01
Best overall pick
El Molino Central
Boyes Hot Springs On Highway 12 • Lively Mexican Counter-Service Spot • Destination For Handmade Tortillas
A tiny roadside kitchen turning out some of the most craveable Mexican plates in Sonoma Valley.
Expect a line at peak hours for the blue-corn tortillas, tacos, tamales, and enchiladas coming out of the open kitchen. The menu leans regional and seasonal, with salsas that actually bring heat and produce that reflects what is coming out of nearby fields. Grab a picnic table outside and treat it as your go-to stop before or after a soak in the springs.
02
Best for wood-fired cooking
Glen Ellen Star
Glen Ellen Village • Upscale Rustic Californian Restaurant • Special-Occasion Choice
A small, buzzy spot where a wood-fired oven anchors seasonal, wine-friendly dishes.
Just up-valley from Fetters, Glen Ellen Star channels a relaxed but polished wine-country vibe, with much of the menu kissed by the wood oven. Vegetables get as much attention as the roasted meats, and the pizzas and small plates are easy to share. It is the kind of place locals book ahead for anniversaries but also slide into the counter for a casual night out.
03
Classic Sonoma Plaza pick
the girl & the fig
Sonoma Plaza • French-Inspired Wine Country Bistro • Iconic Sonoma Date-Night Spot
A long-loved Plaza restaurant known for hearty French-leaning comfort and a deep Rhône-focused wine list.
A short drive from the Springs, this bistro is where many visitors get their first taste of Sonoma’s restaurant scene. Think fig and arugula salads, steak frites, duck, and generous cheese and charcuterie boards on a leafy patio or in a warm dining room. Come for a leisurely lunch or settle in for dinner and let the staff guide you through the by-the-glass wines.
04
Best for something different
LaSalette Restaurant
Just Off Sonoma Plaza • Modern Portuguese Restaurant • Adventurous Diners' Favorite
A Portuguese kitchen bringing caldo verde, grilled sardines, and petiscos to the heart of Sonoma.
LaSalette is a smart choice when you want a break from standard wine-country fare without straying far from Fetters. The menu runs from small plates built for sharing to rustic stews and grilled seafood, all with bright Iberian flavors. It pairs especially well with an afternoon of tasting at nearby wineries, since the food is bold enough to stand up to big reds.
05
Family-friendly standby
Mary's Pizza Shack (Boyes Hot Springs)
Boyes Hot Springs Strip • Casual Local Pizza And Pasta Joint • Easygoing Option For Groups
A longtime local chain location serving big pizzas, pastas, and salads in a relaxed, kid-friendly room.
This outpost of a Sonoma-born institution is a natural fit when you want something straightforward after a day in the pools or on the road. Red-check vibes, shareable pies, and generous bowls of spaghetti and meatballs make it a crowd-pleaser, especially for families. It is also one of the more reliable spots in the immediate Springs area for a sit-down meal that does not require a reservation.