Healdsburg is my all time favorite California wine country town. It sort of feels like Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow, but with like, way more wine and better places to eat.
I find myself up in Healdsburg and the Dry Creek area 3-4 times a year with my friends since we all love wine tasting up there. After sampling tons of spots, these are all the best Healdsburg restaurants to dine for dang tasty meals.
Best Healdsburg Restaurants, Bars & Cafes For A Tasty Wine Tasting Weekend
Some of these places are fine for walk-ins or don’t take reservations, but keep in mind that Healdsburg is a popular spot on the weekends. Most places along Healdsburg Ave will be all booked up on Friday or Saturday night if you don’t book ahead.
If you don’t have reservations, don’t fret! Plan to get to places a little early for happy hour. You’ll probably get a seat and better prices, too.
1. Parish Cafe Healdsburg
I will drive up from San Francisco to Sonoma County just for these beignets. After a weekend of wine tasting, everyone needs comfort food.
Healdsburg’s Parish Cafe, steeped in Cajun and Creole traditions, serves up the best New Orleans style food in the valley. They’re open for breakfast and lunch, though I recommend coming for brunchfor their shrimp & grits, or their eggs benedicts (though if you love po boys, they make a mean sandwich here, too!)
Don’t leave without trying their chicory coffee and legendary beignets, dusted with sugar and begging to be dipped in warm chocolate sauce. Whether you’re a brunch aficionado or seeking a taste of the bayou, the girls and I never miss a brunch here.
2. The Wurst Restaurant
If you’re visiting Healdsburg and looking for budget eats, you’ll love The Wurst. It’s one of the best restaurants in Healdsburg for lunch andfor a casual dining experience with honestly the best gourmet brats and hot dogs in all of California. I always love the brats from Wisconsin or one of their Polish sausages.
A lot of the restaurants Healdsburg has are more formal sit down places, but The Wurst is a spot you order at the counter and grab a table.It’s dog friendly, too!
3.The Matheson / Roof 106
Newish The Matheson / Roof 106 rooftop bar is honestly a breath of fresh air in the Healdsburg dining space. There are a few rooftop bars, but this one knocks it out of the park.
It has indoor-outdoor seating, and a fantastic happy hour. Grabbing a reservation for a dinner is going to be delicious. Chef Nate Davis & Chef Dustin Valette created a menu with things like grilled octopus nestled alongside fennel and Castelvetrano olives, the smoky char whispering tales of the open flame.
Or perhaps you’ll be captivated by the charred eggplant caponata, pulsing with vibrant flavors and sun-kissed vegetables.
But, personally, the girls and I love coming here for happy hour for cheaper drinks. We grab a table on the rooftop of Roof 106 that overlooks the square. They haveelevated co*cktailsat happy hour prices, a robust wine by the glass menu, tasty flatbreads and items like roasted squash that I honestly still dream about.
It’s my favorite of the new Healdsburg restaurants downtown.
4. MoltiAmici
New to the line up of Healdsburg CA restaurants is Italian spot Molti Amici. It honestly had big shoes to fill, as it took over the space beloved Campo Fino used to reside in (I made MANY good memories there) but they knocked it out of the park.
This restaurant merges California and Italian cuisine and loves to partner with local farmers to make sure everything is very seasonally fresh. You can also find housemade pastas here (I love the Raviolo al’ Uovo with truffles, dear lord I am drooling just thinking about it).
This place is very popular so plan on making reservations for a weekend visit.
5.Chalkboard
I don’t know about you, but a weekend of drinking wine always makes me want to carbload and Chalkboard is THE place to go for tasty pasta and tapas. They specializein creative small plates and housemade pasta – it’s all dang tasty butthe cocoa trifoglio with duck confit is one of my Roman Empire meals.
It’s one of the best restaurants in Healdsburg CA and has been around for a while so it can be hard to snag last minute reservations since locals love it so much.
6. Dry Greek General Store
If you’re visiting wineries out near the Russian River, I can’t say enough nice things about the Dry Creek General Store.
It’s a combo of a boutique grocery store, artisan shop and deli counter with some of the best dang sandwiches in Sonoma. There’s no dining room, but outside seating and you can also take your lunch to go if you’re in a rush for your next tasting.
The girls and I usually find ourselves at Ferrari-Carano or VML a lot, and the general store is nearby. I adore their Prosciutto Panini, but they always have a unique special of the day. Add in some lemonade and a bag of chips and it’s the perfect wine-tasting lunch.
7. SingleThread Farm Restaurant
It’s you’re feeling bougie, a splurge-worthy three Michelin Star experience is located right in the heart of Healdsburg at SingleThread. Kyle Connaughton, along with farmer and wife Katina Connaughton, have created 10 courses of incredible dishes highlighting fresh, local ingredients from the SingleThread farm.
I’ve never dined here but I did do a media visit/tour a few years ago and was blown away by the interior, the rigor and dedication the staff puts into food, and the rooftop garden. They also have some hotel rooms you can book out, if you want to spend a night in luxury after your meal.
8. Valette
If you want an elevated meal but SingleThread is out of your budget, head next door to Valette. I’ve eaten here a few times and always have a fantastic meal. You can expect to find menu items like Scallops en Croute Jack Herron’s Wild Fennel Pollen or Smoked Prime New York Steak, though the true foodie should opt for their “Chef Valette’s ‘Trust me’ Tasting menu” option.
With a 5 course minimum, this is where the chef will surprise you with items. Your waiter may ask you some questions to determine allergies, and what flavors you enjoy or want to try to nail the meal.
They have a very robust co*cktail and wine menu, but if you don’t drink, they also make some of the best mocktails I’ve had in all of California wine country. Again, the waiter will ask you what flavors you want (smokey, spicy, herbal) and surprise you.
9. Costeaux French Bakery
A cozy spot for a more easy going breakfast is Costeaux French Bakery. They offer bakery pick ups and coffee to go, but also tables for sit-down breakfast.
If you’re craving a fantastic omelet, quiche or french toast, this is the spot to go to. I remember loving their Monte Cristo, which hit the spot after a weekend of sipping wine. Costeaux also offers boxed lunches for picnics at wineries and coffee all day.
10. Goodnight’s Prime Steak + Spirits
I keep trying to check out the new(ish)Goodnight’s restaurant but they are always booked out, I can’t get a table! But I hear nothing but wonderful things about their steak menu.
They also have a very robust wine and bourbon selection, and the interior is moody and fun. If you ever get a table, drop a comment below and let me know how you loved it!
11. Spoonbar
Spoonbar is an approachable and delicious California cuisine spot inside h2hotel. Their burger with secret sauce and co*cktails are must-tries, though I usually head here for a happy hour co*cktail before dinner somewhere else.
12. Bravas Bar de Tapas
Bravas is another legacy restaurant in Healdsburg and it has a fantastic vibe and menu. I like to sit outside in their back patio on a nice day and enjoy a glass of sangria with Spanish small plates shared with the group.
If you want to do a walk-in happy hour with small bites, you can probably get a table here without a reservation. We usually come around 4-5pm to get some tapas in our bellies and have a glass of sangria before walking over to a later, formal dinner reservation.
13. Dukes
You can’t write an article about Healdsburg restaurant without mentioning Dukes. This bar is very industrial chic on the inside, and a little tam in the day but gets rowdy at night. If you’re looking for a night cap, or visiting Healdsburg with a large group hoping to meet some other new folks, this is the spot to go.
14. Diavola Restaurant
Runner up to this list is Diavola Restaurant, which is technically in Geyersville outside of Healdsburg but I just had to include it since I am still dreaming about the pizza we had here.
If you are spending the day wine tasting out in the Dry Creek, Jimtown area, this is THE best place to swing by for a lunch. Reservations usually aren’t needed. I suggest splitting a pizza, gnocchi and salad with the table.
More Healdsburg Restaurants To Try
I’m always trying to eat my way through the city! Here’s some other spots on my list to try:
- Dry Creek Kitchen: Refined California fare in an elegant setting. Known for their extensive wine list and impeccable service lead by Chef Charlie Palmer.
- Barndiva: Chef Ryan Fancher creates incredible dishes like pork belly, duck confit, and burrata. Beautiful patio with lights hanging from trees. Try the filet mignon burger or Croque madame.
- Journeyman: Upscale butcher shop, and snack bar – for a winery picnic?
- Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar: Fun spot for fresh seafood like ceviches, tartares, and seafood rolls. They have daily changing raw bar and crab cakes made with all crab meat.
- Baci Cafe & Wine Bar: Tucked away on West Street, this family-run spot boasts an intimate atmosphere and an Italian-inspired menu. Their handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas are divine, and the wine list is curated with Italian and local gems.
- Hazel Hill at the Montage Healdsburg: This restaurant at the Montage resort, one of the hotels outside the city downtown. champions locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Their tasting menus change with the seasons, offering a true farm-to-table experience. Splurge on the chef’s tasting menu for a culinary adventure.
- H2 Kitchen: Located within h2hotel, H2 Kitchen is your go-to for casual and comforting American fare. Their burgers, pizzas, and salads are perfect for a laid-back meal. Don’t miss their weekend brunch! PS if you love hotels, I stayed here with a friend a while back, it’s great.
I hope this helps you find some amazing places to eat in Healdsburg!! Napa always steals headline for dining, but Sonoma has some dang tasty spots, too.
I love traveling up here with the girlies for wine tasting weekends and tons of nights out eating… you’ll probably see me up there on your trip!
