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Based in the heart of Northern California’s picturesque wine country, Sonoma Valley is globally renowned as an epicurean lover’s dream destination.

As a foodie who has a penchant for discovering fantastic restaurants that boast diverse and delectable menus in combination with Insta-worthy settings, I’ve recently had the pleasure of dining at a few of the top-rated restaurants in the beautiful Sonoma Valley region.

Where To Eat in Sonoma Valley - 3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips

From lush rolling hillsides covered with verdant vineyards to charming family-owned ranches with grazing farm animals, as you drive through this enchanting region, your senses are treated to a feast of delightful views and aromas. But this area offers more than just gorgeous vistas and world-class wineries, it’s also heralded for its exquisite farm-to-table fine dining, including Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurants.

Where To Eat in Sonoma Valley - 3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips

3 Gourmet Restaurants in Healdsburg California

As one of the dazzling gems of Sonoma Valley, Healdsburg is a quaint, upscale town located at the northern end of Sonoma Valley that is steeped with character, has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and is home to a beloved multi-generational community that’s passionate about honoring the town’s rich history. When visiting this iconic destination, there are several must-visit restaurants that you have to add to your itinerary, as they offer creatively designed menus, outstanding style and ambiance, and idyllic locations.

Where To Eat in Sonoma Valley - 3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips

To inspire you to explore the incredible restaurant scene in this beautiful travel destination, here are 3 gourmet restaurants that elevate the dining experience in Healdsburg, California.

Where To Eat in Sonoma Valley - 3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips

Hazel Hill at Montage Healdsburg

Whether you’re coming for brunch or staying for dinner, a visit to Hazel Hill at Montage Healdsburg (which is a relatively new ultra-luxury AAA Five Diamond modern resort in Healdsburg, that received the honor of being ranked the #1 hotel in Sonoma by U.S. World & News Report in 2024) is a great choice, especially if you’re seeking epic views and a contemporary vibe.

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - Hazel Hill at Montage Healdsburg

This impeccable indoor and outdoor award-winning restaurant (which has received the Best of Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator) is surrounded by over 230 acres of vibrant vineyards, blooming flowers, and rolling hillsides, and offers an exquisite dining experience that blends farm-to-table freshness with sophisticated culinary artistry.

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - Hazel Hill at Montage Healdsburg

When the weather is good, it’s a fantastic place to dine al fresco. From Pacific Smoked Salmon (with Healdsburg bagels, cherry tomato, Persian cucumber, pickled onion, caperberries, and whipped cream cheese) and Belgian Waffles (with Crème fraîche, huckleberry, and maple syrup) to French Omelettes (with Fontina Val d’Aosta, baby lettuce, and fine herbs) and Pain Au Chocolat, the brunch menu offers something for every palette.

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - Hazel Hill at Montage Healdsburg

Since we visited for breakfast, we ordered the Hazel Hill Granola (with winter citrus, pomegranate, goji berries, basil seeds, and coconut yogurt) as well as a delicious Avocado Toast (that comes with lemon-herb ricotta, country bread, everything spice, and a side of poached eggs). Both dishes were equally delicious and incredibly filling as well.

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - Hazel Hill at Montage Healdsburg

The seasonal menu, crafted by talented chefs, highlights artisanal techniques and unique pairings, resulting in dishes that are both flavorful and thoughtfully curated. With its elegant ambiance and panoramic views, Hazel Hill provides an inviting and luxurious setting where you can indulge in a memorable dining journey.

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - Hazel Hill at Montage Healdsburg

The Madrona

If you prefer to dine in a historic mansion-turned-hotel that offers a unique atmosphere (filled with original paintings, quirky decorative accents, and Alice in Wonderland-inspired furniture) alongside scenic vistas of flourishing flower gardens, groves of towering trees, and vibrant vineyards, head to the restaurant at The Madrona (a Two Michelin Key boutique hotel in Healdsburg).

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Madrona Hotel

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Madrona Hotel

As you enter the main building, you’re greeted by a colorful and dynamic display of artwork that was curated by Dolby Chadwick Gallery. Meandering through the hallways into each of the main rooms (including the cozy living room), you’ll notice roaring fireplaces, inviting seating areas, and a plethora of playful books (including my personal favorite, Wine Dogs California).

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Madrona Hotel

The indoor/outdoor restaurant at The Madrona offers a charming and intimate dining experience set within a beautifully restored historic estate that was built in the 1800s. Blending old-world charm with a farm-to-table philosophy, the restaurant prides itself on showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients from the surrounding Sonoma region.

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Madrona Hotel

While the menu offers a wide variety of delectable dishes (ranging from Oysters on the Half Shell, Edamame Spread with warm pita bread and gremolata, and Donut Holes with cinnamon sugar and vanilla glaze to The Madrona Benedict with a tomato cheddar biscuit, candied bacon, and Pomodoraccio hollandaise), we opted for our usual brunch favorites including the Furikake Avocado Toast (which comes with fromage blanc, jammy egg, chile oil, garden greens, and pepitas) and the Straus Yogurt Smoothie Bowl (prepared with blackberry, acai, oat clusters, and fresh fruit).

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Madrona Hotel

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Madrona Hotel

The gourmet menu is thoughtfully curated, highlighting refined flavors that capture the essence of refined wine-country cuisine. The warm ambiance, complemented by the picturesque views, creates a beautiful setting that’s perfect for a romantic evening or a relaxed, upscale brunch. During our visit for brunch, we opted to dine on the covered patio, as the sunny weather beckoned us to relax outdoors amidst the natural beauty of the gardens.

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Madrona Hotel

Dining at The Madrona is both a culinary and sensorial experience, where rich history and an artful approach blend harmoniously. After enjoying a delicious meal, spend time strolling through the landscaped gardens, taking in the incredible views of the rolling hills and surrounding vineyards, and relishing in the tranquil scenery on Sonoma Valley.

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Madrona Hotel

The Matheson

Last, but certainly not least, when it comes to popular eateries that are great for drinks and dinner, head into Healdsburg’s charming town square to visit The Matheson. This renowned three-story restaurant and rooftop bar/lounge is a bustling destination for both locals and out-of-towners, including celebrities and Hollywood actors (one of whom we spotted during our visit).

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Matheson

The Matheson is a vibrant and modern restaurant that embodies the spirit of Sonoma County’s rich culinary traditions.

Owned by celebrated chef Dustin Valette (pictured below), a third-generation Healdsburg native (who I interviewed during Pebble Beach Food & Wine earlier this Spring), this outstanding restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience that showcases the region’s finest seasonal ingredients through innovative, chef-driven cuisine that is anything but ordinary.

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Matheson by Dustin Valette

The menu, inspired by the bounty of Sonoma’s farms and vineyards, is thoughtfully crafted to celebrate local flavors in creative and sophisticated ways, making The Matheson a must-visit for food and wine lovers alike.

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Matheson

Aside from the trendy, industrial-style atmosphere and warm hospitality, each flavorful dish on the menu is akin to a bespoke piece of art, as it not only features unique ingredients (many of which I had to inquire about with the server) but is also truly beautiful to behold. Dustin explained that he’s often motivated to shake things up in the kitchen, so he regularly changes the menu on a whim, by crafting fresh, creatively-inspired dishes that infuse global influences with French-style preparation.

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Matheson

During our dinner, we enjoyed thirst-quenching handcrafted beverages (including the Pineapple Ginger and Honey Phosphate mocktails), as well as unparalleled dishes ranging from the Maitake Mushroom appetizer (which is a Tempura mushroom made with house kewpie and spicy sesame), the Grouper (accompanied by Brentwood corn, hoja santa, and pasilla), robust tomato and lettuce salads, and the Creekstone Farms Prime Ribeye (with charred Jimmy Nardello pepper, oyster mushroom, and sauce bearnaise).

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Matheson

With its sleek, contemporary design and rooftop lounge boasting views of the town, and a lively see-and-be-seen atmosphere, The Matheson is both a culinary destination and a reflection of Dustin’s deep roots in the community. But his connection with the restaurant goes way beyond The Matheson itself.

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Matheson

As explained by Dustin, he said, “The Matheson was my Great Grandfather Honore’s bakery in the 1920s and the transformation into our restaurant has been a dream come true! When we purchased the building in 2018, we took the challenge to create a restaurant for our community and friends alike; a home for artisans and journeymen to showcase their passion, their dedication to the craft, a place where our entire community can break bread together.”

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Matheson

Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the rich history of Healdsburg or want to experience the best culinary experiences that the town has to offer, these incredible gourmet restaurants are three hotspots you need to visit the next time you’re in Sonoma Valley.

To discover more inspiring destinations, outstanding restaurants, hotels, and places to visit, check out the Travel section on Inspirations & Celebrations.

3 Gourmet Restaurants That Elevate The Dining Experience in Healdsburg California - Sonoma Valley Travel Tips - The Matheson


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  1. Looks wonderful.
    I used to go to the wine country at least once a year–even though I do not drink.
    It is stunning and there is so much to do. The food is delicious.
    I would love to return at some point.
    Thank you for the virtual trip.

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