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Ippinn Udon & Tempura: What could be a better location for a noodle restaurant than just across the street from the junior college? This new Santa Rosa spot pairs udon and tempura with student-friendly prices. According to Yelp reviewers, it's a hit. Read our coverage here. 1880 Mendocino Ave #D, Santa Rosa, 707-521-9911. (Photo by Heather Irwin)
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The Spinster Sisters: SOFA brunch favorite The Spinster Sisters continues to draw a crowd with kimchi bacon deviled eggs (pictured), lox bagels, South A Scramble, Joe's Benedict, granola waffles and more. Yelpers love the ambiance and the food, and many come back for dinner. Read our coverage here. 401 S A St, Santa Rosa, 707-528-7100, thespinstersisters.com. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
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Perch + Plow: Overlooking Courthouse Square, this new addition to the Santa Rosa dining scene serves up primo people-watching paired with pretty craft cocktails and California cuisine. Yelp reviewers love the flavors, the drinks, the decoration and the service. Read our coverage here. 900 Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, 707-541-6896, perchandplow.com. (Photo by Heather Irwin)
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Trattoria Cattaneo: An authentic, family-owned Italian, Trattoria Cattaneo is a popular neighborhood spot, lauded by Yelp reviewers for their friendly and attentive staff and home-style cooking. Read our coverage here. 2700 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa, 707-542-9050. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
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Dierk’s Parkside Cafe: One of our top picks for breakfast in Sonoma County, Dierk's Parkside Cafe is a morning institution popular with bed-headed kids, apres-bike groups and in-the-know Wine Country visitors. Menu stars include Chicken Fried Steak, Huevos Rancheros and quite possibly the world’s best hangover cure: the Country Benedict. Read our coverage here. 404 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-573-5955, dierksparkside.com. (Photo by John Burgess)
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El Coqui: Located a stone's throw from 4th Street, this Puerto Rican restaurant serves authentic dishes to the sound of salsa tunes. Order their signature dish "Pollo al Horno" with no culinary regrets - Yelpers also love their Sandwich Cubano, plantains, and pretty much everything on the menu. Read our coverage here. 400 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, 707-542-8868, elcoqui2eat.com. (Photo by Jeff Kan Lee)
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Russian River Brewing: Beer pilgrims line up around the block for a sip on Russian River's coveted brews (Pliny, and others). Apparently, the food is good, too! Yelp reviewers like the Pliny bites, pizzas, sandwiches and salads. Read our coverage here. 725 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707-545-2337, russianriverbrewing.com. (Photo by John Burgess)
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Zee's Diner: Don't be fooled by Zee's unassuming exterior: "Walked in skeptical, left satisfied," says Yelp reviewer Stephanie A. and continues, "as I approached Zee's diner, I got a fast food feeling from the appearance of the outside. Was this a Burger King, I thought to myself, or an old KFC? As I was seated I was handed a floppy laminated menu that reminded me of Denny's. I then became more skeptical. Our waitress Ally brought us coffee. She was a very cute and smiling girl with a humble presence. Her service was on point and delivered politely. As soon as the coffee was low, she was right back on it with a topper offer. The food came out lickety-split. I only blinked a few times and there it was. It really was fast food. But here's the catch...... It was actually good!" 3135 Cleveland Ave, Santa Rosa, 707-800-7928. (Photo from Facebook)
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The Naked Pig: Another favorite Sonoma County breakfast spot, The Naked Pig serves seasonal, local specialities to a hip crowd, sharing the tiny space by three communal tables. The menu changes frequently, but what's on it is always exciting. Their waffles and eggs Benedict are top picks among Yelp reviewers. Read our coverage here. 435 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-978-3231, flowerandbonerestaurant.com/naked-pig-home. (Photo by Chris Hardy)
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Riviera Ristorante: Bicyclist Levi Leipheimer counts this Santa Rosa trattoria among his favorites, and frequently rides with owner Gianpaolo Pesce. With dozens of bicycle jerseys lining the walls and a spaghetti dish named for Levi and his Gran Fondo, the restaurant has gained a strong following within the local biking community. Yelp reviewers - bikers and non-bikers alike - appreciate the atmosphere, staff, and tasty dishes. Read our coverage here. 75 Montgomery Dr, Santa Rosa, 707-579-2682, rivieraristorante.net. (Photo from Facebook)
