An influx of Italian settlers in the 19th century brought not only their winemaking skills but also their culinary traditions to Sonoma County. Unsurprisingly, some of our oldest restaurants (a few still in operation under second, third or even fourth generations) have kept family recipes as the backbone of their operations.
Newer takes on Italian cuisine often mix in California touches or focus on specific regions of Italy — from Milan to Sicily. With so much diversity in Italian cuisine alone, we’ve reached out to readers on our Facebook and Instagram to garner locals’ favorites in the county.
Scroll on below to find the best Italian restaurants in Sonoma County, starting with our dining editor’s top picks and followed by local faves. Mangia bene!
Our Dining Editor’s Top Picks
Campanella
An unapologetic “red sauce joint” that channels the red-and-white-checkered tablecloth, candles in the Chianti bottle, garlic-scented family trattorias that are the lifeblood of Italian American neighborhoods along the Atlantic Seaboard. The mix of old-world and new-world flavors speaks to the 19th-century migration of Italians (primarily from Southern Italy and Sicily) to New York. Garlic knots, Chicken Parm pizza, steamed clams with linguini and cheesecake are all standouts.
7365 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol, 707-910-3030, campanellasoco.com
Portico
Paolo Pedrinazzi and his wife, Kathleen Escamilla, are the pasta whisperers of Sebastopol. Their homey cafe has all the charm of nonna’s kitchen as Escamilla scurries between tables, dropping plates of cacio e pepe, risotto and fresh pappardelle pasta with saffron cream to customers. And, of course, the 12-layer lasagna. Don’t miss the Bolognese and fresh tiramisu made daily.
110 N. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-888-9136, porticosocialfood.com
L’oro Di Napoli
Italian chef, Italian ingredients, Italian oven, Italian pizza. The most authentic Neapolitan pizza in Sonoma County goes from dough to done in seconds thanks to a super-heated woodfired oven. The homemade lasagna is unbelievably good.
629 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-541-6394, lorodinapolisantarosa.com
Cafe Citti
This popular Kenwood restaurant relocated to Santa Rosa and continues to serve some of the best pizza, pasta and sauces around. We love their polenta with creamy porcini mushroom sauce. Dine on the restaurant’s covered and heated back patio, or pick up for an Italian meal at home.
2792 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-523-2690, cafecitti.com
Grata Italian Eatery
This charming, chef-run restaurant offers modern takes on classic Italian dishes. Gnudi alla vodka, risotto and cacio e pepe are favorite dishes. Open for lunch, dinner and cocktails.
186 Windsor River Road, Windsor, 707-620-0508, gratawindsor.com
Ca’Bianca
A Victorian home sets the stage for pan-Italian cuisine (from Milan to Sicily). The food always impresses with its restrained simplicity (no gloopy sauces or overwrought pastas) and graceful presentation. Great for impressing parents, dates or coworkers.
835 Second St., Santa Rosa, 707-542-5800, cabianca.com
Cucina Paradiso
Every pasta is a winner at this classy longtime Petaluma restaurant, but our favorite is the housemade ravioli, filled with roasted duck in sun-dried tomato, pine nut and basil sauce.
114 Petaluma Blvd N., Petaluma, 707-782-1130, cucinaparadisopetaluma.com
Molti Amici
A trio of SingleThread alums opened Healdsburg’s hottest see-and-be-seen restaurant. The vibe is pure fun, as is the menu, with seasonal woodfired pizzas, seasonal housemade pastas, shared plates with locally sourced produce, clever cocktails, delish desserts and our favorite halibut crudo, with California chili oil.
330 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-756-3169, moltiamici.com
Golden Bear Station
This restaurant from the owners of Sonoma’s Animo is an homage to Italy. Mostly. While the menu leans heavily on gourmet pizzas and pasta, it also includes dishes like tuna crudo, whole lamb saddle and Asian-inspired pork chop in dashi broth. Pizzas are a highlight, perfectly cooked without the bitter notes of char, and the pastas are equally impressive.
8445 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, goldenbearstation.com
Canneti Roadhouse Italiana
This under-the-radar trattoria serves hearty Tuscan dishes from Italian transplant Francesco Torre, who takes pride in the authenticity of his frequently changing dishes with local ingredients.
6675 Front St., Forestville, 707-887-2232, cannetiroadhouse.com
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. Don’t miss the burger or chicken parm.
21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-857-7142, mycatellis.com
Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria
You’ll swear you’re in Italy at this temple of charcuterie, woodfired 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 lining the walkway to the back patio completes the experience.
21021 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-814-0111, diavolapizzeria.com
Reader Picks
Riviera Ristorante
Italian classics like spaghetti Puttanesca and veal piccata impress local diners at this neighborhood favorite. Creamy gnocchi Riviera never disappoints.
“Riviera is my favorite. Authentic, diverse and delicious menu,” said Jed Spencer on Facebook. “The lamb ravioli is outstanding. Fresh bread and olive tapenade is a real treat, even when you order to-go! It’s a family-run restaurant, so you know you’re getting great service. Everyone is very friendly and after chatting with the owner I felt like I had a better knowledge of Italy and its food. If you’re making a list, they MUST be on it!”
75 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707- 579-2682, rivieraristorante.net
Volpi’s Ristorante & Bar
Volpi’s in Petaluma dates back nearly 100 years, existing as a grocer and speakeasy before becoming a restaurant in 1992. Find Italian-American classics like spaghetti and meatballs, eggplant parmigiana and veal marsala.
“Love the old speakeasy and great family style food,” said Amanda Bolla of Volpi’s on Facebook.
124 Washington St., Petaluma, 707-762-2371, volpisristorante.com
Baci Cafe & Wine Bar
Plenty of Healdsburg locals say this is a must-visit spot often overlooked by tourists, with elevated Italian dishes from chef-owner Shari Sarabi. The bolognese sauce is made with Kobe beef, veal and pork ribs for an extra luscious dish.
“Love the food, the vibe, the owners and staff, and the wine list,” said Paula Radell of Baci on Facebook. “We eat there so often we have a designated table for two. It never disappoints.”
336 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-8111, bacicafeandwinebar.com
Della Santina
This Sonoma restaurant serves authentic northern Italian cuisine with pastas, breads, soups and fish referred to as “Tuscan Soul Food.”
“Della Santinas in Sonoma (is) the very best,” said Lorraine Cheli on Facebook.
133 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-935-0576, dellasantinas.com
Cibo Rustico
This family-friendly cafe serves less frequently seen dishes, including roasted zucchini flowers and fava beans, along with two types of ravioli, cannelloni and spaghetti. It is one of the few places to get Nonna Zeppole (beignet-style doughnuts). The wine list includes some of the owners’ Italian-style D’Argenzio wines.
“Cibos, owner treats you amazingly and might even pour you a little complimentary glass of his favorite wine, which he bottles from his barrelhouse,” said Adam Turréy on Facebook.
1305 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-623-9906, ciborustico.com
LoCoco’s Cucina Rustica
This cozy Italian trattoria is always packed with fans of their traditional pasta dishes (pappardelle with wild boar sausage, linguine with clams), shrimp scampi and veal saltimbocca. Homemade cannoli is a must-try.
117 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-523-2227, lococos.net
Dinucci’s Restaurant
This checkered-tablecloth, family-style Italian has been around for generations. Dinners include antipasti, sourdough bread, minestrone and salads. Choose from dishes like classic spaghetti, fettuccini, chicken Parmigiana and cannelloni crepes. It’s a good deal for a whole lot of food.
“@dinuccis for sure!! Everything is delicious. Especially the homemade minestrone 😋” said @alexis_starkey_ on Instagram.
14485 Valley Ford Road, Valley Ford, 707-876-3260, dinuccisrestaurantandbar.com
Caffe Giostra
This strip mall Italian spot impresses with dishes like crab ravioli, calamari dore, house gnocchi and a divine torta di cioccolata (chocolate cake) — plus an attentive waitstaff.
“Caffe Giostra in Petaluma because the food is consistently delicious and the owners and staff are so welcoming,” said David Hartranft about Caffe Giostra on Facebook.
1390 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, 707-664-9441
Risibisi
Housemade gnocchi with braised wild boar is a specialty at this Petaluma restaurant. Risotto is also a favorite.
“Risibisi Restaurant in Petaluma,” Keller Estate nominated on Facebook. “Great food and service.”
154 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-766-7600, risibisirestaurant.com
Mamma Taninos
This locals’ favorite has a brief but focused menu with weekly specials from Sicilian-born chef Gaetano Patrinostro.
“[Mamma] Taninos in Sonoma. The best! A close second is Della’s just off the Plaza,” said Leslie Leutbecher on Facebook.
500 W. Napa St., Suite 512, Sonoma, 707-933-8826, mammataninos.com
Negri’s Italian Dinners & Joe’s Bar
Family-run since 1943, this old-school Italian eatery is known for its homemade ravioli. The updated Joe’s Bar and Lounge features all the traditional Negri’s favorites Friday through Sunday, including their famous fried chicken, burgers, pizza and modern takes on classic cocktails.
“Gotta go with Negri’s Italian Dinners & Joe’s Bar in Occidental,” said Donna Jean Say on Facebook. “Authentic Italian food and great hometown people. Can’t get those raviolis anywhere else and the desserts, homemade by the Negri ladies, are to die for.”
3700 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, 707-874-0301, negrisrestaurant.com
Piacére Ristorante Italiano
Another local’s favorite and one of only a few restaurants in this charming north county town. You’ll find a long lineup of pasta, parmigiana, seafood, veal dishes and housemade tiramisu.
“Family-run, amazing steak specials, calamari dori, real Italian veal, fresh tiramisu made daily, good value prices,” said Tina Castelli of Piacére on Facebook.
504 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-894-0885, piacereristorante.com
Art’s Place
Founded by the late Art Ibleto, Sonoma County’s “Pasta King,” Art’s Place remains family-owned and has affordable Italian classics. The chicken marsala, fettuccini Alfredo and shrimp scampi get top reviews.
“Never had a bad meal,” said Cheryl Cook about Art’s Place on Facebook. “Friendly staff, good bar.”
563 Rohnert Park Expressway, Rohnert Park, 707-588-2787, artsplacerp.weebly.com
Trattoria Cattaneo
A casual neighborhood cafe with an extensive pasta menu and approachable prices.
2700 Yulupa Ave., Suite 10, Santa Rosa, 707-542-9050
Honorable Mentions
Sugo Trattoria
This intimate Italian spot in Petaluma’s theater district offers an impressive lineup of bruschetta along with fan favorites like butternut squash risotto, pistachio-crusted salmon and a creamy pesto verdura.
5 Petaluma Blvd. S., Suite B, Petaluma, 707-782-9298, sugotrattoria.com
Trattoria Roma
This longtime family restaurant features an extensive menu of traditional Italian fare with hearty pastas, piccata, scallopini and saltimbocca.
140 Second St., Petaluma, 707-981-7807, trattoriaromapetaluma.com
Alfredo’s Italian Restaurant
Tucked away in east Petaluma’s Washington Square shopping center, Alfredo’s offers traditional Italian dishes at reasonable prices for lunch and dinner. Spaghetti Bolognese and housemade mushroom ravioli are standout dinner entrees. Get the tiramisu or chocolate gelato for dessert.
1426 E Washington St., Petaluma, 707-782-0500, alfredoitlaliantogo.com
Franchetti’s Gasthaus + Biergarten
The menu here is split between California-inspired Italian dishes and German classics. Owner-chef John Franchetti has always made incredible Italian-style woodfired pizzas (though the German-style Flammkuchen pizza is also a favorite). Delicate arancini are addictive, as well as pasta pomodoro.
1229 N. Dutton, Santa Rosa, 707-526-1229, franchettis.com
Rosso
Woodfired pizza is a signature dish at this casual neighborhood wine bar and cafe; even local chefs say they love grabbing a round on their days off (the Funghi di Limone with mushrooms, cheese and lemon oil is tops). I make an annual pilgrimage for the fried chicken with caramelized pancetta glaze.
53 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-544-3221, rossopizzeria.com
Tony’s of North Beach
Graton Casino trattoria fronted by world-famous pizzaiolo Tony Gemignani offers five styles of pizza: woodfired Neapolitan and California-style; brick-oven Italian and American standards, as well as thick-crust Sicilian; and stone-oven New York and New Haven-style pizzas.
288 Golf Course Drive W., Rohnert Park, 707-588-7741, gratonresortcasino.com
Pizzando
This little pizzeria in downtown Healdsburg specializes in Napolitana and Romana-style pizzas, and also offers seasonal bites, paninis, housemade pastas and organic soft-serve ice cream.
301 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-922-5233, pizzandohealdsburg.com
Rustic
Francis Ford Coppola’s winery-based Italian restaurant features the film director’s favorite dishes in an airy, open dining room and offers sweeping views from the patio.
300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 707-857-1445, francisfordcoppolawinery.com
Maci Martell contributed to this story.
