Sonoma County has become known as the land of fine dining, with the heart of that lies in the town of Healdsburg. Nestled between Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley, Healdsburg’s soil is rich in minerals and houses many microclimates that yield ideal conditions for the countless organic farms that produce bounties of farm-to-table ingredients to local restauranters.
When one hears the word “artist” the first thing that comes to mind may be a painter, photographer, sculptor, or maybe even a musician, but seldom does one think of a chef. However, few forms of art can capture all five of your sense in the way that food does. From the sizzling sound you may hear as your plate is being served, to the smells that overcome you when you glance at your meal, to the textures you taste when you take your first bites. Food brings out emotions in the same way as a meaningful painting or a statue. Just as a sculptor has marble and a chisel, a masterful chef has a plethora of ingredients and the latest culinary equipment to manipulate food and bring to life their vision of a tasteful masterpiece.
When done skillfully, food has the potential to take you on an adventure to a new facet or bring you down a lane of sweet memories with each bite. Healdsburg has no shortage of culinary experiences, ranging from French bakeries to a three-star Michelin restaurant. Each delight in their own way, leaving you wanting more and anticipating your next visit.
Run by a brother duo, Chef Dustin Valette and Aaron Garzini’s, Valette was inspired by their great-grandfather’s bakery, which once occupied the same space. Both Valette and Garzini started their careers in the restaurant world in their early teens learning their way through the industry. Chef Dustin Valette continued his journey in New York where he studied culinary craft while Aaron Garzini mastered the art of the front-end of the restaurant and focused on first-class service. The two set forth on their mission of providing a canvas for Healdsburg’s local farmers, winemakers, and artisans to showcase their crafts. Their passion can be seen in the attention to detail in every dish’s skillful decoration and plating.
Dine in a private treehouse-inspired, glass-encased space suspended above Healdsburg at Hazel Hill a part of Montage Healdsburg. Dive into wine country’s flair guided by Chef Jaron Dubinky’s creative California Cuisine with a touch of French influence that captures the local flavors in nourishing dishes. Guest are welcomed to peek behind the scenes when they first step foot into the restaurant with a look into the exhibit pantry and a stroll through the interactive expo kitchen. From there, they are welcome to indulge in comfort and refinement. Locally sourced ingredients are always the centerpiece of Hazel Hills creations. Whether you are searching for brunch, lunch or dinner, taste the history of Sonoma Valley during your next visit to Hazel Hill.
With open walls and an airy interior space garnished with three-dimensional art overlooking the Healdsburg sidewalks and a garden patio, Spoonbar takes a modern approach to dining that can be seen both in the décor and the colorful dishes and cocktails. Located at H2Hotel, this eco-friendly restaurant delights with vibrant starters, handmade pasta, and market-driven mains. Chef Tom Mulligan and Chef Pancho Alveraz have mastered California Cuisine with their playful main dishes including maple leaf duck leg confit, Niman ranch smash burger, and Mary’s chicken. Stop in for a critically acclaimed crafted cocktail or plan to enjoy Seafood Sundays with a 3-course meal along with wine pairings from local wineries.
Few restaurants have been able to earn the title of having a Michelin star, and even fewer can claim that they own three of these stars. Drawing crowds from near and far, SingleThread has been able to confirm its title time and time again. Husband and wife team Chef Kyle Connaughton and Katina Connaughton have brought to life their vision of a farm, restaurant and Inn trio with an experience that leaves a memorable impact on anyone who visits. The restaurant’s food is sourced from SingleThread’s very own farm located just seven miles away which produces herbs, fruits, vegetables, flowers, honey, eggs and olive oil to the kitchen. Influenced by Chef Connaughton’s training in Japan, guests are treated to an 11-course tasting menu of delicate Japanese dishes carefully embedded on an artisanal display. With an optional wine or non-alcoholic pairing customized to guests’ preferences, every detail of this fine dining experience is carefully thought out to offer a mind-blowing experience.
Healdsburg is a town known for its art scene, and it does not disappoint in the art of food. The creativity of the local chefs can be smelled and tasted around every corner. Whether you are looking to stop for a quick bite while sharing laughs with friends over a glass of wine or are seeking a fine dining experience that will leave a memory for years to come – Healdsburg has an option for every palate. Visit stayhealdsburg.com to start planning your next food adventure in wine country today!
