01
Best all-day café
Putah Creek Cafe
Historic Main Street • Classic Small-Town Café And Grill • Weekend Brunch Favorite
A bustling Main Street staple known for hearty breakfasts, generous portions, and a friendly, no-fuss vibe.
Locals treat Putah Creek Cafe as a second living room, especially on weekend mornings when the griddle is going full tilt. Expect well-executed comfort food—think pancakes, omelets, burgers, and pies—served by a staff that remembers repeat visitors. It’s the place to fuel up before a day of wine tasting, cycling, or exploring Putah Creek nearby.
02
Classic steakhouse pick
Buckhorn Steakhouse
Downtown Winters • Old-School Steakhouse And Bar • Iconic Steakhouse Choice
A landmark Winters destination for big-flavor grilled meats, loaded sides, and a lively bar scene.
Buckhorn Steakhouse has the feel of a Western roadhouse polished just enough for a special night out. The menu leans heavily into tri-tip, ribs, and hand-cut steaks, backed by sturdy sides, salads, and a solid selection of beers and cocktails. It’s loud, convivial, and tailor-made for celebrations, hungry road-trippers, and anyone craving a serious plate of meat.
03
Best farm-to-table experience
Preserve
Main Street Corridor • Seasonal California Restaurant • Seasonal Tasting Standout
A refined but relaxed spot where Yolo County produce and thoughtfully sourced ingredients drive the menu.
Preserve gives Winters a quietly sophisticated dining room without losing the town’s laid-back feel. The kitchen plays up local farms with changing menus that might feature house-made charcuterie, inventive vegetable dishes, and carefully cooked meats and fish. It’s a strong pick for diners who care about where their food comes from and like to linger over a glass of wine.
04
Best hotel-adjacent choice
Carboni's Ristorante Bar & Marketplace
Railroad Avenue District • Modern Italian Restaurant And Bar • Best For Groups And Cocktails
A stylish Italian hub inside Hotel Winters, mixing wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and an upbeat bar program.
Carboni’s draws both hotel guests and locals with its flexible setup—bar seats, dining room tables, and a marketplace feel. The menu covers shareable starters, pizzas with blistered crusts, and comforting pastas, plus spritzes, Negronis, and a wine list suited to lingering. It’s an easy choice for groups, mixed tastes, or anyone wanting a one-stop spot for drinks and dinner.
05
Best small-plates hangout
Ficelle
Near Putah Creek Bridge • Tapas-Style Wine Bar • Relaxed Date-Night Pick
A cozy, European-leaning spot known for tapas-style plates, good wine, and a laid-back patio atmosphere.
Ficelle feels like a little detour to a Spanish wine bar, with a menu built around small plates meant for sharing. Guests mix and match skewers, crostini, and other bites while working through a glass or bottle from the concise wine list. Sit on the patio on a warm evening and it becomes one of the most charming ways to ease into a Winters night.