Location: Petaluma
Top Restaurants in Petaluma
Countries
Where to Eat in Petaluma: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Petaluma /pɛtəˈluːmə/ is a city in Sonoma County, California, part of the North Bay sub-region of the San Francisco Bay Area, located 37 mi (60 km) north of San Francisco. Its population was 57,941 according to the 2010 Census.
Things to do in Petaluma
1. Cucina Paradiso
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
Reviewed By Sam N - Boise, Idaho
Just happened to see this as we were searching for some Italian for lunch. Cozy atmosphere, attentive wait staff, and fabulous flavors. We got just before the lunch crowd, so we had zero wait time to be seated. I would definitely go again for date night or a special occasion.
2. Sax's Joint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Reviewed By Tommy L
A 1950"s style diner with black and white floor tiles, period music and waitresses with ponytails and red lipstick. Sax's joint has a line outside every Saturday and Sunday, so that should tell you something. Whatever you do, make sure your order includes a biscuit, If not, add it to your order, but be warned - - these things are huge and one biscuit is large enough for two people. In fact, the portions in the place are not at all normal. Their chicken and waffle is a waffle nearly a foot in diameter with an entire half of a chicken. Their biscuits and gravy feature two of the aforementioned biscuits with a pile of gravy. The average price for one of their breakfasts hovers around 12 bucks..
3. Della Fattoria Downtown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Reviewed By kjtripper - Baltimore, Maryland
As a former chef and baker I'm not easily impressed with baked goods. Lucky for me my wife spied the gorgeous breads in the window of Della Frattoria as we walked the streets of Petaluma. We sat down for a full breakfast and I ordered the toast 3 ways and my wife had a breakfast sandwich.The toast 3 ways was so good I didn't leave one crumb. My wife said her breakfast sandwich was the best ever. Get here early to buy a loaf of the Meyer Lemon Rosemary Bread which sells out quickly. Try their other baked goods too, like the yummy stuffed peanut butter cookie. My wife also loved their coffee. On good weather days plan on eating on their outdoor patio.
4. Central Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 403 reviews
Reviewed By traveler33007 - San Anselmo, California
So, this review isn't about the food etc. because we walked out of the restaurant!
We had reservations & arrived at the appointed time. Maybe 5 tables were occupied. The hostess couldn't find our reservation at first then "oh! here it is!". She then tried to seat us at a table behind the hostess station, directly UNDER the coat racks & the by the front door. We asked to be seated elsewhere. After much effort she offered us a table by the pass through for food & bus station with the proviso that she had to turn that table in about an hour & said "that should be plenty of time" (Remember now ; the restaurant is 90-95% empty.)
We were treated so poorly & with such attitude that a meal here was not an option. We walked out & had a lovely meal at Paradiso,which graciously made room for us in a packed restaurant with no reservations.
A restaurant experience starts with the front of the house & this was a terrible representation.
5. Lagunitas Brewing Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 490 reviews
The brewery serves sandwiches in its Tap Room and Beer Sanctuary. It's open for lunch on weekends.
Reviewed By bnj728 - Reading PA
First time visitor when in the bay area. First I will say that I absolutely hate that they sold out to Heineken but it didn’t seem to bother the 400 or more people here on a Saturday afternoon. Live music and a large outside open area with tables and an inside taproom. We sat inside and found a large selection of beers. Like any good brewery they have all their core beers and a large selection of limited or brewery only choices. They have a nice menu and we enjoyed a soft pretzel and a large loaded baked potato. Staff was attentive even with a large line at all times. Other than them selling out, I can’t recommend Lagunitas enough as a stop on a brewery tour.
6. Water Street Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By Brandon S
Pastries to kill for, unparalleled strata and quiche, niçoise worthy of a continental pilgrimage. Espresso drinks are impeccable. Yada, yada, yada. Not enough praise can be heaped upon this collection of artisanal masters.
This bistro is absolutely top notch. If you're visiting Petaluma, or residing there, know that no better spot to eat breakfast or lunch exists in town. Della included.
7. Wild Goat Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
Reviewed By LGuerrieri - Vacaville, California
Made reservations and were seated upon arriving. Restaurant is broken into several rooms with outdoor seating.
Took a few minutes to be acknowledged, we actually had enough time to review menu and make our selections before the server came over.
We placed our drink and entree orders. Our appetizer came out quickly. We ordered the polenta fries, which were very tasty with a pesto sauce and parmesan cheese.
Our entrees came out in a reasonable amount of time. The guys ordered pizza's which they said we're very good. My aunt and I ordered salads which were fresh and full of fresh veggies.
We all ordered different desserts and tried each dessert. The lemon cake with raspberry was the table favorite. The coconut cake was also delicious. All desserts were gluten free except for the lemon.
Will return when hungrier as I would like to try one of their entrees.
Server was very busy but friendly and had the food runners and busboy assist her.
8. Old Chicago
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By Ryan L - Petaluma, California, United States
Warning: after having Old Chicago pizza, you won't want any other type of pizza ever! The deep-dish pizzas will fill you up quick, so be careful about size when you order!
The price is good, the ambience of the restaurant is awesome and fun. The service is also excellent.
There is often a wait for a table, but they do allow you to sit at the bar and order their amazing pesto cheesy garlic bread, a salad or drinks while you wait.
In case you would like to still experience their pizza without going out, you can call and order for pick up or delivery from their satellite location on McDowell. (The actual restaurant is on Petaluma Boulevard).
Cheers!!
9. Risibisi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Set in Historic Downtown Petaluma, enjoy authentic Italian dining in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Lunch is available on the back patio overlooking the Petaluma River. Special occasions are memorable and fun when you book your event with us!
Reviewed By Mark M - El Dorado Hills, California
It's the Wandering Yank here. For a family get-together, I googled "restaurants open in Petaluma on Christmas" and found Risibisi, and after checking the TA reviews made a reservation. Good idea!
The restaurant is quaint and cozy, in an old brick building downtown. Service was efficient, unobtrusive and the team worked well together serving the 5 of us simultaneously. A good sign! There was a special Christmas Day menu. Between the 5 of us, we had spaghetti putanesca (for our vegan member - they held the anchovies), gnocchi with boar ragu, crab cakes, a pressed chicken dish, risotto with pork cheeks and a couple of beet and arugula salads. All were interesting and delicious. Serving sizes were reasonable. A shared tiramisu and coffee drinks all around and we were very satisfied. Prices were reasonable for the location and quality of service and food.
2 thumbs up!
10. Topsy's Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By MarshBruce - Chicago, Illinois
We recently had breakfast. Inattentive service. Average breakfast food. Weak coffee. "Potato Latke" was more like hash brown potatoes.
