Santa Rosa, nestled in the heart of California's Wine Country, is not only known for its vineyards but also for its vibrant culinary scene. The region's dedication to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients makes it an ideal destination for health-conscious diners. Whether you're looking for plant-based options, superfood bowls, or classic dishes with a healthy twist, Santa Rosa and its surrounding areas offer a diverse selection of restaurants that prioritize both health and taste.
Plant-Based Paradise
For those seeking exclusively plant-based fare, Santa Rosa boasts several standout options.
Cozy Plum: This all-plant menu features comforting and approachable dishes. Indulge in their "loaded tots," made with soy-based taco "meat," cashew cheese, and vegan sour cream, or try their Philly cheesesteak featuring meatless steak, peppers, onions, and a vegan cheese sauce. Located at 1899 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, you can visit their website at cozyplum.com or call them at 707-526-3333.
The Branch Line: While known for its stellar coffee drinks, The Branch Line also offers a grab-and-go case with hearty grain salads featuring seasonal veggies. Don't miss the Cirque De Ferments ginger jun-kombucha, a spicy tonic loaded with probiotics.
Superfood and Wellness Havens
If you're looking to fuel your body with nutrient-rich ingredients, these spots are sure to satisfy.
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Vitality Bowls: As the name suggests, Vitality Bowls is superfood central. They offer fruit-loaded acai bowls, fresh juice, and smoothies. Additionally, they have a new menu featuring healthy grain bowls and wraps packed with greens, chicken, and toasted tomatoes. Located at 1880 Mendocino Ave., Suite G, Santa Rosa, you can visit vitalitybowls.com or call them at 707-540-0655.
El Huerto Superfood Bar: This charming Sonoma cafe offers Glow Bowls, power-packed with fruit, yogurt, acai, and other healthy ingredients to keep you energized. They also have smoothies, light toasts (avocado or nut butters), light paninis, and salads. For a treat, try their Bubble Waffle, a Japanese-inspired waffle topped with fruit and ice cream. Find them at 19213 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, or visit their website at el-huerto-of-sonoma.square.site. You can also reach them at 707-934-8791.
Nectary: With locations in Sebastopol and Healdsburg, Nectary focuses on medicinal food. Explore ingredients like ashwagandha, pine pollen, mucuna, and cordyceps in their hot tonics, fermented beverages, raw foods, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and wellness shots. They prioritize farm-fresh, seasonal, gluten-free, and organic ingredients. Find them at 7300 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol (707-829-2697) and 312 Center St., Healdsburg (707-473-0677), or visit thenectary.net.
Globally Inspired Healthy Eats
Santa Rosa's culinary scene also embraces global flavors with a focus on healthy preparations.
East West Cafe: This long-standing favorite is known for its chicken shawarma and vegetarian mezze plate. The beet and walnut hummus is a standout, offering a bright pink, slightly sweet dip.
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Delicious Dish: Located in Sonoma, Delicious Dish offers the Banh Mi Ahi Poke Bowl Salad. This vibrant dish features black rice, pickled daikon, cucumber, watermelon radish, cilantro, mint, and ruby red chunks of tuna. Chef Lauren Cotner's sauce game is on point, with both sriracha aioli and creamy miso dressing served on the side. Visit them at 18709 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, or online at deliciousdishsf.com. You can also call them at 707-721-4231.
Stockhome: Situated in downtown Petaluma, Stockhome is a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient that serves a fusion of Swedish dishes with Middle Eastern flavors, using fresh California ingredients. Healthy choices include seasonal salads like the Little Gem salad, the Falafel Pita Wrap, and freshly made hummus. They are happy to accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan dietary needs.
Customizable Creations
For those who like to build their own perfect healthy meal, these options offer plenty of choices.
Zoftig: Specializing in salads, Zoftig allows you to build your own creation with dozens of add-ins, including brown rice, grilled tofu, falafel, radishes, and yams. Their housemade dressings are packed with flavor. Visit them at 57 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa, or online at zoftigeatery.com. You can also call them at 707-521-9554.
Community Supported Kitchen
Three Leaves Heritage Foods: This Community Supported Kitchen offers weekly meal pickup for members, with extra available for grab-and-go customers. Choose from hearty grain bowls and salads, as well as entrees, roasted chicken, burgers, bone broth, nut butters, and gluten-free cookies. They are open Thursdays and Fridays at 925 Corporate Center Parkway, Suite D, Santa Rosa. Visit threeleavesfoods.com or call 707-595-0316. They focus on farm-fresh, seasonal, gluten-free, and organic ingredients whenever possible, providing healthy, sustainably-sourced meals.
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Local Favorites with Healthy Options
Many established restaurants in Santa Rosa also offer healthy choices alongside their regular menus.
Monti's: This Mediterranean restaurant in Santa Rosa focuses on locally sourced ingredients and offers a diverse menu. Enjoy Caesar and kale salads, Tunisian chicken meatballs, and a grilled lamb burger. They also offer gluten-free options and kid's meals. For parties over 4 guests or if your desired time is unavailable, contact them directly at 707-583-0035.
Tomatina: Located in the Montgomery Village Shopping Center, Tomatina is a classic Italian restaurant with a vegetarian, gluten-free, and children's menu in addition to its regular offerings. They also offer seasonal specials each month.
Pascaline Bistro & Patisserie: This charming French bistro in Santa Rosa offers breakfast and lunch daily. Enjoy earthy and healthy salads, gourmet sandwiches, classic Croque Monsieur, and homemade soups. They serve lunch daily from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
Ricardo's Bar and Grill: Located in the Annadel Center Shopping mall, Ricardo's offers American comfort food with a California twist. They feature Eclectic California Cuisine inspired by Sonoma County. Salads and soups are excellent.
Lunchette: Located in Petaluma, Lunchette's chef-driven menu focuses on locally-sourced, seasonal grain bowls and salads. Their top-selling farro with chicken salad includes farm lettuces, farro, apple, candied almonds, harissa-roasted chicken breast, goat cheese, pickled onions, and mustard vinaigrette. They are located at 25 Fourth St., Petaluma, and can be found online at lunchetteonline.com, or reached by phone at 415-238-3291.
Little Saint: This recently opened cafe and restaurant in Healdsburg offers farm-fresh salads, vegan baked treats, wellness shots, and prepared dishes to take on picnics or home for lunch. Find them at 25 North St., Healdsburg, or visit littlesainthealdsburg.com.
Magdelena's Savories and Sweets: Located in Petaluma, this spot offers vegan morning buns, gluten-free scones, and healthy breakfast options, including an acai bowl and steel-cut oats with turmeric-infused Golden Mylk Chai. They also create vegan special occasion cakes. Find them at 5306 Old Redwood Highway, Suite A, Petaluma, or visit magdelenas.com. You can also call them at 707-665-0644.
East West Café: This restaurant has been a part of the Santa Rosa community for over 30 years, offering fresh, homemade meals.