This June, the travelhappy team (that’s me, my husband, and our 1.5-year-old daughter—still workshopping that name) spent a few days basking in the Sonoma sunshine. Sonoma always fills me with warmth and nostalgia, and I want everyone to go there, experience it, and fall in love with it. It’s idyllic.
We ate ice cream, drank wine, enjoyed delicious meals, and browsed stores filled with artisan soaps. {Livin’ the dream!} In the five or so times we’ve visited Healdsburg, we’ve never had a bad meal. An overpriced one? Maybe. But bad? Never.
Here’s travelhappy’s mini guide to eating well in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California:
1. Barndiva
For a “farm to fork” meal in a rustic yet romantic setting, head to Barndiva. We shared nearly everything on the menu family style with my brother, mom, and grandma. Standouts included the egg yolk raviolo, pan-seared king salmon with caviar and crème fraîche, beets, frites (outstanding), filet mignon, rack of lamb, herb-roasted chicken, and desserts. Everything was amazing. Here’s what I wrote in my notebook that night: “everything so good.” Barndiva, 231 Center Street.
2. Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar
For slices of pie, old-fashioned ice cream cones, and affogato in a bright and airy space, stop by Noble Folk, located just off Healdsburg’s main square. It’s the perfect spot for a sweet treat.
3. Spoonbar
Head to Spoonbar for creative cocktails like “Skyrockets in Flight” (kaffir lime vodka and vanilla honey) or “Sleeping Beauty” (huckleberry vodka and pickled blueberries). They also serve dinner, and it’s fantastic. Highlights included the compressed strawberry salad and pan-seared halibut. They even made a pasta with butter for my daughter ($12), which she ignored, but my husband and I happily finished. Spoonbar is located inside the h2hotel. Spoonbar, 219 Healdsburg Ave.
4. Taqueria El Sombrero
Tucked just around the corner from Healdsburg’s main square, Taqueria El Sombrero offers low-key, authentic Mexican fare. Breakfast burritos and carnitas tacos are a must for when you need a quick, delicious bite. Taqueria El Sombrero, 245 Center Street.
5. Dry Creek Kitchen
For a special dinner, start with a glass of sparkling wine at Dry Creek Kitchen. This Sonoma staple by Charlie Palmer is consistently excellent. Bonus: they offer free corkage for the first two 750ml bottles of Sonoma County wine. If you’re doing Sonoma right, you probably picked up the perfect bottle earlier that day! Dry Creek Kitchen, 317 Healdsburg Ave.
