01
Best overall pick
Redwood Café
Old Redwood Highway In Central Cotati • Lively Café And Music Venue • Local Institution For Casual Nights Out
Eclectic comfort food, local beer, and regular live music make Redwood Café the social living room of Cotati.
Redwood Café has long been the town’s go-to for everything from hearty burgers and salads to vegan plates and weekend breakfasts. The atmosphere is relaxed and a little bohemian, with local art on the walls and a patio that fills up on sunny afternoons. Check the calendar for live bands, open mics, and community events that keep the place buzzing well into the evening.
02
Best for Greek and Mediterranean
Mezzeluna
La Plaza Park Area • Warm Greek And Mediterranean Restaurant • Best For Date Night And Shared Plates
Mezzeluna brings polished Greek cooking and a relaxed taverna feel to the edge of Cotati’s town square.
This intimate spot leans into Greek staples—grilled meats, seafood, and colorful mezze plates—built around fresh, bright flavors. The room is cozy without feeling cramped, with friendly service and a solid list of local and Greek wines. It’s the kind of place where lingering over a spread of dips, warm pita, and a carafe of wine feels completely natural.
03
Best breakfast-and-lunch counter
Down To Earth Café and Deli
La Plaza Strip Just Off The Square • Cozy Breakfast And Lunch Café • Best For Hearty Breakfast
Down To Earth serves from-scratch breakfast plates and generous sandwiches in a compact, no-nonsense space locals swear by.
Expect the kind of straightforward cooking that makes a morning feel anchored: fluffy omelets, well-seasoned potatoes, and sandwiches that can carry you through the day. The setup is simple—order at the counter, grab a seat, and watch regulars trade hellos with the staff. It’s especially handy if you want a satisfying meal before hitting the road or wandering Cotati’s small downtown.
04
Best for sushi
Shige Sushi Japanese Kitchen
Cotati Depot Area By The Smart Tracks • Intimate Sushi Bar And Japanese Kitchen • Best For Sushi And Sake
Shige Sushi packs a full sushi bar and comforting Japanese hot dishes into a small, friendly neighborhood space.
The menu covers the bases with fresh nigiri, creative rolls, and cooked plates like teriyaki and tempura for those who aren’t all-in on raw fish. The atmosphere is calm and unpretentious, making it easy to settle in at the sushi bar and chat with the chefs between courses. It’s a reliable choice when you want quality sushi without driving up to Santa Rosa or down to Petaluma.
05
Best daytime brunch spot
The Twins Restaurant
East Cotati Avenue Near Oliver’S Market • Bright Daytime Diner And Brunch Spot • Best For Relaxed Weekend Brunch
The Twins turns out generous, classic American breakfasts and lunches in a sunny, family-friendly setting.
Pancakes, omelets, and breakfast burritos share the menu with lighter salads and sandwiches, so everyone at the table can land on something that fits. Natural light and cheerful servers give the space an easy morning energy, and coffee refills arrive without asking. It’s an ideal stop before errands at nearby shops or a leisurely drive through the surrounding vineyards and backroads.