In April, I wrote about the wave of new restaurants heading to Sonoma County this summer and beyond. At the time, most were still in the “coming soon” stage: paper-covered windows, cryptic Instagram posts and a lot of educated guessing. Since then, I’ve been making the rounds, tasting, talking and generally nosing around. Here’s where things stand as of mid-June.
Heard of something new or in the works? Email me at heather.irwin@pressdemocrat.com.
Now open
AYA: The Vegas-meets-Wine-Country vibe at this 28,000-square-foot restaurant and bar is hard to miss. Located at Graton Resort & Casino, Aya features two terraces overlooking Sonoma Mountain, a walk-through wine tunnel and a $1 million cellar. Chefs Roy Ellamar and Jennifer Murphy-Ellamar lead the kitchen, with a menu that ranges from Petrossian caviar tacos and a raw bar to wagyu steaks, whole-roasted Maine lobster, and Liberty Duck breast with ginger-fig preserves. A dedicated outdoor entrance with elevator service to the second floor, plus a location in the casino’s new nonsmoking wing, are welcome touches. 288 Golf Course Drive W., Rohnert Park, 707-588-3750, ayasonoma.com
Bohemian Bistro: Chef Ray Martinez brings destination-worthy multicourse dining to quiet Occidental, with dishes that change weekly and ingredients sourced within 15 miles. A Wednesday locals’ night — most dishes under $20 — keeps things grounded. Reservations required for dinner; locals’ night is first come, first served. 3782 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, 707-874-6888, bohemianbistrorr.com
Alesta: Outstanding cuisine from across the Mediterranean — fiery saganaki, mezze platters, branzino — in the former Piala space. 7233 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol, 707-519-4565, alestasoco.com
Mazza Kitchen: Levantine grab-and-go from longtime caterer Kristina Daya: spiced chicken, shawarma, manoushe and chocolate-covered dates. The chicken alone is worth the trip. 1000 Clegg Court, Petaluma, 707-906-4059, instagram.com/kitchen_mazza
Juju’s: A Moroccan- and French-inspired pop-up from former Hazel Hill chef Jason Pringle, with elegant takes on lamb tagine, roasted chicken, mezze and fresh pita. The mezze is a standout; the cocktails shouldn’t be skipped. The menu changes frequently, and rumors of a permanent home are circulating. 124 Matheson St., Healdsburg, acornhealdsburg.com/popups
Parkside Eats: The neighborhood didn’t wait for a formal introduction, and the restaurant is already packed — for good reason. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the food is accessible but never boring. Birria hash, juicy burgers, poke nachos, roasted chicken and fish tacos are standouts. 4323 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-800-7466, parkside-eats.com
Acre Pizza: A Healdsburg outpost of the popular local chain, known for New York- and Detroit-style pies. Just off the downtown square, with easy parking — and a next-door bonus in Quail & Condor’s new bakery cafe. 44 Mill St., Suite C, Healdsburg, 707-509-7002, acrepizza.com
SMASH: Chef Ari Weiswasser, the restaurateur behind Glen Ellen Star and Stella, has gone fast-casual on Sonoma Plaza with lacy-edged smashburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, fries, tater tots and milkshakes. The menu is intentionally spare, and that’s part of the appeal. 497 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-721-1107, smashsonoma.com
The Junction: This new beer garden leans fully into its role as a family- and dog-friendly gathering spot, pairing counter service with sweeping views toward Trione-Annadel State Park. The menu sticks to crowd-pleasers at approachable prices — pizzas, fried mozzarella curds, spicy Korean fried chicken wings and warm chocolate chip cookies — with 40 taps, live music and a full bar for the grown-ups. 3901 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-800-7631, thejunc.com
Sam’s General Store: The Calistoga-based coffee shop has landed just off Sonoma Plaza, bringing strawberry matcha, coffee drinks, avocado toast and bagels flown in from New York. 520 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-343-0107, samsgeneral.store
Wonderland Pizza: New owners have completely renovated the former Lucy’s into a community-minded pizzeria with a stunning patio and a welcoming atmosphere. The Baxman — fresh pineapple, sausage, shallots, hot honey — was a favorite, as were the Championship Cheese pie and fried barbecue honey wings. Sixteen-inch pies run $18 to $25; warm chocolate chip cookies are $4 for two. Former Gov. Jerry Brown has reportedly stopped by. 20391 Highway 116, Monte Rio, 707-865-5133, instagram.com/wonderland_pizzeria
Redwood Gospel Baking Co.: Coffee and fresh pastries near Howarth Park. 2447 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa, rgm.org
Cloverdale Supper Club: A Sinatra-era atmosphere — steaks, seafood, classic martinis — at the boutique Cloverdale House Inn. 240 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-669-5072, instagram.com/supperclubcloverdale
Kyoto Ramen and Hawaiian BBQ: Fifteen types of ramen alongside poke bowls, curry, rice bowls, katsu and kalua pork at this California-Pacific Rim chain’s newest location. 1940 Piner Road, Suite 600, Santa Rosa, 707-888-2906
Very soon
Dead Letter: The Girl & the Fig team is keeping details close, but owner John Toulze has hinted at a live-fire kitchen in the former Maya Restaurant space. Late June or early July opening anticipated. 101 E. Napa St., Sonoma, instagram.com/deadlettersonoma
Bonnie Bagels & Co.: East Coast-style bagels with a West Coast twist. Early July opening expected. 280 S. Main St., Sebastopol, bonniebagels.com
Hazel: The longtime comfort-food spot, which departed its cozy Occidental home, plans to reopen in the long-shuttered Barley & Hops space. Midsummer opening possible. 3688 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, 707-874-6003, restauranthazel.com
Capriciano Osteria: Chef Baki Beki, formerly of Mezzaluna in Cotati, is opening a Mediterranean-Italian restaurant in downtown Santa Rosa. The menu covers meatballs, focaccia with bagna cauda, wood-fired pizza, pasta and fish. The website says it’s open, but no reservations are available yet. 505 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-800-7904, capriciano.com
Sake: An all-you-can-eat sushi spot. 1000 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa
Still in the works
Olives and Agave: The restaurant looks ready, but an opening date has not yet been announced. Menus posted outside promise tapas and Mediterranean plates inspired by Spain and the Middle East, in Montgomery Village’s former Cascabel space. 909 Village Court, Santa Rosa, olivesandagave.com
Spur Saloon: The team behind Grata Italian Eatery is planning a casual saloon-style pub in the long-vacant Windsor Brewery space. Chef-owner Eric Foster describes the vibe as “upscale Yellowstone lodge.” Yeehaw. 9000 Windsor Road, Windsor, instagram.com/spur.saloon.windsor
Wild Poppy: The west county cafe known for plant-forward breakfast and brunch is expanding to a second location at The Barlow, taking over the former Woodfour Brewing space. Plans include a tofu factory in the former brewery room. 6780 Depot St., Suite 160, Sebastopol
Hapa’s on the Mainland: From the Sweet T’s team and pitmaster George Ah Chin, this Hawaiian restaurant will open at the rebuilt Cricklewood site, with indoor dining and expansive outdoor patios. Expect casual island fare and tiki-style cocktails. Permitting is underway; construction is expected before summer’s end. 4618 Old Redwood Highway, Santa Rosa, hapasmainland.com
Mansoor: The former Gravenstein Grill location has changed hands and will now focus on live-fire cooking. No further updates. 8050 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol