Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, Healdsburg has evolved from a quaint agricultural town into one of Northern California’s premier culinary destinations. One of the main questions we get from guests after our Healdsburg Bike Tour is “Can you recommend a good restaurant for dinner?” We can and these five outstanding restaurants should be at the top of your dining itinerary.

1. Single Thread

At the pinnacle of Healdsburg’s dining scene stands Single Thread, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant that has redefined fine dining in Sonoma County. Husband-and-wife team Kyle and Katina Connaughton have created a Japanese-influenced culinary experience that celebrates hyperlocal, hyperseasonal ingredients—many grown on their own nearby farm.

The restaurant offers an immersive tasting menu that changes daily and could include anything from black cod with fermented rice to A5 wagyu with Japanese mustard. The experience begins when you enter their rooftop garden for welcome bites before moving to the serene dining room where each dish is presented on handcrafted ceramics. It’s not just a meal but a deeply thoughtful culinary journey.

What to try: The seasonal tasting menu is the only option, and it’s worth every penny for a special occasion.

2. Barndiva

Housed in a converted barn with a stunning garden patio, Barndiva embodies Healdsburg’s rustic elegance. This farm-to-fork restaurant has earned its Michelin star by transforming locally sourced ingredients into artistic, flavorful creations.

The menu reflects the region’s agricultural abundance while incorporating global influences. The space itself feels magical—string lights illuminate the garden, and the barn’s interior blends modern design with countryside charm. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or celebration.

What to try: The goat cheese croquettes with lavender honey have reached legendary status, and the local liberty duck is a standout main course.

3. Valette

Chef Dustin Valette’s eponymous restaurant has become a cornerstone of Healdsburg dining since opening in 2015. Located in a historic building that once housed his great-grandfather’s bakery, Valette offers sophisticated yet approachable cuisine deeply rooted in Sonoma County.

The restaurant’s warm ambiance is enhanced by reclaimed wood features and local art, while the open kitchen allows diners to watch the culinary team at work. Valette’s “Trust Me” tasting menu lets the chef surprise you with his current inspirations, though the regular menu’s scallop en croûte has become the restaurant’s signature dish.

What to try: The aforementioned day boat scallops en croûte with champagne beurre blanc, which has its own devoted following.

4. Dry Creek Kitchen

Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen has been a cornerstone of Healdsburg’s dining scene for over two decades. Located in the Hotel Healdsburg just off the main plaza, the restaurant offers elegant California cuisine with a strong wine country influence.

The bright, airy dining room and courtyard patio provide a relaxed yet sophisticated setting. The menu highlights local producers and seasonal ingredients, with dishes that are refined yet unfussy. Their wine program particularly shines, featuring an extensive collection of Sonoma County wines, including many limited-production bottles you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

What to try: The Liberty Farms duck breast with seasonal accompaniments, and take advantage of their “Sonoma Neighbor” wine policy, which waives corkage fees for local wines.

5. Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar

For a more casual but equally delicious dining experience, Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar delivers with its small plates format and lively atmosphere. Specializing in East Coast-style seafood with global influences, Willi’s offers everything from ceviches and oysters to lobster rolls and grilled fish.

The energetic vibe makes this a great spot to share multiple dishes with friends, and the restaurant’s central location on the Healdsburg Plaza makes it perfect for people-watching. The bar program offers creative cocktails and local wines that pair beautifully with their seafood-centric menu.

What to try: The butter-poached lobster roll and hamachi crudo are perennial favorites, best enjoyed with one of their signature cocktails.

Planning Your Healdsburg Culinary Adventure

Healdsburg’s food scene extends beyond these top five restaurants. There are excellent bakeries and casual eateries, perfect for having breakfast before your bike tour or grabbing lunch to take out with you on your bike ride.

Whether you’re a dedicated food enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a good meal, Healdsburg offers a dining experience that rivals much larger cities while maintaining its small-town Wine Country charm. Come hungry, and leave inspired.

Book Your Healdsburg Bike Tour Now!