01
Best overall pick
the girl & the fig
Sonoma Plaza • Lively French Country Bistro • Local And Visitor Must-Try
A quintessential Sonoma Plaza restaurant pairing rustic French-leaning dishes with a serious Rhône-focused wine list.
The garden patio and bustling dining room make this the spot many locals suggest first when friends ask where to eat in town. The menu leans into hearty, thoughtfully made classics—think duck confit, seasonal salads, and a standout charcuterie plate—without feeling fussy. It’s also one of the best places to explore Rhône varietals by the glass alongside your meal.
02
Best for plaza brunch
El Dorado Kitchen
Sonoma Plaza • Upscale California Bistro In A Hotel Setting • Best For Brunch On The Plaza
A bright, stylish dining room inside a boutique hotel known for polished California cuisine from breakfast through dinner.
Set on the corner of the plaza, El Dorado Kitchen draws both hotel guests and locals for its consistently well-executed California fare. Brunch and lunch are especially strong, with seasonal salads, wood-fired flatbreads, and a burger that’s a local favorite after a morning of tasting rooms. In the evening, the space shifts into an easygoing but refined dinner spot ideal for small groups.
03
Best for date night
Wit & Wisdom
Broadway Corridor • Modern Wine-Country Tavern • Wine-Country Special-Occasion Pick
A polished tavern from chef Michael Mina serving elevated comfort food, a deep wine list, and cocktails in a handsome setting.
Located a short drive down Broadway from the plaza, Wit & Wisdom feels tailor-made for date nights and celebratory dinners. The menu leans into wood-fired pizzas, shareable appetizers, and reworked comfort dishes that pair naturally with Sonoma bottles. Snag a table on the patio if the weather cooperates and settle in for a leisurely, wine-forward evening.
04
Best casual stop
El Molino Central
Boyes Hot Springs • Casual Mexican Counter-Service Restaurant • Essential Mexican Stop
A no-frills favorite for handmade tortillas, complex moles, and some of the most satisfying plates around Sonoma.
Just north of town in Boyes Hot Springs, El Molino Central is where many locals go when they want a quick, deeply flavorful meal rather than another long tasting-menu night. Standouts include the fish tacos, enchiladas, and any special built around the daily masa. Seating is simple and mostly outdoors, so it’s perfect for a relaxed lunch or early dinner between winery visits.
05
Best nearby detour
Glen Ellen Star
Glen Ellen Village • Cozy Wood-Fired Californian Restaurant • Destination Wood-Fired Spot
An intimate Glen Ellen restaurant beloved for its wood-fired vegetables, pizzas, and seasonal small plates.
A short scenic drive from Sonoma proper, Glen Ellen Star rewards anyone willing to leave the plaza for dinner. The compact menu spotlights produce cooked in the wood oven—roasted carrots and cauliflower are local favorites—alongside thin-crust pizzas and rich, shareable entrées. The room is small and warmly lit, so reservations are wise, especially on weekends.