Food brings us all to the table. No matter where you hail from or what kind of food you grew up on, every opportunity to eat is a celebration in our book. May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we’re celebrating this occasion by paying homage to a few of our favorite AAPI-owned restaurants in Sonoma County. Click through the above gallery for details. This list isn’t comprehensive, so let us know your favorites in the comments.
Favorite Sonoma Spots for Yummy Sushi, Authentic Noodles
Here are some of our favorite AAPI-owned restaurants in Sonoma County.
Hana Japanese, owned by Ken Tominaga: Uncompromising best-bet, high-end sushi and Japanese entrees. Fish is flown in from Japan or locally sourced. Owner Ken Tominaga trained as a sushi chef in his hometown Tokyo. 101 Golf Course Dr., Rohnert Park, hanajapanese.com. (Erik Castro/for The Press Democrat)
Udon soup with wakame seaweed and prawn tempura at Hana Japanese Restaurant in Rohnert Park. (Erik Castro/for The Press Democrat)
Jidori Teriyaki chicken with Japanese style potato salad and fried brussel sprouts served with a side of miso soup and rice at Hana Japanese Restaurant in Rohnert Park. (Erik Castro/for The Press Democrat
Taste of Tea, owned by Nozomu (Nez) Tokugawa: A teahouse and casual Japanese eatery with homey flavors. Come for the food, stay for the sake, tea cocktails, milk tea and matcha. Book a luxe foot soak in their relaxation spa. 109 North St., Healdsburg, thetasteoftea.com. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Seafood Ramen with a medley of scallops, shrimp and squid in a shiso ponzu broth from Taste of Tea in Healdsburg. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Sake 107, owned by Eiji Ando: A buttery piece of fiercely fresh tuna belly or fresh salmon handled by a trained sushi chef can be an absolute game-changer. Chef Eiji Ando, a Hana Japanese alum, has dedicated his life to the craft. It’s awe-inspiring to watch the flicking of his hands as he shapes the seasoned rice and fish into a single perfect bite, and perfect isn’t a word we use lightly when it comes to nigiri. 107 Petaluma Blvd N., Petaluma, 241-7580, sake107.com. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Tuna tartar on shrimp crackers at Sake 107 in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Tedorigawa sake at Sake 107 sushi and sake bar in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Osake, owned by Gary Chu: One of Sonoma County’s original celeb chefs, Chu once had several restaurants in Santa Rosa and Healdsburg including his name-sake Gary Chu’s in downtown Santa Rosa. Chu still runs Osake, a Japanese grill and sushi spot. Don’t miss his signature Martini prawns. 2446 Patio Ct., Santa Rosa, osake-sushi.com. (Courtesy of Osake)
Sushi Shoubu, owned by Takeshi Uchida: Sustainable seafood burritos, poke rice bowls and organic miso soup from top sushi chef Takeshi Uchida. The mobile kitchen shows up at breweries and farmers markets. Instagram @shoubufoodtruck. (Shutterstock)
Toyo Sushi, owned by David Toyo: Excellent-but-approachable sushi and Japanese classics. 3082 Marlow Rd, Santa Rosa, toyorestaurantsr.com. (Jeff Kan Lee / The Press Democrat)
Lynn’s Thai, owned by Lynn Athavimol: We first fell in love with Lynn’s cooking in 2008 and it has stood the test of time. Don’t miss the Tom Kha, a coconut milk soup with galangal, kaffir lime, lemongrass and mushrooms, and save room for black sticky rice with condensed milk and fresh mango. 8492 Gravenstein Hwy, Suite M, Cotati, 707-793-9300. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Black sticky rice with mango from Lynn's Thai in Cotati. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Shrimp spring rolls from Lynn's Thai in Cotati. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Sea Thai Bistro, Sea Thai Noodle, Tony’s Galley, owned by Tony Ounpamornhchai: California-inspired Thai noodles, curries and seafood. Tony (pictured right) is a consummate entrepreneur who continues to open new restaurants and partner with other restaurateurs. Watch for Tony’s Galley in July. 2350 Midway Dr, Santa Rosa, seathaibistrobar.com. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)
Little Basket appetizer at Sea Thai Bistro in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Pad Thai at Sea Thai Bistro in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Simmer Claw Bar, owned by Nhat Lee: There is nothing dainty about a steaming pile of boiled crawfish, mussels, crab and clams served up family-style, without silverware. Fortunately, there are bibs, gloves and lots of wet napkins to keep things from veering too far off course. This first-of-its-kind seafood boil in Sonoma County echoes the recent trend of Southern-meets-Saigon seafood boils that’s made its way across the country for several years. 595 Rohnert Park Expressway, Rohnert Park, 707-806-2080. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Tamarind prawns at Simmer Claw Bar in Rohnert Park. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Han Bul Korean BBQ, owned by Han So: You’re the chef when you grill meats at the table, a first in Sonoma County. We love the hands-on experience of mixing and matching banchan, rice and pickles with bold sauces and crispy meat. 522 Seventh St. in Santa Rosa, 707-919-3094. (Courtesy of Han Bul Korean BBQ)
Owber Han So demonstrates BBQ cooking at Han Bul Korean BBQ in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Tambayan, owned by Trisha Hunt: On a recent visit, we fell in love with their rib-sticking breakfasts (silog), noodle bowls, beef satay and off-beat specialties like pan-grilled milkfish, pork sisig (minced pork with rice, onions, and mayonnaise) and laing with dried taro leaves, coconut milk and pork. It’s best to go in with an open mind and hungry belly because some of the best dishes require a bit of trust if you’re not familiar with the eclectic cuisine of the Philippines. 600 Larkfield Center, Larkfield-Wikiup, 707-843-3824. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Fresh roll at Tambayan Filipino restaurant in Larkfield. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Glass noodles at Tambayan Filipino restaurant in Larkfield. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)
Soban Korean, owned by Daniel and Sarah Kim: A hidden Petaluma gem that’s dedicated to the flavors of South Korea. Dishes like fried chicken with soy sauce and Korean pancakes are on the menu, as well as traditional fare like fish cakes, sea snails and spicy squid. 255 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, sobanpetaluma.com. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)