Foodie Itinerary

Santa Rosa is bursting with famed chefs, iconic foods, locally caught seafood from the Sonoma Coast, and year-round farmer's markets.

Published 4/4/2016

Request A Table Near The Farm

We are the epicenter of California's food and wine scene, and your plate will always be full and local.

Santa Rosa is a foodie paradise without the pretense – where fresh from the farm is standard fare. We are authentic and so is our vibrant food culture. We invented farm-to-table cuisine, and not because it was trendy, because it’s how we live.

Grown Local

Of Santa Rosa, Luther Burbank famously said, “I firmly believe, from what I have seen, that this is the chosen spot of all this earth as far as nature is concerned.” As a foodie, freshness and seasonality are key, and in Sonoma County, we have six year-round farmer's markets that attest to this fact, along with another 16 that celebrate our food culture. To find one, check out our Farmers Market page.

Say Cheese

Not only does Santa Rosa and Sonoma County have famous cheese, but we also have our very own cheese trail. The California Cheese Trail supports and promotes artisan cheesemakers and family farmers. This is where you can connect with our local cheesemakers, their tours, cheesemaking classes, and cheese events throughout Sonoma County. Check out The California Cheese Trail to design your own tour or pick one of the various regions, find a tasting, group classes or cheese event, cheesemaking supplies, and private classes.

Life on the Farm

Over four decades ago, a group of forward-thinking farmers blazed trails in Sonoma County, creating a guide for local agriculture, inviting the public to meet their farmers and learn more about the origins of their food. This was back in 1973, before the advent of Farmers’ Markets, CSAs, and campaigns to shop locally. Over the years, some of the farmer members have changed, but our “North Star” has remained the same: Farms Forever in Sonoma County!

Today, the Sonoma County Farm Trails publishes the annual Map and Guide, maintains a dynamic website, organizes seasonal farm tours, fund scholarships for aspiring and young farmers, hosts farm-to-table feasts, and produces the popular Gravenstein Apple Fair.

Sensory Overload: Wine and Food Pairings

Sonoma County has come to define food and wine pairings. From the simple cheese board featuring Sonoma County Cheeses to the multi-course wine dinners. Open Table has twice named the wine and food pairing at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards as one of Open Tables Best Restaurants. The Farm-to-Table Dinner Series at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens regularly sells out and if you can’t make dinner then try their food and wine pairing or delectable chocolate and wine pairing.

Pro-Tip Sign up for the Wild Mushroom Foray and demonstration lunch at Notre Vue Winery & Vineyards during peak mushroom season.

A Veritable Garden Party

Luther Burbank lived in Santa Rosa the majority of his life and is widely known for creating many new varieties of fruits and vegetables including, fruit trees, medicinal herbs, nuts, grains, walnuts, plums, prunes, and the Burbank potato. The Luther Burbank Home and Gardens is open daily.

Many of our wineries and restaurants also have their own fruit and vegetable gardens where they define farm to table. Take a tour of the Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Garden or walk through the gardens at Vintners Resort on your way to dinner at John Ash & Company, the birthplace of authentic California Cuisine.

Michelin, James Beard, The Food Network Awards, and Culinary Stars

From Bib Gourmand Mexican, Ramen, Pizza, or famous fried chicken to Michelin Three Stars restaurants like Single Thread, Sonoma County has it all.

We also have multiple James Beard nominees and award winners and from winning cookbook authors to chefs who have been nominated and invited to cook for the James Beard Foundation.

Still cannot decide what type of food you want? Check out hometown hero, and Food Network chef, Guy Fieri’s local recommendations from Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives or culinary creations from local Food Network chefs such as Duskie Estes or SingleThread's Kyle Connaughton.

From Morning Coffee to End of Day Dessert

Santa Rosa has more local coffee shops than just Peet’s and Starbucks. For our take on the coffee culture in Santa Rosa, check out our page dedicated to coffee and tea.

Of course, you can't start your day without a morning pastry. Costeaux On the Go is at the Sonoma County Airport so you can get started with your foodie trip as soon as you land or for something different try Tia Maria Panaderia. We also have award-winning bakeries that offer simple pleasures in life like sourdough, baguettes, brioche, or olive loaves.

And don't forget desserts like cupcakes, macarons, or ice cream from local Downtown Santa Rosa favorites like Sift Dessert Bar or Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar.

Things are Cooking in the Kitchen

Tired of preparing and eating the same old dishes? These days chances are you’ve still been spending more time in the kitchen. If you’re looking for ways to up your cooking game and get some meal-planning inspiration, a number of Sonoma County chefs have the perfect solution.

Santa Rosa has a renowned culinary arts program at Santa Rosa Junior College, but don't worry you can enjoy the results without enrolling. You can make reservations at our Santa Rosa Junior College Café & Bakery and enjoy the artistry of the students.

Of course, you can also take your own cooking class at locations like Relish Culinary Adventures or Ramekins. Additionally, many wineries offer classes throughout the year.

The Spicy Kind of Life

Our palates form like our identity, shaping around experiences from our childhood and throughout adulthood. Every flavor, taste, and texture set a precedent and molds our ever-evolving landscape of preferences and cravings.

But what if there were no such thing as vanilla ice cream, cinnamon buns, or gingerbread cookies? Imagine life without chili sauce, taco seasoning, or garlic bread. Most of us eat spices every day and they play an important role in our food. These miracles of nature bring together flavors that create amazing and diverse results.

If you are still trying to figure out Santa Rosa’s place as a foodie town (hint: it is), try taking some inspiration home with you. At the end of your trip, stop by Savory Spice Shop, Penzeys Spices in Montgomery Village, or pick up some South Paw Seasonings or Berkmans Spices at one of our incredible farmer's markets.