Guy Fieri’s Favorite Sonoma County Restaurants

Guy Fieri may be a household name around the country, but he’ll always be Santa Rosa’s native son. Home to his first restaurants and the beneficiaries of his philanthropy, Fieri still lives and works in Sonoma County and loves giving extra props to his fellow restaurateurs. That’s why we’re calling out the local restaurants he’s featured on his hit Food Network show, “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.”

For most, national recognition means a huge bump in business and notoriety even long after the show airs (here’s one local example). You’ll know you’ve arrived at one of them by Fieri’s flashy signature somewhere in the restaurant — a little Easter egg worth finding. 

Hank’s Creekside Restaurant, Santa Rosa

The traditional breakfast and brunch spot, Hank’s Creekside Restaurant in Santa Rosa was featured in the “House Specials” episode in season one. Fieri tried the blueberry pancakes with corn beef hash: “It’s basic, it’s simple, but it’s money,” he said.

La Texanita Restaurant, Santa Rosa

Craving an authentic taste for his “Global Grub” episode in season seven, Fieri went to La Texanita Restaurant in Santa Rosa. “So simple, but so good,” he said of the carne asada tacos. “I’m telling you something, there’s just nothing that can beat that handmade tortilla.” 

Taqueria Molcajetes, Santa Rosa

Fieri highlighted numerous dishes at Santa Rosa’s Taqueria Molcajetes for his “Regional Recipes” episode in season 29, including its taquitos, burritos, and chile verde. He called this Mexican restaurant off W. College Avenue a “gem.” 

Zoftig Eatery, Santa Rosa

Featured on the “From Big Burgers to Little Italy” episode in season 29, Zoftig Eatery is a contemporary restaurant serving up healthy fare. Fieri tried the Korean burrito, packed with marinated Marin Sun Farms beef, house kimchi, brown rice, and veggies. “I’m going to drown in my own drool,” he said before chomping down on the burrito. 

Simply Vietnam Express, Santa Rosa

Serving up the unique flavors of Vietnam, Santa Rosa’s Simply Vietnam Express was featured in the “Meaty Mashup” episode in season 29, where Fieri praised its combination pho. “Oh, my goodness. It’s light, refreshing, but the depth of flavors is outstanding,” he said. “It’s everything I wanted it to be.”

Catelli’s, Geyserville

This California-inspired Italian restaurant was featured in the “Bar Food and Bon Bons” episode in season 12. Fieri said the ravioli, made in-house from scratch, was “memorably great,” as are the beef meatball sliders “that you can’t get enough of.” Fieri featured Catelli’s in three other episodes of “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” and its spin-off show “Triple D Nation.”

Russian River Pub, Forestville

This Russian River staple is a regular go-to for Fieri, who first featured the pub in the “American Cookin'” episode in season one. Some of Fieri’s favorite dishes at Russian River Pub include the pub burger, seared ahi tuna salad, and beef tri-tip sandwich; but it’s the crispy, juicy chicken wings that he calls “some of the best-tasting wings in the nation.” Fieri featured the pub again in the “Takeout: Bold Bites Brought Home” episode in season 32, and a third time in the Triple D Nation spin-off in the “California Comfort” episode.  (Saachi G./Yelp)

Cafe Citti, Santa Rosa

Before it moved locations from Kenwood to Santa Rosa, Fieri featured Cafe Citti in the “Bringin’ It Home” episode in season nine. Fieri enjoyed the Italian trattoria’s classic Polenta ai Funghi Porcini, and he called the ravioli an “orchestra of flavors.” 

Sunflower Caffe, Sonoma

Located in the historic Sonoma Plaza and offering seasonal menus, Sonoma’s Sunflower Caffe was featured in the “From Mozz to Matzo Balls” episode in season 11. Fieri sampled the borscht and feta lamb burger. “That’s like the [most] luscious lamb burger,” he said. “Seriously, one of the best I’ve tried.” 

Explore more restaurants in Sonoma County.

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Written by Maci Martell