Since 2012, Glen Ellen Star has stood out among other restaurants in Sonoma Valley, and for good reason. Here, local and seasonal California-inspired fare gets cooked over a wood fire by Chef Ari Weiswasser and team, which imparts rustic flavors into the food. While the wood-fired pizzas are a staple, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, from fire-roasted brussel sprouts with brown sugar bacon marmalade to wood-roasted whole fish with shaved fennel and romesco. Pair your dinner with a bottle of locally-made wine and you’ll have the makings of a delicious evening.

Image courtesy of Facebook: Glen Ellen Star

Infusing a French sensibility into quaint Glen Ellen, The Fig Café and Wine Bar is a regular spot for locals and tourists looking to savor dishes that meld fresh, local ingredients with satisfying, French-inspired flavors. Owned by the same people behind Sonoma’s popular girl & the fig restaurant, on the menu here are salads and pizzas that highlight seasonal vegetables and local cheeses, as well as heartier entrees that offer a gourmet take on comfort food — think pot roast with braised greens and horseradish potatoes and classic steak frites with blue cheese butter. Just be sure to save room for one of Fig Café’s delicious desserts when ordering, like their sinful chocolate budino or in-season strawberry rhubarb tart.

Image courtesy of Facebook: Fig Café & Wine Bar

When you’re in the mood for something other than French or California fare, Yeti Restaurant is your place. Bringing a taste of South Asia to the Sonoma region, Yeti specializes in Nepalese-Indian cuisine, but with a focus on Northern California’s bountiful produce, meat, and seafood. From deep-fried samosas to smoky lamb tandoori to richly layered seafood curries, each of Yeti’s dishes delivers bold flavors that will leave you longing for another bite. Of course, pairing wine with the spices of India can be challenging, but the servers at Yeti Restaurant are very knowledgeable and can recommend the best local wines to match your meal.

Image courtesy of Facebook: Yeti Restaurant

Owned by Lyon, France transplants Chef Pascal and his wife, Pascale, this bright and airy café in the heart of Glen Ellen offers an authentic taste of France, where locals and tourists gather for the selection of French baguettes, macarons, fruit tarts, and desserts like Gateau Royale. Stop by for an espresso and a pastry (and be prepared to be transported to France with each bite), but be sure to take some goodies to-go to nibble on later. They also have a small selection of French-style sandwiches, quiches, and soups, when you’re in the mood for something savory.

Image courtesy of Facebook: Les Pascals

Situated in the historic Jack London Village next to Sonoma Creek, the family-owned The Mill takes its name after the grist mill that still spins on-site. Offering a casual, yet inviting atmosphere and plenty of outdoor seating, The Mill is known for its tasty and elevated take on American fare — always with an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients. Appetizers range from sweet chili chicken wings to vegetarian potato sliders with tomato chutney, while entrees like edamame hummus, poached salmon with bok choy, and ricotta-stuffed chicken breast highlight the best of the garden, sea, and pasture.

Image courtesy of Facebook: The Mill at Glen Ellen

Though technically not in Glen Ellen, Salt & Stone is located just five miles away in nearby Kenwood. Known for its great outdoor dining setting and Sonoma-style American fare, Salt & Stone has become Kenwood’s official “gathering place.” On the menu you’ll find an incredible selection of raw and cooked oysters, charcuterie and cheese plates, seafood, and steaks, as well as some of Sonoma’s best weekday happy hour deals and a great brunch menu. With such a variety of dishes, even the pickiest eaters are sure to find something they’ll love.

Image courtesy of Facebook: Salt & Stone Kenwood