Where to Eat Around California’s Russian River

There’s no shortage of fine dining in Sonoma County: It’s hardly secret that tourists flock to the region in large part for its wineries and rich culinary scene. But for those who call the Russian River area home, it’s all about the spots that fly under the radar.

Whether you’re spending your summer vacation floating on the river or just stopping by on a drive to the coast, the area offers an impressive number of eateries that are locally owned, focus on locally sourced ingredients—and have become locally beloved. Here’s how to eat like an insider in West Sonoma County.

Guerneville

The bustling vacation town of Guerneville, known for decades as an LGBTQ-friendly getaway for Bay Area residents, has a busy main street yet still radiates small-town charm. Best known for its fluffy biscuits, Piknik Town Market serves up both sweet and savory dishes on its menu. Order biscuits with whipped mascarpone and honey for breakfast, or a BLT with jalapeño jam for lunch. While you’re there, pick up a bag of biscuit mix or a recipe book to replicate the experience once you’re home. Tables on the sidewalk out front offer good people-watching.

Locals know that one of the best meals in towns comes from an unassuming taco truck in the corner of the Safeway parking lot. The Guerneville Taco Truck always has a crowd, and for good reason: The brothers who own it make everything from breakfast burritos to ceviche tostadas. Stop by more than once, and chances are they’ll remember your name. Eat at one of the picnic tables set up out front, or order a burrito to go for a trip down the river.

The historic Guerneville bank building is home to Nimble & Finn’s, an artisanal ice cream shop that features triple-layer ice cream cakes, plus innovative flavors like lavender honeycomb and pear caramel. It’s a great, kid-friendly place to cool down on a hot summer day. Don’t miss the heavy old bank vault door they’ve kept in place, tucked in the back near the menu.

Monte Rio

Monte Rio is Guerneville’s quieter cousin, with its old movie theater and classic sign welcoming visitors to “Vacation Wonderland.” Down the street from the popular Monte Rio Public Beach is Lightwave Coffee and Kitchen, a breakfast and brunch spot with ample dog-friendly outdoor seating. It’s a great place to grab coffee and a pastry, or a full lunch after swimming in the Russian River. There are rotating daily specials, but the lox bagels and shakshuka are always on offer—and can’t be missed. Shaded tables near the huge vegetable garden are a comfortable place to hang out for a meal, and the neighboring skate park offers free on-site entertainment.

Cazadero

Further northwest, Cazadero offers a true California redwood experience, with dense groves of trees that line the picturesque Austin Creek. Raymond’s Bakery in Cazadero turns out fresh bread and pastries from the kitchen at Elim Grove Cottages. The family-run business has stands at local farmer’s markets, but the best way to experience their baking skills happens on Friday evenings. From May through September, the bakery hosts weekly community pizza nights in a stunning redwood grove, complete with live music and dancing. It’s dog- and kid-friendly, and the pizza, while always made with a salted sourdough crust, rotates toppings each week.

Duncans Mills

Heading out to the ocean, you’ll find Duncans Mills, a tiny community of small businesses and shops that’s worth a stop. Don’t miss Blue Heron Restaurant: Built in the 1800s, the old tavern is cozy and rustic, with a wall of picture windows overlooking the woods. The menu features pub-food classics, like fish and chips and burgers, but has some local specialties too. There’s the rich and creamy Pacific Coast clam chowder, or an ahi tuna salad with a ginger-soy dressing. The place can get crowded on weekends, and if the wait staff are busy it’s quicker to order your food at the bar. There’s a kid’s menu and an outdoor patio that’s dog-friendly. 

Across the street from the Blue Heron is the old Duncans Mills General Store, which has a classic deli inside. Grab a sandwich on a Dutch crunch roll for the road, and while you’re there, pick up a jar of local honey or sausages for the grill sourced from a nearby butcher.

Jenner

A small seaside town along Highway 1, Jenner offers a number of stops with incredible views of the ocean. In a sweet, wood-shingled building on the water you’ll find Cafe Aquatica, a must-visit breakfast and brunch spot with outdoor picnic tables and comfortable Adirondack chairs. The cafe has a wide array of espresso drinks and teas, plus fresh-baked pastries, smoked salmon rolls, and a hearty clam chowder. Visit on a weekend morning to catch live performances from local musicians. 

For a fine-dining experience, make a reservation at River’s End. Sample miyagi oysters from the nearby coastline, local lamb with a mint chutney sauce, or wonton rolls filled with duck confit. Tables overlook the Russian River as it enters the Pacific Ocean, with views of Goat Rock Beach. It’s a perfect romantic spot to sip a glass of local wine and watch the sunset.