Sonoma County is a foodie’s mecca. From farm-to-table fare to international cuisine to comfort classics, you can satisfy pretty much any craving here. But, until recently, you might have struggled to find vegan and vegetarian dishes that reached the level of the area’s carnivorous meals. That, along with our food preferences, is changing.
Meat and dairy alternatives have been steadily popping up on grocery store shelves and restaurant menus across the United States in the last few years following a shift in attitudes toward vegan foods. Local restaurants have taken note, adding more vegetarian and vegan options to their menus while some have gone fully plant-based.
Last year, Santa Rosa got its own meatless soul food and barbecue spot when celebrity-favorite Vegan Mob parked its lime-green food truck on West Third Street. Meanwhile, Santa Rosa’s popular plant-based restaurant Cozy Plum opened a second location in Sebastopol, in the former Slice of Life space. (The original Cozy Plum closed, and there have been no updates yet on a possible new Santa Rosa location.)
And while Sebastopol’s all-vegan Goatlandia Kitchen was short-lived — opening in August only for the restaurant to take a pause earlier this month — the animal-friendly establishment will start offering catering, special events and takeaway dinners.
As more local restaurants update their menus with vegans, vegetarians and the plant-based curious in mind, here are excellent restaurants to try on World Vegan Day (Nov. 1) or any day of the year. Click through the above gallery for a peek at some of our favorite dishes.
Santa Rosa
Abyssinia
This Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurant in Santa Rosa has a wide selection of plant-based offerings. The veggie combo is a generous sampler of all the vegetarian dishes on the menu — Shiro We’t (spiced Ethiopian hummus), Miser We’t (lentils stewed in Berbere sauce), Miser Alecha (lentil stew with garlic, ginger and turmeric), Tikel Gomen (cabbage, carrots and potatoes cooked with ginger), Yabesha Gomen (collard greens cooked in tomato, garlic and rosemary) and Yater Kik Alecha (split peas with garlic, ginger and green pepper), all served on injera (a spongy Ethiopian flat bread). The veggie sambusa is a great starter.
913 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-568-6455, my-abyssinia.com
The Branch Line
Kim Bourdet, owner of Santa Rosa’s organic cafe and caterer The Pharmacy, opened this plant-based eatery and mercantile in the former Flying Goat Coffee space in Old Railroad Square in early 2022, with meat alternatives, housemade nut milks and vegan cheeses.
Start your day with a seasonal latte, paired with fluffy focaccia, fresh muffins and other pastries. Or go for the bagels with avocado or vegan cream cheese. For lunch on the go, there are salads, sandwiches and grain bowls. Locally made goods to take home include syrups, jams, sauces and dry pasta.
10 Fourth St., Suite 1, Santa Rosa, 707-595-1941, instagram.com/thebranchline_sonomacounty
East West Cafe
A Mediterranean staple for over 30 years, East West Cafe has a dedicated vegetarian section on its menu. The Mediterranean Platter is a fan favorite meatless sampler, with hummus, falafel, tabbouleh and baba ganoush.
The Macro Plate is a filling vegan dish, served with braised tofu or a veggie patty along with steamed vegetables, hummus, brown rice, oil-free black beans and blue corn tortillas. The Thai Tofu Salad is bright and colorful with marinated tofu on a bed of mixed greens and red cabbage, as well as onion, avocado, beets, carrots, toasted almonds, mandarin orange slices and housemade citrus dressing.
557 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa, 707-546-6142, eastwestcafesantarosa.com
Vegan Mob
Last October, Bay Area-based cult favorite Vegan Mob opened a barbecue and soul food truck on West Third Street in Santa Rosa, at the new Culture Experience Center.
The Mob Meals are a great way to sample the various 100% vegan offerings, such as plant-based fried chicken, brisket, hot links or rib tips with classic Southern-inspired sides like collard greens, candied yams and “Smackaroni,” a creamy baked mac and cheese.
The fully loaded Mob fries are a crowd-pleaser. Crispy crinkle-cut fries are topped with a heap of smoked vegan brisket or barbecued links, all smothered in signature Mob Sauce, nacho cheese, guacamole and sour cream. And the Da’ Renz shrimp po’boy — with “like the real thing” fried vegan shrimp, coleslaw, vegan mayo and Cajun sauce in a French roll — gets the seal of approval from our dining editor.
The Vegan Mob food truck is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
13 W. Third St., Santa Rosa, veganmob.biz
Rohnert Park
Amy’s Drive Thru
When Sonoma County’s nationally-renowned, plant-based Amy’s Kitchen opened its first drive-thru in Rohnert Park in 2015, it redefined what fast food could be. Amy’s Drive Thru specializes in guilt-free veggie burgers with its own secret sauce and vegan cheese.
But Amy’s offers more than your typical burger drive-thru. The fully-loaded vegetarian or vegan burritos are popular menu items. The Broccoli Cheddar Mac ’n’ Cheese (which can be made vegan) will please grown-ups and kids alike. And the Margherita pizza has a crunchy crust and is topped with fresh basil, diced tomatoes and dairy or vegan cheese — a delicious pie to share with friends or devour by yourself. Plus, non-dairy shakes and cinnamon rolls!
58 Golf Course Drive West, Rohnert Park, 707-755-3629, amysdrivethru.com
Cotati
Lady Blume Microbakery + Coffee
Opened earlier this past spring, Lady Blume bakery is entirely gluten- and dairy-free. Plant-based pastries include walnut banana bread, chocolate pound cake, cinnamon rolls (weekends only), cornmeal berry muffins and walnut chocolate chip cookies. Keep an eye on the rotating flavors of dairy-free doughnuts.
8059 La Plaza, Cotati, ladyblume.com
Petaluma
Aqus Café
The humble cafe at Foundry Wharf offers an assortment of vegan-alternative dishes. Start the day with a Veganrito, a breakfast burrito filled with rice, potato, avocado, cilantro, black beans, red peppers and vegan mozzarella. For lunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong with one of the vegan/vegetarian wraps, paninis and sandwiches. The Veggie Friday panini is stacked with roasted asparagus, eggplant, sweet peppers, portobello mushrooms, goat cheese (or vegan alternative) and sundried tomato spread. There’s also a tempeh reuben, garden burgers, vegetarian lasagna and a tempeh teriyaki bowl with rice and veggies.
189 H St., Petaluma, 707-778-6060, aquscafe.com
Luma Bar and Eatery
The Mediterranean-California fusion menu at Luma features creative plant-based dishes, like a mezza board, sweet tahini salad and hand-cut fries with harissa aioli. Larger standout vegan dishes include a quinoa and chickpea veggie burger, a creamy pesto gnocchi, and a Margherita flatbread pizza with an option of cashew cheese.
For dessert, try the olive oil cake with lemon curd or the coconut milk-based rose panna cotta. The drink menu includes local ales and wines, innovative cocktails and low- or no-alcoholic drinks. The vibrant Lumanade is made with lemon, butterfly pea tisane and FloraLuna Apothecary wildflower syrup.
50 E. Washington St., Petaluma, 707-772-5037, lumaeatery.com
Lunchette
Lunchette specializes in nourishing, flavor-packed salads and grain bowls for a satisfying lunch to go, and also offers soup and pizza by the slice. Seasonal specials include a silky, green vegetable soup and an early fall heirloom bean salad.
For a warm vegan meal with heaps of flavor, try the tahini grain bowl. A base of organic brown rice is topped with spinach, cucumber, spiced chickpeas, pickled cauliflower, pickled rainbow carrots, roasted sweet potato, date molasses, zaatar seasoning and a generous drizzle of rich tahini dressing.
Sweet plant-based treats include moist chocolate brownies, tahini miso cookies and a seasonal golden mylk chia pudding, made with coconut milk and yogurt, orange juice, honey, fall spices and topped with poached berries.
25 Fourth St., Petaluma, 707-241-7443, lunchettepetaluma.com
Wild Goat Bistro
This cozy, European-style bistro inside the historic Great Petaluma Mill serves Cal-American cuisine and wood-fired pizzas, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options on its menu.
The vegan Quinoa Sweet Potato Cakes are a mock-crab cake favorite. They come topped with Brussels sprouts slaw and lemon tahini and served with roasted red pepper and creamy cashew sauces. The Shepherd’s Pie is also vegan, with roasted Italian fennel pollen sausage to accompany the traditional English peas, carrots and mushrooms and the dreamy mashed potato whip.
Pizza fans should opt for The Pearl, topped with vegan mozzarella, basil, pepperoncini, beech mushrooms, caramelized pearl onions and savory fennel pollen sausage.
6 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, 707-658-1156, wildgoatbistro.com
The Local
This sandwich shop, in the Active Wellness Center, can be hard to find, but it’s absolutely worth seeking out. Opened to the public in October of 2022, The Local offers a modest assortment of locally sourced, and expertly crafted, sandwiches. The colorful, vegan Helen Putnam includes artichoke hearts, carrots, avocado, pickles, red onion, pickled ginger, roasted beet hummus and mustard greens. The griddled Forestville sandwich is stacked with portobello mushroom, artichoke heart, red pepper, Danish havarti, avocado, house pesto and chili lime aioli.
1201 Redwood Way, Petaluma, 707-789-7002, thelocalpetaluma.com
Phở Sonoma
This Vietnamese restaurant’s vegan menu offers a variety of seasonal plates that even devout meat-eaters can get behind. If you’re seeking a classic vegetarian pho, look no further than the spicy vegan lemongrass noodle soup, with mixed veggies, rice noodles and soft, fried tofu in a spicy lemongrass broth.
The vegan spring rolls are a refreshing starter, made with tofu, lettuce, beansprouts, vermicelli noodles and mint wrapped in rice paper and served with peanut sauce. Curry tofu with mixed veggies is a spicy winner. The simmer-fried eggplant and green beans with Thai basil in vegan oyster sauce brims with garlicky, umami flavor.
140 Second St., Suite 120, Petaluma, 707-762-6888
Healdsburg
Little Saint
Healdsburg’s upscale, farm-to-table Little Saint offers creative vegan takes on favorite dishes, like the grilled cheese with a miso chili crunch. For brunch, try the lion’s mane quiche or breakfast tacos with scrambled tofu and serrano cashew crema.
Dinners at Little Saint are meant to be shared. Start with an eggplant and caramelized onion flatbread and trio of dips (carrot, beet and cashew). The shepherd’s pie gets a plant-based spin with tofu, truffle and rutabaga. For dessert, go for the chocolate mousse or from-the-farm strawberry cheesecake.
25 North St., Healdsburg, 707-433-8207, littlesainthealdsburg.com
Plank Coffee
For the best vegetarian breakfast and lunch in north county, Plank Coffee has you covered with plant-based sandwiches and milk alternatives (oat, soy, almond or coconut) for your mochas and seasonal lattes.
Try a breakfast sandwich on a croissant, housemade biscuit or bagel with egg, cheese (dairy or vegan) and smoky tempeh “bacon” or a Beyond Meat “sausage” patty. The mushroom sandwich is an umami bundle of braised greens, melted provolone (or vegan alternative) and cremini mushrooms sautéed in garlic, onion, tamari, thyme and Bragg’s liquid aminos, all on a toasted Village Bakery roll.
Don’t forget to leave with a morning pastry, like the vegan apricot pecan bran muffin or the moist vegan orange cake with a zesty orange glaze.
175 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-395-0572, and 227 N. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-894-6187, plankcoffee.com
The Taste of Tea
This family-owned tea room serves Japanese tea and comfort food, including some of the most satisfying vegetarian dishes in Healdsburg. The Miso Ramen, ideal for chilly autumn days, is a signature dish. The vegan version offers depths of flavor and varied textures from the light miso kombu broth, soft tofu, chewy noodles, bamboo shoots, green onions and sprouts.
Not in the mood for noodle soups? Try the shoyu tofu skewers or hijiki don rice bowl — white rice topped with hijiki (a wild seaweed) salad and half a shoyu marinated egg. Matcha ice cream and the dairy-free tapioca pudding are refreshing desserts. Pair your meal with a selection from the over 80 teas served here, excellently prepared by the accommodating tea docents.
109 North St., Healdsburg, 707-431-1995, thetasteoftea.com
Sebastopol
Cozy Plum Bistro
From burgers and burritos to loaded nachos and mac and cheese, there’s something for everyone here, including die-hard meat-eaters. Try the Pesto Tenderloin sandwich, with soy/gluten-based “white meat,” housemade pesto and veggies on a soft herb focaccia. The Philly Cheesesteak is a delicious plant-based version of the East Coast classic, made with gluten-based steak strips, bell peppers, onions and a smoky cheddar sauce on fresh baked sourdough.
Don’t miss the plant-based burger, featuring a “chef’s blend protein patty” (soy, pea and rice) with cozy sauce, pickle, tomato, onion and lettuce on a fresh-baked sourdough bun. It is one of the best burgers in Sonoma County.
6970 McKinley St., Sebastopol, 707-823-3333, cozyplum.com
Muir’s Tea Room
This English/Scottish tea house probably has the largest assortment of vegan baked goods in the county, along with fully plant-based plates on its tea service menus.
The seasonal and year-round pies, tarts, cakes, cookies, muffins, scones, brownies and cupcakes are all vegan. Yes, even the mocha chocolate cake and apple spice cupcakes with “cream cheese” frosting. Savory plant-based goods are available, too, such as finger sandwiches, mushroom tarts, “sausage” rolls and seasonal savory pasties.
330 S. Main St., Sebastopol, 707-634-6143, muirstearoomandcafe.com
La Bodega Kitchen
Casual, rustic dining meets gourmet plant-based/vegetarian cuisine at Sebastopol’s completely meat-free La Bodega Kitchen.
The Saffron & Rose Petal Arancini is a standout appetizer — three fried Carnaroli rice balls made with Miyoko’s mozzarella and Forager Project parmesan, resting in La Bodega marinara. Meat won’t be missed after trying the Lasagna “Bolognese,” made with Beyond Meat spicy Italian sausage, Impossible Foods beef, mushroom ragu, sofrito, house marinara, Vella jack cheese and Bellwether Farms carmody. The vegetable root shepherd’s pie is a fabulous and filling plant-based entree.
Don’t skip the sweet treats here. The dessert menu boasts some “I can’t believe it’s vegan” dishes like lava cake ala mode, cherry clafoutis and quince compote tart.
2295 Gravenstein Hwy. South, Sebastopol, 707-827-1832, sonomawineshop.com
Fern Bar
Sebastopol’s chic Fern Bar has an assortment of vegan and vegetarian dishes on its menu, as well as gluten-free or celiac-safe options. A great dish to share is the falafel plate, a handful of dukkah-seasoned falafel patties served with cucumber and tahina.
The tangled-looking Umami Bomb (vegan and celiac safe) is bursting with flavor. A bed of crispy rice is topped with broccoli, mushrooms, shiitake ‘cream,’ balsamic and nutritional yeast. Finish your meal with the warm, vegetarian-friendly churros, coated in cinnamon sugar and served with apple butter.
6780 Depot St., Suite 120, Sebastopol, 707-861-9603, fernbar.com
Soft Medicine Sanctuary
Opened in September of 2023, Soft Medicine Sanctuary is a combined farm-to-table cafe, tea lounge, yoga studio, art gallery and event space — all wrapped up into one inclusive community hub that focuses on wellness and connection.
The menu has plenty of nourishing, plant-based dishes, including the “always vegan friendly” soup of the day, the Nori Wrap filled with quinoa, veggies, kimchi and vegan spicy mayo, and the Ayurvedic Grain Bowl — a mix of local rice, greens, mung beans, seasonal veggies, kraut, pesto and Ayurvedic spices to aid digestion and metabolism. Desserts include vegan cheesecakes and ice cream. Tea and coffee drinks can be served with oat, coconut or housemade almond milk.
186 N. Main St., Suite 120, Sebastopol, 707-827-8130, softmedicinesebastopol.com
Sonoma
Sunflower Caffe
Over half the menu at Sunflower Caffé is vegetarian-friendly, with meat-free brunch classics such as breakfast burritos and avocado toast — one of the best in the county. The avocado toast includes shaved Brussels sprouts, toasted hazelnuts, sunflower spread and black truffle pecorino on multigrain bread.
For a naturally sweet start to the day, try the coconut chia seed pudding topped with granola, raspberries and passionfruit sauce. The roasted squash wrap is packed with squash, quinoa, arugula, kale, goat cheese, candied pecans and spiced-orange vinaigrette. The tofu banh mi has a mushroom pate and sriracha “aioli” for a vegan spin on the classic Vietnamese sandwich.
421 First St. W., Sonoma, 707-996-6645, sonomasunflower.com
Valley
Formerly known as Valley Bar + Bottle, this Sonoma restaurant offers seasonal California fare, with a healthy selection of plant-based dishes. For weekend brunch, try the bagel platter or fresh melon with mint and pickled chiles. The Valley breakfast includes flatbread, feta, tomatoes, zucchini dip, soft cooked egg and pickled red onion.
Lunch includes a Hippie Salad with tahini vinaigrette, fried green tomato sandwich, and sesame noodles with tofu and tomatoes. For dinner, try the Romano beans with tomato confit or the crispy rice with ginger-scallion sauce.
487 First W., Sonoma, 707-934-8403, valleybarandbottle.com
Guerneville
Boon Eat + Drink
Featured in several local and national publications, chef Crista Luedtke’s Boon Eat + Drink is a Russian River gem. One of the modern bistro’s most popular dishes is the vegetarian and exceptionally flavorful Polenta Lasagna. The creamy polenta is balanced with sautéed vegetables, ricotta and spicy marinara sauce atop a bed of tender rainbow chard. All of the starters and shared plates are vegetarian and simple-but-delicious, including the pillowy clouds of burrata topped with pesto and fresh heirloom tomatoes, and the tri-colored beet salad with goat cheese and a citrus vinaigrette.
16248 Main St., Guerneville, 707-869-0780, eatatboon.com
Green Grill
The Rancho Cordova-based vegetarian restaurant opened a location in Guerneville last year, in the former Subway location on Main Street. Fast favorites include the Mushroom Chana Burger, made with a sprouted chickpea patty and garlic herb sauce, and the Tikka Masala Bowl — veggie meatballs smothered in tikka masala sauce over basmati rice and served with a side salad. Seasoned fries and cauliflower tempura with chipotle sauce are essential appetizers. The raw Raspberry Chocolate Cheesecake is as delicious as it is guilt-free.
16316 Main St., Guerneville, 707-604-7872