Top Romantic Restaurants in Sonoma County

Sonoma Wine Country naturally conjures up ideas of romance. With such breathtaking landscapes, charming wineries, and endless opportunities for play, how could it not?

Add dining to the list. Sonoma County offers many destination-worthy romantic restaurants from the coast to the mountains, and all in between. So set aside some date time, dress up in something nice, and plan your special meal with that special someone at these favorites:

Ca’Bianca Italian Restaurant, Santa Rosa

Dine on excellent Italian cuisine in a grand old mansion (built in 1876 by California pioneer James Marshall), with an old school sophisticated setting created by chandeliers, white tablecloths, antique furniture, and gracious gardens. “Ca’Bianca” means “white house” in the northern Italian dialect. Dressing up for dinner isn’t necessary, but makes the meal more fun and glamorous.

Crafted by owners and husband-and-wife team Marco Diana and Karin Hoehne, the menu showcases various regions of Italy, from Milano in the north to Sicily in the south. Savor dishes like seared ahi with home-made ravioli in almond sauce, Sardinian semolina gnocchi with porcini and slowly braised beef, or roasted breast of duck served with sautéed spinach and fingerling potatoes.

K&L Bistro, Sebastopol

This magical little spot is pure bistro, down to the white linens, and the service is old-school delightful: attentive, friendly, and professional, without being obtrusive.

The food is elegant but Wine Country approachable, offering seasonal and local fare such as house-made crab cakes, fresh oysters, and house made charcuterie. You’ll also find chef-caliber craft cocktails, wood-fired grill items,  craft beers, and an extensive raw bar. This all adds up to a dreamy place to gaze into each other’s eyes — more oysters, please?

Terrapin Creek Café, Bodega Bay

Nestled in a relaxed but artfully chic space in the quiet ocean town of Bodega Bay, this nationally acclaimed treasure offers unexpected elegance in Slow Food-style meals.

Co-owners Chef Andrew Truong and his wife, Liya Lin, have big city backgrounds but focus on small-town farm ingredients and boutique wines. Plates are gorgeously arranged for signatures like cold crab salad with the seafood plucked straight from the sea outside; or panko crusted crab over green lentils and sautéed cabbage with roasted mushrooms, currants, and curry oil. Plan to linger with your loved one; an experience this good shouldn’t be rushed.

More top romantic restaurant suggestions:

Rustic at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville
Sante at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn in Sonoma
Monti’s in Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa
Cucina Paradiso Ristorante Italiano in Petaluma

Read more about award winning restaurants in: Best Restaurants in Sonoma County.

Find more info about restaurants, wineries and hotels in Sonoma County.

Written by Carey Sweet