Page 3 – Sonoma Magazine

Where To Find the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich in Sonoma County

April 2026

By Maci Martell

Putting cheese on bread is no novel concept — people have been uniting the two ingredients as far back as ancient Rome. The method of combining them, however, is another story. One of our favorite ways is the grilled cheese sandwich.

One of the first iterations of a grilled cheese came from, you guessed it, France. The French croque monsieur, a griddled ham and cheese sandwich, came about in the early 1900s. It wasn’t until a few decades later that the grilled cheese sandwich made a proper appearance in the United States.

Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented the first automatic bread-slicing machine in Iowa in 1928, making the distribution of bread easier and more affordable. During the Great Depression and World War II, Americans in search of cheap, filling meals looked to sliced bread and processed cheese from J.L. Kraft & Bros. Company (later known as Kraft Foods), which had opened its first U.S. plant in 1914. The cheese dream, an open-faced version of the grilled cheese sandwich, became popular during this time.

By 1949, Kraft Foods introduced its individually wrapped Kraft Singles, which American supermarkets began stocking in 1965. It was around this time that people began making closed, toasted cheese sandwiches and the term “grilled cheese” finally made its print debut.

A simple yet tasty grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate kid-friendly meal, but adults shouldn’t have to miss out on all the gooey, cheesy deliciousness. Sonoma County restaurateurs are serving elevated versions of the tried-and-true classic. Here are a few to try on National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day (April 12) or any day of the year.

Grilled cheese with birria on Texas Toast is a menu option at Galvan’s Eatery in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)

Galvan’s Eatery & Beer Garden, Birria Grilled Cheese: Griddled Texas toast piled with melted cheese and stuffed with tender birria. Find the new brick-and-mortar restaurant in Cotati, plus the food truck continues to pop up around Sonoma County. 500 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati, 707-664-5987, instagram.com/galvanseatery

KC’s American Kitchen, Ultimate Grilled Cheese: Cheddar and jack cheeses spill over between Parmesan sourdough bread. Add tomato for $1, avocado for $2.50 and bacon or ham for $4.25. For when you’re feeling hungry and nostalgic. 9501 Duvander Lane, Windsor, 707-838-7800, kcsamericankitchen.com

Nimble & Finn’s, Pear and Cambozola Grilled Cheese: Cambozola, kalamata olive and caper tapenade, caramelized onion and pear jam on sourdough, served with housemade pickles. Who knew an ice cream shop could offer such gourmet grilled cheeses? (At the Santa Rosa location only.) 123 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-666-9590, nimbleandfinns.com

Betty’s Fish & Chips, Grilled Crab & Jack Cheese: Dungeness crab and Jack cheese on sourdough bread, served with a choice of chips or coleslaw. Order with a side of New England Clam Chowder for a truly comforting East Coast lunch. 4046 Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa, 707-539-0899, bettysfishandchips.com

Cozy Plum Bistro, Grilled Gouda: Vegan Gouda, tomato and choice of pesto or caramelized onions on herb focaccia. Served with a side house salad. Add avocado or substitute gluten-free bread for $3. The premier grilled cheese for vegans. 6970 McKinley St., Sebastopol, 707-823-3333, cozyplum.com

Wild Goat Bistro, Adult Grilled Cheese: Comté and Gruyere cheeses, bacon, caramelized shallots and Victor’s secret spread on rustic country bread. Served with side salad or soup. Substitute Mama Mel’s gluten-free bread for $2 and vegan cheese for $3. What’s more adult than fancy cheeses mixed with caramelized onions enjoyed on the riverfront? 6 Petaluma Blvd. N., Suite A5, Petaluma, 707-658-1156, wildgoatbistro.com

Sax’s Joint, The Joint Grill: Generous amounts of cheddar, cream cheese and bacon on sourdough. Served with choice of fries, coleslaw, potato salad, mac salad or mac and cheese. Of the handful of grilled cheeses on the menu, this one receives the most praise, thanks to the cream cheese, which adds a special tangy creaminess to the sandwich. 317 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma, 707-559-3021, saxsjoint.com

The Girl & The Fig, Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Vella Cheese Company cheddar with tomato confit on sourdough. Served with house chips. Simple but oh so satisfying. 110 W. Spain St., Sonoma, 707-938-3634, thegirlandthefig.com

Grilled cheese sandwich from Sunflower Caffe in Sonoma. (Sunflower Caffe)

Sunflower Caffe, Sunflower Grilled Cheese: Fontina, aged cheddar and Vella dry jack butter on sourdough. Served with salad dressed in a French vinaigrette. Enjoy alongside the cream of tomato soup. 421 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-996-6645, sonomasunflower.com

Sonoma’s Best, Bacon Grilled Cheese: Havarti, Gruyere, arugula, smoked bacon and apple spread on a choice of bread. Best enjoyed with a local wine out back in the garden. 1190 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-996-7600, sonomas-best.com

HopMonk Tavern, Grilled Cheese: A heaping helping of cheddar, provolone, Gruyere, Parmesan, smoked Gouda and garlic on French bread. Add ham for $3. (Only at Sonoma location.) HopMonk Sonoma, 691 Broadway, Sonoma, 707-935-9100, hopmonk.com

Lunch Box, Kimchi Grilled Cheese: A three-cheese blend with aioli and housemade kimchi on Red Bird sourdough pullman. Sub gluten-free bread for $2. All sandwiches are served with kettle chips. 128 N. Main St., Sebastopol, lunchboxsonomacounty.com

Lunch Box grilled cheese and tomato soup — Tomato soup and a grilled kimchi and cheese sandwich from Lunch Box restaurant in Sebastopol. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

Society Bakery And Cafe, Grilled Cheese: Three types of cheese (chef’s choice) with herbs on Goguette French bread. Make it a soup and grilled cheese combo with the soup of the day. 2661 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-861-9665, societybakerycafe.com

Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery, V.F. Grilled Cheese: Housemade “Hwy 1” fontina, rosemary ham and kimchi on multigrain sourdough. A creative sandwich with award-winning cheese in a charming, countryside atmosphere. Plus, the daily specials always include regularly changing sandwich creations, like the Cubano or pizza grilled cheese. 14390 Valley Ford Road, Valley Ford, 707-875-7073, valleyfordcheese.com

Grilled Cheese with Hwy 1 Fontina, rosemary ham and kimchi with a side of garden pickles from the Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery in Valley Ford. (John Burgess/Sonoma Magazine)

Estero Cafe, Grilled Cheese: Organic cheddar and Estero Gold cheese on freshly baked sourdough makes for a delicious, locally sourced grilled cheese sando. Add avocado, bacon or chicken sausage. 14450 Highway 1, Valley Ford, 707-876-3333, americanasonomacounty.com/estero-cafe

Fishetarian Fish Market, Adult Grilled Cheese: Valley Ford Estero Gold, Hwy 1 and jack cheeses with grilled onions and fig jam on sourdough. The seafood here is top notch, but the grilled cheese shouldn’t be missed. 599 Highway 1, Bodega Bay, 707-875-9092, fishetarianfishmarket.com

Grilled cheese sandwich from Fishetarian in Bodega Bay. (Courtesy Fishetarian)

Here are your best bets for no-frills grilled cheese sandwiches (just melty cheese and toasty bread).

Downtown Bakery & Creamery, Grilled Cheese: Cheddar cheese on housemade wheat, sourdough or French bread. The ham grilled cheese with housemade aioli and Dijon is also spectacular. At $7, it’s undoubtedly the most affordable and satisfying sandwich lunch in town. 308 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-431-2719, downtownbakeryhealdsburg.com

Boudin, The Great Grilled Cheese: Havarti and sharp cheddar on Parmesan-crusted sourdough. 2345 Midway Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-303-4100, boudinbakery.com

The Twins Restaurant, Grilled Cheese: Swiss, cheddar, provolone and Parmigiano-Reggiano on sourdough. 572 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati, 707-242-3075, thetwinsrestaurant.com

Hole in the Wall, Grilled Cheese: Cheddar cheese on toasted sourdough. 972 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol, 707-827-6040, holeinthewallrestaurantsebastopol.com

Three Sonoma County Wineries Leading the Way in Sustainability

April 2026

By Tina Caputo

Ridge Vineyards, Lytton Springs, Dry Creek, Sonoma County. (Robert Holmes)

Sonoma County is home to 60,000 acres of vineyards, and 99% of them are certified sustainable. Impressive as that is, not all local vintners share the same level of dedication to earth-friendly practices. Here are three Sonoma County wineries that go above and beyond.

Littorai Winery

Founder and winemaker Ted Lemon learned to embrace biodynamic farming during his early career in Burgundy. While some paint biodynamics with a “woo-woo” brush, pointing to practices like following lunar cycles, Lemon emphasizes the interconnectedness of soil, plants, and nature.

Instead of chemical inputs, Littorai uses compost and natural preparations on its Sebastopol ranch to stimulate soil vitality and improve plant health. The idea is to maintain ecological balance by treating the farm as an integrated whole.

Compost used in the vineyards at Littorai Wines — Walking among compost at Littorai Wines. (Littorai Wines)

Ted and Heidi Lemon of Littorai Wines in Sebastopol. (Littorai Wines)

“The goal of biodynamic farming is to work with humans as sentient beings,” says Lemon, explaining that with the rapid advance of artificial intelligence, a boots-in-the-vineyard approach is more important than ever. “We have sight, touch, smell, taste, intuition, and emotion. We have an instrument that has a value that techno-utopians cannot replace or imitate.”

788 Gold Ridge Road, Sebastopol. 707-823-9586, littorai.com

Ram’s Gate Winery

Ram’s Gate’s estate vineyards in Sonoma are Regenerative Organic Certified — one of only a handful of California wineries to hold that distinction. The regenerative approach focuses on improving everything from soils and ecosystems to the well-being of farm workers and communities.

Playing cornhole at Ram's Gate Winery in Sonoma. (Jen Philips Photography) — Playing cornhole at Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma. (Jen Philips Photography)

The winery forgoes synthetic inputs, uses cover crops to boost soil health and biodiversity, and integrates animals into its ecosystem through practices like sheep grazing for weed control. Last year, Ram’s Gate launched an agroforestry initiative, planting heirloom fruit trees within the vineyard rows to enhance soils, increase biodiversity, and sequester carbon.

Caine Thompson, the head of sustainability at O’Neill Vintners, Ram’s Gate’s parent company, says regenerative farming could have positive impacts around the world in promoting climate resilience.

“It is really critical that it scales beyond small properties and individual estates,” Thompson says. “Our hope is that this can be a catalyst not only in showing what can be done in a viticultural context, but in other crops.”

28700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. 707-721-8700, ramsgatewinery.com

Ridge Vineyards

Vines at Ridge’s Lytton Springs, Geyserville, and East Bench properties are certified organic. The winery also uses regenerative, sustainable farming practices like cover cropping, composting, water conservation, and creating habitats for beneficial insects. As a member of the International Wineries for Climate Action, Ridge is working toward carbon neutrality.

“Our philosophy…has always been to work in harmony with nature to produce grapes that reflect where they are grown,” says David Gates, senior vice president of vineyard operations at Ridge. “We believe that special wines come from special places, and you must be mindful and purposeful when growing grapes and making wine from them.”

Ridge’s sustainable practices also extend to packaging — from lightweight bottles to recycled shipping materials.

Lytton Springs tasting room, 650 Lytton Springs Road, Healdsburg. 707-433-7721, ridgewine.com

Three to Try

Ram’s Gate

2023 Pinot Blanc, Ram’s Gate Estate, Carneros, $40

The winery is best known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but it’s also fun to explore its lesser-known offerings. This organic Pinot Blanc from the winery’s home ranch is fresh and flirty, combining stone fruit, citrus, and a touch of spice.

Ridge Vineyards

2023 Lytton Springs, Dry Creek Valley, $56

This is not your typical big-and-jammy Zinfandel blend. Made from organic fruit, the wine has aromas of dark fruits and woody spice. Take a sip to discover black cherry and black tea flavors, along with subtle tannins and food-friendly acidity.

Littorai

2023 Pinot Noir, The Pivot Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, $105

Littorai’s Pinot Noirs are legendary, and this wine is a prime example of why. Made from biodynamically grown fruit from a 3-acre block on the winery’s home property, it’s elegant and beautifully balanced, with black and red berry notes.

Ryan Seacrest’s St. Helena Home on the Market for $19.8 Million

April 2026

By Karen Kizer

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 05: Ryan Seacrest attends iHeartRadio 102.7 KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball 2025 at Intuit Dome on December 05, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

If your personal wheel of fortune has landed on “a grand Wine Country estate with soul-soothing views,” Ryan Seacrest may have the answer: his St. Helena property is on the market. The five-bedroom, seven-bathroom compound spans 40 acres and is listed for $19.8 million, down from its original $22 million.

Mansion Global first reported that the home, previously listed in 2024, has returned to the market with an adjusted price. The Tuscan-modern style home, built in 2004, underwent a remodel from 2023 to 2024.

Seacrest, host of “American Idol” and “Wheel of Fortune,” told Maison Global he purchased the home for the “absolutely stunning views” — vistas of mountains, vineyards and the verdant valley floor.

Ryan Seacrest's St. Helena home resides within the Crystal Springs of Napa Valley AVA — Ryan Seacrest’s St. Helena home resides within the Crystal Springs of Napa Valley AVA, offering stunning vineyard and valley views. (Courtesy of Steven Burgess)

TV personality Ryan Seacrest has put his recently remodeled Napa Valley home up for sale. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

A main home, a pool house and a guest cottage make up the compound, which, in total, offers 10,750 square feet of living space. The home’s rustic grandness epitomizes the Napa Valley design ethos.

The main home has chiseled limestone walls, a repeat of substantial, reclaimed-wood beams, and seven fireplaces. A checkerboard floor gives the kitchen — complete with views and a pizza oven — a classic playfulness. Richly toned wood offers handsome warmth in the cabinetry, millwork and on the steeply vaulted ceiling of the living room. Pocketing doors deliver spectacularly in connecting the indoors to the lush setting.

The grounds include an infinity pool and spa, a bocce ball court and — to double-down on the tranquility — an olive grove with 220 trees.

For more information on this listing at 232 N. Fork Crystal Springs Road in St. Helena, contact listing agent Cyd Greer, 707-322-6825. Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley, 1200 Main St., St. Helena, cbnapavalley.com/properties/326018600

Local Lace Lichens Are Misunderstood Wonders. Here’s Where To See Them

April 2026

By Nate Seltenrich

Lace lichen festoons the trees in Sonoma Valley Regional Park. (Julie Vader / Special to the Index-Tribune)

Two-in-one and one-of-a-kind; misunderstood and misidentified; generally mysterious and undoubtedly magical: that is lace lichen. Some think it causes harm, like a parasite. Not true, says Sebastopol lichenologist Shelly Benson. Others call it Spanish moss (which doesn’t grow in California) or old man’s beard (which does, but looks different — less lacy).

Inscrutable, perhaps — but also ubiquitous. Lace lichen ornaments trees throughout Sonoma County and the entire West Coast from Baja California to British Columbia. It was named California’s state lichen in 2015 and remains the only thus-honored lichen in the nation.

Early spring is a good time to become acquainted with Ramalina menziesii, not because of what it’s doing, but because of what it isn’t. Lace lichen is an iconoclast. It doesn’t flower like everything else in spring, Benson says. Nor does it die off in fall or go dormant in winter.

“[Lichen] don’t have a particular bloom. And they’re not like fungi that emerge after rains and they’re ephemeral,” she says. “That’s the great thing about being a lichenologist. You can look at them every month of the year.”

Lace Lichen hanging from a tree branch — Lace lichen is a common sight in California, hanging from oaks and other trees. It does not harm its hosts. Animals use it for food and nesting material, according to the California State Library. (Sundry Photography / Shutterstock)

Instead of following the seasons like most plants and animals, lace lichen marches to the beat of its own drum, a beat that goes drip-drip-drip.

“Lichens grow when they’re wet,” Benson says, “and when they dry out, they go into a state of dormancy.” In spring, local lace lichens are fat and happy after months of rain and damp air. In summer, they will be sustained by coastal fog.

Benson explains that reproduction also happens year-round, in two different ways: asexually, through fragmentation, and sexually, through spore release.

Lace lichen grows on many different trees and shrubs. Beyond being harmless, it can actually help, especially during summer, by catching moisture from fog that then precipitates down to hydrate the soil and roots below. Birds use it for nesting, and deer have been known to munch on it. Plus, it just looks cool — especially this time of year, draped like a shawl over the budding branches of a black oak or box elder.

But what is “it,” anyway? Like all lichen, it’s not one species but two, living together in symbiosis: a fungus, Ramalina menziesii, which provides structure, and an alga, Trebouxia, which provides energy via photosynthesis.

Sonoma Valley Regional Park picnic area near parking lot in Glen Ellen. (Julie Vader/for Sonoma Index-Tribune) — Lace lichen draped on tree branches at Sonoma Valley Regional Park in Glen Ellen. (Julie Vader/for Sonoma Index-Tribune)

So this spring, while you’re out enjoying all those colorful, predictable, single-species wildflowers, be sure to also look up, into the trees, for another wonder all its own.

Where to see lace lichen

Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa
Sonoma Valley Regional Park, Glen Ellen
Ragle Ranch Regional Park, Sebastopol
Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, Healdsburg

Where to Get the Best Burritos in Sonoma County

April 2026

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

The Isaiah’s Go To Burrito with crispy carnitas, pinto beans, Spanish rice, corn salsa, jalapenño salsa and organic mixed greens in a tomato tortilla from Viva Mexicana Wednesday, January 29, 2025 in Sebastopol. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

We’ve seen friends nearly come to blows over where to find the best burritos in Sonoma County — everyone has a favorite taco truck or hole-in-the-wall taqueria they’re convinced has the secret sauce for making the world’s best burrito.

To settle this once and for all, we’ve created the ultimate guide to the best burritos in Sonoma County — from the obvious to the undiscovered, including one that weighs 8 pounds. Along with our opinions, we’ve included direct quotes from Bite Club readers and foodies who responded to our callout for “the best burritos in Sonoma County.”

Sonoma

Juanita Juanita: Go for the Garlic Garlic Burrito and never worry about vampires again. “I’m partial to their Carnitas Pastor Tacos,” said Tony. Their Super Burrito is a favorite among locals; the next level up is the Big Ranch and the Super, grilled and topped with melted cheese and ranchero sauce. 19114 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-935-3981, juanitajuanita.com

La Bamba Taco Truck: Locals swear this is the ultimate nighttime spot for tacos and some of the best burritos the town of Sonoma has to offer. Open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cash only. 18155 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, 707-322-1070. Find them on Instagram.

Second-generation owner Kate Bruno with the Big Ranch carne asada burrito from Juanita Juanita in Sonoma. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Santa Rosa

Chelino’s: Chelino’s Super Wet Burrito is as flavorful as it is filling. Readers recommend carne asada for this large burrito, which is topped with a spicy verde sauce or a rich mole. 1079 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-571-7478, chelinosrestaurant.com

Cielito Lindo: “We ordered burritos (the super chicken burrito and a carnitas burrito),” said Elisa O. “They were both huge — stuffed with a lot of fresh deliciousness! We will definitely go again!” Come for the burritos and stay for the birria tacos and fresh ceviche. 52 Mission Circle, Suite 110, Santa Rosa, 707-978-2070. Find them on Instagram.

Delicias Elenita Taco Truck: Authentic Mexican food served under the stars makes Delicias Elenita a fiesta after dark. “Their super steak burrito is not only mouthwateringly delicious, but is also cheap and affordable,” said Paul. 816 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-575-7021. Find them on Facebook.

El Patio: “Burritos and breakfast burritos are probably some of the best in our great city of Santa Rosa,” said Brooks. “My burrito was practically the size of a brick,” said Ricardo, who ordered the Pork Chile Verde Super Burrito. “They did not skimp on anything, including the star of the show, which was the pork.” 425 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa, elpatio1.com; 901 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-571-2222, elpatio2.com

La Palapa: “By far the best burrito I have ever had anywhere is the wet Terminator with Diabla Sauce at La Palapa. It is enough for two people and then some,” said Bite Club reader PepperHead. 590 Lewis Road, Santa Rosa, 707-569-9210, lapalapamexicanrestaurant.com

Mole burrito at La Fondita in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine) — Mole burrito at La Fondita in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin / Sonoma Magazine)

La Fondita: This downtown cantina brings the fiesta (and some of the best burritos in Sonoma County) to downtown Santa Rosa. The shrimp burrito is awesome, along with the Mole burrito. La Fondita is open until 1 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 816 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-526-0881

Los Arcos: Los Arcos receives high praise from Facebook fans for its satisfying meat, egg and potato-stuffed breakfast burritos, with the chorizo breakfast burrito among the most highly recommended. The McDougall Deluxe Burrito is a great veggie option. 1791 Marlow Road, Suite 6, Santa Rosa, 707-545-5858, losarcosrestaurantsr.com

Los Tres Chiles: The grande burrito is like the super wet burrito, but bigger. Made with a 14-inch tortilla and stuffed with, well, everything, this burrito can easily last for two filling meals. 2765 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-304-5724, lostreschiles.com

Taqueria El Favorito: If you’re looking for Mission-style burritos, head to El Favorito on Sebastopol Road. “Get the super burrito al pastor,” said Crystal. “I would show you a pic, but I ate it with the voracity of a honey badger eating a cobra. Sorry.” 565 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-526-7444

Taqueria Las Palmas: This unassuming taqueria off Santa Rosa Avenue is a sleeper but popular among authentic Mexican street-food fans and off-duty chefs. Carne asada and al pastor burritos are go-to choices. “It is HUGE and packed with perfectly tender and flavorful asada, refried beans, rice, avocado, sour cream and salsa with a hint of fresh lime juice,” said Walt about the Super Burrito with carne asada. 415 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-546-3091

Zoftig Eatery: Zoftig’s Korean BBQ Burrito is a food truck mashup stuffed with Stemple Creek Ranch grass-fed ground beef, kimchi, daikon, avocado and short-grain brown rice wrapped in a tortilla. It’s rib-sticking and hearty — not for dainty eaters. Our never-quite-full-enough digital editor gives it a thumbs up. 57 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-521-9554, zoftigeatery.com

Korean Burrito with Marin sun Farms ground beef marinated with soy, brown sugar, garlic and ginger, Korean BBQ sauce, avocado, mint cilantro, pickled daikon and carrot, organic brown rice, and kimchi at Zoftig in Santa Rosa. (Chris Hardy/For Sonoma Magazine) — Korean Burrito with ground beef, Korean barbecue sauce, avocado, jalapeno, pickled daikon and carrot, organic brown rice and kimchi at Zoftig in Santa Rosa. (Chris Hardy / For Sonoma Magazine)

Tropical Beef Burrito with tropical potato mix, pinto and white beans, Spanish rice, guacamole, roasted corn & red pepper salsa in a spinach tortilla from Don Julio's Latin Grill & Pupusas in Rohnert Park. (Photo by John Burgess/The Press Democrat) — Tropical Beef Burrito with tropical potato mix, pinto and white beans, Spanish rice, guacamole, roasted corn & red pepper salsa in a spinach tortilla from Don Julio’s Latin Grill & Pupusas in Rohnert Park. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Rohnert Park

Don Julios: This secret little gem is well-known for its pupusas, but readers really love the burritos as well. “You MUST try their al pastor. I’ve eaten at a lot of burrito spots and drive further for this place. Please. Try it,” said Brent. The Camarones Tropical Burrito with sautéed prawns, homemade Spanish rice and fresh tropical mango salsa is pretty delish, too. 217 Southwest Blvd., Rohnert Park, 707-242-3160, donjulioslatingrill.com

Cotati

Galvan’s Beer Garden: Opened earlier this year in time for the Super Bowl, the game-day hangout by local food-truck favorite Galvan’s Eatery offers a variety of burritos alongside its popular quesabirria and carne asada fries. Also, find the pop-up food truck at local breweries such as Parliament, Old Caz Beer, Cooperage Brewing, Lagunitas and Petaluma’s HenHouse. 500 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati. instagram.com/galvanseatery

Petaluma

Mi Pueblo: The Macho, with meat, rice, cheese, sour cream, onion, cilantro, salsa, tomatoes, refried beans and guacamole, gets the wet treatment with a splash of “burrito sauce.” The Padre doubles the amount in the Macho; the Gordo triples it. Also found in Cotati (at 7384 Commerce Blvd.). 800 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, eatmipueblopetaluma.com; 108 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-769-9066, eatmipuebloelcentro.com

Chunky’s Taqueria & Grill: Nestled in the Leghorn Marketplace, near the Santa Rosa Junior College’s Petaluma campus, Chunky’s is a Mexican-food mainstay in east Petaluma. The wet super burritos with pollo rojo or carne asada are a local favorite. 701 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma, 707-775-3325

Alvaro Dueñas dives into his super wet burrito at Chunky’s Taqueria in east Petaluma. Photographed on Monday, February 5, 2024. (Crissy Pascual / Petaluma Argus-Courier) — Alvaro Dueñas dives into his super wet burrito at Chunky’s Taqueria in east Petaluma. Photographed on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. (Crissy Pascual / Petaluma Argus-Courier)

Healdsburg

Agave: This restaurant from brothers Octavio and Pedro Diaz serves up a Diego’s Burrito, a favorite among our Facebook followers. It features al pastor, grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, organic potatoes, sour cream, guacamole and melted Monterey jack cheese. Regular and super burritos are available, too. 1063 Vine St., Healdsburg, 707-433-2411, agavehealdsburg.com

Casa del Mole: The Super Burrito Al Pastor is a favorite at this market and taqueria from the Diaz brothers. But you’re really here for the mole, which is prepared the old-fashioned way with dozens of ingredients, including Mexican chocolate. 434 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-433-4138, casadelmoletogo.com

Gallina D’Oro: The owners of Healdsburg’s El Farolito have renamed (and revamped the menu) of the longtime restaurant to Gallina D’Oro. The Barbacoa Burrito, with slow-cooked shredded beef and all the fixings, deserves a spot on our list of best burritos. 128 Plaza St., Healdsburg, 707-433-2807, gallinadoro.com

Taqueria Guadalajara: “Try the Burrito Manadero! It has the best mole sauce!” said Sue. “It rivals a Mission (San Francisco) burrito — the gold standard,” said Christopher. “Chili Verde Burrito, best avo-green salsa,” said Tina. 125 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-1052, ordertaqueriaguadalajara.com

Sebastopol

Viva Mēxicana: While this Sebastopol eatery is known for its pop-up Persian nights, it’s also regarded for its breakfast and vegan burritos, among other hearty Mexican classics. 841 Gravenstein Highway S., Sebastopol. 707-823-5555, vivamexicana.com

Guerneville

Guerneville Taco Truck: No one really remembers what this popular food truck is actually called (it seems almost too easy that it’s simply the “Guerneville Taco Truck”). What they do remember is that they have the best burritos around. Usually parked in front of Safeway. 16405 Highway 116, Guerneville, guernevilletacotruck.com

Multiple locations

Super Steak Burrittos at El Roy’s Express Mex truck — Super Steak Burritos at El Roy’s Express Mex truck No. 2 on Santa Rosa Ave., in Santa Rosa, on Thursday, July 11, 2024. (Darryl Bush / For The Press Democrat)

El Roy’s: “Finally, a burrito spot that lives up to the hype,” said Damien. “I’m only mad about the fact that I didn’t eat here sooner. It’s practically perfect; I can’t think of a bad thing to say.” Shrimp Super Burrito and Carne Asada Super Burrito are popular picks. Find food trucks at 401 E. Washington St. and 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma; 1569 Sebastopol Road, 2728 Santa Rosa Ave. and 505 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. Brick-and-mortar restaurant at 602 Elsa Drive, Santa Rosa. elroysxpressmex.com

Lola’s Market: Latino grocer with family-friendly prices and solid carnitas. “Huge and great prices, too,” said Michelle. Locations in Petaluma, Santa Rosa and Healdsburg. lolasmarkets.com

Maci Martell and Owen Ruderman contributed to this article.

20 New Sonoma County Restaurants Opening This Spring and Summer

April 2026

By Heather Irwin

Cheese Cappelletti with beet, mint and meyer lemon from Juju’s, a French-Moroccan dinner pop-up in the Acorn Café space on the square in Healdsburg. Photo taken Thursday, March 19, 2026. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

In one of the busiest opening seasons in recent years, more than 20 restaurants have opened or are slated to debut in 2026. Despite a challenging economic outlook, some restaurateurs point to a softening real estate market — and easing rents — as one reason behind the surge. For many of the newcomers, though, the explanation is simpler: optimism, a quality the restaurant world has rarely lacked.