The Napa and Sonoma counties are famous for their cuisine as well as their wines.  You will discover wines from grapes that originated all over the world, such as in Spain, Italy, France, South America, and Australia to name a few. The area’s cuisine also represents a variety of countries and cultures. Though California, Italian and Mexican cuisine may be the most familiar, you can experience a countless selection of creative and memorable international foods here. Let’s take a look at a few of the many choices that beckon your palate for culinary exploration.

Coqueta Napa Valley |  Yountville
Welcome to a fun, enticing Spanish adventure; you will find the flavors, spices, and aromas dancing the flamenco in your mouth! Best shared with friends because of the many tapas (such as Bocadillo de cochinello – 12-hour roasted pork belly), you’ll be hard-pressed not to overorder. But don’t forget one of their Paella for the table! And with your meal enjoy the quintessential Spanish drink: Sangria!

C Casa |  Napa
Reimagined Mexican food ... south of the border, down Mexico Way – Catherin Bergen has truly created an exceptional niche in her imaginative and salivating conception of Mexican food. Each dish is an artistic and gourmet delight. My favorite: The Dungeness Crab Taco but then, the rotisserie chicken taco will redefine your notion of “taco.” And don’t forget a margarita or tequila flight. The dishes and drinks at C Casa will call you back again and again!!

Tarla Mediterranean Grill |  Napa
Tarla Mediterranean Grill is an exciting culinary voyage into the foods of Turkey and Greece. Saganaki is a must (Oppah!), and maybe also a classic gyro, moussaka, or kebab. Tarla is a Mediterranean delight in foods and flavors.

Ayawaska Restobar |  Petaluma
Ayawaska will take you on an epicurean adventure to Peru! Come with a group so you can share the tapas (small plates). Choose from an assortment of cevices (my favorite is the Ceviche de Atun Oriental), and then pick a variety of empanadas. A must-order is the Tequenos de Cangrejo. There are mouthwatering main entrees, but honestly, I can’t get past sharing so many tasty small plates with friends.

Empress M |  Napa
“A feast for all senses,” prepares authentic culinary cuisine with stories of China. As plates are set down in front of you, you may find it hard to disturb the imaginative presentation – true food artistry in sight and taste.

Morimoto Napa |  Napa
Morimoto Napa fires on all cylinders, as it should, being one of Celebrity Chef Masahara Morimoto’s restaurants bearing his name. High expectations are set for décor, location, food, creativity, service and ambiance – you won’t be disappointed. During nice weather, sit outside, along the riverwalk to enjoy your surroundings. The menu is extensive, so order away. A few personal recommendations: Hamachi tacos and soft-shelled crab rolls. After that, just go for it, explore and savor the flavors!

Yak and Yeti |  Napa
Yak and Yeti (Nepalese and Indian), described as “Owned by the Sherpas originally from Mt. Everest region, Yak and Yeti dishes mainly include recipes that fuel trekkers along their way to Everest Base Camp.” Join a 15-day Mt. Everest Base Camp trek with the owners for a true Himalayan adventure!

LaSalette |  Sonoma
LaSalette has been offering up creative Portuguese cuisine for 25 years. Using exotic flavors and seasonings, Chef Manuel Azevedo offers a cornucopia of selections described as “new Portuguese” cuisine. A favorite of mine is the wood-roasted oven octopus with enticing flavors and oh-so-tender. And, sticking with seafood, try the Caldeirada (Portuguese Fisherman’s Stew). Yum!

Guiso Latin Fusion |  Healdsburg
Guisos in Healdsburg will amaze you. Described as Latin fusion, Chef Carlos creates dishes that are an intricate tapestry blending Caribbean and Salvadorian cuisines and flavors. Whether you are a party of two or more, you will want to order a selection of dishes to share. Consider the Media Noche Cubano (OMG), and a larger main (to share), the Camorones Borrachos. But don’t stop there! The more people, the more dishes, and the more you will excite your senses .by exploring international flavors you never could have imagined. Enjoy the delights at this intimate, lively, delicious restaurant.

Don’t stop yet, take a look at some of the other global fare that awaits your discovery:

• Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse (Napa) is inspired by the Gaucho culture and authentic dining tradition of the Brazilian cowboy.

• La Taberna (Napa) serves up Spanish cuisine with a take on a classic modern Spanish Tavern.

• Osha Thai (Napa) offers award-winning Thai dishes and flavors, highlighted by the artistic presentation.

• ZuZu (Napa) is a beloved Spanish-inspired restaurant, featuring an extensive list of cold and hot tapas, and paella!  Make sure you save room for dessert.

• Animo (Sonoma), described as Basque-Korean, became an instant hit when chef Joshua Smookler opened his restaurant about a year ago. You will find the food and décor complement each other, homey, lively, and fun as you dine on the foods and flavors that chef and his wife love to eat themselves. Spaces fill up fast, so be certain to make reservations in advance.

• Hana Sake Bar & Tasting Room (Rohnert Park) prepares “a sea and farm-to-table experience.” From traditional sushi to comforting foods and contemporary flavors, experience “a taste of Tokyo.”

• Ramen Gaijin is where you want to head to enjoy creative, fresh ramen at this Michelin Bib Gourmand designated restaurant.

• Tasca Tasca (Portuguese: Tapas and wine bar). With a Portuguese-only wine list, paired with creative “new Portuguese cuisine,” let your sense go wild with Food, Music, and Wine!

Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s
wine country lifestyle from the Central Coast to Napa Valley.
He may be reached at: donsonderling@gmail.com