The Sisters' guidebook to the area
Food scene
Really top-quality Mexican food created by Karen Waikiki who is well known in NorCal food circles. People flock here from all over the valley. Great outdoor patio.
141 המלצות של מקומיים
El Molino Central
11 Central AveReally top-quality Mexican food created by Karen Waikiki who is well known in NorCal food circles. People flock here from all over the valley. Great outdoor patio.
Cafe La Haye
140 E Napa StOne of the top restaurants in Sonoma. Small and intimate.
the girl & the fig
110 W Spain StNice patio dining. One of our favorites. Make reservations!
Della Santina's
133 E Napa StItalian off the Plaza. We like the gnocchi here. :)
Sunflower Caffé
421 1st St WExcellent breakfast and outdoor dining right on the Plaza.
We love this place! Great coffee. Small cafe menu for breakfast and lunch, but very high quality. The sweets are fantastic too!
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Baker & Cook
18812 CA-12We love this place! Great coffee. Small cafe menu for breakfast and lunch, but very high quality. The sweets are fantastic too!
On the Square. Great coffee. Very good food. There is a beautiful, cool speakeasy upstairs that isn't operating currently but will open hopefully some time in the future. Their takeout menus for breakfast lunch and dinner are great. There are tables outside to sit but no heaters.
12 המלצות של מקומיים
Taub Family Outpost
497 1st St WOn the Square. Great coffee. Very good food. There is a beautiful, cool speakeasy upstairs that isn't operating currently but will open hopefully some time in the future. Their takeout menus for breakfast lunch and dinner are great. There are tables outside to sit but no heaters.
So close to the house! Great ice cream, paletas (popsicles) smoothies, acai bowls, etc.
7 המלצות של מקומיים
Cielito Coffee and Ice Cream
205 Nino Marco SqSo close to the house! Great ice cream, paletas (popsicles) smoothies, acai bowls, etc.
Italian. Odd location in the Sonoma Market shopping center but good pasta.
9 המלצות של מקומיים
Mamma Tanino's
500 W Napa StItalian. Odd location in the Sonoma Market shopping center but good pasta.
El Molino Central doesn't have burritos but this El Molino alum does. We love their burritos and tamales. They also have very yummy cocktail mixes to take home.
Sonoma Eats restaurant
18133 Sonoma HwyEl Molino Central doesn't have burritos but this El Molino alum does. We love their burritos and tamales. They also have very yummy cocktail mixes to take home.
Get margaritas here. Our favorite is the "Organic Margarita". They use fresh lime juice. They also have an outdoor patio. Located across the street from El Molino. Grab a marg here and eat at El Mo. Food here is just ok. We go for margs and appetisers. They have a big giant TV outside so if you want to watch a game and sip margs, this is the spot.
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Taqueria La Hacienda
17960 Sonoma HwyGet margaritas here. Our favorite is the "Organic Margarita". They use fresh lime juice. They also have an outdoor patio. Located across the street from El Molino. Grab a marg here and eat at El Mo. Food here is just ok. We go for margs and appetisers. They have a big giant TV outside so if you want to watch a game and sip margs, this is the spot.
In Kenwood. We heard they have fantastic Naples-style (thin crust) pizza in the afternoons. We can't wait to go there to have pizza. Have no idea how their wine is! Check their website for the hours of the “Red Rooster Pizza” truck. Website as of Spring 2021 says hours are 10am to 4pm.
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VJB Cellars
60 Shaw AveIn Kenwood. We heard they have fantastic Naples-style (thin crust) pizza in the afternoons. We can't wait to go there to have pizza. Have no idea how their wine is! Check their website for the hours of the “Red Rooster Pizza” truck. Website as of Spring 2021 says hours are 10am to 4pm.
Been meaning to go to this random place. Donuts and coffee--yum! Apparently someone is going to be selling Naples-style pizza there. Call first to confirm. Outdoor space.
Harvey's Gourmet Donuts
19030 Railroad AveBeen meaning to go to this random place. Donuts and coffee--yum! Apparently someone is going to be selling Naples-style pizza there. Call first to confirm. Outdoor space.
There is a restaurant here if you want a swanky, sexy resort experience. Lots of great wineries out there in Carneros, too. Make a day of it.
7 המלצות של מקומיים
Carneros Resort and Spa
4048 Sonoma HwyThere is a restaurant here if you want a swanky, sexy resort experience. Lots of great wineries out there in Carneros, too. Make a day of it.
Tip: you can pay to sit at the pool and use their steam room and jacuzzis. Call their Willow Stream Spa to inquire about their "good neighbor" day pass. $69 for locals. Or day pass is free with a $179 service. Carla had a great massage there once with Denise C. Start the day early and go to the yoga or water yoga class, included in the day pass.
48 המלצות של מקומיים
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
100 Boyes BlvdTip: you can pay to sit at the pool and use their steam room and jacuzzis. Call their Willow Stream Spa to inquire about their "good neighbor" day pass. $69 for locals. Or day pass is free with a $179 service. Carla had a great massage there once with Denise C. Start the day early and go to the yoga or water yoga class, included in the day pass.
Cochon Volant BBQ Smokehouse
18350 Sonoma HwyAmazing brisket
On the Plaza. Good indian. Go down the alleyway and it's across from the Irish pub in the courtyard. Yeti is supposed to be good for Indian too, but we haven't been there yet.
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Taste of the Himalayas
464 1st St EOn the Plaza. Good indian. Go down the alleyway and it's across from the Irish pub in the courtyard. Yeti is supposed to be good for Indian too, but we haven't been there yet.
Now called Salt & Stone. Just up the 12 in Kenwood. Very popular. Make reservations!
60 המלצות של מקומיים
The Kenwood Restaurant & Bar
9900 Sonoma HwyNow called Salt & Stone. Just up the 12 in Kenwood. Very popular. Make reservations!
Whole Foods Market
201 W Napa StOur go-to for organic food. 4-5 blocks from the square.
Artisanal salumi and Italian products. Daily focaccia, panini, insalate, dolce and roasted meats. Take home a charcuterie board and bottle of wine and have a sunset nosh on the Due Sorrelle deck. Run by an Italian Michelin starred chef. If you're into truffles, ask for them. The owners brother sends them direct from Italy. Try the focaccia! Across from Whole Foods.
Salumeria Ovello
248 W Napa StArtisanal salumi and Italian products. Daily focaccia, panini, insalate, dolce and roasted meats. Take home a charcuterie board and bottle of wine and have a sunset nosh on the Due Sorrelle deck. Run by an Italian Michelin starred chef. If you're into truffles, ask for them. The owners brother sends them direct from Italy. Try the focaccia! Across from Whole Foods.
Homegrown Bagels
201 W Napa StNew Yorkers love these. Not bready; they're boiled!
Les Pascals Patisserie et Boulangerie
13758 Arnold DrYummy quiche in Glen Ellen!
Friday mornings, at the ball park parking lot behind Depot Park.
12 המלצות של מקומיים
Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market
018 131-025Friday mornings, at the ball park parking lot behind Depot Park.
Cute modern farm stand stop along Hwy 12 - produce, food items, coffee. Flora Coffee is there too.
Flatbed Farm
13450 CA-12Cute modern farm stand stop along Hwy 12 - produce, food items, coffee. Flora Coffee is there too.
Portuguese menu. People like this place quite a bit although we have not eaten here in a long time ourselves. Cute outdoor dining area.
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LaSalette
452 1st St EPortuguese menu. People like this place quite a bit although we have not eaten here in a long time ourselves. Cute outdoor dining area.
Small portuguese tapas in a casual environment, right off the square. Fun, not exceptional cuisine, but fun. If you can't eat there, then I would skip.
17 המלצות של מקומיים
Tasca Tasca - Portuguese Tapas and Wine Bar
122 W Napa StSmall portuguese tapas in a casual environment, right off the square. Fun, not exceptional cuisine, but fun. If you can't eat there, then I would skip.
This is no longer just a food truck, but rather an upscale yet casual eatery with friendly service.
40 המלצות של מקומיים
TIPS Roadside
8445 Sonoma HwyThis is no longer just a food truck, but rather an upscale yet casual eatery with friendly service.
Flora Coffee
13450 Sonoma HwyInside Flatbed Farm stand. Fun little trip up the 12.
Cutting-edge natural wine restaurant. When you’re tired of jammy, overblown CA fruit bombs. Very unique point of view. Winemakers love to go there. Food menu looks delicious.
30 המלצות של מקומיים
Valley
487 1st St WCutting-edge natural wine restaurant. When you’re tired of jammy, overblown CA fruit bombs. Very unique point of view. Winemakers love to go there. Food menu looks delicious.
Sightseeing
If you are a plant lover, you will not be disappointed. Gorgeous. 25 acres of 20,000 wild origin plants from China. Read the story. It's quite unique. If you go, check out the pond and the Tibetan prayer flags. Bring a picnic. Call first, we're not sure what their Covid program is.
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Quarryhill Botanical Garden
12841 Sonoma HwyIf you are a plant lover, you will not be disappointed. Gorgeous. 25 acres of 20,000 wild origin plants from China. Read the story. It's quite unique. If you go, check out the pond and the Tibetan prayer flags. Bring a picnic. Call first, we're not sure what their Covid program is.
Many entrances. Look at a map. Beautiful reservoir hike with views. If you're craving a body of water, check this out. Can't swim there, though.
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Sonoma Valley Regional Park
13630 Sonoma HwyMany entrances. Look at a map. Beautiful reservoir hike with views. If you're craving a body of water, check this out. Can't swim there, though.
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
2605 Adobe Canyon RdGreat hiking. Great views.
Fantastic, picturesque park with lots of hiking trails. We love the Jack London museum there but we think it's closed for Covid. It's open for hiking. Entrance fee.
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פארק היסטורי של מדינת ג'ק לונדון
2400 London Ranch RdFantastic, picturesque park with lots of hiking trails. We love the Jack London museum there but we think it's closed for Covid. It's open for hiking. Entrance fee.
Cool shops, boutique wineries, and world class architectural garden installations. They also have docent-led private tours. See their web site.
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Cornerstone Sonoma
23570 Arnold DrCool shops, boutique wineries, and world class architectural garden installations. They also have docent-led private tours. See their web site.
Winery and ART! They have an outdoor sculpture tour. You can buy an "experience" with food and wine pairings in the garden followed by an ATV tour of the sculptures. Haven't been yet, but it's on our list.
9 המלצות של מקומיים
The Donum Estate
24500 Ramal RdWinery and ART! They have an outdoor sculpture tour. You can buy an "experience" with food and wine pairings in the garden followed by an ATV tour of the sculptures. Haven't been yet, but it's on our list.
Carla went there once, and it was fantastic. The last time she went, the exhibit was terribly curated IHO. However, there are environmental sculptures all over. 200 acres of gorgeous landscape. Check the website before you go.
54 המלצות של מקומיים
di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art
5200 Sonoma HwyCarla went there once, and it was fantastic. The last time she went, the exhibit was terribly curated IHO. However, there are environmental sculptures all over. 200 acres of gorgeous landscape. Check the website before you go.
Beautiful short hike (2.5 miles) at Bartholomew Winery. Make sure you walk the grounds of the historically significant Buena Vista Winery, right next door. Buena Vista's site and architecture will make you feel like you're in France.
Bartholomew Park
1695 Castle RdBeautiful short hike (2.5 miles) at Bartholomew Winery. Make sure you walk the grounds of the historically significant Buena Vista Winery, right next door. Buena Vista's site and architecture will make you feel like you're in France.
Activities
Swim membership. Close to the house! They often give 50% off in initiation fees. Inquire with management.
Sonoma Aquatic Club
17350 Vailetti DrWant to get some swims in? Try this place close to the house.
Inquire about a “good neighbor” day pass to spa and pool. For other resorts in the area offering day passes check out resortpass.com
48 המלצות של מקומיים
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
100 Boyes BlvdInquire about a “good neighbor” day pass to spa and pool. For other resorts in the area offering day passes check out resortpass.com
Wineries
Amazing grower. Very distinctive winery -- biodynamic and organic and sustainable farming methods. Respect!
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Benziger Family Winery
1883 London Ranch RdAmazing grower. Very distinctive winery -- biodynamic and organic and sustainable farming methods. Respect!
Intimate tasting experience and historic space down at the Square. By reservation
20 המלצות של מקומיים
Three Sticks Wines
143 W Spain StIntimate tasting experience and historic space down at the Square. By reservation
There are a ton of wineries, we're not going to list a ton of them here. This one is cool because it's the oldest in the area. The grounds are beautiful. Book a tasting -- It's like you flew to France for an afternoon. Great outdoor tasting area. While you're there, hike Bartholomew Park next door. Barthomolew also has a winery. You can access the park through an entrance close to the Buena Vista Parking lot.
69 המלצות של מקומיים
Buena Vista Winery
18000 Old Winery RdThere are a ton of wineries, we're not going to list a ton of them here. This one is cool because it's the oldest in the area. The grounds are beautiful. Book a tasting -- It's like you flew to France for an afternoon. Great outdoor tasting area. While you're there, hike Bartholomew Park next door. Barthomolew also has a winery. You can access the park through an entrance close to the Buena Vista Parking lot.
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
23555 Arnold DrChampagne & views. How can you go wrong?
Shopping
JAK W
124 W Napa StBeautiful, sophisticated, curated collection of house stuff. Just off the square.
Thrift store within walking distance. If you need something in a pinch and cheap, they might have it. Housewares, clothing, etc.
Republic of Thrift
17496 CA-12Thrift store within walking distance. If you need something in a pinch and cheap, they might have it. Housewares, clothing, etc.
The Loop
461 1st St WGreat, hip clothes and accessories.