Cozy Sonoma Restaurants and Bars for Chilly Days

These local spots have the fireplace roaring, plus comforting meals and drinks to keep you warm.


By Heather Irwin

Californians may not spend their winters shoveling snow or digging out the puffer coat, but a cold, soggy day still demands comfort: steaming soups, crackling fireplaces, slow-braised everything, and cushy banquettes built for lingering over hot tea.

These Sonoma County restaurants know exactly how to take the chill off — and warm you up from the inside out.

Healdsburg

Taste of Tea

Japanese comfort food — think curry ramen, miso soup and ginger rice pudding — plus an endless array of imported teas make this the ultimate cozy retreat. 109 North St., Healdsburg, 707-431-1995, thetasteoftea.com

Classic bento box with chirashi, grilled unagi, two Japanese salads and a garden salad from Taste of Tea in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Classic bento box with chirashi, grilled unagi, two Japanese salads and a garden salad from Taste of Tea in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Risotto Frutti di Mare with Gulf shrimp, Day Boat scallops, calamari, roasted tomatoes, white wine, saffron seafood fumet & parmesan at Baci Cafe and Wine Bar Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Risotto Frutti di Mare with Gulf shrimp, Day Boat scallops, calamari, roasted tomatoes, white wine, saffron seafood fumet & parmesan at Baci Cafe and Wine Bar Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Baci Cafe & Wine Bar

Amid Healdsburg’s Michelin hot spots and shiny newcomers, Baci is a timeless refuge. The music plays softly, the glassware gleams and the genteel staff move through the room with the fluidity of warm olive oil. 36 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-8111, bacicafeandwinebar.com

Healdsburg Bubble Bar

A bubbly little clubhouse just big enough for you and a few friends. Sip Champagne and sparklers in this pint-size Parisian bistro wrapped in dark walls, velvet banquettes and soft lighting. Little nibbles are available to pair with your pours. 134 North St., Healdsburg, 707-395-4434, healdsburgbubblebar.com

Cozy Bubble Bar tasting room in Healdsburg
The Bubble Bar tasting room in Healdsburg focuses on Champagnes, sparklers, Cavas, Proseccos and all things bubbles. Photo taken Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Pork Chop Tonkatsu-style with sweet onion dash broth from the Golden Bear Station Thursday, January 11, 2023, on Highway 12 in Kenwood. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Pork Chop Tonkatsu-style with sweet onion dash broth from the Golden Bear Station Thursday, Jan. 11, 2023, on Highway 12 in Kenwood. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Sonoma Valley

Golden Bear Station

With candlelit tables, faux-fur throws and hospitality warmer than a pan of brown butter, this Kenwood roadside restaurant oozes coziness. The menu shifts with chef Joshua Smookler’s latest fascinations, but expect luxurious cuts of duck, beef and pork tinged with Italian and Korean flavors. 8445 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, goldenbearstation.com

Songbird Parlour

Soft lighting, broody paneled walls in pine needle green, velvet sofas arranged in a conversational setting and an upright piano set the scene inside this upscale dining retreat in Glen Ellen. Warming dishes, such as braised lamb shank, duck breast with lentils, and pork belly, are best bets. 14301 Arnold Drive, Suite 3, Glen Ellen, 707-343-1308, songbirdparlour.com

Duck confit, Journeyman guanciale, beluga lentil cassoulet, d'anjou pear mostarda from Songbird Parlour Thursday, November 21, 2024, in Glen Ellen. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Duck confit, Journeyman guanciale, beluga lentil cassoulet, d’Anjou pear mostarda from Songbird Parlour Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Glen Ellen. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
A lounge space in the corner of the dining room at Songbird Parlour in Glen Ellen Thursday, November 21, 2024. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
A lounge space in the corner of the dining room at Songbird Parlour in Glen Ellen Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Brick chicken with parsley and lemon from the Glen Ellen Star restaurant. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Brick chicken with parsley and lemon from the Glen Ellen Star restaurant. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Glen Ellen Star

Claim a seat by the wood-fired oven, the source of blistered pizzas, whole branzino, brick chicken and ember-roasted vegetables. 13648 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-343-1384, glenellenstar.com

Sebastopol

Ramen Gaijin

There’s nothing cozier than leaning over a steaming bowl of ramen, infusing the brothy goodness into your very soul. Add grilled skewers and tasty cocktails. 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707,827-3609, ramengaijin.com

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)
Spicy Tan Tan Ramen with Sapporo noodles, sesame, scallion, pork belly chashu, spicy ground pork, charred cabbage and a 6-minute egg from Ramen Gaijin in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Dungeness Crab Cake with orange segments, avocado, mixed lettuces and remoulade sauce from Terrapin Creek Cafe Restaurant Friday, May 30, 2025, in Bodega Bay. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Dungeness Crab Cake with orange segments, avocado, mixed lettuces and remoulade sauce from Terrapin Creek Cafe Friday, May 30, 2025, in Bodega Bay. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Sonoma Coast

Terrapin Creek

Butter-yellow and ocher walls radiate warmth year round, but in colder months, the massive hearth draws visitors near. There’s no fish and chips, but the seafood is always a catch. 1580 Eastshore Road, Bodega Bay, 707-875-2700, terrapincreekcafe.com

Graton & West County

Underwood Bistro

Enjoy a mix of French and Thai dishes at this rural, Parisian-style bistro, a favorite among winemakers and locals. Long banquettes, bentwood chairs, a nickel-topped bar and soft yellow lighting give it an all-day sunset glow. 9113 Graton Road, Graton, 707-823-7023, underwoodgraton.com

Pad Thai from Underwood Bar and Bistro Friday, March 21, 2025, in Graton. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Pad Thai from Underwood Bar and Bistro Friday, March 21, 2025, in Graton. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Diavola Pizzeria
Sous chef Mason Meier mans the wood-burning pizza oven at Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria Friday, March 14, 2025, in Geyserville. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Diavola Pizzeria

A glowing wood-fired oven is the beating heart of this pizza and pasta spot. When you’re here, you’re family. Don’t miss the more casual Geyserville Gun Club next door. 21021 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-814-0111, diavolapizzeria.com

Catelli’s

Family photos of the Catelli family fill this warm, historic restaurant space. Wood flooring, exposed brick and comfy seating — along with their delicate 10-layer lasagna and hearty chicken Parmesan — make it perfect for friends and family gatherings. 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-857-3471, mycatellis.com

Ten-layer lasagna at Catelli's in Geyserville. (Chris Hardy/for Sonoma Magazine)
Ten-layer lasagna at Catelli’s in Geyserville. (Chris Hardy / for Sonoma Magazine)
Martini at Stark's Steak and Seafood in Santa Rosa. (Stark's Steak and Seafood)
Martini at Stark’s Steak and Seafood in Santa Rosa. (Stark’s Steak and Seafood)
Bacon wrapped 10-ounce filet mignon with the whole grain mustard bearnaise at Stark's Steak & Seafood in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Bacon wrapped 10-ounce filet mignon with whole grain mustard bearnaise at Stark’s Steak & Seafood in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Santa Rosa

Stark’s Steak & Seafood, Santa Rosa

This classic steakhouse does cozy in retro style — with a fireplace in the dining room! You’ll get the Bogie-and-Bacall vibe right away. Manhattans, aged whiskies and absinthe are served by white-coated bar staff. The seats are leather and a baby grand sits in the corner waiting to tinkle out a tune or two. 521 Adams St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-5100, starkssteakhouse.com

Goose and Fern

The friendly Brit-pub vibe makes this family-run spot a favorite, whether you’re grabbing a pint or a Guinness pie. Hang out for the Sunday pub quiz night at 7:30 p.m. or pop by for hot oxtail soup and a pudding (if you’re lucky, they’ll have sticky toffee). 116 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-843-4235, thegooseandfern.com

Fish and chips at The Goose & Fern restaurant in Santa Rosa
Fish and chips at The Goose & Fern in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square. March 22, 2025. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)
Street Social in Petaluma
Kohlrabi & Scallop Chowder with fried potatoes, chorizo marmalade and chives from Street Social in Petaluma. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Petaluma

Street Social

From the street, the narrow tiled alley leading to this tiny restaurant is easy to miss — part of its charm, and part of the discovery. Inside, the dimly lit, five-table dining room (with a few more seats in the alley and one upstairs) is intentionally intimate, allowing owners Jevon Martin and Marjorie Pier to create a magical experience for each guest. 29F Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-774-6185, streetsocial.social 

Pearl

Inspired by the flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa (with a little Southern French and Spanish thrown in for good measure), chef/owners Brian Leitner and Annette Yang continue to impress with their sunny interpretations of shakshuka, fresh pita, fattoush salad and braised meats, including brisket and lamb. 500 First St., Petaluma, 707-559-5187, pearlpetaluma.com

Shakshuka with chickpea, fava and tomato stew at Pearl restaurant in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
Shakshuka with chickpea, fava and tomato stew at Pearl restaurant in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
A selection of pastries and baked goods from Water Street Bistro Thursday, Aug. 29, 2025 in Petaluma. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
A selection of pastries and baked goods from Water Street Bistro Thursday, Aug. 29, 2025 in Petaluma. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Water Street Bistro

This hidden gem, tucked away on the waterfront, is a favorite among in-the-know locals who stop by for freshly made French pastries, duck confit, quiche and the restaurant’s eclectic Parisian style. 100 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-763-9563, waterstreetbistropetaluma.com

What are your cozy faves? Let me know at heather.irwin@pressdemocrat.com.