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Valley Bar + Bottle: This downtown Sonoma restaurant and bottle shop soft-opened last July with fanfare about the young owners’ cool vibe, carefully crafted food and thoughtful wine selections, but gained traction when it was named one of the best bars in America by Esquire Magazine in June. The understated menu gives little insight into the lovely dishes made by Chef Emma Lipp. 487 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-934-8403, valleybarandbottle.com. (Emma K. Morris)
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Fried chicken with cucumber and coconut peanut curry from Valley Bar + Bottle on the Sonoma square. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
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Crispy rice with scallion-ginger from Valley Bar + Bottle on the Sonoma square. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
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Tortilla Espanola with anchovies from Valley Bar + Bottle on the Sonoma square. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
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Folktable, Sonoma: Top Chef finalist and restaurateur Casey Thompson opened Folktable at Cornerstone Sonoma in 2020. Michelin Inspectors say: “Housed within this charming outdoor marketplace is a kitchen brimming with ideas. To wit—beef tartare is ground to order and served on hash browns; while broccoli is grilled, then showered with puffed rice, Thai basil, and maple tahini." 23584 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-356-3567, folktable.com. (Courtesy of Folktable)
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Gingerbread pancakes with poached apples and maple syrup from Folktable in Sonoma. (Courtesy of Folktable)
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Khom Loi: This passion project from chefs Matthew Williams and Moishe Hahn-Schuman is an homage to Thai cuisine. The duo spent years traveling and studying Southeast Asian ingredients and cookery, and then melded it with their obsession for hyperlocal sourcing for an unparalleled fusion of flavors in the North Bay. 7385 Healdsburg Ave., Suite 101, Sebastopol, 707-329-6917, khomloisonoma.com. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
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Pad Thai at Khom Loi in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
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Tom Yum Goog Nam Khon, a spicy, creamy sour shrimp soup with gulf prawn, tomato, mushrooms, coconut milk, galangal and Thai herbs, at Khom Loi in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
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Ramen Gaijin, Sebastopol: This casual izakaya, also from chefs Matthew Williams and Moishe Hahn-Schuman, grew from a tiny pop-up restaurant to one of the most celebrated ramen shops in Sonoma County. Handmade noodles are top notch. 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707-827-3609, ramengaijin.com. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
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(l to r) The Pickle Plate, Yakitori (from top; Chicken Tsukune, Hokkaido Scallop, Broccoli, and Wagyu Short Rib) and Maguro Poke from Ramen Gaijin in Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
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Spicy Tan Tan Ramen with Sapporo noodles, sesame, scallion, pork belly chashu, spicy ground pork, charred cabbage, woodier and a 6 minute egg from Ramen Gaijin in Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
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El Molino Central, Sonoma: Homemade tortillas — not just from prepared masa, but from their own soaked and milled corn — showcase the passion for authenticity at this Sonoma-adjacent taqueria. Best bets include beer-battered fish tacos and take-home salsas. 11 Central Ave., Sonoma, 707-939-1010, elmolinocentral.com. (Jeff Kan Lee/The Press Democrat)
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Glen Ellen Star, Glen Ellen: A wood-fired oven is the beating heart of this Sonoma Valley restaurant that's a favorite of locals and savvy visitors, who make their way to the tiny hamlet. Whole roasted fish, wood roasted seasonal vegetables, pizzas and brick chicken are classics. 13648 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-343-1384, glenellenstar.com. (Crista Jeremiason/The Press Democrat)
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Margherita Pizza served at Glen Ellen Star in Glen Ellen. (Crista Jeremiason/The Press Democrat)
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Chanterelle mushroom bow-tie pasta with pumpkin butter at the Glen Ellen Star Restaurant. (Photo by Kent Porter)
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Stockhome, Petaluma: This couple-owned cafe focuses on Swedish comfort foods like pickled herring and meatballs with gravy an lingonberry jam, along with kebab plates, a popular late night snack in Sweden, and small meze plates (fried Halloumi cheese is amazing). 220 Western Ave., Petaluma, 707-981-8511, stockhomepetaluma.com. (Courtesy of New Rev Media)
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Gravlax at Stockhome restaurant in Petaluma. (Chris Hardy/Sonoma Magazine)
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Kebab plate with garlic yogurt from Stockhome restaurant in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
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Lördagsgodis or Saturday candy at Stockhome restaurant. (Elise Aileen Photography)
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Chalkboard, Healdsburg: This hotel restaurant (inside Les Mars in Healdsburg) has always been a solid choice, especially for upscale diners who want recognizable, hearty dishes without the fussiness. The crudo of the day is a must-try, along with fun twists like fried Brussels sprouts with mulled wine cranberries, bacon and cayenne aioli or pork belly biscuits (pictured). 29 North St., Healdsburg, 707-473-8030, chalkboardhealdsburg.com. (Conner Jay/The Press Democrat)
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A colorful plate of veggies and dip fresh from the Chalkboard Restaurant's garden is served in Healdsburg. (Conner Jay/The Press Democrat)
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The 'Candy Bar' with brownie, caramel, roasted milk chocolate cremeaux and nougat ice cream is served at the Chalkboard Restaurant in Healdsburg. (Conner Jay/The Press Democrat)