Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Healdsburg

The citizens of Santa Rosa have reason to be in a continually celebratory mood as their microbrewery of choice takes top honors nearly every year at Denver's Great American Beer Festival. Since its inception in 1997, it has won such accolades as “Small Brewing Company of the Year,” “Innovation in Craft Brewing” and "Large Brewpub Champion Brewmaster." Indeed, gold medal winners include such eloquently named brews as Damnation, Blind Pig and Pliny the Elder. Many of them can be found in pubs throughout the Bay Area, but the headquarters is a must-see destination. Russian River Brewing Company is also credited with inventing the Double India Pale Ale. The entire list of ales is fascinating, each of them unique in blend, texture and flavor. At the tap room, live music entertains crowds as they savor pizzas made thin, crisp and fresh.

Since 1923, Costeaux French Bakery & Cafe has been regaling the whole of Napa and Sonoma County with delicious French delicacies. The café is famed for its artisan breads, especially sourdough bread, desserts and cakes. Also known to offer catering services for private events such as weddings, Costeaux's versatile menu delights patrons of all ages. If you would like to have breakfast the French way, head here. The menu here changes to incorporate the seasons best on the plate. Alfresco dining is also available.

Lisbeth Holmefjord a native of Bergen, Norway, and her husband Shari Sarabi established Baci Cafe & Wine Bar to bring delectable flavors of Italian cuisine to Sonoma County. Executive chef Sarabi uses locally sourced fresh ingredients to recreate the authentic Italian taste. Those with dietary restrictions can partake from their fares by ordering from their special gluten free menu. The tantalizing cuisine of this place attracts a huge crowd, so do reserve your table before you visit this restaurant.

Make a culinary journey down to Louisiana at this little cafe serving up hearty po-boys and authentic gumbo. A charming cottage with a small patio and decor which is a nod to New Orleans, makes for a perfect setting to enjoy the delectable down home fare. Beyond their famous po-boys, The Parish Cafe also offers a selection of seafood platters. The heavenly beignets are not to be missed.

Old Chef Litke has a farm—and what a farm it is! He uses the freshest of ingredients, most of which are products of this very farm—the Lobster Fennel Sausage with saffron potato salad is a must-have. In addition, there is a fine selection of wines, a cheese course for the cheese-lovers, and a special cart that comes around to each table to prepare your tea and French-press coffee before you. Come visit the lovely Farmhouse Inn Restaurant that presents the feel and the food of the country-side. The restaurant opens at 5:30p Thursday through Monday.

In an area best known for highbrow tastes and attitudes, this gem offers a welcomed touch of rustic reality. Located inside the Calistoga Inn, this restaurant and brewery is a clandestine retreat from the heavy flow of tourists in Napa. Its patio overlooks the banks of the Napa River and during the warm months, the kitchen staff can be seen cooking outdoors over wood-fired grills. The menu harvests a wide range of global influences, including Spanish, Mexican and Jamaican. Starter plates are diverse and perfect for sharing. The Country Paella - saffron rice with imported chorizo, chicken, shellfish and vegetables - stands out in a menu of meats, fishes and pastas. An adjacent brewery serves award-winning micro-brews. Visit on the weekend for live acoustic music in its pub.