9 Best Restaurants in Healdsburg

Restaurants
by HANA-LEE SEDGWICK
on OCTOBER 17, 2022

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Want to eat like a foodie king while in Sonoma County? Then look no further than Healdsburg. Healdsburg’s lively downtown is home to a plethora of destination-worthy restaurants from celebrated chefs and noteworthy up-and-comers, making this small but happening town the epicenter of Sonoma County’s dining scene. And, since most of the top restaurants are located within a three-block radius, staying in downtown Healdsburg means you’ll be just steps away from many of Sonoma’s best restaurants.

1

Restaurants / Healdsburg

SingleThread Restaurant

Few restaurants in Wine Country have opened to such high acclaim in recent years than that of SingleThread, which is owned and operated by Kyle Connaughton (Head Chef) and his wife, Katina (Head Farmer). The Three Michelin-starred restaurant delivers thoughtfully composed, expertly executed dishes that blend the flavors of Sonoma County and Japan, resulting in an unexpected, yet memorable culinary experience. Throughout the eleven-course tasting menu, expect dishes to highlight herbs, produce, and other ingredients grown locally – much of which comes from the SingleThread farm just a few miles away – served alongside regional and international wines as well as sake from the curated beverage list.

Insider Tip

For more of SingleThread’s tasteful offerings, plan to stay at the SingleThread Inn, where five contemporary guest rooms include high-end amenities, Wi-Fi, and a multi-course breakfast for two. Even more, dinner in the restaurant is guaranteed for guests staying at the inn. It’s a win-win.

Image courtesy of SingleThread

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2

Restaurants / Healdsburg

Barndiva

Barndiva wants diners to “Eat the View,” which is just what you'll do at this seasonally-focused, farm-to-table restaurant just off the Healdsburg Plaza. For 20 years, Barndiva has focused on exquisitely prepared food highlighting the bounty of Sonoma County, which you can enjoy either al fresco under the tree- and wisteria-covered outdoor space, or inside the inviting, rustic-minimalist interior of the barn-like building. While the food is a delight for the senses, don’t miss trying a bevvy or two, as the restaurant is known for its bar program. Opt for a garden-inspired artisanal cocktail or a bottle of wine from the acclaimed wine list – you won’t be disappointed.

Insider Tip

Barndiva’s menu is a beautiful celebration of the flavors of Sonoma County, and you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu; however, we suggest starting your meal with the Goat Cheese Croquettes, made with Laura Chenel’s goat cheese, tomato jam, and lavender honey. Need we say more?

Image courtesy of Barndiva

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3

Restaurants / Healdsburg

Valette

Valette is owned by Chef Dustin Valette and his brother, Aaron Garzini, who had dreamed of one day opening a restaurant together in their hometown of Healdsburg. Since establishing Valette in 2015, the brothers have garnered stellar reviews for their top-notch hospitality and simple yet delicious food, crafted around quality, local ingredients. For a comprehensive taste of Valette, try the Five-Course Tasting Menu – best enjoyed with a small-production wine from the thoughtfully curated wine list.

Insider Tip

Valette is dedicated to showcasing the best ingredients from local farms and purveyors, so it’s not surprising that the wine list is centered around California producers – Sonoma County in particular. While the list is ever evolving, you can always find some of Valette’s own wine on the menu, from their Russian River Valley Chardonnay to their Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

Image courtesy of Valette

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4

Things To Do /

Little Saint

Little Saint is one of Healdsburg’s newest culinary ventures, founded by Laurie and Jeff Ubben in collaboration with the team behind SingleThread. Like many other restaurants in the region, the menu emphasizes locally-grown ingredients – most of which grows on the five-acre Little Saint Farm and nearby SingleThread Farm – but what separates Little Saint from the rest is that it’s 100% dedicated to plant-based foods. Inspired by California-Mediterranean cuisines, the menu features vegetable-forward dishes from the larder, the fields, and the wood oven, each designed to be shared communally with the table. There’s also a creative beverage program highlighting alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that fall in line with the restaurant’s locally-minded, farm-driven ethos.

Insider Tip

Little Saint is designed to be a gathering place for the community, where “food, music, art, and conversations are good for the soul,” so don’t feel limited to just joining for dinner service. This culinary hub has a lot going on, from Sunday Brunch and live music every Thursday, to regular events and winemaker tastings. There’s even a wine shop, coffee bar, and cafe offering baked goods and other provisions, open daily.

Image courtesy of Little Saint

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5

Restaurants / Healdsburg

The Matheson

The newest venture from Chef Dustin Valette is The Matheson, an uber-hip culinary destination in downtown Healdsburg inspired by the beauty and bounty of Sonoma County. Here, you’ll find not one but two dining establishments, a stunning downstairs bar featuring modern cocktails and an extensive sake list, and an impressive wine wall system dispensing 88 wines by the glass. Led by Chef Matt Brimer, the Main Dining Room at The Matheson features a modern Wine Country-inspired menu, designed to pay homage to Healdsburg’s micro-seasonal ingredients, while upstairs, the convivial Roof 106 – an open-air restaurant and cocktail bar – offers artisanal cocktails, wood-fired small plates, and views of downtown Healdsburg.

Insider Tip

For an elevated dining experience, you can’t go wrong with the Chef’s Tasting Menu (available in the Main Dining Room), but when you’re looking for a more casual evening, the buzzy rooftop bar is the place to be. Snag a spot beside a fire pit before the sun goes down, then order some Modern Margaritas and bites (the ‘Best of Chef’ features a few of Chef’s favorites) to maximize your experience.

Image courtesy of The Matheson | Deb Wilson

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6

Restaurants / Healdsburg

Chalkboard

Located inside Hotel Les Mars just off the square, Chalkboard is a casual yet stylish restaurant known for its creative small plates and friendly service. Here, Chef Justin Davis crafts his menu based on what’s freshest and in season, looking to the restaurant’s own organic garden (at Chalk Hill Winery) for inspiration. The open kitchen, 20-seat bar, and long communal table only add to the appeal of this lively, laid-back dining destination.

Insider Tip

The Pork Belly Biscuits remain the locals' favorite, but be sure to save room for dessert. Brioche Bread Pudding with salted caramel or Profiteroles with mocha chocolate sauce are a deliciously sweet way to end a meal.

Image courtesy of Chalkboard

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7

Restaurants / Healdsburg

Dry Creek Kitchen

Renowned Chef Charlie Palmer opened Dry Creek Kitchen in 2001, drawn to the bounty of incredible ingredients that Sonoma offers. Since then, this elegant restaurant, located inside the Hotel Healdsburg, has remained a top restaurant in the region, beckoning locals and tourists with its multi-course menus of Sonoma-inspired “Progressive American” fare, world-class wines, and impeccable service. Vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling doors which open onto a trellised terrace only add to the inviting ambiance of this quintessential Wine Country restaurant.

Insider Tip

With over 600 wines to choose from, there’s something for every palate on the wine list. But if that number seems more overwhelming than exciting, Dry Creek Kitchen offers a more approachable by-the-glass list, including 20 local Sonoma County wines. That way, you don’t have to commit to drinking a whole bottle from just one producer.

Image courtesy of Dry Creek Kitchen

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8

Restaurants / Healdsburg

Bravas Bar de Tapas

Named one of the top tapas restaurants in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure, Bravas has captured the hearts of Sonoma diners for years, thanks to its menu of traditional Spanish and modern tapas and large plates. From tins of fish to Jamón Ibérico, Bocadillos (little sandwiches) to Paella, the extensive menu is made for groups who want to try a little bit of everything. There’s also a large selection of wines, sangrias, and gin and tonics to choose from.

Insider Tip

Bravas offers both indoor and outdoor dining, and while we love the bright, cozy interior of the restaurant, their outside area is the place to be for taking advantage of those warm Healdsburg nights.

Image courtesy of Stark Reality Restaurants

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9

Things To Do /

Journeyman Meat Co.

Journeyman Meat Co. is the realized dream of Pete Seghesio, of Seghesio Family Vineyards, who traveled to Italy to study the art of whole animal butchery from such world-famous butchers such as Dario Cecchini. Today, this charming butcher shop, cafe, and gourmet retail store is the go-to place for handmade salumi and sausages, as well as wood-fired pizzas, wine, and gourmet goodies to go.

Insider Tip

The menu changes weekly, as the seasonality of Sonoma County’s herbs and vegetables determine the way they cure and season their meats, but the sandwich of the day and the salumi board never disappoint.

Image courtesy of Facebook: Journeyman Meat Co.

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