Despite the seemingly endless setbacks for restaurants over the past two years, Sonoma and Napa counties remain steadfast in their commitment to culinary greatness. The restaurant scene in both counties has seen an abundance of changes, and while many have mourned the loss of restaurants gone, the turnover has made way for new restaurants equipped with experienced and longstanding local chefs and staff, the very best in fresh and local produce, and of course a seemingly endless variety of ways to imbibe—from local wine to craft beer to artisan cocktails. Whether living locally or visiting from out of town, those dining in Sonoma and Napa counties have an insatiable appetite for good food and drink, and wine country diners can expect nothing less than the greatness from this impressive list of new and returning restaurants.

NAPA VALLEY

Bank Café Napa >> Located in the main lobby of the Westin Verasa, Bank Café takes hotel dining to the next level with its menu that showcases only the best local produce and meats from the likes of Llano Seco Ranch, Taramasso Ranch, Biagio Artisan Meats, and more. The bar presents an extensive collection of rare spirits, making this place a great visit for anyone looking for select libations and under-the-radar cocktails.

Empress M >> Empress M on the Silverado Trail provides an authentic Chinese fine-dining experience with classics like Peking duck and dumplings. Executive chef Peter Huang’s extensive menu brings fresh, local, and seasonal produce to familiar dishes and showcases his Best Dim Sum awards talent with immense flavor.

Fleetwood >> Fleetwood serves wood fired fine foods in Calistoga, doubling down on the comfort and wellness for which this little mountain retreat town is known. Executive Chef Drew Glassell has crafted his own version of Cal-Ital cuisine with a menu graced with pizza, pasta, cioppino, and a trio of classic proteins—grilled salmon, Rocky chicken, and striploin steak. The full bar comes complete with local and international wines, craft beer, and more than a half-dozen artisan cocktails.

House of Better >> House of Better is the newly renovated Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs Spa onsite restaurant and dishes an eclectic and tasteful mashup menu of health food and Southwestern style dishes—offering flavor, health, and wellness in every bite. Chef Trevor Logan elevates good, healthy eats with his Southwestern flair and makes outdoor counter service delicious and playful in this backyard-like setting.

Kitchen Door >> The highly anticipated grand reopening of Kitchen Door in its new First Street Napa location (moved from The Oxbow) is set for early 2022. California classics with an Asian-inspired flare grace this local staple’s menu. The restaurant is known for its Korean-style chicken wings and creamy mushroom soup, and locals are especially eager to bring their families back to this adored local establishment. Executive Chef Todd Humphries will bring back classic Kitchen Door favorites to the menu and offer new takes on cuisine as well.

North Block >> The namesake restaurant at Yountville’s North Block hotel is open for dinner and serving a seasonal menu with meat and vegetarian dishes. Chef Nick Tamburo’s style of refined California cooking infuses raw and smokey elements, as well as woodfired sourdough pizzas. North Block was recently added to the 2021 Micheline Guide and proves to already be a favorite in Yountville.

North Spirits & Tapas >> Craft beer, local wines, and specialty cocktails come together with international small plates at North Spirits & Tapas in Napa. This hip bar has an impressive spirits lineup and a delicious menu to boot. Charcuterie and local cheese plates pair well with the local wines, while the more adventurous imbiber can choose a handcrafted cocktail and couple it with tasty dishes like Kobe meatballs and Hoisin glazed pork belly.

Olive and Hay >> Olive and Hay at the Meritage Resort in southern Napa offers farm-fresh Italian cuisine that covers everything from classic to innovative dishes like black truffle pizza and rigatoni in lamb ragu. The restaurant welcomes diners with a comfortable indoor or al-fresco dining experience, an award-winning local wine list, and a handful of creative cocktails and aperitifs.

Calistoga’s Living Room – TRUSS Restaurant and Bar >> Dynamic is the name of the game at Calistoga’s Living Room with an ever-evolving menu of coffee and wine, craft cocktails, and a varied menu that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their outdoor dining space comes fitted with a fire pit and overlooks the resort’s vineyards. Elevated American cuisine brings burgers, pizza, pasta, and meat entrées to life on this tantalizing menu.

Waterfront SeaFood Grill >> As the name suggests, the Waterfront SeaFood Grill is flanked against the Napa River and serves up delicious presentations of fresh seafood from longstanding purveyors. With a 21-year tenure at Cole’s Chop House, Executive Chef Jesus Mendez brings over forty years of culinary and restaurant experience in Napa Valley to this soon-to-open restaurant.

Wilfred’s Lounge >> Unlike any other restaurant in Napa County, the recently opened Wilfred’s Lounge brings guests an authentic tiki dining experience with its Polynesian-influenced menu and bountiful list of rum-based cocktails. For the adventurous eater, spam sliders fit the bill, and entrées like line-caught, sustainably sourced tuna are delicious.

SONOMA COUNTY

Blue Ridge Kitchen >> Blue Ridge Kitchen is in good company as it breathes culinary life back into The Barlow in Sebastopol. Dubbing itself a farmhouse-style restaurant with equipped with a wood grill and cocktail bar, this restaurant is designed for jovial gatherings with family and friends. The popular share-plate-style menu delivers culinary creativity in dishes like the smoked lamb gnocchi.

Cyrus >> Chef Douglas Keane has waited nearly a decade to reopen his beloved two-Michelin-starred Cyrus, which closed its Healdsburg doors in 2012. Now with a foothold in Geyserville – the quaint town that centers Sonoma County’s stunning Alexander Valley –the restaurant anticipates a grand reopening in Fall 2022 with a state-of-the-art kitchen and a bubble and small bites lounge, in addition to the formal dining room and wine cellar.

Folktable >> The seasonal-driven menu at Folktable captures the spirit of Sonoma through its unforgettable culinary experiences. The elevated takes on simple dishes like avocado toast make this restaurant both down-to-earth and sophisticated, and its local beer and wine selection offer something for everyone in search of the best Sonoma County libations.

Little Saint >> Opening February 2022, Little Saint brings together food, music, and art to capture an all-inclusive cultural hub in downtown Healdsburg. Little Saint will take over the large industrial space that was formerly SHED, and will offer a plant-based café, full restaurant, and onsite wine shop. At the helm are Kyle and Katina Connaughton of Healdsburg’s three Michelin-starred Single Thread restaurant.

Taub Family Outpost >> It’s becoming increasingly popular to offer more than just dining at local restaurants and Taub Family Outpost has hopped on board. The Sonoma Plaza-based site is a winery tasting room, retail market, restaurant, and hidden cocktail bar all in one. Paired alongside a selection of local and imported wines, Sonoma-native Chef Trevor Anderson offers an ingredient-driven menu across breakfast, lunch, and dinner in this innovative space that’s got it all.

The Matheson & Roof 106 >> Agriculture meets culture at The Matheson and Roof 106 in Healdsburg. The restaurant offers an indoor fine-dining space and sushi kitchen, with the bonus of an elevated outdoor cocktail lounge and open-air restaurant on the roof. From acclaimed local chef Dustin Valette, this new venture is sure to become a favorite among all who seek culinary creativity and farm-fresh flavors.

Valley Bar + Bottle Shop >> Valley Bar + Bottle Shop offers California home cooking and an extensive selection of natural wines on the Sonoma Plaza. Operating during dinner and weekend brunch hours, locally owned Valley is a great pitstop before a day of weekend winetasting or a cozy way to end a busy day in wine country. A small and focused menu brings together wonderful flavor and stylish presentations, and the atmosphere makes everyone feel like a local.

Walter Hansel Wine & Bistro >> The relaxed bistro ambiance of Walter Hansel Wine & Bistro combines sophisticated cuisine with casual dining for a comfortable and tasty dining experience in Santa Rosa’s rural countryside. The menu here is made of seasonal produce from local purveyors and offers farm-to-table freshness in artfully prepared plates such as Liberty duck rillettes with Asian pear chutney, cornichons, and crostini.

Wit & Wisdom >> When it comes to American comfort food, look no further than Wit & Wisdom at the Lodge at Sonoma Resort. Chef Michael Mina debuts his first wine country dining experience here and delivers a highly curated menu with a robust wine list. California flair meets American comfort food in favorites like duck fat fried potatoes, Pacific oysters, and a bacon and red onion jam-slathered burger.