Truffle fries from Willi’s Wine Bar in Santa Rosa. (Willi’s Wine Bar)
When times are good, when times are bad, French fries are there for you. They’re crispy, salty, slathered with ketchup or aioli friends who simply want to make you smile. Here’s our taste-tested, dining editor-approved fries for any walk of life. Dig in, Sonoma County.
New Additions
Augie’s French: There’s no shortage of potato choices at this Santa Rosa bistro — duck fat roasted Yukons, buttery pommes puree (mashed potatoes) and the creme de la creme, skinny fries with a sauce boat of Bearnaise sauce. Share with a friend. 535 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-531-4400, augiesfrench.com
Fries with Bearnaise dipping sauce at Augie’s in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)Duck fat pommes frites, the Bentley of French fries at Bistro Lagniappe in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Bistro Lagniappe: The Bentley of French fries. Hand-cut fries (pomme frites) cooked in rendered duck fat with a outside and feather-light inside. Served with sauce choron — a rich Bearnaise with tomato. 330 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-473-8181, lagniappehealdsburg.com
Iggy’s Organic Burgers: Iggy Style fries are a hot mess, but sooooo good you should order two. Thick-cut fries with melted cheddar, pickled onions, Iggy’s Million Island sauce, pickles and grass-fed beef. 109 Plaza St., Healdsburg, iggysburger.com
Thick-cut fries with melted cheddar, pickled onions, Iggy’s Million Island sauce, pickles and grass-fed beef at Iggy’s Organic Burgers in Healdsburg. (Kelsey Joy)Currywurst at Tisza Bistro’s Beer Garden in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)
Tisza Bistro: Currywurst, a classic German street food, is made with housemade sausage, beer-battered fries and caramelized onions with a curry-spiked ketchup. 165 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-291-5193, tiszabistro.com
Grata: Cacio e pepe fries. All the flavor of the classic pasta dish — Parmesan and cracked black pepper — on a basket of fries. 186 Windsor River Road, Windsor, 707-620-0508, grataitalianeatery.toast.site
Cacio e pepe fries with garlic aioli is a must-have treat at Grata Italian Eatery in Windsor. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)Dirty Fries at War Pigs Craft Kitchen in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
War Pigs BBQ: Dirty fries are oh so naughty. Thin-cut fries piled with melty cheese sauce, pulled pork, coleslaw and more sauce.Instagram.com/warpigs_craft_kitchen
Healdsburg Bar & Grill: Okay, so tater tots aren’t exactly fries, but these Japanese-style okonomiyaki tots come with a sweet-salty unagi sauce, Kewpie mayo, chives and bonito flakes. Inspired by a savory Japanese pancake.245 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-3333, healdsburgbarandgrill.com
Healdsburg Bar & Grill’s okonomiyaki tots come with a sweet-salty uangi sauce, Kewpie mayo, chives and bonito flakes. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Still Great
Handline, Sebastopol: Hand-cut, double-fried French fries. Get the homemade ketchup and special sauce. 935 Gravenstein Ave., Sebastopol, 707-827-3744, handline.com
Hand cut, double fried French fries at Handline Restaurant in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Fern Bar, Sebastopol: Aged fries with smoked mushroom ketchup and aioli. 6780 Depot St., Suite 120, Sebastopol, 707-861-9603, fernbar.com
Sequoia Burger, Sebastopol: Classic burger and fries at Sequoia Burger in Sebastopol. 1382 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol, 707-829-7543, sequoiaburger.com
Sonoma Beef Burger with onion rings, fried chicken burger, chili fries and Cajun fries at Acme Burger in Cotati. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)
Acme Burger, Santa Rosa, Cotati and Petaluma: You can’t have a good burger without great fries! 1007 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-615-7309; 550 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati, 707-665-5620; 330 Western Ave., Petaluma, 707-559-3820; 701 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Suite D1, Petaluma, 707-665-5012, acmeburgerco.com
Willi’s Wine Bar, Santa Rosa: Truffle Fries. Nuf said. 1415 Town and Country Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-526-3096, starkrestaurants.com
Truffle fries from Willi’s Wine Bar in Santa Rosa. (Willi’s Wine Bar)
Americana, Santa Rosa: Real beef-fat fries are beyond outstanding with their mushroom burger and a milkshake. 205 Fifth St., Suite A, Santa Rosa, 707-755-1548, americanasr.com
Amy’s Drive Thru, Rohnert Park: Crispy, tasty fries that go perfectly with an Amy Burger and a coconut milk shake. 58 Golf Course Drive W., Rohnert Park, 755-3629, amysdrivethru.com
Smokin’ Bowls, Rohnert Park: Hand-cut fries, fried in beef fat, tossed with their own seasoning and topped with all kinds of horrifyingly delicious sauces, pulled pork, cheese, sour cream and more. 295 Southwest Blvd., Rohnert Park, 707-665-5265, smokinbowls.com
Rohnert Pork bowl with fries, bacon, green onion, cheese and pulled pork at Smokin’ Bowls in Rohnert Park. (Heather Irwin)Flat Iron Steak Frites with mushroom-shallot butter, arugula, chipotle steak sauce and frites from Underwood Bar and Bistro Friday, March 21, 2025, in Graton. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Underwood Bar and Bistro, Graton: Flat Iron Steak Frites. 9113 Graton Road, Graton, 707-823-7023, underwoodgraton.com
McDonald’s: Love ’em or hate ’em, McDonald’s fries are the fast food standard that many of us associate with childhood. They’re simply the best. Period. Various locations.
The Fries I Miss
The legendary shoestring fries from Bistro Ralph. Gone, but not forgotten. (Heather Irwin)
Bistro Ralph: A mountain of tangled shoestring fries. The best ever. Ralph pops up for one-night dinners from time to time in Healdsburg so keep a lookout for these one-of-a-kind French fries.
Parade participants roll down Main St. during the 48th annual Penngrove parade in Penngrove, Sunday, July 7, 2024. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Traveling between Petaluma and Santa Rosa on old country roads, the blink-and-you-miss-it town of Penngrove may appear as a blip on your GPS. At first glance, the town of just around 2,100 people seems quaint yet sleepy. But stop and linger for a while, and a world of quirky charm opens up.
It’s that charming, small-town feel that landed Penngrove on Travel + Leisure’s recent list of 10 best small towns to live in the United States. The travel magazine interviewed real estate experts from around the country to determine the best tiny towns with “access to health and educational facilities, green spaces and cultural activities.”
As the only California town on the list, Penngrove stood out as a place that “feels like stepping into a cozy TV rerun.”
The welcome sign into Penngrove. (Sonoma County Tourism)
“Though it’s just a one-light town tucked into the foothills, it offers easy access to modern conveniences while providing a peaceful escape from city life,” said West Coast Realtor Holly Schaefer in the article.
Schaefer goes on to describe the charm of Penngrove: its rural country living, long-standing traditions, unique local business and “community full of character.”
Here’s where to go to experience the best of Penngrove.
Where to eat
Grateful Bagel
Though Penngrove’s 22-year-old breakfast and lunch staple JavAmore Cafe closed in the fall of 2024, the county’s go-to local bagel chain Grateful Bagel took over the spot just a few weeks later. Find signature bagel egg sandwiches as well as croissants, smoothies, salads, burritos and other breakfast and lunch dishes (including the newly added banh mi). Located in The Grove Plaza. 10101 Main St., 707-794-1516, facebook.com/thegratefulbagelca
The Grateful Bagel in the former JavAmore Cafe location in Penngrove. (David Templeton / Petaluma Argus-Courier)
The Grove
Part café, part speakeasy, this curious new spot in the former Mack’s Bar & Grill held a soft opening over the Fourth of July weekend. By day, it’s The Pour House at the Grove, serving up coffee and baked goods, with a full espresso bar on the way. Come nightfall, The Grove becomes a speakeasy for cocktails and bites. The recent soft opening debuted a limited menu of dishes, such as barbecued oysters, Thai chicken skewers, pibil pork sliders and a dressed-up baked sweet potato. Stay tuned for more details on the grand opening. 10056 Main St., instagram.com/the_grove_speakeasy
Odd Cookie Bakery
This wildly creative little bakery opened last summer with a lineup of over-the-top cookie and cupcake creations. The flavors of the goodies are just as inventive as the names, like the “I Need Dubai This Cookie” with toasted pistachios, chocolate chips and a craze-worthy Dubai chocolate bonbon in the center. Also find brownies, cake cups, marshmallow treats and hot cocoa bombs. Keep an eye on Odd Cookie’s Instagram for fun foodie photos and seasonal treat drops. 10000 Main St., Penngrove, 707-283-7772, oddcookiebakery.com
The newly famous “I Need Dubai This Cookie” with a browned butter, pistachio and chocolate cookie with a Dubai Chocolate Bon Bon baked into the center from Odd Cookie owner Anna Rodriguez Friday, May 8, 2025, in Penngrove. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Mama J’s Pizzeria in Penngrove. (Peter Posert)
Mama J’s Pizzeria
Every place, no matter how small, needs a hometown pizza spot. Mama J’s has been Penngrove’s special slice of goodness since 1998, serving up West Coast sourdough pizza, salad, wings, fries, subs and even pork ribs. The Joe’s Combo is a satisfying classic pie with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives and onion. Feeling adventurous? Go for Buddy’s Special, topped with fresh garlic, anchovies and more garlic. Don’t forget the garlic breadsticks (and maybe a mint). 10101 Main St., 707-664-1515, eatatmamajs.com
Twin Oaks Roadhouse
Operating for nearly 100 years, this classic rancher bar serves up cold brews and elevated pub grub. Go for the pork sliders, roadhouse cheddar burger, beer-battered fish tacos and Nashville hot fried chicken sandwich. 5745 Old Redwood Highway, 707-795-5118, hopmonk.com/twin-oaks
The fried chicken sandwich at Twin Oaks Roadhouse on Old Redwood Highway in Penngrove. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat)Inside the Penngrove Market in Penngrove. (Houston Porter / Petaluma Argus-Courier)
Where to shop
Penngrove Market
The neighborhood grocery store carries plenty of products from local artisans and farmers. Its purveyors include Red Bird Bakery, Mycopia Mushrooms, Revive Kombucha, Redwood Hill Farm, Retrograde Coffee Roasters and Zoe’s Meats. The market also has a kitchen with a wood-fired oven, serving up sandwiches, pizza and calzones. 10070 Main St., 707-753-4974, penngrovemarket.com
Soap Cauldron
Using time-honored soap-making techniques, the Soap Cauldron is behind the popular Three Sisters Apothecary line of artisan soaps and skincare products. Aside from the fragrant and beautifully marbled soap bars, find shampoo, shave oils, creamy body butters, soothing salves and massage oils. The shop even has a line of pet grooming products called Soapy Tails. 11830 Main St., 707-888-5659, soapcauldron.com
Three Sisters Apothecary retail shop is attached The Soap Cauldron production facility in downtown Penngrove, Nov. 28, 2023. (Chad Surmick / The Press Democrat)During the holidays, Good Gray sells paper crafts, origami kits, ornaments and cards, along with books and chocolate. The old-timey business is plastic free, with price tags and receipts written out by hand. (Kim Carroll)
Good Gray
This cute shop is perfect for gift shopping. Its vast assortment of home products includes tea towels, mugs, kitchen brushes, enamel pots, soap dishes and so much more. Bonus perk: None of the products are made of plastic, not even the price tags. 9591 Main St., 707-755-4535, goodgray.com
Things to do
An early afternoon crowd at the Penngrove Pub came for games and conversations as bartender Dirk Payne served up drinks. (Crissy Pascual / Petaluma Argus-Courier)A group called the Penngrove Hillbillies ride a trolley down Main Street during the 48th annual Penngrove parade in Penngrove, Sunday, July 7, 2024. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
The Penngrove Pub
The neighborhood pub is a quintessential watering hole for drinks and community togetherness. Come for the live music, karaoke and line-dancing nights Wednesday through Sunday. Then get some post-partying eats at the next-door Tip Top Taco. 10005 Main St., 707-992-0121, thepenngrovepub.com
Penngrove Social Firemen events
Founded by Penngrove Fire Department volunteers in 1946, the Penngrove Social Firemen strive to support and foster community. The group maintains and manages Penngrove Park (11800 Main St.), holds fundraisers and other events at the Penngrove Clubhouse (385 Woodward Ave.) and hosts the annual Penngrove Parade down Main Street. If you missed Penngrove’s “Biggest Little Parade in Northern California” on July 6, there are plenty of other events to look forward to, such as a Hawaiian luau in September, a holiday light parade in December and a grand crab feed in January. penngrovesocialfiremen.org
Notoriously cold during most of the year, Northern California beaches are the ultimate getaway for hot weather days. Pack a picnic and some sunblock and head out to Doran Beach, or any of our favorite beaches. The Russian River has plenty of cool spots, too. Pro tip: Make your way to the beach early, before everyone else — and their cars — do the same. Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville has paddleboarding, picnicking, tubing and swimming. johnsonsbeach.com
People float down the Russian River by various methods of transportation towards Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville. (Alvin Jornada / The Press Democrat)An inviting trailside bench allows visitors to take a rest in the Grove of Old Trees, an old-growth redwood grove near Occidental. (Alvin Jornada/The Press Democrat)
Cool down under the canopy
Walk shaded by gentle giants in the Grove of Old Trees, perched high on a remote ridge top in Occidental. The grove is owned and managed by the land conservancy group LandPaths and includes 28 peaceful acres traversed by a network of wide, easy-to-walk trails. Access is free but be forewarned: There are no amenities, save for a picnic table. 17599 Fitzpatrick Lane, Occidental, 707-544-7284, landpaths.org
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve offers a year-round refuge for Sonoma County visitors and locals looking to get away from it all (parks.ca.gov). On hot days, it’s a good spot to cool down. Follow the paths meandering through the woods and take in the sounds of nature. Pro tip: Arrive early to enjoy the silence — sans selfie-snapping tourists on Segways. Then head to Nimble & Finn’s in downtown Guerneville for some cool sweet scoops.
Get some ice cream
On meltingly hot days, thoughts turn to ice cream and its cousins — gelato and sorbet. Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar in Healdsburg and Santa Rosa is worth a special trip (thenoblefolk.com). Unique flavors include passionfruit, Thai tea, salted caramel and Dutch cookie, each inspired by local produce and the seasons. For more places to get a cool sweet scoop, click here.
Ice cream cone from Noble Folk, which has locations in Santa Rosa and Healdsburg. (Noble Folk)Amy Fazzini, left, skates with her daughter, Faith, 9, and Crystal Haskins, 10, during the public skate session at Snoopy’s Home Ice in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)
Keep the kids cool and happy
Take restless and overheated little ones to Snoopy’s Home Ice, or spend the day bowling, playing laser tag or jumping on the trampolines at Santa Rosa’s (air-conditioned) Epicenter. Further north, play in the river at Memorial Beach.
Pair a movie with AC
A couple of Sonoma County movie theaters have received facelifts in the last few years, including Santa Rosa’s Airport Stadium and Petaluma’s Boulevard 14, and now come with reclining chairs, beer and wine bars, and online ticket sales allowing moviegoers to choose their seats before getting to the theater. Pro tip: Get your tickets online before the heat peaks and then enjoy a movie and air conditioning.
Become a cave(wo)man for a day
Many Sonoma County wineries keep their wine barrels cool in underground caves, open to thirsty visitors looking to escape the heat. Head into the caves at Deerfield Ranch or Kunde Family Winery in Kenwood, for example. Pro tip: Reserve a tour or private tasting ahead of the heat wave — you won’t be the only one craving a caveman lifestyle once temperatures rise.
The wine cave at Deerfield Ranch in Kenwood. (Courtesy of Deerfield Ranch)
Or enjoy your wine with some AC
If you prefer to stay out of the cave but still crave some local vino, most Sonoma County tastings rooms are air conditioned. Not sure where to go? Check out these popular wineries for first-time visitors. Pro tip: In the heat, stick to whites and Pinot.
Rosé all day in the kiddie pool
Prefer to stay cool in the comfort of your own yard? Get an inflatable pool. Not just for the kiddos, you can get a slightly larger version just for you. Fill it up, then grab a bottle of your favorite Sonoma County rosé from the fridge. Pro tip: Add another splash of cool pink with rose sorbet, or a cute can of brut rosé.
Siblings Carter Gardea, 9, Sophia, 7, and Camille, 12, jump into the pool at Morton’s Warm Springs in Glen Ellen, on Thursday, June 30, 2011. (Beth Schlanker/ The Press Democrat)The pool area at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville. (Francis Ford Coppola Winery)
Embrace the heat from underneath a patio umbrella, a cold drink in hand and a good meal on the table (find winery patios here; and outdoor dining here). Or cool down with a cocktail and a few nibbles at one of our favorite bars for hot summer nights.
Onion Soup Gratinee with croutons and melted gruyère from Brigitte Bistro Sunday, July 6, 2025 in Petaluma. (John Burgess / Press Democrat)
If you’ve noticed a rising tide of steak frites, Coquilles Saint-Jacques, beurre blanc and people pronouncing “cassoulet” with alarming accuracy, it’s not by accident — Sonoma County is having a French moment.
Like tasty forest mushrooms, restaurants and bakeries à la française are popping up everywhere, embracing the zest for good food, good wine and good butter that defines Gallic cuisine.
French techniques and a flair for local ingredients have always been at the heart of Wine Country’s unique style of cooking, but classic white-tablecloth French restaurants have been few and far between in these parts since the 1980s.
Now, a new generation of Francophiles are adopting the time-honored flavors of the birthplace of modern cuisine, along with a wave of French newcomers bringing recipes and traditions from their homeland.
Bon appétit, mes amis.
The newcomers
The shadow from a sign in the front window falls upon a table with Cassoulet, duck confit, lamb and red peas at Bistro Lagniappe Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / Press Democrat)Beef tartare from Bistro Lagniappe Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / Press Democrat)
Bistro Lagniappe
When chef Jacob Harth first captured local attention last September with a pop-up preview of Winnie’s, a restaurant centered around responsibly sourced West Coast seafood, I took note. Anyone who can make gooseneck barnacles appetizing (they resemble turtle toes) is a kitchen wizard.
While Winnie’s is still in development, Harth’s new Healdsburg bistro is a stunning debut. He describes the menu as California countryside cooking inspired by French rural routiers (roadside restaurants) and bistros, using the best ingredients Sonoma County has to offer.
The concise menu belies the awe-inspiring dishes. I nearly skipped the “Plate of Summer Vegetables,” which sounded like a ho-hum plate of crudités. But when it arrived, we gasped at the rainbow of colors, textures and preparations — raw, roasted and pickled — on the plate.
Plate of early summer vegetables from Bistro Lagniappe Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / Press Democrat)Trout, mussels, lettuce and fig leaf from Bistro Lagniappe Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Healdsburg. (John Burgess / Press Democrat)
A large wood-fired oven, which can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees, has its own section on the menu, featuring roasted oysters with smoked garlic butter and comforting cassoulet with duck confit. Sweet, caramelized onions and Comté cheese with a Parmesan foam is one of the best dishes I’ve ever eaten.
Perfectly cooked trout, a roasted chicken with morels and a crisp mille-feuille with passion fruit round out the meal.
I can’t wait to see what’s next. 330 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-473-8181, lagniappehealdsburg.com
Poppy
Choux au Craquelin with espresso-chocolate mousse and a dusting of powdered sugar from Poppy restaurant Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Glen Ellen. (John Burgess / Press Democrat)
This Glen Ellen restaurant has the soul of France with the heart of Sonoma County. The newest branch on The Girl & The Fig’s family tree, it’s the culmination of founders Sondra Bernstein and John Toulze’s 25 years of travels through rural France.
A handful of dishes already define it as a restaurant to watch — a perfect summer salad, a crave-worthy roast chicken and a standout bread service. Don’t miss the Choux au Craquelin ($10), a baseball-sized puff pastry filled nearly to bursting with velvety espresso mousse. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, three-course family-style dinners are $65, with wine included. 13690 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-938-2130, poppyglenellen.com
Bijou
Cheese Fondant with Rebiochon cheese, sourdough, garlic confit and honey glaze from Bijou, the new Petaluma restaurant from chef Stéphane Saint Louis Monday, July 1, 2025. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Petaluma’s Bijou — a more casual cousin to Table Culture Provisions’ fine dining experience — is the latest from acclaimed chef Stéphane Saint Louis. From its prime downtown location to its constantly evolving menu, the restaurant reflects his personal vision. As a young chef working across the street at The Shuckery, Saint Louis often eyed the expansive modern space, imagining that it would one day be his.
Ever-changing dishes reflect Saint Louis’ creativity and changing seasons, making it worth repeated visits. Some staples, however, will remain on the menu — a fish entrée, steak frites, housemade pasta and several starters. Reservations are available on OpenTable and are highly recommended. 190 Kentucky St., Petaluma
New wave, old school
Beef Cheek Bourguignon with classic garni and pommes purée from Augie’s French Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, on Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Augie’s French
Paying homage to Auguste Escoffier, the father of modern French cuisine, restaurateurs Mark and Terri Stark’s classic French bistro serves classic-yet-approachable fare, including dishes like steak frites, mussels, escargots, Salade Lyonnaise and steak tartare. Chef Quincey Sanders, formerly of Portland’s Le Pigeon, heads the kitchen, and the tender, homey beef cheek bourguignon could make a grown man cry. Open daily. 535 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-531-4400, augiesfrench.com
Brigitte Bistro
Chef/owner Nick Ronan’s bistro-style cooking is the real deal. Raised between Paris and the south of France, he has created a menu that is a reflection of the food he loves best — beef bourguignon, duck confit, cheese souffle, onion soup gratinée, tableside beef tartare and the requisite steak frites (desserts are also stunning).
Onion Soup Gratinee with croutons and melted gruyère from Brigitte Bistro Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Petaluma. (John Burgess / Press Democrat)
But it’s Ronan’s warm, bear-hug style approach to welcoming guests like family, encouraging evening sing-alongs at the dining room’s baby grand piano, that really defines his restaurant. For Ronan, Brigitte Bistro isn’t a quest for Michelin stars; it’s a neighborhood gathering spot for a meal in the French tradition — feeding family and friends with love and passion. 841 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-981-8381, brigittebistropetaluma.com
Le Diner
Le Diner at Troubadour Bread and Bistro n Healdsburg. (Emma K Creative)
This daytime boulangerie and gourmet sandwich shop magically transforms into Sonoma County’s tip-topiest French café Wednesday through Sunday evenings. Limited seating offers an intimate six-course dining experience from chef Sean McGaughery, who MacGyvers the tiny kitchen into a Michelin-noted force of nature. The menu features seasonal, locally sourced dishes like duck a l’orange, Wagyu steak tartare and petite escargot served in a Limoges tea cup. Requires a prepaid reservation, so plan ahead.
When’s the last time you had Chicken Cordon Bleu? The chicken breast stuffed with Prosciutto and molten Gruyere disappeared with mall bangs and mixtapes, but it’s back at this rural bistro, along with French staples like steak frites, escargot and duck confit. 3535 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa, 707- 546-6462, walterhanselbistro.com
Boeuf Bourguignon at Walter Hansel Wine Bistro in Santa Rosa. (Chris Hardy/For Sonoma Magazine)Carré d’Agneau Persillé, rack of lamb with herbs de Provence and demi-glace sauce, a specialty of the house is shown at La Gare French restaurant, in Santa Rosa, on Friday, July 5, 2024. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)
La Gare
A longtime locals’ favorite (45 years and counting) for Old World French cuisine, La Gare offers well-established white-tablecloth standards, including coq au vin, Chateaubriand, frog legs and garlicky escargots. The Railroad Square staple was featured on KQED’s “Check, Please! Bay Area” last year. Open 5-9 p.m. daily for dinner. 208 Wilson St., Santa Rosa, 707-528-4355, lagarerestaurant.com
Boulangeries and patisseries
Goguette Bread
Long-fermented loaves are the bread and butter of this family-run French boulangerie, sold still warm if you time your pickup right (preorders are recommended). The expanded footprint of the bakery means even more to love, including creamy French custard ice cream (try their espresso and ice cream affogato), sandwiches and buttery cookies. Open 1:30-9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. 59 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, goguettebread.com
Soraya Salamati, 11, brushes on the olive oil over Pain aux olives before her mother Najine Shariat sprinkles a little salt on the loaves at Goguette Bread in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)Croque madame at Pascaline Bistro and Patisserie in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Pascaline Bistro and Patisserie
Doing double duty as a bakery and café, this French-owned carb-loading destination is the place to go for flaky croissants, kouign-amann and sweet pastries for breakfast (or lunch), along with hearty sandwiches, quiche and salads after 10:30 a.m. Pascaline also serves bistro-style dinners from 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with offerings like boeuf bourguignon, veal viennoise and mushroom farrotto, plus a wine list with selections from France to Wine Country. 1021 Hahman Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-303-7151, pascalinebistro.com
Sarmentine
French expat Alexandra Zandvliet turned a pandemic pop-up into a multi-location patisserie phenomenon. The original, popular shop in Santa Rosa expanded to The Barlow in Sebastopol in 2023, taking over the former Red Bird Bakery location. Just last year, Sarmentine opened its third location in Petaluma. Don’t miss the baguettes, chocolate tarts, cream-filled mille-feuille and seasonal cakes like bûche de Noël. Plus, lunch sandwiches, cheeses, terrines and other French goodies. 52 Mission Circle, Suite 112, Santa Rosa; 6760 McKinley St., Suite 150, Sebastopol; 840 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, 707-623-9595, sarmentine.com
Paris Brest and a creamy canele at Sarmentine Bakery in Petaluma. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)A summer salad on the Costeaux La Terrace bistro menu at Costeaux French Bakery cafe in Healdsburg on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. (Erik Castro / For The Press Democrat)
Costeaux Bakery
This Healdsburg bakery has been a favorite for sourdough baguettes, croissants and addictive French onion soup since 1973 (the original bakery was built in 1923, right next to the current location). Their deep dish quiche, with ham, bacon, mushrooms, cheese and a few veggies just for good measure, never fails to impress. A go-to for great cakes, as well. 417 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-1913, costeaux.com
Les Pascals
This bright butter-yellow café is impossible to miss and a cyclist favorite for its pastries and coffee. Classic croissants, brioche and breads, the hard-to-find Paris-Brest (a doughnut-shaped éclair), sandwiches, quiche and the required French onion soup are on the menu. Open every day except Wednesday. 13758 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-934-8378, lespascalspatisserie.com
Farmhouse Sonoma owner Pemba Sherpa’s carpenter brother created tables and other touches from barn wood found at his Napa home to create a quaint environment in the old Palms restaurant location Friday, May 9, 2025 in Sonoma. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)
Amid sweeping immigration raids and deportations across the country, Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, is honoring North Bay immigrants for outstanding contributions to their communities.
On June 30, Thompson presented the Sonoma County American Dream Award to restaurateur Pemba Sherpa, recognizing his entrepreneurial achievements, educational initiatives and public service.
“Mr. Sherpa has embodied the American dream through (the) creation of his restaurants Taste of the Himalayas and Farmhouse Sonoma, and his unwavering commitment to our community,” Thompson said.
Pemba Sherpa with a tray of traditional food and drink. ‘Losar,’ the Nepalese New Year, was colorfully celebrated at the Taste of the Himalayas restaurant on the Plaza Feb. 9, 2016. Since Sonoma is home to a large Sherpa community, Pemba Sherpa, proprietor of the restaurant, decided it was time to recognize this important holiday locally. (Robbi Pengelly/Index-Tribune)
Sherpa was raised in a small Himalayan village and immigrated to the United States in 1997 to pursue higher education and attend culinary school. He worked with the late Michael Chiarello in Napa before opening Taste of the Himalayas in downtown Sonoma in 2003. His latest venture, Farmhouse Sonoma, opened in May.
“Immigrants are our neighbors and colleagues, soldiers and first responders, doctors and lawyers, farmers, entrepreneurs, teachers and so much more,” Thompson continued as he presented the award. “Our nation would not be the powerhouse of the world without their contributions to our country’s history, culture and economy.”
Cinthya Cisneros, owner of La Cheve Bakery and Brews in Napa, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. Cisneros received the Napa County American Dream Award. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)
Cinthya Cisneros of Napa’s La Cheve Bakery and Brews received the Napa County American Dream Award. Born in Michoacán, Mexico, Cisneros has lived in Napa for most of her life, working as both a teacher and bartender. Her family-owned Mexican bakery, craft beer taproom and restaurant, which opened in 2020, provides scholarships for local college students.
Cisneros is also the founder of the forthcoming Con Amor Botanas y Tequila restaurant in downtown Napa and an advisory board member of the nonprofit scholarship organization 10,000 Degrees.
A plate of tacos includes four types: al pastor, veggie, fish, and shrimp, at El Roy’s Express Mex truck No. 2 on Santa Rosa Avenue in Santa Rosa, on Thursday, July 11, 2024. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)
Santa Rosa’s late-night munchie game just got a lot tastier with the opening of El Roy’s Express Mex drive-thru. Open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, the taqueria’s new brick-and-mortar location serves up street tacos, super burritos, sopes, gorditas and its signature bacon-wrapped Mexidogs straight to your car window — no shoes required.
I’m no stranger to drive-thrus — the stains and drips on my car upholstery tell the tales of a thousand car meals. On a daytime visit to El Roy’s new pickup window, I breezed through, with about a five-minute wait for my usual order of three tacos and Jamaica agua fresca. My shirt and seat had been anointed with salsa by the time I pulled out of the parking lot.
Yelpers have reported longer waits during peak hours, but I’m fine kicking back in my mobile with a true crime podcast if it means avoiding the shivering (or sweltering) that comes with standing in line at their nearby food trucks. Not to mention I can do it in my jammies.
El Roy’s Express Mex has opened a brick-and-mortar and drive-thru in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/The Press Democrat)A plate of tacos at El Roy’s Express Mex truck No. 2 on Santa Rosa Avenue in Santa Rosa. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)
The new location at 602 Elsa Drive also has indoor counter service and seating for those who prefer a less mobile dining experience.
One notable perk at the new site is easy parking. The Edith Street location was notorious for its lack of parking, with customers often resorting to double parking, blocking driveways or using the spots of neighboring businesses while picking up takeout.
El Roy’s Express Mex operates food trucks in Petaluma (401 E. Washington St. and 175 Fairgrounds Drive) and Santa Rosa (1569 Sebastopol Road, 2728 Santa Rosa Ave. and 505 Santa Rosa Ave.). Follow their Instagram (@elroysexpressmex) for more details.
Plums ripen in a tree at Piano Farm in Bloomfield on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)
One of summer’s most exquisite pleasures is the Santa Rosa plum, plucked off its stem just after sunrise, droplets of dew shimmering in the morning light. Take that first bite and feel the fruit’s thin skin snap between your teeth as your mouth fills with luscious juice.
Like Arctic Gem white peaches and Sureness yellow watermelon, the less done to these superb plums, the better.
Once we have eaten our fill neat, we can enjoy them in myriad ways, from simple plum agua fresca and plum-mustard sauce — delicious with sausages cooked on the grill — to galettes, upside-down tarts, grunts and Dutch babies.
One of the simplest ways to use them is in a plum compote. While it can be made with any plum, it is best with our very own Santa Rosa plum. This compote is delicious served alongside a few butter cookies and soars when spooned over ice cream or sorbet. For a real treat, pair it with Oro Blanco sorbet or olive oil ice cream from Screamin’ Mimi’s in Sebastopol.
Plum Lavender Compote
Plums ripen in a tree at Piano Farm in Bloomfield. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)
Makes about 2 cups
½ cup sugar
½ cup water
1 tbsp. culinary-grade lavender flowers
1 bay leaf
18 ripe Santa Rosa plums
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Put the sugar and water into a small saucepan, add the lavender and bay, and bring to a boil over high heat.
When the sugar is dissolved and the mixture clear, remove from the heat, cover the pan, and let steep for about 30 minutes.
Cut the plums into quarters, discard the pits, and put the plums into a medium saucepan. Strain the sugar syrup into the saucepan and discard the lavender and bay. Set over low heat and cook gently until the plums fall apart, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the vanilla and let cool.
If you’re heading out to the coast, the Wild Poppy offers a creekside, dog-friendly patio with music for brunch on the weekends Saturday, July 13, 2024 on the Bodega Highway west of Sebastopol. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
In temperate Sonoma County, it’s rare to find a dining venue without a lovely patio or sidewalk tables. Still, there are some serious standouts when it comes to offering stellar outdoor spaces and great food.
Here are my picks for shaded patios, prime sidewalk people-watching and sun-dappled gardens worth seeking. As a person prone to severe sunburn, I’ve added a shade score to indicate the coverage you can expect from shades and umbrellas.
Santa Rosa
Spinster Sisters
This outdoor garden is all about wide-open spaces in an urban setting. Enjoy supper and wine beneath colorful sails and twinkling lights. Charming bistro tables and retro picnic benches covered by floral oilcloth match the creative vibe of the SOFA (South of A Street) neighborhood. Chef Liza Hinman creates hyperlocal seasonal California cuisine. Shade score: 6/10. 401 South A St., Santa Rosa, 707-528-7100, thespinstersisters.com
Mitote Food Park
Set in the heart of the predominantly Latino community of Roseland, this happy gathering of food trucks features the flavors of Oaxaca, Jalisco, Michoacan, Yucatán, and Mexico City. There’s also a vibrant al fresco bar and live music with fully-tented sun coverage. Shade score: 9/10. 100 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, mitotefoodpark.com
Windsor
Grata
Neighborhood Italian dining with a semi-enclosed patio with plenty of shady spots and cool breezes. Tiny tables aren’t ideal, but the risotto makes up for it. Shade score: 8/10. 186 Windsor River Road, Windsor, 707-620-0508, gratawindsor.com
The patio seating at Grata Italian Eatery Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Windsor. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)Outdoor dining at Valley Swim Club in Sonoma. (Eileen Roche/for Sonoma Magazine)
Sonoma
Valley Swim Club
This seafood-centric restaurant has no indoor seating, so the year-round outdoor space is well-covered with retro-chic furniture and comfy bench seats. Oversized striped umbrellas create a shaded oasis for yard seating. Shade Score: 9/10. 18709 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, valleyswim.club
El Dorado Kitchen
A private courtyard and pool transport you from the busy downtown square to a restful retreat. Excellent Cal-Italian food and craft cocktails compliment the intimate space. Shade Score: 7/10. 405 First St. West, Sonoma, eldoradosonoma.com
The Girl & the Fig
Large umbrellas and sun shades cover the large enclosed patio space that’s a world away from the daily grind. Casual French cuisine with a full cocktail bar and friendly service. Shade Score: 7/10. 110 West Spain St., Sonoma, thegirlandthefig.com
Bloom Carneros
With nearly an acre of enclosed patio and woodchipped ground cover, there’s plenty of room to spread out in shady spots or grab some tanning time in the sun. The menu features a creative, seasonal Cal-Med fare from chef Jennifer McMurry. Bring your kids and pups because it’s a perfect play place with special menus for both. Shade Score: 8/10. 22910 Broadway, Sonoma, bloomcarneros.com
If you’re heading out to the coast, Wild Poppy offers a creek-side, dog-friendly patio with music for brunch on the weekends. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Sebastopol
Wild Poppy
The rambling outdoor patio of this offbeat Sebastopol roadhouse has always been a magical place, full of nooks, crannies and hidden spaces to explore. Despite plenty of umbrellas, it can be hard to find complete shade on extra hot days, but a quiet ledge overlooking the creek offers leafy coverage. Don’t miss the Cosmic Queso! Shade score: 7/10. 9890 Bodega Highway, Sebastopol, thewildpoppycafe.com
Petaluma
Brewsters Beer Garden
Dogs, kids and grown-ups all have a place at this indoor-outdoor spot. Excellent barbecue and burgers, mostly California-made beers on tap and cocktails. Live music can get a little loud if you’re trying to converse, but after a few beers, who cares? Shade Score: 7/10. 229 N. Water St., Petaluma, brewstersbeergarden.com
Healdsburg
The Rooftop at Harmon Guest House
Take in views of Fitch Mountain, the Mayacamas range and downtown Healdsburg while you nosh on small bites and casual dishes. Full bar, plus some excellent wines. Shade score: 6/10. 227 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, harmonguesthouse.com
The Rooftop Bar at Harmon Guest House in Healdsburg. (Courtesy of Harmon Guest House)The Olive Terrace at Montage Healdsburg’s Hazel Hill restaurant. (Christian Horan Photography)
Olive Terrace at Montage Resort
Perched high above the Alexander Valley, the Olive Terrace at Montage’s Hazel Hill restaurant overlooks vineyards and hundreds of acres of open landscape. It also comes with cozy rocking chairs and fire pits. The menus offer both small bites and hearty offerings. Order craft cocktails at the adjacent Scout Field Bar. Shade score: 6/10. 100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, montagehotels.com/healdsburg
Roof 106
Chef Dustin Valette’s ambitious venture is a multistory building with The Matheson restaurant on the ground level, a mezzanine overlooking the restaurant for private events and a rooftop lounge, Roof 106. The rooftop lounge has a more casual indoor-outdoor setting with craft cocktails, small plates and seasonal flatbreads from a custom 3,800-pound wood-fired Mugnaini oven. Shade Score: 8/10. 106 Matheson St., Healdsburg, thematheson.com
Outdoor dining area at Bravas Bar de Tapas in Healdsburg. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)
Bravas Bar de Tapas
“Jamon In,” reads the neon arrow pointing to the patio that Healdsburgers flock to every summer. Sangria, paella, Spanish tapas and plenty of gossip are what you’ll find at this popular watering hole and restaurant. Shade score: 7/10. 420 Center St., Healdsburg, starkrestaurants.com
Healdsburg Bar & Grill
Known to locals as HBG, this buzzing American eatery is the playground for Michelin-starred chef Douglas Keane to serve up comfort classics like macaroni and cheese, seared tuna burgers and the classic HBG burger. The fenced patio offers space for kids to roam. Shade score: 7/10. 245 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, healdsburgbarandgrill.com
Occidental
Altamont General Store
The outdoor space is the perfect addition to this eclectic cafe and market. Umbrella-covered tables plus a grassy knoll for cartwheels on cool summer evenings. Shade score: 5/10. 3703 Main St., Occidental, altamontgeneralstore.com
The outdoor patio at Catelli’s in Geyserville. (Courtesy of Catelli’s)
Geyserville
Catelli’s
Lasagna with paper-thin layers of pasta and a tried-and-true meat sauce is a signature dish worth the trip north. Chef Domenica Catelli is one of Sonoma County’s bright lights, committed to using the best local ingredients. The expansive outdoor area with black and white tiles is iconic — and one of the best event spaces in Sonoma County. Shade score: 6/10. 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, mycatellis.com
Diavola
You’ll swear you’re in Italy at this temple of charcuterie, wood-fired pizza and classic Italian entrees, including oxtail ragu with pappardelle, braised beef tripe alla Fiorentina and spaghetti with pork cheek ragu. The cheeky hanging laundry that lines the walkway to the back patio completes the experience. Shade score: 9/10. 21021 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, diavolapizzeria.com
Lunch patrons enjoy a magnificent view of vineyards, flowers and hillsides at Rustic, located at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville. (Erik Castro/for The Press Democrat)
Rustic at Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Rustic takes full advantage of its scenic Sonoma County setting on an outdoor terrace overlooking the picturesque Alexander Valley and Coppola vineyards. The menu embraces family-style cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients from the property’s organic herb and produce garden. (Note: Rustic recently ended dinner service, but will remain open for lunch.) Shade score: 8/10. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, francisfordcoppolawinery.com
Sonoma Coast
Fisherman’s Cove
This no-nonsense family-owned seafood shack and fishing-marine supply store specializes in fresh local oysters harvested from Tomales Bay. The crab sandwich rivals nearby Spud Point. Shade score: 4/10. 1850 Bay Flat Road, Bodega Bay, fishermanscovebodegabay.com
Rocker Oysterfeller’s
There’s often live music and dancing on the large back patio of this funky eatery and saloon in the historic Valley Ford Hotel. A mix of local oysters and Southern-influenced comfort foods using local ingredients make this a top stop. Shade score: 8/10. 14415 Highway 1, Valley Ford, rockeroysterfellers.com
A circa-1940s cottage on a woodsy half acre along Salmon Creek in Occidental has hit the market. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom home has 1,340 square feet of vintage charm and is listed for $799,000.
Stained glass, open-beam ceilings, built-ins and wainscoting are some of the cherished classic details. Upgrades include Schoolhouse Electric lighting and a Fireclay hearth.
Vintage kitchen with wood trim and exposed beams inside the bohemian Occidental cottage. (Peter Lyons)Living room and Fireclay hearth inside the Occidental cottage. (Peter Lyons)Backyard deck with Adirondack chairs at the Occidental cottage on Bohemian Highway. (Peter Lyons)
The grassy yard enjoys patches of sunlight and shade through redwoods. There’s a deck and a spa from which to enjoy the setting. Toe-dipping in Salmon Creek is just a few steps away. Free wine tastings at Occidental’s Bohème Wines is a mere three-minute drive.
For more information on this property at 2770 Bohemian Highway in Occidental, contact listening agent Emily Beaven, Compass, 415-730-9759, emilybeaven.com
The River Electric, a camp resort and swim club in Guerneville, opened to the public Memorial Day weekend. (Bess Friday)
Just in time for summer, there’s a new way to make a splash in Guerneville.
The River Electric — a camp resort, swim club and event venue — opened to the public Memorial Day weekend. Less than a five-minute walk from downtown Guerneville, it features two pools, a restaurant and 40 furnished tents.
A king tent at The River Electric in Guerneville. Each canvas tent includes a screened door and windows that allow air flow. (Bess Friday)
“We’re trying our hardest to get away from the glamping term. It just feels dated,” said Maggie Wilson, creative director at The River Electric. “We operate as a hotel. This is not DIY camping.”
There are a few different ways to enjoy the camp resort. Guests can lounge by the pools for the day, spend the night in a tent or book a private event, such as a wedding.
Poolside leisure
For those solely interested in swimming, pool day passes start at $35 and include a towel and portable lounge chair to rest on the lawn. The main, 60-foot round pool is arguably the heart of the property. There’s also a smaller, rectangular adults-only pool. Day guests are welcome to splash about from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Housemade potato chips with green goddess dressing at The River Electric in Guerneville. (Bess Friday)
Exclusively for resort guests, the Pool Bar is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. While the menu is relatively small, it’s impressively creative. Snack on housemade potato chips with pimento cheese or green goddess dressing, or splurge for The Tackle Box: a photogenic spread of Kaluga caviar, smoked trout roe, chives, creme fraiche and more housemade potato chips. No outside food is permitted on the property.
More than glamping
The campground at The River Electric in Guerneville. (Bess Friday)
Tucked below redwood trees, tents are equipped with all the necessities for a comfortable night’s rest. Beds are topped with down comforters, area rugs line the floor and there’s electricity for charging all the electronics we can’t seem to travel without these days. Tents are available with one king bed or two double beds. A communal restroom and bathhouse is located between the pool area and the campground.
The vanity area in the bathhouse at The River Electric in Guerneville. (Bess Friday)
Thoughtful design
The nods to mid-century design are strong, as is the homage to sunshine-filled, worry-free days of summer camp. But take a closer look, and perhaps the most important design component reveals itself. Everything on the property — from the use of concrete to electric outlets that can handle being submerged for extended lengths of time — was chosen because of its ability to endure Guerneville’s winters and the site’s floodplain location.
“We’re planning for the worst, and we built for the worst,” said co-owner Kelsey Sheofsky. “Everything comes out, gets stored off-site, and then it can flood.”
While packing up and moving practically everything on the property each fall may seem like an exhausting endeavor to most, it’s second nature to the team behind The River Electric, who also owns and operates event production company Shelter Co. The Guerneville resort essentially creates a permanent home for what the Sonoma County-based group has been doing across the country for more than a decade.
The Pool Bar at The River Electric in Guerneville. (Bess Friday)The main pool at The River Electric in Guerneville. (Bess Friday)
Local perks and prices
Every Tuesday, residents of lower Russian River towns that border the river from Forestville to Jenner can enjoy the pools for just $5. When capacity allows, Sunday through Thursday, residents from throughout Sonoma County are invited to swim from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for $5. It’s recommended to call ahead to ensure there’s room before making the trip.
Rates for tent accommodations at The River Electric start at $325. A stay includes a continental breakfast, featuring yogurt, granola, fruit and biscuits from nearby Piknik Town Market. Follow @riverelectric on Instagram for the latest on special events, such as pop-up dinners.
