A few of our favorite outdoor dining spots, featuring covered and heated patios.
Depot Hotel Restaurant & Garden, Sonoma: This Sonoma establishment, located in an 1870 train depot, offers outdoor dining in a garden overlooking an ornamental reflection pool with a sparkling fountain. The menu features Italian comfort food in the tradition of the Lucca province in Tuscany. All tables are covered and heated. 241 1st St W., depotsonoma.com (Depot Hotel Restaurant)
El Dorado Kitchen: You’ll feel like an A-lister in the courtyard of this award-winning restaurant on the Sonoma Plaza. Excellent food and craft cocktails complement the upscale outdoor cabanas and pool. 405 First St West, Sonoma, 707-996-3030, eldoradosonoma.com/kitchen (El Dorado Kitchen)
Folktable, Sonoma: New restaurant at Cornerstone Sonoma features crave-able treats from celebrity chef Casey Thompson. The intriguing menu overseen by executive sous chef Melanie Wilkerson includes tasty dishes like herbed French fries with citrus aioli, "Sonoma-Hot" fried chicken goujons, and a drawn butter Maine lobster roll with spicy giardiniera aioli and cabbage salad. 23584 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, folktable.com (Folktable)
La Salette, Sonoma: Chef Manuel Azevedo honors his heritage by preparing classic and innovative dishes in Portuguese style. The wine list is loaded with Portuguese treasures and the service is snappy. It’s a real treat to dine here, especially on the front patio. 452 First St. E., Suite H, Sonoma, lasaletterestaurant.com (Crista Jeremiason/The Press Democrat)
Cochon Volant: Slow-cooked BBQ meats, sandwiches and more on a cute outdoor patio. See menu here. 18350 Sonoma Hwy, Sonoma, 707-509-5480, cochonvolantbbq.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
The Girl & The Fig, Sonoma: This popular eatery’s cozy enclosed patio is just the spot for date night. Save room for a plate of artisan cheese and a glass of wine from owner Sondra Bernstein’s incredible collection of Rhones. 110 W. Spain St., Sonoma, thegirlandthefig.com (Girl & The Fig)
Sunflower Caffe, Sonoma: This cafe, located in historic landmark building #501, was once home to captain Salvador Vallejo, the brother of Sonoma’s founder Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. The recipe for the food is simple, local and seasonal. Outdoor dining is available on the street-side patio or in the shaded garden. 421 1st St W, Sonoma, sonomasunflower.com (Sunflower Caffe)
Palooza Brewery and Gastropub, Kenwood: Patio dining with burgers, wood-fired pizza and more. A permanent outdoor space has towering heaters and plenty of coverage to keep you warm during chilly evenings. 8910 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, 707-833-4000, paloozafresh.com/kenwood-menus (Palooza)
Tips Roadside, Kenwood: Southern dining the Sonoma way. Don't miss the beignets! Brunch, weekday lunch and dinner reservations available for outdoor dining. 8445 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, tipsroadside.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Salt and Stone, Kenwood: This sprawling outdoor patio includes a pond and greenery and comes with plenty of great food. 9900 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, saltstonekenwood.com (Salt and Stone)
Ca’Bianca Ristorante, Santa Rosa: Located in Santa Rosa’s historic Marshall House, built in 1876, this Italian restaurant offers elegant indoor dining as well as quaint patio seating with wooded surroundings. For great Italian food outdoors, Ca’Bianca’s is your best bet in Santa Rosa. 835 2nd St., Santa Rosa, 707-542-5800, cabianca.com (Ca'Bianca)
Bird & The Bottle, Santa Rosa: You’re front and center on busy Fourth Street, but with a second story view at this restaurant from Mark and Terri Stark, serving up a Jewish, Asian, barbecue menu. 1055 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, birdandthebottle.com (Alvin Jornada/The Press Democrat)
Brew Coffee and Beer, Santa Rosa: Albeit small, this cafe’s outdoor patio is normally filled with local artists and friends. Now, customers can also order at the window and sit in the shaded space. Plus, tasty pastries, a simple lunch menu and occasional dinner pop-ups. 555 Healdsburg Ave., Santa Rosa, brewcoffeeandbeer.com (Stephanie A. / Yelp)
John Ash and Co., Santa Rosa: This historic restaurant pays homage to the godfather of Wine Country cuisine, founding chef John Ash. It’s nestled among acres of vineyards with stunning views from just about every angle. Twinkling lights and a lovely patio make it a perfect sunset spot. 4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, vintnersinn.com (Courtesy of Vintners Inn)
La Rosa's Tequileria, Santa Rosa: A huge tequila bar and the best chips and guac in town make this a great spot to watch the world go by on Courthouse Square. Open every day 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. 500 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, larosasantarosa.com (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)
The Spinster Sisters, Santa Rosa: Chef Liza Hinman and her staff built an outdoor garden with casual tables and now serve dinner Wednesday through Saturday 4-9 p.m. Dishes, inspired by Hinman's New England background, include Wild Gulf Shrimp Salad Roll and Down East Clam Chowder with bacon, potatoes and homemade oyster crackers — one of the best-tasting chowders ever. 401 S. A St., Santa Rosa, 707-528-7100, thespinstersisters.com (The Spinster Sisters)
Shrimp roll with salt and vinegar chips at The Spinster Sisters in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Willi's Wine Bar, Santa Rosa: All of the Stark’s restaurants, including Willi’s, are offering patio dining and their favorite dishes seven days a week. 1415 Town and Country Dr., Santa Rosa, starkrestaurants.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Monti’s Rotisserie and Bar, Santa Rosa: Enjoy a rustic Mediterranean meal on Monti’s patio, another Stark's restaurant. Then walk it off, shopping in open air Montgomery Village. 714 Village Ct., Santa Rosa, starkrestaurants.com (Monti's Rotisserie and Bar)
Brewsters Beer Garden and Restaurant, Petaluma: Brewsters is a gourmet Southern-style beer garden with over 350 seats. The restaurant serves up BBQ classics, like brisket, ribs and fried chicken. Dogs are welcome on the patio. 229 Water Street North, Petaluma, brewstersbeergarden.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Pub Republic, Petaluma: Pub Republic serves brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner options made with local ingredients on their outdoor patio. 3120 Lakeville Hwy. Petaluma, pubrepublicusa.com (Traci M. / Yelp)
Taps, Petaluma: Place your order for a burger and specialty wings with a beer at the bar and enjoy the revised outdoor seating. This Petaluma spot is perfect for any beer lover, with tons of updated options on tap. 54 E Washington St. Petaluma, instagram.com/taps.petaluma (Courtesy of Taps)
Seared, Petaluma: All along the Petaluma waterfront, large heaters and cozy bistro tables offer waterside dining. Dress for the occasion, however, as evenings can get nippy. 170 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, 707-762-5997, petalumaseared.com (Courtesy of Seared)
Wild Goat Bistro, Petaluma: Located in the historic Great Petaluma Mill, the Wild Goat Bistro features “honest food” that uses fresh and seasonal local ingredients in a variety of culinary traditions: from specialty Neopolitan-style pizzas to sharable small plates. Outdoor seating is available on the front porch. Great Petaluma Mill Shopping Center #A5, Petaluma, wildgoatbistro.com (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
Roof 106, Healdsburg: Four long years in the making, Chef Dustin Valette’s epic restaurant concepts The Matheson and Roof 106 have finally opened to the public. The rooftop lounge features casual indoor-outdoor setting with plenty of greenery outside under an airy, extended pergola. Diners can order dishes from the wood-fired oven, like cured pork belly pizza with Gruyere, red onion and roasted garlic crème fraîche. 106 Matheson St., Healdsburg, thematheson.com (The Matheson)
Barndiva, Healdsburg: This Healdsburg hotspot is a mashup of rural charm and urban sensibilities. The casual bistro garden offers a cozy vibe. Did we mention the incredible food and craft cocktails? 231 Center St., Healdsburg, barndiva.com (Chris Hardy/Sonoma Magazine)
Bravas Bar de Tapas, Healdsburg: “Jamon In” points a neon arrow to the patio that Healdsburgers flock to every summer. Sangria, paella, Spanish tapas and plenty of gossip are what you’ll find at this popular watering hole and restaurant. 420 Center St., Healdsburg, starkrestaurants.com (Courtesy of Bravas Bar de Tapas)
Healdsburg Bar & Grill, Healdsburg: Known to locals as HBG, this buzzing, American eatery is the playground for Michelin-starred chef Douglas Keane, who serves up comfort classics like macaroni and cheese and their classic HBG’s burger. Open Thursday through Monday, 12-7 p.m. 245 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, healdsburgbarandgrill.com
Valette, Healdsburg: Healsburg's luxe off-square restaurant has created a lively and toasty tented area for diners. Open daily from 5-9:30 p.m. 344 Center St, Healdsburg, 707-473-0946, valettehealdsburg.com (Photo courtesy Dustin Valette)
Willi’s Seafood and Raw Bar, Healdsburg: The East Coast and South America meet Wine Country at this restaurant located just north of the Healdsburg town square. The menu, designed for sharing, includes items ranging from New England Style “Rolls” and Latin-inspired skewers to ceviches and tartares which can be enjoyed on the popular outdoor patio. 403 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, starkrestaurants.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Rustic Francis's Favorites, Geyserville: The restaurant at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville boasts a terrace overlooking the picturesque Alexander Valley and Coppola vineyards. The family-style cooking features fresh, seasonal ingredients from the property’s organic herb and produce garden. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, francisfordcoppolawinery.com (Courtesy of Francis Ford Coppola Winery)
Catelli’s, Geyserville: This large outdoor patio is a luxe respite in the middle of the Dry Creek Valley. Excellent Cal-Ital menu items include paper-thin lasagna, burgers and other classics. Now with cozy private heated cabanas. 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, mycatellis.com (Brendan McGuigan)
Private heated cabana at Catelli's in Geyserville. (Brendan McGuigan)
Diavola Pizzeria and Salumeria, Geyserville: This just might be our favorite outdoor space. Walk past the hanging laundry (part of the charm) and into a covered, arched outdoor area sheltered by greenery. Plenty of heat, plenty of shade and plenty of plates to impress. 21021 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville, 707-814-0111, diavolapizzeria.com (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
The patio at Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria in Geyserville. (Courtesy of Diavola)
Charlie’s Restaurant, Windsor: A favorite among our readers, Charlie’s at Windsor Golf Club’s lakeside patio is now open. The restaurant actually has two heated patios, one of them is "fully waterproof." The menu features weekend brunches, steaks, fresh seafood, fine wines and beers on tap.1320 19th Hole Dr, Windsor, windsorgolf.com (Courtesy of Charlie's Restaurant)
KC's American Kitchen, Windsor: Be seated and heated at this lovely outdoor dining space in Windsor. 20 tables, breakfast-lunch-dinner 8 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 9501 Duvander Ln, Windsor, 707-838-7800, kcsamericankitchen.com (Courtesy of KC's American Kitchen)
Fork Roadhouse, Sebastopol: The large patio behind this tiny Sebastopol roadhouse is now open with umbrellas and a small stream nearby. Not to mention that chef/owner Sarah Piccolo’s food is spot-on every time. 9890 Bodega Highway, Sebastopol, forkcatering.com (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Gravenstein Grill, Sebastopol: Out front of this upscale restaurant, with large Roman columns, is a stone patio with white tablecloth-lined tables surrounded by lush gardens. 8050 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol, 707-634-6142, gravensteingrill.com (Courtesy of Gravenstein Grill)
Handline, Sebastopol: An epic patio makes this fast/casual taco, oysters and burger spot a favorite for families. Great food, a nice list of beer and wine, plus walk-up soft serve keeps them coming back. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for outdoor dining and takeout. 935 Gravenstein Hwy. South, Sebastopol, handline.com (Courtesy of Handline)
Hopmonk Tavern, Sebastopol: Sebastopol's Hopmonk is housed in a 1903 landmarked brick building previously used as a railroad powerhouse. The outdoor beer garden has long communal tables and a fire-pit. Guests can check out the extensive “Beer Bible” while chewing on a juicy burger and other classic pub grub. 230 Petaluma Ave., hopmonk.com/sebastopol (Courtesy of Hopmonk)
Ramen Gaijin, Sebastopol: Seasonal Japanese menu consisting of traditional regional ramen styles inspired by the offerings of local farmers and ranchers, plus an ever-changing selection of yakitori and small plate izakaya dishes to complement craft cocktails, beer, wine and sake. Enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere on the patio. 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, ramengaijin.com (John Burges /The Press Democrat)
Woodfour Brewing, Sebastopol: This local brewery serves up burgers, bowls and wings and has a large patio for soaking up the sun and drinking some cold brews. 6780 Depot St. Sebastopol, woodfourbrewing.com (Courtesy of Woodfour Brewing)
Union Hotel, Occidental: Occidental's storied Union Hotel has built a charming outdoor space for visitors craving pasta and pizza. 3731 Main St, Occidental, 707- 874-3555, unionhoteloccidental.com (Christopher Chung/The Press Democrat)
Russian River Vineyards, Forestville: This Forestville outpost has always been a great spot to sit outside among grapevines and redwoods and ponder the Wine Country lifestyle. It’s open for outdoor seating, with food and wine tastings available. 5700 Highway 116 N., Forestville, russianrivervineyards.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Rocker Oysterfeller’s, Valley Ford: Enjoy a picnic in the gardens or on the large patio outside this historic Sonoma County roadhouse. Picnic tables are set up to accommodate guests enjoying Tomales Bay oysters and other coastal specials. 14415 Highway 1, Valley Ford, 707-876-1983, rockeroysterfellers.com (Courtesy of Rocker Oyserfeller's)
Estero Cafe, Valley Ford: Bright umbrellas are the signature of this tiny breakfast/brunch cafe that pays daily homage to local farmers with a hand-lettered chalkboard. A note on the menu informs customers that they deep fry in local pork lard, something true foodies will travel miles to find. 4450 Hwy. 1, Valley Ford, estero.cafe. (Courtesy of Estero Cafe)
Gold Coast Coffee and Bakery, Duncans Mills: Stop in historic Duncans Mills for a cup of house-roasted coffee and pair it with a pastry baked in the wood fire oven (which also makes great-tasting pizza). The deck is surrounded by lush gardens. 23577 Steelhead Blvd., Duncans Mills, duncansmills.net (Beth Schlanker/The Press Democrat)
Fisherman’s Cove, Bodega Bay: A no-nonsense family-owned seafood shack and fishing-marine supply store specializing in fresh local oysters harvested from Tamales Bay. Their crab sandwich rivals nearby Spud Point, but we’ll let you make that call. 1850 Bay Flat Rd., Bodega Bay. (Courtesy of Fisherman's Cove)
Spud Point Crab Company, Bodega Bay: This family operated old-style Fishermen’s Wharf restaurant is a “dream-come-true” for owners Tony and Carol Anello. The restaurant’s fresh crab and wild king salmon is caught by Tony and his son Mark. Carol and daughters Lisa and Gina run the store, serving up famous clam chowder and crab cakes. The outdoor picnic tables offer views of the bay and the fishing fleet. 1910 Westshore Rd, Bodega Bay. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
