This article originally appeared on the Sonoma Magazine website.
Californians may not spend their winters shoveling snow or digging out the puffer coat, but a cold, soggy day still demands comfort: steaming soups, crackling fireplaces, slow-braised everything, and cushy banquettes built for lingering over hot tea. These Sonoma County restaurants know exactly how to take the chill off — and warm you up from the inside out.
Healdsburg
Taste of Tea: Japanese comfort food – think curry ramen, miso soup and ginger rice pudding – plus an endless array of imported teas make this the ultimate cozy retreat. 109 North St., Healdsburg, 707-431-1995, thetasteoftea.com
Baci Cafe & Wine Bar: Amid Healdsburg’s Michelin hot spots and shiny newcomers, Baci is a timeless refuge. The music plays softly, the glassware gleams and the genteel staff move through the room with the fluidity of warm olive oil. 36 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-8111, bacicafeandwinebar.com
Healdsburg Bubble Bar: A bubbly little clubhouse just big enough for you and a few friends. Sip Champagne and sparklers in this pint-size Parisian bistro wrapped in dark walls, velvet banquettes and soft lighting. Little nibbles are available to pair with your pours. 134 North St., Healdsburg, 707-395-4434, healdsburgbubblebar.com
Sonoma
Golden Bear Station: With candlelit tables, faux-fur throws and hospitality warmer than a pan of brown butter, this Kenwood roadside restaurant oozes coziness. The menu shifts with chef Joshua Smookler’s latest fascinations, but expect luxurious cuts of duck, beef and pork tinged with Italian and Korean flavors. 8445 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, goldenbearstation.com
Songbird Parlour: Soft lighting, broody paneled walls in pine needle green, velvet sofas arranged in a conversational setting and an upright piano set the scene inside this upscale dining retreat in Glen Ellen. Warming dishes, such as braised lamb shank, duck breast with lentils, and pork belly, are best bets. 14301 Arnold Drive, Suite 3, Glen Ellen, 707-343-1308, songbirdparlour.com
Glen Ellen Star: Claim a seat by the woodfired oven, the source of blistered pizzas, whole branzino, brick chicken and ember-roasted vegetables.13648 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-343-1384, glenellenstar.com
Sebastopol
Ramen Gaijin: There’s nothing cozier than leaning over a steaming bowl of ramen, infusing the brothy goodness into your very soul. Add grilled skewers and tasty cocktails. 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 707,827-3609, ramengaijin.com
Sonoma Coast
Terrapin Creek: Butter-yellow and ocher walls radiate warmth year round, but in colder months, the massive hearth draws visitors near. There’s no fish and chips, but the seafood is always a catch. 1580 Eastshore Road, Bodega Bay, 707-875-2700, terrapincreekcafe.com
Graton & West County
Underwood Bistro: Enjoy a mix of French and Thai dishes at this rural, Parisian-style bistro, a favorite among winemakers and locals. Long banquettes, bentwood chairs, a nickel-topped bar and soft yellow lighting give it an all-day sunset glow. 9113 Graton Road, Graton, 707-823-7023, underwoodgraton.com
Diavola: A glowing woodfired oven is the beating heart of this pizza and pasta spot. When you’re here, you’re family. Don’t miss the more casual Geyserville Gun Club next door. 21021 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-814-0111, diavolapizzeria.com
Catelli’s: Family photos of the Catelli family fill this warm, historic restaurant space. Wood flooring, exposed brick and comfy seating – along with their delicate 10-layer lasagna and hearty chicken Parmesan – make it perfect for friends and family gatherings. 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-857-3471, mycatellis.com
Santa Rosa
Stark’s Steak & Seafood: This classic steakhouse does cozy in retro style – with a fireplace in the dining room! You’ll get the Bogie-and-Bacall vibe right away. Manhattans, aged whiskies and absinthe are served by white-coated bar staff. The seats are leather and a baby grand sits in the corner waiting to tinkle out a tune or two. 521 Adams St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-5100, starkrestaurants.com
Goose and Fern: The friendly Brit-pub vibe makes this family-run spot a favorite, whether you’re grabbing a pint or a Guinness pie. Hang out for the Sunday pub quiz night at 7:30 p.m. or pop by for hot oxtail soup and a pudding (if you’re lucky, they’ll have sticky toffee). 116 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-843-4235, thegooseandfern.com
Petaluma
Street Social: From the street, the narrow tiled alley leading to this tiny restaurant is easy to miss – part of its charm, and part of the discovery. Inside, the dimly lit five-table dining room (with a few more seats in the alley and one upstairs) is intentionally intimate, allowing owners Jevon Martin and Marjorie Pier to create a magical experience for each guest. 29F Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, 707-774-6185, streetsocial.social
Pearl: Inspired by the flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa (with a little Southern French and Spanish thrown in for good measure), chef/owners Brian Leitner and Annette Yang continue to impress with their sunny interpretations of shakshuka, fresh pita, fattoush salad and braised meats, including brisket and lamb. 500 First St., Petaluma, 707-559-5187, pearlpetaluma.com
Water Street Bistro: This hidden gem, tucked away on the waterfront, is a favorite among in-the-know locals who stop by for freshly made French pastries, duck confit, quiche and the restaurant’s eclectic Parisian style. 100 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, 707-763-9563, waterstreetbistropetaluma.com
What are your cozy faves? Let me know at heather.irwin@pressdemocrat.com