After a quiet winter, Sonoma County is waking up. February brings the first hints of new life, and with it, a wave of restaurants ready to open their doors. Here are the places I’m keeping an eye on as the season shifts.
The Wild Poppy II
The Wild Poppy, the west Sebastopol café known for its breakfast, brunch and lunch service, is expanding with a second location at the former Woodfour Brewing space at The Barlow, slated to open in early summer. But that’s only half the story.
Chef-owner Martin Maigaard plans to install an on-site tofu production facility in Woodfour’s former brewing room, capable of producing up to 3,000 pounds a week for a small retail shop and for wholesale distribution to restaurants. Signage appeared at the long-shuttered brewery and restaurant in late January. The new Wild Poppy will add dinner service and broaden its plant-forward menu, with a larger emphasis on fresh seafood. Maigaard, formerly of the now-closed Gypsy Cafe, opened the original Wild Poppy in 2024 with his wife, Danielle. 6780 Depot St., Suite 160, Sebastopol. thewildpoppycafe.com
Bourbon & Butter
The owners of Grata Italian Eatery in Windsor are planning a casual, saloon-style pub at the long-vacant Windsor Brewery, blending country-western sensibilities with what chef-owner Eric Foster describes as an “upscale Yellowstone lodge” aesthetic. The still-evolving menu is designed for grazing, with offerings such as ceviche, chips and dips, seasonal salads, cured meat and cheese boards, and barbecue, paired with a full bar and an easygoing atmosphere. “We want to create a fun, casual atmosphere where the community can walk in, grab a drink and snacks, socialize and listen to good country music,” Foster said. Live music, dancing and karaoke are also planned. 9000 Windsor Road, Windsor
Sonoma The Girl & The Fig project
Details remain limited, but the team behind The Girl & The Fig quietly took over the former Maya Restaurant space in September. The longtime Mexican restaurant closed after its owners’ retirement, leaving a prominent corner location on the Sonoma Plaza. More information is expected in the coming weeks. 101 E. Napa St., Sonoma
Parkside Eats
As previously reported, the recently closed Lepe’s Taqueria — a Rincon Valley fixture for nearly 30 years — will reopen early this spring as Parkside Eats. The new owners, Hayley Cutri and Efrain Balmes, also operate Sonoma Eats in Agua Caliente. While Parkside Eats will continue to serve tacos, quesabirria and fresh guacamole (a standout at Sonoma Eats), the menu will lean more toward California comfort food, including burgers, salads, soups, hearty appetizers and fresh juices. 4323 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa
Acre Pizza Healdsburg
A fourth location for the popular pizzeria (with restaurants currently in Petaluma, Cotati and Sebastopol) is set to open this spring at The Row, where it will be part of a growing development that also includes Quail & Condor bakery and cafe, Jane dispensary and Coyote Sonoma. 44 Mill St., Healdsburg. acrepizza.com
Know of any openings on the horizon I’ve missed, or have a restaurant tip? Email me at heather.irwin@pressdemocrat.com.