4 Best Restaurants in Santa Rosa, CA

4 Best Restaurants in Santa Rosa, CA

  • Randy Waller
  • 02/29/24

In the heart of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa, California, isn't just a picturesque wine country destination — it's also a culinary hotspot that beckons food enthusiasts from near and far. With its fertile valleys, temperate climate, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, beautiful Santa Rosa boasts an abundance of locally sourced ingredients that serve as the foundation for its thriving restaurant scene.

From quaint bistros and cozy cafes to upscale fine dining establishments, Santa Rosa offers a diverse array of culinary experiences that showcase the region's rich flavors, innovative techniques, and unwavering commitment to quality. This comprehensive guide will take you on a culinary journey through the best restaurants in Santa Rosa, highlighting their unique flavors and discovering why they stand out as must-visit destinations.

Stark's Steak & Seafood

521 Adams St, Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Indulge in a carnivorous feast at Stark's Steak & Seafood, a beloved and modern institution in Santa Rosa's culinary landscape. Renowned for its mouthwatering selection of prime, dry-aged steaks and chops in an upscale setting, Stark's delivers an exceptional dining experience that is both elegant and satisfying. From the sizzle of the signature New York Strip to the delectable Wagyu ribeye and filet mignon, each cut of meat is expertly prepared and served with a side of classic steakhouse sides and sauces.

Beyond the beef, Stark's also offers a tempting array of seafood, salads, and decadent desserts, along with an extensive wine list and full bar, ensuring there's something for every palate to enjoy. With its sophisticated ambiance, impeccable service, and unparalleled quality, Stark's Steak & Seafood sets the standard for steakhouse dining in Santa Rosa.

Bird & The Bottle

1055 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Experience a culinary adventure at Bird & The Bottle, where globally inspired small plates and creative cocktails take center stage. Helmed by acclaimed chef Mark Stark, this lively eatery combines bold flavors, innovative techniques, and a playful sense of whimsy to create a dining experience that is both memorable and delicious. Start your meal with the smoked chicken wings, little gem salad, or the “everything spiced” fries before moving on to small plates like the oysters on the half shell or the wood-grilled Gulf prawns. Complete your meal with one of the restaurant's inventive cocktails, featuring house-infused spirits and artisanal ingredients, for a truly unforgettable dining experience. With its vibrant atmosphere, friendly service, and adventurous menu, Bird & The Bottle is a must-visit destination for restaurant enthusiasts in Santa Rosa.

La Gare French Restaurant

208 Wilson St, Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Transport yourself to the streets of Paris at La Gare French Restaurant, a charming bistro serving classic French cuisine with a California twist. Housed in a historic train station, La Gare exudes old-world charm and elegance with its cozy dining rooms, white tablecloths, and flickering candlelight. Feast on traditional French dishes like Coq au Vin, broiled chicken, and herb-crusted veal, expertly prepared using locally sourced ingredients and time-honored techniques. Complement your meal with a bottle of fine wine from the restaurant's extensive wine list, featuring a curated selection of French and Californian varietals. Plus, don’t miss prime rib specials every Wednesday. With its romantic ambiance, attentive service, and exquisite cuisine, La Gare French Restaurant offers a taste of culinary bliss in the heart of Santa Rosa.

La Rosa | Tequileria & Grille

500 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Mexico at La Rosa | Tequileria & Grille, where traditional Mexican cuisine meets modern innovation in a lively and warm atmosphere. La Rosa showcases the very best of regional Mexican flavors, using locally sourced ingredients and made-from-scratch, authentic recipes to create dishes that are both comforting and inventive. Start your meal with the restaurant's signature Chile wings, shredded chicken taquitos, or jalapeno poppers before moving on to entrees like the flavorful shrimp tacos, carne asada burrito, or tender chicken enchiladas. Try one of La Rosa's expertly crafted cocktails, featuring an extensive selection of premium tequilas and mezcals, or explore the restaurant's curated wine list showcasing the best of California's vineyards. With its warm hospitality, lively ambiance, and bold flavors, La Rosa offers a dining experience that is both memorable and delicious.

Whether you're craving a perfectly cooked steak, adventurous small plates, classic French cuisine, or innovative fine dining fare, Santa Rosa has something to delight every palate. If you’re intrigued by all that life in Santa Rosa has to offer, team up with Randy Waller at W Real Estate today to begin your home search. As the top real estate agent in Sonoma and Napa Counties, Randy is well-positioned to help you achieve all your goals and more. Reach out today to get started!



Randy Waller

Randy Waller

Broker | Owner

About The Author

Randy Waller is the Broker/Owner of W Real Estate in Santa Rosa, CA. Since founding the company in 2007, he has grown W Real Estate to be the largest locally founded and independently owned real estate brokerage in the North Bay. W currently has 11 offices spanning from San Francisco to Mendocino County with 250+ experienced agents and marketing support staff. Randy has been the #1 agent in Sonoma and Napa Counties for the past 5 years in both volume and transactions. He sold over $384 MM worth of real estate in the last two years alone. RealTrends ranked him the #1 agent in the State of California based on his 2019 completed transactions. He is also a North Bay Business Journal "Top 40 under 40" award winner and maintains a list price vs sale price ratio of 100.4%.
 
Randy’s ties to the Sonoma County housing market date back over 75 years. His father founded the local construction company, Shook & Waller, where Randy was the Director of Land Acquisition. This background in residential construction was a driving force behind the creation of W Marketing, W Real Estate’s New Development Division. W Marketing is a prominent force in new construction sales, with thousands of new homes marketed and sold while serving over twenty builder clients throughout the Bay Area.
 
His entire life he has been accumulating the knowledge he has today of the home building and selling process. This lifetime of experience and expertise allows him to provide unparalleled service to his clients, as he knows the area and its unique market conditions unlike anyone else.

Work With Randy

Get assistance in determining the current property value, crafting a competitive offer, writing and negotiating a contract, and much more. Contact me today to find out how I can be of assistance to you!

Listings by Area

Follow Me on Instagram