Every town has hidden gems that locals know, but usually elude outsiders. These restaurants are top-notch contenders that may not be on your radar. We’ve handpicked some gems worth seeking out. Click through the above gallery for details.
5 Hidden Gem Restaurants You Need to Try in Sonoma County
These top-notch neighborhood restaurants in Sonoma County may not be on your radar. They should be.
Sonoma Eats: Affordable Oaxacan eats at this newly reopened taqueria. Check out the excellent enchiladas, tamales, tacos and sopes. The restaurant has been closed since March, reemerging at the former Barking Dog Roasters. 18133 Highway 12, Sonoma, 707-939-1905. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Sonoma Eats in Boyes Hot Springs on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Valley Bar and Bottle: Weekend brunch is a perfect time to check out this tiny woman-run cafe. Choose from French toast with apricot butter, poached eggs with lentils, "hippie salad" with pickled veggies and tahini vinaigrette or a burrata and tomato tartine. 487 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-934-8403, valleybarandbottle.com (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Pink Shrimp Roll from Valley Bar + Bottle on the Sonoma square. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Tortilla Espanola with anchovies from Valley Bar + Bottle on the Sonoma square. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Valley Bar + Bottle in Sonoma. (Emma K Creative)
Pezcow: We wrote about this family-friendly restaurant a while back, but forgot how great their land and sea-inspired menu could be. Whole fried fish, upscale molcajetes, and the Pina Rellena (half pineapple filled with seafood) and topped with melty cheese are best bets. 465 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 510, Windsor, 707-393-8370. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Molcajete Mar y Terra with seafood and beef from Pezcow in Windsor on Friday, April 1, 2022. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Tacos Dorados de Picadillo with beef and ceviche from Pezcow in Windsor on Friday, April 1, 2022. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Pezcow restaurant in Windsor on Friday, April 1, 2022. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Torre de Mariscos is a tower of seafood, onion, avocado and cucumber from Pezcow in Windsor on Friday, April 1, 2022. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Piña Rellena is a pineapple filled with seafood with cheese on top and finished in the wood oven at Pezcow in Windsor on Friday, April 1, 2022. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Guiso Latin Fusion: This chef-driven restaurant is a tiny gem off the Healdsburg square. Central American and Caribbean-inspired dishes like upscale pupusas, spicy sauteed prawns, and picture perfect salads make this one to seek out. 117 North St., Healdsburg, 707-431-1302, guisolatinfusion.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Cubanito sandwich with pulled pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard, and yucca fries from Guiso Latin Fusion in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Jamaican jerk chicken tacos from Guiso Latin Fusion in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Goji Kitchen: Familiar dishes like walnut pineapple prawns, sweet and sour chicken and egg rolls are excellent at this Asian fusion restaurant, but a selection of lighter vegetarian options like claypot tofu with shiitake mushrooms make this a Friday night favorite. 1965 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-523-3888, gojikitchen.com (Jade Turgel/Goji Kitchen)