There’s a lot of buzz around Healdsburg, California. Not only are some of Sonoma County’s rising star winemakers located here, but Healdsburg restaurants are considered some of the best in California wine country.
Whereas Napa is filled with showy luxury, Healdsburg is more low key. In other words, it’s a “if you know, you know” sort of destination. And that’s just fine with those who are in the know.
What’s in store when you visit this Sonoma County town? From a three Michelin star restaurant, to seasonal creative eats on a rooftop, and one of California’s most popular sushi spots, the dining scene in Healdsburg has it all.
If you’re looking for some fun wine captions for Instagram or winery outfits ideas for your visit, stop by these blog posts!
The Madrona Manor Healdsburg
Stepping into The Madrona restaurant is like stepping into a fairytale. Your first visit to wine country is filled with so many expectations, and this is the type of restaurant that is ready to deliver.
Picture this: dining in a historic mansion surrounded by stunning vineyards. An old-school, wrap around patio. Beautiful art hanging on the jewelbox colored walls. This Healdsburg restaurant transports you to another era with its elegant decor and magazine-worthy interior.
Beyond the fairytale setting, The Madrona’s menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients, expertly crafted cocktails, and an impressive wine list. Whether you’re indulging in a romantic dinner or enjoying a leisurely brunch on the Palm Terrace, The Madrona promises an unforgettable culinary experience.
Pro Tip 1: The Madrona is one of the most romantic restaurants in Healdsburg. Wear your favorite wine country dress, put on your heels, make your partner throw on his dinner jacket – he won’t be overdressed, and enjoy a magical evening.
Pro Tip 2: A pre-dinner cocktail or glass of wine on the patio overlooking the vineyards will set the tone for a night to remember.
Location
1001 Westside Rd
Healdsburg, CA 95448
The Matheson
Both locals and out-of-towners flock to Chef Dustin Valette’s Matheson. This Healdsburg restaurant, known for its modern farm-to-table cuisine, is located right on the Square, and it’s one of the most popular spots in town. Refined decor, sky-high ceilings, and great service await when you dine at The Matheson.
What’s great about this restaurant is that it’s two restaurants in one place. Casual diners – and locals – are known to eat at the bar. If you want a more formal dinner, reserve a table in the dining room. The same amazing menu is available no matter which side you dine on.
Must order items include: Halibut Crudo with stone fruit, pistachios, and fennel pollen and the Wagyu with estero gold, black trumpet, “frites”.
Pro Tip 1: Happy hour is available every day from 4PM to 6PM. A charcuterie board, pizzetta, or duck confit empanadas are yummy pre-dinner snacks.
Pro Tip 2: Healdsburg is full of unique dining experiences, and one of those is the Wine Wall at The Matheson. Stop in before your reservation and sample local wines. The great thing about the Wine Wall, which has over 100 wines by the glass, is you have the option for a splash (AKA you can try a few different wines), or a full glass!
Location
106 Matheson St
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Roof 106 at the Matheson
The aptly named Roof 106 is the best rooftop restaurant and bar in Healdsburg, and the energy here is infectious. Not only is the rooftop shaded – a big plus during those warm summer months, but their craft cocktail program has everything from Tiki drinks to margaritas, and everything in between. The bartenders here have also curated some delicious non-alcoholic drinks, too.
While the restaurant is housed within The Matheson, the menu is completely different. This menu is light, vibrant and features dishes like:
- Roasted Carrots & Shisitos with white bean puree, marcona almond crunch, and dill
- Fried Sweet Corn with morita chile, and salt crema
- Spicy Pork Belly Bites served with grilled peach, candied cashews, raspberry gastrique, and pickled chile
Pro Tip 1: Soak up that California weather no matter the season. Roof 106’s outdoor dining is offered year-round, and is considered one of the best lunch restaurants in Healdsburg, too.
Pro Tip 2: Sunday brunch in Healdsburg doesn’t get better than the brunch at Roof 106. Mouth watering pastries from Quail & Condor (Healdsburg’s go-to bakery), house-made scones, steak n’ eggs, and so much more.
Location
Upstairs at:
106 Matheson St
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Sushi by Scratch
This might be a controversial opinion, but Sushi by Scratch is my favorite Healdsburg restaurant, and with SingleThread just two blocks away, that’s saying something. The Healdsburg location of Sushi by Scratch checks every box. Here’s why:
- You’ve never had sushi like this. It’s kind of fusiony – in a good way! The fish have a clean, buttery texture, the aged soy sauces and ponzu add layers of complexity to every bite. And don’t get me started on the A5 Wagyu.
- The sushi bar only seats 10 guests, so the customer service is excellent throughout the entire experience. If you’re worried about being a loud, crowded restaurant, Sushi by Scratch is a great option.
- This is a high-end, intimate restaurant, but the experience is downright fun! The chefs know your name (they ask for all of the name in the reservation ahead of time), it’s interactive, and, you’re going to love it!
Dinner is $185 per person for 17 courses. I know it’s pricey, but this is a one-of-a-kind restaurant.
Pro Tip 1: If you’re in town with a small group, think 8 to 10 guests, and you’re looking for a unique dining experience in Healdsburg, book the whole place for your group!
Pro Tip 2: Don’t let the address fool you. Scratch is indeed located within the same building as The Matheson.
Location
Inside The Matheson
106 Matheson St
Healdsburg, CA 95448
SingleThread
Speaking of one-of-a-kind Healdsburg restaurants. We can’t talk about the dining scene here without mentioning the world famous SingleThread restaurant. Two words to describe SingleThread: chic and unbelievable.
If one of your goals when you visit California wine country is to hit a three Michelin star restaurant, go to SingleThread. There is another three Michelin star restaurant in Napa’s Yountville, but SingleThread is more modern and creative. Basically, you’re going to be ‘wowed’, and have some serious food bragging rights.
The husband and wife team of Chef Kyle Connaughton and Head Farmer Katina Connaughton have created one of the most luxurious dining experiences in the world – that’s right, the world.
Not many Healdsburg restaurants have their own farm, but SingleThread does. This thriving, 24 acre farm produces hundreds of seasonal crops and has a CSA program! This culinary fever dream is complemented by the team flying in the best fish from around the world to this destination-worthy restaurant.
Pro Tip 1: Save room for all of those courses. SingleThread is an extravagant dining experience with course after course. Each dish is so wonderful that you’re going to be tempted to eat every single bite – don’t! I did, and once the main courses arrived, I could only eat a few bites. I realize this is a first world problem, but my advice to you is to pace yourself.
Pro Tip 2: SingleThread is also a boutique hotel. If you’re feeling super splurgy, stay upstairs and then saunter down for one of the best meals of your life.
Location
131 North St
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Barndiva
Barndiva is a Michelin star restaurant in Healdsburg that is just a few blocks from the Square. This elegantly rustic restaurant serves elevated American-fare, has a killer cocktail program, and a fantastic wine list to boot. Think producers like: Hirsch, Freeman, Rhys, Massican, Cobb, Littorai, and Flowers.
There’s also a fantastic collection of European wines, and a few English sparkling wines!
While the menu is a little trim, each dish is excellent. Try:
- Goat Cheese Croquettes tomato jam, lavender 15
- Mt Lassen Trout Tartare green tomato aguachile, avocado, radish 18
- The Gallery Burger fresh thyme, gruyère, caramelized onions & bordelaise – so, so good!
Another thing to love about Barndiva: the dining room decor is super Instagrammy and sophisticated, and will make your vacation pics pop.
Pro Tip 1: Reservations at Barn Diva can be hard to snag. If there’s nothing available online, try walking in and eating at the bar. They serve the full menu.
Pro Tip 2: Barndiva does a lot of private events, especially on busy weekends like the Healdsburg Jazz Festival. If you do not have a reservation, call ahead to make sure the restaurant is accepting guests.
Location
231 Center St
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Molti Amici
UPDATE: Molti Amici closed abruptly in November 2024. Check out the story behind the story here.
Molti Amici is one of the trendiest places to eat in Healdsburg. This buzzing Italian Healdsburg restaurant has taken the town by storm with its fresh take on classic dishes. The menu features incredible handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a seriously impressive wine list. If you’re into low intervention wines from Sonoma County, these are your people and this restaurant will match your vibe.
Pro Tip: Molti Amici embraces its reputation as a place for the cool kids crowd. The playlist here reflects that with throwback hip hop and soul, and, FYI: the hip hop station is uncensored.
Curious to learn more about what dining at Molti Amici is like, check out my full review here.
Location
330 Healdsburg Ave
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Goodnights Prime Steak + Spirits
Good Nights is the only steakhouse in Healdsburg, and I have to say, every single time I eat here, I leave happy. The vibe here is less glitzy Mastro’s and more laidback, but refined California wine country.
This restaurant is still fairly new, so it lacks the name recognition of some other restaurants, but don’t let that fool you. The steaks here are expertly prepared (the temperatures are always accurate. If you order a medium-rare steak, it’s going to be medium-rare).
Pro Tip: Try the Tomahawk. It’s perfect for sharing!
Location
113 Plaza St
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Bravas Bar de Tapas
Can you enjoy tapas in Healdsburg? Yes, you can! Bravas is a quaint Spanish restaurant with fun, modern decor, and a big selection of small plates. This Healdsburg restaurant has a nice patio, and when the weather is nice, you can’t beat the al fresco dining.
Pro Tip: Healdsburg’s Bravas has a big screen television at the outside bar. If you’re in town and don’t want to miss the big game, Bravas has you covered.
Location
420 Center St
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Lo & Behold, Healdsburg
If your palate needs a break from wine after a day of tasting around town, head to Lo & Behold like the locals. When it comes to Healdsburg restaurants, Lo & Behold is a gem that effortlessly blends laid-back vibes with seriously delicious food and drinks. This local favorite is known for its creative, globally-inspired comfort food, like crispy pork spare ribs and kimchi noodles, both of which are perfect for sharing. But the real star of the show is the cocktail menu.
You haven’t experienced a cocktail until you’ve had a cocktail at Lo & Behold. The utterly enchanting Savasana tastes so clean and refreshing. It quite literally tastes like your favorite healthy elixir, but it has gin.
The best Healdsburg restaurants make both locals and visitors feel at home, and the atmosphere at Lo & Behold always checks that box. Lo & Behold also stays open later than many other restaurants in Healdsburg. The kitchen closes at 10 PM and the bar closes at midnight.
Pro Tip 1: Dine in the enchanting garden patio. When the sun goes down, this place lights up.
Pro Tip 2: Lo & Behold accepts walk-ins, but this place gets busy! If you can, make a reservation so you’re guaranteed a spot.
Location
214 Healdsburg Ave
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Tips for Visiting Healdsburg
- Healdsburg has ample parking, so finding a spot is never difficult. With the exception of The Madrona, all of the restaurants listed on this “Best Restaurants in Healdsburg” list are located downtown and walkable.
- Save room for ice cream. Super-duper famous Noble Folk ice cream is to die for! Oh, and they have pie, too. Grab a piece of a la mode by, close your eyes and enjoy the sugar rush! You must, must try it.