20-course tasting menus are nice and all, but what does a food writer eat off-duty? Lots of affordable meals with all the flavor, heart and soul of fancy food at a fraction of the cost. We’re not saying Michelin-starred dining isn’t amazing, but there’s plenty to eat in Sonoma County that won’t break the bank. Click through the above gallery for a few of our favorite inexpensive restaurants in 2022.
Top 15 Inexpensive Sonoma Restaurants of 2022
These restaurants serve affordable meals with all the flavor, heart and soul of fancy food.
Vine Burgers, Santa Rosa: If you wanted to order the colossal crab cake cheeseburger with Gruyere ($39) or add gold leaf ($50) you could, but we're more than happy with the bacon blend pork burgers from Sonoma County Meat Co. ($15). 3579 Industrial Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-536-9654, vineburgers.com (Vine Burgers)
Tony's Galley Happy Hour, Santa Rosa: We love this happy hour with fried calamari, spring rolls and fish tacos for $7 and margaritas for $7 from 4 to 6 p.m. daily. 722 Village Court, Santa Rosa, 707-303-7007, tonysgalley.com. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Abyssinia, Santa Rosa: The vegetarian combo ($14.50 for one) is a world of flavor, served with a house salad and injera bread. 913 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-568-6455, my-abyssinia.com. (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
Ippinn Udon & Tempura, Santa Rosa: The filling curry chicken udon bowl ($11.99) is easily two meals. Order a few tasty tempura items for a dollar or two. 1880 Mendocino Ave. D, Santa Rosa, 707-521-9911, ippinnllc.com. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
East West, Santa Rosa: The Mediterranean Platter ($13.95) includes hummus, baba ghanoush, beet hummus, stuffed grape leaves, tabbouleh, three falafel patties and pita bread. 557 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa, 707-546-6142, eastwestcafesantarosa.com. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Red Bee BBQ, Windsor: A third-pound of teriyaki chicken, barbecue pork or spicy pulled chicken with a choice of cornbread, mac salad, rice, or baked beans for under $12. 8970 Brooks Road S., Windsor, 707-836-4099, redbeebbq.com. (Conner Jay/The Press Democrat)
Zoftig, Santa Rosa: On crazy deadline days, delivery from this Santa Rosa cafe is a go-to for a healthy(ish), energy-boosting Maccabi Bowl ($16.50) filled with falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, beet and walnut dip and a whole lot more. 57 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-521-9554, zoftigeatery.com. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Falafel Hut, Santa Rosa: Vegetarian combo plate ($13.95) includes three crispy falafel, three dolmas, baba ghanoush, cucumber salad, tabbouleh and warm pita bread. 701 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-237-7010, falafelhut.co. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Hang Ah, Santa Rosa: The best dim sum in Sonoma County, no question. Shui Mai with pork, pork buns, and spring rolls are $4.50 each. Bean curd skin roll in broth (my favorite) are $5.50. 2130 Armory Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-576-7873, hangahdimsum.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Down to Earth Cafe, Cotati: Chef/owner Chris Ball makes amazing food at a variety of price points. We love the pickled beet and burrata salad ($16), Pulled Pork Sundae (pulled pork over mashed potatoes), and fish and chips ($16). 8204 Redwood Highway, 707-753-4925, dtecafe.com. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Beet salad at Down to Earth Cafe in Windsor. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Sonoma Eats, Sonoma: The cuisine of Oaxaca stands out at this sunny, welcoming cafe in Agua Caliente. Favorite dishes include mole enchilada plate ($16), shrimp tacos ($12), and mushroom tacos ($11). 18133 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, at Barking Dog Roasters, 707-939-1905, sonomaeatsmex.com. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Mole Enchiladas at Sonoma Eats restaurant in Sonoma. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Sax's Joint, Petaluma: Massive portions of really good breakfast food. If you're in the mood for sweet, go for the Famous French Toast with marionberry cream cheese ($12). Or go salty with the biscuits and gravy ($11). Don't miss the giant cinnamon roll for $6. 317 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma, 707-559-3021. (Chris Hardy/Sonoma Magazine)
French toast with marionberry jam ($12) from Sax's Joint in Petaluma. (Sean S./Yelp)
What A Chicken, Petaluma: Excellent barbecued chicken and ribs at bargain-basement prices. Four pieces of meat and two sides are just $14. Just watch out for the salsa — the pineapple is screaming hot. 706 E.Washington St., Petaluma, 707-971-7549. (What A Chicken)
Handline, Sebastopol: The Trout salad ($18) is a favorite. But if you're on a budget, any of the seasonal veggie dishes ($9 to $16) are a must-order. Fancy Beans by the pint are $5. 935 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, handlinerestaurant.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Sonoma Burger, Sebastopol: A single smash burger with cheese is $7, with fries for an extra $2.75. You can jazz things up with sauces, sides and a killer root beer float, but if you're on a budget, the quality is about as good as it gets. 173 Pleasant Hill Ave. N, Sebastopol, 707-827-8817, sonomaburger.com. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Smash burger from Sonoma Burger in Sebastopol. (Courtesy of Sonoma Burger)
Fishetarian, Bodega Bay: Award-winning clam chowder in a bread bowl — all gluten free from $15.99. Just get there early, because it's a popular spot. 599 CA-1, Bodega Bay, 707- 875-9092, fishetarianfishmarket.com. (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)