Sonoma County is well-known for its world-class restaurant scene, and Santa Rosa, located about 30 miles northeast of Sonoma, is no exception. With the variety of cuisine represented, the biggest decision of the day will likely be which restaurant to choose. While we can’t make the decision for you, we can help guide you with a few ideas: here’s a list of the best restaurants Santa Rosa has to offer.

Restaurants / Santa Rosa

Ca'Bianca Restaurant

Enjoy authentic, fine-dining Italian cuisine, house-made bread, pasta, seafood and meat specials. Located in Marshall House (built 1876) Ca’Bianca is "a hidden treasure in the heart of Santa Rosa".

Literally translated as “white house” in the northern Italian dialect, Ca’Bianca is an intimate and romantic Italian restaurant in a beautiful Victorian home. Recently renovated back to its 19th century roots, Ca’Bianca is a blend of regional Italian cuisine: rich entrees such as ravioli stuffed with salmon & zucchini in a mascarpone cheese sauce, and chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto and mozzarella wrapped in puff pastry, are only a couple of the imaginative bites available on the menu.

Insider Tip

If you arrive early, be sure to tour the gardens in the back of the house.

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Restaurants / Santa Rosa

Superburger

Superburger is a wonderful place with a great selection of delicious food. They also blend cold and creamy milkshakes.

Known for its juicy hamburgers, Superburger is an easy, delicious stop to take the family after a long day of adventures. This little retro diner features a classic burger, as well as several different gourmet burgers (the St. Helena Avenue burger, smothered in BBQ sauce and topped with fried onion rings, is a favorite) that will leave you satisfied.

Insider Tip

If you have a hankering for chocolate and caramel, the Snickers milkshake does not disappoint.

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Restaurants / Santa Rosa

Russian River Brewing Company

Arrive early because this lively brewery is often crowded with beer enthusiasts eager to try the award winning brews. Try a flight or stay for a meal of traditional American fare.

Although the Santa Rosa area has well-known, upscale restaurants and wineries, don’t be afraid to switch it up with beer and pizza at Russian River Brewing Company. Taste local beers on tap along with meatball or veggie sandwiches, calzones, and chicken wings, and pair your experience with the Blind Pig IPA or one of the limited release beers like Hop Time Harvest Ale. If you can’t decide, taste up to 18 beers with a massive sampler tray.

Insider Tip

Can’t quite leave the wine behind? Try the Supplication or Consecration beers—both aged in Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels.

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Restaurants / Santa Rosa

Stark’s Steak & Seafood

Wickedly delicious steaks and seafood in a casual yet stunning atmosphere. Pan fried trout with raisins and capers? Crab fritters? Butterscotch Brule with kettle corn??? Yes, please!! You will not forget your experience in this warmly imagined bistro.

Dark, romantic, and upscale, Stark’s Steak and Seafood is one of those places that serves a consistent, impeccably prepared cut of meat, every time. Each steak is certified Angus Beef, a level of quality apparent in the American Kobe flatiron. If you’re looking for a steak alternative, Stark’s Steakhouse also offers seafood and pasta: the tamarind-barbecued wild prawns or the black truffle and goat cheese macaroni with chives are both indulgent options.

Insider Tip

If a quick afternoon appetizer and cocktail sound good, try Stark’s Steak and Seafood for happy hour. Voted the best happy hour spot in the area for four years running, you can order tartare tacos and truffle fries with discounted cocktails, beer, and wine.

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Restaurants / Santa Rosa

Haku Sushi

Hungry? Then you’ve come to the right place for fabulous Japanese fare. Beautiful presentation in a restaurant that also offers a “to go” menu. If you love sushi, then you will love this highly rated restaurant situated in beautiful Santa Rosa.

Quiet and romantic, Haku Sushi is well known for its unmatched, traditional presentation of fish. Choices include sushi, nigiri, noodles, and appetizers like deep-fried mushroom with spicy tuna and crab. For the main course, include a special roll like the homegrown Napa Valley roll, which contains crab and shrimp tempura topped with scallop, snapper, and house sauces.

Insider Tip

If you travel during the summer months, check out the nearby Wednesday Night Market and Street Fair after dinner. Located downtown Santa Rosa, it provides a fun evening of produce vendors and entertainment.

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Restaurants / Santa Rosa

Riviera Ristorante

Presenting Italian flavors in the heart of wine country for over 25 years, this lovely, family-owned restaurant will set your taste buds aglow. Congenial and casual atmosphere offers indoor and outdoor dining options. Also perfect for your next party.

Family owned and operated for more than 25 years, Riviera Ristorante is known for its casual, home-cooked feel. Bring your appetite to this cozy Italian eatery, where generous portions of spaghetti, fettuccine, ravioli, and gnocchi round out the menu and a glass of local (or Italian) wine is always at the ready.

Insider Tip

If you’re looking for an antipasti meal, try the “chicken under a brick,” a rare Tuscan style of grilling chicken.

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Restaurants / Santa Rosa

Chloe’s French Cafe

The owners have French roots so you know that they are all about the authenticity of French cuisine. Lunchtime is awesome with these delectable offerings. Croissants, sandwiches, salads and wonderful desserts; what could be better?

Tucked away in an industrial park, Chloe’s French Cafe might not have the ambiance of a Paris cafe, but the food is well-worth a breakfast or lunch visit. The menu includes items from hot and cold sandwiches to specialty items like Crepe du Jour and spinach and mushroom quiche. Save room for dessert with options like chocolate eclairs, pear almond raspberry tarts, and chocolate fondant.

Insider Tip

Customers rave about the croque monsieur and ham and brie sandwiches for the richness of the cheeses and the soft breads.

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Restaurants / Santa Rosa

Willi's Wine Bar

Delight your palate at this classy restaurant that serves tapas. Order a variety of seasonally changing dishes to taste and share, or choose to enjoy fine wines with cheese and charcuterie.

Don’t let the name fool you. Willi’s Wine Bar is anything but a casual wine tasting room. With an ambiance that mixes roadhouse and elegance, the venue itself may be eclectic, but the menu knows precisely what it’s doing: small-plate-style servings like goat cheese fritters, lobster mac and cheese, and filet mignon sliders, are downright famous around here, and pair well with a knowledgeably appointed selection of wines.

Insider Tip

Plan your visit around a concert or play at the Wells Fargo Event Center next door.

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Restaurants / Santa Rosa

Piner Cafe

The portions at Piner Cafe are huge and their prices are great. Plus you get great quality ingredients.

If it’s a delicious breakfast you’re seeking, Piner Cafe is a worthwhile stop. Locally sourced ingredients and a homey feeling lend to a kitchen that turns out fluffy omelets, stuffed waffles, french toast, or huevos rancheros.

Insider Tip

If the meals sound too big, Piner Cafe offers smaller, healthy choices such as apricot oatmeal and one-slice french toast.

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Restaurants / Santa Rosa

Gaia’s Garden

Gaia's Garden offers fresh local vegetarian foods- a salad bar, homemade soup and salad dressings with hot entree choices.

Super casual and buffet style, Gaia’s Garden serves up a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. The menu includes delicious curries, soups, homemade breads, and fresh salads, and rotating dinner entrees like lasagna, shepherd's pie, and enchiladas offer a clever alternative to the norm. The whole menu is healthy, organic, and farmed locally, and an admirable amount of gluten-free choices can be pinned. The restaurant frequently offers like music and public readings, so check the schedule in advance if you’re interested in checking one out.