1. A Vegan Buffet To Feed Your Soul At Gaia’s Garden
Gaia’s Garden
1899 Mendocino Ave
(707) 544-2491
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 110 reviews
If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or even gluten-free, you’ll discover that you are going to be spending a lot of time in the garden. Gaia’s garden, that is. Everybody knows that growing your own food is the best way to go – but very few people have the time and resources to be able to do all of that. So, why not let Gaia’s do all the work for you?
Along with their awesome and diverse menu items that cater to specialty diets, Gaia’s also supports local farmers and uses as many organics in their dishes as possible. Hit the buffet at lunch to load your plate up with a variety of goodies, including things like soups, salad works, rice dishes, steamed vegetables and much more.
2. Find Laws Worth Breaking At Criminal Baking Co. & Noshery
Criminal Baking Co. & Noshery
463 Sebastopol Ave
(707) 992-5661
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 56 reviews
If a bakery deeming itself as the local “noshery” isn’t enough to make you at least a little curious to find out what’s going on in there, then there’s no talking any sense into you. Criminal Baking Co. in Santa Rosa will make breaking the law (in the most legal way possible, of course) your new favorite thing to do. Their daily specials are constantly changing but are always worth checking out.
Keep your eyes open for the specialty scones, as they’re always the first thing to fly off the pans. Cakes, cupcakes, breads, and any other pastry you can think of can all be found here. But you can also order yourself a delicious lunch from their café counter and round it off with some of their delectable sweetness.
3. More Italian Than If Mario And Luigi Cooked Dinner In Your Kitchen
Rosso Pizzeria Wine & Bar
53 Montgomery Dr
(707) 544-3221
Yelp: 4 stars, 428 reviews
Pizza, wine, sports, and a great crowd. What more could anyone in Santa Rosa ask for? Rosso’s is a rustic Italian dream that everyone comes to, especially when they’re craving authentic pizza from the old country. The crisp crust comes to you straight out of the wood-burning oven with a puffy edge, blackened in all the right places.
The toppings are elegantly understated and packed full of flavor, like the Salumi pizza, which will have you questioning if you woke up in Italy and somehow forgot. But you can also fill your table with antipastis, salads, piadine, and the always spot-on nightly specials. Don’t ever miss the risotto or the moto guzzi.
4. Surf Or Turf It Up At Willi’s Wine Bar
Willi’s Wine Bar
4404 Old Redwood Hwy
(707) 526-3096
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 459 reviews
If you’re looking for a night of the best wines you can find paired perfectly with some of the best food around, then your stop ends at Willi’s Wine Bar. Here you’ll find a menu set on over 30 small plates that range from international cuisines to classed up comfort foods. The truffle fries are a perfect example of how a staple item should never feel old.
Order off the “Surf” menu for some superb seafood options including the curried crab tacos with apple, cucumber, and mint. Or you can order up some slabs of beef off of the “Turf” side. Either way, you’ll be happy with your picks and pairings.
5. Wine And Dine Yourself At Flavor Bistro
Flavor Bistro
96 Old Courthouse Sq
(707) 573-9600
Yelp: 4 stars, 500 reviews
When you combine the California vibe with American cuisine, what you get is one in-vogue bistro full of a lot of flavor. Located in the well-to-do neighborhood of Old Courthouse Square, Flavor Bistro is usually packed with business suits and politicians from the area but lighter on the tourist foot traffic, leading many to believe it’s still a local hidden secret.
The menu is full of elaborate dishes from breakfast to dinner. You can find poached eggs with three-cheese mousse in the mornings or the roast duck in honey-balsamic reduction in the evenings. And always with an extensive wine menu that will remind you exactly where you are.
6. Fast Fare, Don’t Care At Superburger
Superburger
1501 4th St
(707) 546-4016
Yelp: 4 stars, 222 reviews
If you’re just looking for a quick meal, but don’t think that you should have to suffer through the less-than-quality at some of those national chain drive-throughs, then make sure you give Superburger a try. This local fast food joint is right about one thing – they are fast. But their quality doesn’t suffer.
Sure, this isn’t upscale cuisine, but you already knew that going in. What you will get is some perfectly deep fried onion rings or sweet potato fries in a basket lined with checkered paper to sop up the grease. The milkshakes are made from real ice cream and are perfectly thick, creamy, and taste like childhood in a cup. And, who could forget, when fast is what you’re looking for, the burgers here are the best. Or, should I say, super.
7. Sazon’s Got It Goin’ On Peruvian Style
Sazon
1129 Sebastopol Rd
(707) 523-4346
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 280 reviews
When you’re wanting a solid meal beyond the standard fare but are surrounded by nothing but food trucks, fear not. South Santa Rosa has a gem waiting for you with Sazon. You’ll find an unexpectedly upscale Peruvian bistro full of warm and classy ambiance and food like you never knew Santa Rosa had. Some of the ingredients even get imported directly from South America, including the yuccas, plantains, and Inca Kola soda.
The open kitchen adds to the ethnic feel while still maintaining a high end, simplistic balance, just like the food here. Don’t miss the Picante de Mariscos, a mixed seafood with a creamed base, topped with rice. And the food is plated just as immaculately as it’s created, reminding you just how much care went into what you’re about to enjoy.
8. Get Your Super SUPER Burrito Fix At Los Arcos
Los Arcos
1791 Marlow Rd
(707) 545-5858
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 146 reviews
Sometimes you just need a super burrito. That’s when you head to Los Arcos where you’ll find the best one in town. Stuffed within an inch of its life and surprisingly inexpensive, the super burritos at Los Arcos are so big (think nearly triple the size of your standard super burrito), you can split them with a friend and still be full.
The shredded chicken topped with verde sauce is a popular choice. But there is more to order here that you will love, like the taquitos and the fish tacos, both of which will blow your Mexican-loving mind.
9. Brunch At Spinsters Sisters Will Spin You Right Round
The Spinsters Sisters
401 S A St
(707) 528-7100
Yelp: 4 stars, 259 reviews
Santa Rosans love their brunch. So what better way to celebrate the best meal of the weekend than in one of the best brunch spots in town? Spinster Sister’s is always offering up unique spins on everybody’s favorites. This fall you can find pumpkin pie French toast with candied pecans and pomegranate on the specialty menu—while it lasts.
And that’s just getting started. You’ll find Spinster’s tucked away in a boxy building in the SOFA arts district, filled with just as much style in every dish as flavor. The dishes are consistent as is the friendly service, making this hip spot much more than meets the eye.
10. Chloe’s French Café Takes Meals On Wheels To The Next Level
Chloe’s French Café
3883 Airway Dr
(707) 528-3095
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 270 reviews
Chloe’s began decades ago over in France. After moving to France, the owners had their beloved truckette (aptly named Chloe) shipped to them in Wine Country and restored her so they could continue their family business on American soil with French style. Luckily for everyone in Santa Rosa, the tradition still continues.
Don’t be surprised when you show up at their window for lunch service and the line is down the street. That’s completely normal when you’re serving up something that everybody for miles wants. But don’t worry, the line moves pretty fast. And regardless, lunch here is well worth the wait. Order yourself up any one of the variety of salads, and don’t miss out on the delicious cauliflower soup and Rueben sandwiches.
11. Authentically From The SEA Thai Bistro
SEA Thai Bistro
2323 Sonoma Ave
(707) 528-8333
Yelp: 4 stars, 261 reviews
SEA stands for South East Asia. That’s because the Thai here is about as authentic as you’re going to find in the area and it’s nothing short of amazing. Where else can you order baby squid salad in peanut vinaigrette dressing, fried squash blossoms, and the best potstickers of your life in one sitting?
The sauces and the soups are a true testament to just how much flavor can be packed into a small meal. So when you’re looking for real Asian cuisine rather than the salty takeout food that no one except Americans eat, make SEA Thai Bistro your go-to spot and you’ll never be anything but “mī khwām s̄uk̄h.” That’s Thai for happy.
12. Dine Up And Dress Up For Dinner At Ca’Bianca
Ca’Bianca
835 2nd St
(707) 542-5800
Yelp: 4 stars, 219 reviews
When you find the grand, old mansion in old town, you’ve arrived at Ca’Bianca. You don’t have to get dressed up if you don’t want to, but why wouldn’t you? This place is the perfect excuse for a fancy night out in Santa Rosa, drinking the best wines in your best duds with your favorite date.
The food is inspired from Milano and Sicily, offering up some of the most truly authentic Italian dishes. You’ll fall in love with the seared ahi with handmade ravioli in almond sauce and the roasted duck breast served with fingerling potatoes and sautéed spinach. The chandeliers and white tablecloths draped over the antique furniture just add even more sophistication.
13. Do Good And Eat Well At Worth Our Weight
Worth Our Weight
1021 Hahman Dr
(707) 544-1200
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 135 reviews
Worth Our Weight has nothing to do with the weight on the scale and everything to do with the weight they pull. This place takes the word “community” and gives it a true definition with Santa Rosa in the tag line. W.O.W takes at-risk youths in the area and gives them a purpose, teaching them the art of the culinary world and showing them the benefits of giving back to their community.
The food here is all fresh ingredients largely donated by farms and caring individuals in the area. So beyond the mission of W.O.W. is some darn good food, too. Come here for brunch or breakfast and prepare to be amazed at the creations that you probably didn’t expect. Don’t leave without ordering the eggs benedict or the huevos rancheros.
14. Find Out Just How Much You Like Ike’s
Ike’s
1780 Mendocino Ave
(707) 293-9814
Yelp: 4 stars, 248 reviews
One of the most popular spots to grab a sandwich in Santa Rosa is Ike’s. That’s mainly because of the huge selection and variety they offer, so you never feel like you’re pigeonholed into ordering the same thing over and over again. But also because the sandwiches are just plain good. And, paying homage to the Bay Area, the sandwich names are some of the best to be found in the area.
You can order yourself a Matt Cain or the Tim Lincecum. Then there’s the Shrek, the Menage a Trois, or the Going Home For Thanksgiving. The Meatless Mike will satisfy all the non-meat eaters. Whatever fun variety you order, just make sure that you get it on dutch crunch.
15. Sing That’s Amore At Trattoria Cattaneo
Trattoria Cattaneo
2700 Yulupa Ave
(707) 542-9050
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 165 reviews
If you can only order one thing during your stay at Trattoria Cattaneo, then make sure that it’s the polenta. It doesn’t matter how far you go, you’ll never find another polenta dish quite like it. Of course, only being able to order one thing from Trattoria’s is also cruel because you would be missing out on the amazing crab risotto, pasta Bolognese, linguine carbonara, and desserts like the handmade gelato and tiramisu.
And make sure to watch the specials, too, to always find something delicious and new like wild boar sausage. The ambiance of traditional Italian makes your meal at Trattoria’s a true delight, but the food is what will have you singing the whole way home.
Feature Image Source: Rosso Pizzeria Wine & Bar Facebook
What’s your go-to for great grub in Santa Rosa? Tell us in the comments below!
