Heather Irwin, Author at Sonoma Magazine

Seasonal Asparagus Toast from the The Wild Poppy Cafe along the Bodega Highway west of Sebastopol Friday, May 3, 2024. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

New Sonoma County Restaurants Opening in 2026

February 2026

A wave of new restaurants is lining up across Sonoma County this spring and summer, from a second Wild Poppy to a new Windsor pub to a major Sonoma Plaza project.

The Regina with prosciutto, stracciatella, herb relish, roasted tomato spread, arugula and balsamic glaze on a ciabatta from Genero’s Deli Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 in Sebastopol’s Barlow district. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Genero’s Brings Big Italian Sandwiches to The Barlow

February 2026

A former San Francisco chef and a butcher’s daughter are drawing steady lines to their tiny new deli, Genero’s, at Sebastopol’s The Barlow.

Chef Charlie Palmer brings a new flair to the menu at the Healdsburg Bar & Grill Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 in downtown Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Healdsburg Bar & Grill Gets a Fresh Start Under Charlie Palmer

January 2026

With a refreshed menu, updated decor and Charlie Palmer at the helm, Healdsburg Bar & Grill steps into its next act — keeping the classics locals love while sharpening its food and cocktail game.

Gabacool Provisions “Giuseppe” pizza in Santa Rosa on Thursday, January 30, 2025. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)

2025 Snail of Approval Winners Announced in Sonoma County

January 2026

Twenty-one restaurants, farms and producers just earned 2025 Snail of Approval honors from Slow Food — here’s who made the list.

The Pollo al Horno featuring chicken, black beans, rice, and plantains at El Coqui Puerto Rican Cuisine in Santa Rosa Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Santa Rosa’s 12 Essential Dishes: The Default Orders Locals Swear By

January 2026

These aren’t Santa Rosa’s trendiest dishes. They’re the ones locals order on autopilot because they never let them down.

Chef Arnold Myint will host Thai dinners and a Valentine's dinner at the Flamingo in Santa Rosa. (Arnold Myint)

Chef Arnold Myint Hosting Thai Pop-Ups at the Flamingo

January 2026

The James Beard Award-nominated chef, cookbook author and drag icon will host a series of pop-up dinners in February at Santa Rosa's Flamingo Resort.

SingleThread's Kyle and Katina Connaughton will open SoNoMa by SingleThread in Kyoto this spring. Chef Keita Tominaga, formerly of Hana restaurant in Rohnert Park, will head the kitchen. (SingleThread)

Michelin-Starred SingleThread Is Bringing Sonoma to Kyoto

January 2026

Healdsburg’s three-Michelin-starred SingleThread is opening its first international restaurant, SoNoMa by SingleThread, in Kyoto in March 2026.

Moroccan rice pudding topped with poached pomegranate and crushed almonds at Pearl Petaluma in Petaluma Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Why Diners Keep Seeking Out Pearl, a Tucked-Away Petaluma Bistro

January 2026

Open only for breakfast and lunch, Pearl is a quietly beloved Petaluma restaurant serving Levantine- and North African-inspired dishes built around bold spices, wood fire and a light touch.

The Olla Latté with piloncillo syrup, cinnamon and a dried orange slice Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 from Cafe de la Olla in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

6 Delicious Hot Drinks To Get in Sonoma County Right Now

January 2026

Craving warm winter drinks? Here are some of the best cups of cheer in Sonoma County for the dark days of winter.

Partners Hayley Cutri and chef Efrain Balmes at Sonoma Eats in Sonoma on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)

Parkside Eats To Replace Lepe’s Taqueria in Santa Rosa This Spring

January 2026

Parkside Eats will open this spring, taking over the former Lepe’s Taqueria space with a California comfort food menu influenced by Mexican flavors.