It’s rare to find a restaurant in sunny Sonoma County that doesn’t have an umbrella or two for alfresco dining, but not all patios are created equal. Click through the gallery for a list of favorite options with shaded patios, prime sidewalk people-watching and sun-dappled gardens worth seeking out. Just remember the sunscreen.
Depot Hotel Restaurant & Garden
241 1st St W.
Sonoma, CA
This Sonoma establishment, located in an 1870 train depot, has made Open Table's top 100 list of outdoor dining restaurants. Enjoy Italian comfort food in the tradition of the Lucca province in Tuscany. The outdoor patio overlooks an ornamental reflection pool with a sparkling fountain.
El Dorado Kitchen
405 1st St W.
Sonoma, CA
You’ll feel like an A-lister in the courtyard of this award-winning restaurant on the Sonoma Plaza. Excellent food and craft cocktails complement the upscale outdoor cabanas and pool in this very intimate space.
LaSalette
542 First St E., Suite H
Sonoma, CA
Chef Manuel Azevedo honors his heritage by preparing classic and innovative dishes in Portuguese style. The wine list is loaded with Portuguese treasures and the service is snappy. It’s a real treat to dine here, especially on the front patio.
The Girl & The Fig
110 W. Spain St.
Sonoma, CA
This popular eatery’s cozy, enclosed patio is just the spot for a romantic lunchtime rendezvous. Save room for a plate of artisan cheese and a glass of wine from owner Sondra Bernstein’s incredible collection of Rhones.
Sunflower Caffe
421 1st St W.
Sonoma, CA
This cafe, located in historic landmark building #501, was once home to captain Salvador Vallejo, the brother of Sonoma’s founder Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. The recipe for the food is simple, local and seasonal. Outdoor dining is available on the street side patio or in the shaded garden.
Cafe Citti
9049 Sonoma Hwy.
Kenwood, CA
A tuna-egg-mayo foccaccia sandwich and iced tea on the patio of this Italian spot is something of a lunchtime tradition for gal pals in Wine Country. Casual dining and a relaxed atmosphere (that’s kid-friendly without being a free-for-all). No wonder the ladies love it here.
Bird & The Bottle
1055 Fourth St.
Santa Rosa, CA
You’re front and center on busy Fourth Street, but with a second story view at this restaurant from Mark and Terri Stark. A great happy hour and indoor-outdoor dining on the deck are perfect for the restaurant’s Jewish, Asian, barbecue menu.
Brew Coffee & Beer
555 Healdsburg Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA
Though the patio is small, it’s almost always crowded with local artists, writers and friends meeting up for a craft brew or coffee. Look for cozy couches, tasty pastries, a simple lunch menu and occasional dinner pop-ups.
Ca'Bianca Ristorante
835 2nd St.
Santa Rosa, CA
Located in Santa Rosa’s historic Marshall House, built in 1876, this Italian restaurant offers elegant indoor dining as well as quaint patio seating with wooded surroundings. For great Italian food outdoors, Ca’Bianca’s is your best bet in Santa Rosa.
Emily's Kitchen
709 Village Ct.
Santa Rosa, CA
At Emily’s, guests are greeted by a key-lime-colored patio and a friendly staff and atmosphere. The patio, lined with plants in terracotta clay pots, is perfect on sunny days as the lattice overhang offers shade while letting in the right amount of sunshine.
John Ash & Co.
4330 Barnes Rd.
Santa Rosa, CA
This historic restaurant pays homage to the godfather of Wine Country cuisine, founding chef John Ash. It’s nestled among acres of vineyards with stunning views from just about every angle. Twinkling lights and a lovely patio make it a perfect sunset spot.
La Rosa Tequileria
500 Fourth St.
Santa Rosa, CA
A huge tequila bar and the best chips and guac in town make this a great after-work spot to watch the world go by on Courthouse Square
Monti's Rotisserie and Bar
714 Village Ct.
Santa Rosa, CA
Enjoy a rustic Mediterranean meal on Monti’s patio. Then walk it off, shopping in open air Montgomery Village.
The Whole Pie
2792 4th St.
Santa Rosa, CA
The Whole Pie serves lunch and dinner in a crust, with sweet and savory slices, hand pies and whole pies, of course. Beer, cider and wine are also on the menu, along with coffee and craft soda. The cute patio overlooks Santa Rosa Creek.
Brewsters Beer Garden and Restaurant
229 Water St N.
Petaluma, CA
Brewsters is a gourmet Southern-style beer garden with over 350 seats. Chef/co-owner Chris Beerman serves up BBQ classics, like brisket, ribs, and fried chicken. Guests can also enjoy bocce ball on the patio, 30 beers on tap, Sonoma wine and creative cocktails.
Speakeasy
139 Petaluma Blvd N.
Petaluma, CA
Speakeasy, an “international tapas bistro,” draws its inspiration from the history of downtown Petaluma’s turn-of-the-century buildings and alleys. After dining on the outdoor patio at the front of the restaurant, stroll over to sister joint “The Big Easy” for some live music and digestifs.
Wild Goat Bistro
Great Petaluma Mill Shopping Center #A5
Petaluma, CA
Located in the historic Great Petaluma Mill, the Wild Goat Bistro features “honest food” that uses fresh and seasonal local ingredients in a variety of culinary traditions: from specialty Neopolitan-style pizzas to sharable small plates. Outdoor seating is available on the front porch.
Barndiva
231 Center St.
Healdsburg, CA
This Healdsburg hotspot is a mashup of rural charm and urban sensibilities. The casual bistro garden offers a cozy vibe. Did we mention the incredible food and craft cocktails?
Bravas Bar de Tapas
420 Center St.
Healdsburg, CA
“Jamon In” points a neon arrow to the patio that Healdsburgers flock to every summer. Sangria, paella, Spanish tapas and plenty of gossip are what you’ll find at this popular watering hole and restaurant.
Campo Fina
330 Healdsburg Ave.
Healdsburg, CA
Don’t be alarmed if this idyllic brick-clad Italian eatery appears empty when you walk in on a sunny day—everyone is on the back patio sipping cocktails, playing bocce and watching the chefs turn out some of the best pizza in the county in a wood-fired oven.
Healdsburg Bar& Grill
245 Healdsburg Ave.
Healdsburg, CA
Known to locals as HBG, this buzzing, American eatery is the playground for Michelin-starred chef Douglas Keane, who serves up comfort classics like macaroni and cheese and their classic HBG’s burger. Bocce and lots of happy kids (don’t worry, there’s a fence) wander around on the patio in the early evening hours.
Mateo's Cocina Latina
214 Healdsburg Ave.
Healdsburg, CA
707-433-1520
In the back of Mateo’s is a garden patio where the master chef grows herbs and vegetables for his seasonal, Latin cuisine. The large patio has umbrella-shaded tables for those hot summer days and heaters for the chilly months, along with strung lights and various plants for an extra cozy ambiance.
Willi's Seafood and Raw Bar
403 Healdsburg Ave.
Healdsburg, CA
The East Coast and South America meet Wine Country at this restaurant located just north of the Healdsburg town square. The menu, designed for sharing, includes items ranging from New England Style “Rolls” and Latin-inspired skewers to ceviches and tartares which can be enjoyed on the popular outdoor patio.
Catelli's
21047 Geyserville Ave.
Geyserville, CA
This large outdoor patio is a luxe respite in the middle of the Dry Creek Valley. Excellent Cal-Ital menu items include paper-thin lasagna, burgers and other classics.
Rustic Francis's Favorites
300 Via Archimedes
Geyserville, CA
The restaurant at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville boasts a terrace overlooking the picturesque Alexander Valley and Coppola vineyards. The family-style cooking features fresh, seasonal ingredients from the property’s organic herb and produce garden.
Charlie's Restaurant
1320 19th Hole Dr.
Windsor, CA
A favorite among our readers, Charlie’s at Windsor Golf Club offers views of the course and lake, and features weekend brunches, steaks, fresh seafood, fine wines and beers on tap.
Fork Roadhouse
9890 Bodega Hwy.
Sebastopol, CA
The large patio behind this tiny Sebastopol roadhouse is a ton of fun, with live music and cool shade by the small stream nearby. Not to mention that chef/owner Sarah Piccolo’s food is spot-on every time.
Gravestein Grill
8050 Bodega Ave.
Sebastopol, CA
Out front of this upscale restaurant, with large Roman columns, is a stone patio with white tablecloth-lined tables surrounded by lush gardens.
Handline
935 Gravestein Hwy S.
Sebastopol, CA
An epic patio and screened walls that open to the breeze makes this fast/casual taco, oysters and burger spot a favorite for families and happy hour. Great food, a nice list of beer and wine, plus walk-up soft serve keeps them coming back.
Hopmonk Tavern
230 Petaluma Ave.
Sebastopol, CA
Sebastopol's Hopmonk is housed in a 1903 landmarked brick building previously used as railroad powerhouse. The outdoor beer garden has long communal tables and a fire-pit, and is host to live music on the weekends. Guests can check out the extensive “Beer Bible” while chewing on a juicy burger and other classic pub grub.
Ramen Gaijin
6948 Sebastopol Ave.
Sebastopol, CA
Seasonal Japanese menu consisting of traditional regional ramen styles inspired by the offerings of local farmers and ranchers, plus an ever-changing selection of yakitori and small plate izakaya dishes to complement craft cocktails, beer, wine and sake. Enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere on the patio during the daily happy hour.
Woodfour Brewing
6780 Depot St.
Sebastopol, CA
This local brewery serves up solid Sonoma County-inspired dishes and has a large patio for people watching and soaking up the summer sun.
Backyard
6566 Front St.
Forestville, CA
Living up to its name, Forestville’s Backyard restaurant has a gorgeous, sunny patio out back—a great spot for any time of the year. A large tree in the middle of the patio provides some shade on hot days, and outdoor heaters are available for the colder months. Various plant life adorns the patio, with retro lights hanging overhead.
Estero Cafe
4450 Hwy. 1
Valley Ford, CA
Bright orange umbrellas are the signature of this tiny breakfast/brunch cafe that pays daily homage to local farmers with a hand-lettered chalkboard. A note on the menu informs customers that they deep fry in local pork lard, something true foodies will travel miles to find.
Rocker Oysterfeller's
14415 Hwy. 1
Valley Ford, CA
A historic Sonoma County roadhouse, Rocker Oysterfeller's kitchen and saloon near Bodega is known for its popular Chowder Day and Oysterpalooza events. The restaurant also has a large outdoor brick patio, complete with white tables and chairs, and heaters for those chilly days on the coast.
Gold Coast Coffee and Bakery
23577 Steelhead Blvd.
Duncans Mills, CA
Stop in historic Duncans Mills for a cup of house-roasted coffee and pair it with a pastry baked in the wood fire oven (which also makes great-tasting pizza). The deck is surrounded by lush gardens.
Russian River Vineyards
5700 Highway 116 N.
Forestville, CA
This Forestville outpost has always been a great spot to sit outside among grapevines and redwoods and ponder the Wine Country lifestyle. The weekend brunch is a great excuse to linger.
Drake's Fireside Lounge
103 CA-1
Bodega Bay, CA
Drake's is a great spot to relax and experience the Sonoma Coast. Get cozy indoors next to a stone fireplace or take in the sunset, nestled in a teak rocking chair by the outdoor fire pit. Through the lenses of the patio binoculars, you can track migrating whales, spot coastal birds, or follow the kite surfers in the distant harbor.
Fisherman's Cove
1850 Bay Flat Rd.
Bodega Bay, CA
A no-nonsense family-owned seafood shack and fishing-marine supply store specializing in fresh local oysters harvested from Tamales Bay. Their crab sandwich rivals nearby Spud Point, but we’ll let you make that call.
Spud Point Crab Company
1910 Westshore Rd.
Bodega Bay, CA
This family operated old-style Fishermen’s Wharf restaurant is a “dream-come-true” for owners Tony and Carol Anello. The restaurant’s fresh crab and wild king salmon is caught by Tony and his son Mark. Carol and daughters Lisa and Gina run the store, serving up famous clam chowder and crab cakes. The outdoor picnic tables offer views of the bay and the fishing fleet.
River's End
11048 Highway 1
Jenner, CA
This romantic Jenner restaurant is the perfect place to end a day on the coast. With large windows overlooking the shore, this spot’s sunset views mixed with the fresh-out-of-the-ocean seafood is a dinner you’ll remember.