While outsiders may think of Sebastopol as a bastion of kale and tempeh, locals know that the food scene in this West County town is thriving, with boundary-pushing global fare that depends heavily on locally grown ingredients and sustainability. Restaurants here rarely disappoint, because they know exactly who they are – or they don’t last long. Sebastopudlians insist on good food, made well and with a conscience.
Here are some favorites, though this is far from an exhaustive list and we may have left out some of your top picks. Let us know so we can add them later! Readbelow for details.
Diner Plus, Fandees
Excellent diner classics that go the extra mile. Try lemon ricotta pancakes, corn fritters, fish and chips, Salmon Lyonnais and beignets for dessert. 7824 Covert Ln, Sebastopol, 707-829-2642
Hole In the Wall, Jam’s Joy Bungalow
Behind this tiny walk up window are giant flavors. Southeast Asian-inspired fare like banh mi, noodles and inspired daily specials like spicy seafood salad. Make your Monday with the Charlie Hustle fried chicken sandwich with sweet honey sauce, tamari pickles, cabbage and sriracha. 150 Weeks Way, Sebastopol
The Drink You Promised, Fern Bar
Remember all those co*cktails we promised to share with friends we only saw on Zoom for a year? Now’s the time (provided you’re vaccinated). A recent trip to this mod Barlow spot — now with a large outdoor space — was inspired. Clever farm-to-glass co*cktails and classics like the Hemingway Daiquiri, Manhattan and Caipirinha. 6780 Depot St., Sebastopol
Sustainable Yum, Handline
Sustainable seafood, tacos, and great burgers in the coastal California tradition. Family-friendly fast casual with outdoor and indoor dining. Hand-made corn tortillas, insane al pastor, soft serve and fresh daily produce specials that never fail to impress. 935 Gravenstein Ave. South, Sebastopol
Take the ‘Rents, Blue Ridge Kitchen
Take whoever you want, but this is one of those “I want everything” kind of places where someone else picking up the tab (my parents love this place) is extra lovely. Mushroom toast, Matt’s Smash Burger, Drunken Fried Chicken and the Hickory Smoked Trout salad are faves. 6770 McKinley St., Suite 150 (at the Barlow), Sebastopol
Outdoor Bar Bites, Gravenstein Grill
A large hilltop patio is a perfect meet-up spot to nosh and tipple with happy hour specials. Try the pimento cheeseburger, salmon cakes or mushroom toast with a delightful selection of by-the-glass wines, beers, local ciders and craft beers. Full bar. 8050 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol
Cozy Brunch, Gypsy Cafe
Brunch is the name of the game here — from Wednesday through Sunday. Chicken waffles, pot roast, biscuits and gravy are can’t-miss favorites along with weekend Benedicts. 162 N. Main St., Sebastopol
Rockin Ramen, Ramen Gaijin
Sonoma County’s required ramen spot, but there’s more to love on this menu. The izakaya and donburi selections include poke, fried chicken (kara-age), Liberty duck teriyaki, and rice bowls. Plus, creative co*cktails, sake and beer to enliven your visit. 6948 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol
Classic, Flavor Bistro
Longtime favorite of politicos and business types in Santa Rosa has been reborn in Sebastopol. Old school ringers reign here: Butternut ravioli, short ribs, garlic herb pot pie, roasted salmon sandwich with saffron aioli and the caramelized apple galette to close the deal. 7365 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol
Beer and Live Music, Hopmonk
Eat, drink beer and be merry! Enjoy being around other humans like in the old days at this huge indoor-outdoor space. 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol
Always Amazing:
Husband and wife team Karen and Lucas Martin focus on simple French-inspired bistro fare (with plenty of California panache) that never fails to impress. French onion soup is the best around (using real veal stock), along with happy-place comfort food like mac and cheese, chicken piccata, sole meunière and the Royale with cheese (cheddar and bacon burger with caramelized onions and frites). 119 South Main St., Sebastopol
Super Sushi, Sushi Kosho
Top quality, affordable donburi and poke bowls for lunch, and the county’s top sushi (my tippy top fave) and excellent Japanese izakaya. 6750 McKinley St. (at The Barlow), Sebastopol
Totally Thai, Khom Loi
Authentically-inspired Thai cuisine from the Ramen Gaijin team. The indoor-outdoor space pays homage to the cuisine of Chiang Mai and nearby Laos, with nods to central and southern Thailand. There’s nothing shy or demure about the spicy, sweet, sour and bitter flavors of East Asia in every one of the dishes.7385 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol
Pastry Palace, Patisserie Angelica
This luxe French bakery does everything from gasp-worthy wedding cakes and high-tea to galettes, macaron and flaky croissant. You’re guaranteed not to leave this charming cafe empty-handed. 6821 Laguna Park Way, Sebastopol
Roadhouse, Fork
This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it gem is a West County treasure. Chef-owner Sarah Piccolo sources from local farmers for her hearty Sonoma-style breakfast and lunch menus that never fail to have us raving. Pork belly fried egg tacos, griddled bread pudding and a healthy(ish) Tuscan bean breakfast with braised beans, kale, lemon and breadcrumbs are morning faves. Burgers are a signature for lunch. Piccolo does seasonally-inspired dinners on Fridays and Saturdays. 9890 Bodega Hwy., Sebastopol
Melty Good, Farmer’s Wife
Decadent and ridiculously ooey-gooey, munchy, crunchy grilled cheese sandos with all the goodness of Sonoma County stuffed inside. Like, say, house-made lamb merguez sausage with avocado, chimichurri, a farm egg and aged cheddar? Yep. Loaded fries and salads now available too. 6780 Depot St., #110, Sebastopol
Gyro Hero, King Falafel
Real-deal Lebanese gyros, falafel, kebabs like you’d find in New York. 100 Brown St., #150, Sebastopol.
Pho Sure, Viet House
Favorite for hearty beef pho, and fresh noodle bowls. 966 Gravenstein Hwy. South, Sebastopol,theviethouse.com.
By Heather Irwin
