We love skipping town and heading to Sonoma Square, even just for a leisurely lunch and one tasting! I always joke that it’s a quicker drive to Sonoma than it is to go to bottomless brunch in the Mission from my apartment. Total San Francisco traffic probs.
Where to grab a bite:
Girl and the Fig: Simply the best in the square. I love everything about this little gem. Gorgeous heated patio, french fries to soak up the Sauvignon Blanc, and the best local cheese plate around.
Sunflower Cafe: Best order-up place. Go for the green smoothie and any sandwich. Also great for a post-lunch latte.
El Dorado Kitchen: Gorgeous patio, killer eggs benny, and the best truffle fries ever.
Murphy’s Pub: A hidden gem down a small courtyard. Two words: fried.pickles.
HopMonk Tavern: Great American food just outside the square. I love sitting on their patio next to the fire pit at dusk. Calamari is a favorite!
Sweet Scoops: New, trendy, homemade ice cream. I live for their mint chip! The owners are an adorable Husband and Wife team that made their dream of living in wine country and leaving the corporate world a reality. #goals
Where to sip:
Walt tasting room is conveniently located directly across from Girl and The Fig. They’re known for their pinots. I’m not much of a chardonnay drinker, but they have the best glass around – we always leave with a bottle. In the summer, you must have their rosé. We truly think Walt is the best tasting room in wine country. We were recently told they’re opening a new winery, which is exciting as we love visiting their beautiful sister property in St. Helena, Hall Winery. Sit outside in the summer and chat away the afternoon with their friendly and knowledgeable wait service, or cozy up in the winter inside the tasting room.
Sigh: The most adorable little champagne bar. Perfect place to switch the day up with a little bubbly.
When you’ve tasted a little too much and decide to turn your afternoon into a night away…
MacArthur Place Hotel: We visited Macarthur in August and had the best weekend. Think: Spacious rooms, lunch service at the pool, complimentary wine and cheese hour and breakfast. Forget coming for a weekend, I could have stayed a week.
El Dorado Hotel: Right on the square and home to the El Dorado Kitchen, EDH has been recently renovated with gorgeous rooms appointed with all the luxury add-ons you’ll ever need: robes, Nespresso coffee pods, and high end bath products.
Do you have any Sonoma favorites?
So glad I found this! I’m going to Sonoma soon and this will be so helpful for planning!
Hi Elyse! Thanks so much for your kind words. Don’t hesitate to let me know if you’d like any specific recommendations. Have fun in Sonoma!