Healdsburg Named Among Best Small Cities for Foodies by Newsweek

Sonoma County has made a name for itself in the world of epicurean delights, and this local city may be the cream of the crop.


By Maci Martell

From Chicago to Nashville, New York City to New Orleans, the United States is awash with diverse regional cuisine. Though it’s usually the big cities receiving the epicurean spotlight. Sonoma County, however, has made a name for itself in the world of outstanding gastronomy — and one small local city may be the cream of the crop.

In a recent Newsweek article compiling the 10 best small cities for foodies across the U.S., Healdsburg clinched the No. 2 spot. The only other California locale on the list is Monterey County’s Carmel-by-the-Sea at No. 10.

The roundup of small foodie cities, part of Newsweek’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards, was selected by a panel of food and travel writers and voted on by Newsweek readers.

Sandwiched between Southern soul and barbecue heavyweights Oxford, Mississippi (No. 1) and Asheville, North Carolina (No. 3), Healdsburg stood out for its eclectic restaurant landscape, spanning Michelin-starred fine dining to casual eateries surrounding the walkable downtown.

Costeaux French Bakery is now offering classic French bistro menu items on the patio starting at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday at their cafe in Healdsburg on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (Erik Castro / For The Press Democrat)
Costeaux French Bakery in Healdsburg on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (Erik Castro / For The Press Democrat)
Spoonbar in Healdsburg
Pork Chop with mustard spätzle, pear purée and Brussels sprouts at Spoonbar in Healdsburg. (Winston Lai)

The Newsweek article highlighted the historic Costeaux French Bakery, chef Robert Leva’s Spoonbar and Spanish tapas bar Bravas for a casual tasting tour around the plaza. It also recommended Michelin-starred SingleThread for those “lucky enough to snag a reservation.”

Coincidentally, a Healdsburg bed-and-breakfast was also mentioned in Newsweek’s 10 best historical B&Bs category. The Ruse, an 11-room inn on Grove Street, ranked No. 4 on the list for its blend of Victorian charm and modern luxury. In addition to the inn’s swanky pool, pickleball courts and 18-hole putting green, reviewers praised The Ruse’s farm-fresh breakfast offerings.

Healdsburg and its dining scene has received its fair share of acclaim over the years. Last October, Condé Nast Traveler named it among the best cities in the country. Geography site WorldAtlas named Healdsburg as one of California’s most timeless towns in late December. In May, USA Today ranked Healdsburg as the No. 3 best small town in the West. Each accolade references the city’s creative farm-to-table cuisine as a reason for its inclusion.

Guiso Latin Fusion restaurant in Healdsburg
Seasonal Salad with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette at Guiso Latin Fusion restaurant in Healdsburg. (Aylin Mojica)

For Sonoma County foodies, our dining editor Heather Irwin compiled her top picks of the best restaurants in Healdsburg. Her favorites include the “neighborhoody” Guiso Latin Fusion, New Orleans-inspired Parish Cafe and chef Charlie Palmer’s iconic Dry Creek Kitchen, among over a dozen others.

With a wide swath of superb eateries to choose from, Healdsburg should be at the top of the list when planning your next North Bay foodie adventure. Let’s just try to keep this little slice of culinary paradise to ourselves more, shall we?

You can reach staff writer and digital editor Maci Martell at maci.martell@pressdemocrat.com.