Cherry Tomato Saute from Sweet T's Restaurant + Bar in Windsor. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

The Best BBQ Spots in Sonoma County

May 16 is National Barbecue Day! From flavor-bursting tri-tip to tender smoked brisket, here’s our guide to the top spots for barbecue in Sonoma County.