So, you’ve made your way to the tiny northern California town of Sebastopol? Well then, let me tell you—this quirky little town is one of my favorites and is bringing the heat when it comes to food. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm bowl of Tonkotsu ramen, rockfish tacos that make you feel like you’re dining right on the coast, or fancy cocktails so pretty they practically deserve their own Instagram account, this place has it all.
And the best part? There’s a laid-back vibe everywhere you go—just the vibe I like it. Grab your stretchy pants, and let me share my top picks for the 10 best restaurants you’ve got to add to your foodie bucket list!
If you’re spending the day in town, check out my perfect One Day Sebastopol Itinerary.
Where to Eat in Sebastopol
Ramen Gaijin
Okay, picture this: You’re seated at the ramen counter, steam swirling around as chefs whip up your bowl of savory goodness with lightning-fast precision. You have to get the Roasted Mushroom Donburi. I’m telling you, the combo of maitake, trumpet mushrooms, seasoned rice, and a farm egg is next-level umami. And if you love fried chicken, absolutely, positively don’t skip the Kara-age—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with mustard frills and miso ranch to dunk every bite.
Local Tip: It fills up fast, so make reservations and, if you can, snag a seat at the counter. Watching the magic happen in the kitchen is half the fun.
Khom Loi
Warning: This spot’s got heat! If you’re ready to take a little Thai spice challenge, you’ll be in heaven. Khom Loi specializes in Thai food with a spicy kick. My favorites? The Gai Satay (grilled chicken skewers) and Drunken Noodles—because honestly, noodles + mushrooms = happiness.
The atmosphere is just as impressive as the food. Picture high ceilings, bamboo lanterns casting a glow, and a serene little pond you can zone out to while you sip your Thai iced tea. It’s one of those places that can instantly transport you to Thailand—even if you just came in to escape the Sebastopol drizzle.
Goldfinch
Goldfinch is where rustic charm meets modern bistro vibes, and I am here for it. They switch things up seasonally, but their love for all things local stays the same. I couldn’t resist the ballpark fries—they come loaded with parmesan and a roasted tomato aioli that could make anything taste gourmet.
If you’re a seafood lover, do yourself a favor and order the halibut ceviche. The coconut milk and lemon cucumber give it a refreshing twist, and it’s topped with fresno chiles for just the right amount of heat. This is the kind of place where every bite makes you grateful you live in Northern California (or at least that you made the trip).
Handline
What’s better than fish tacos? Fish tacos served in a former Foster’s Freeze! (And yes, their soft-serve is still running strong—because who says you can’t finish your fish tacos with a swirl of vanilla ice cream?
Here’s what you need to order: La Sirena Tostada. Imagine poached calamari, avocado, red onion, and lime, all on a crispy tostada with a little chipotle aioli drizzle. It’s fresh, flavorful, and exactly what you want on a sunny day (or any day, really—let’s be honest). And don’t even get me started on the Los Cabos Tacos—adobo-marinated pork and salsa verde perfection. PS: their fries are delicious too.
I recommend grabbing a seat on the patio to fully soak in the California vibes.
Fern Bar
If you’re in Sebastopol, Fern Bar is hands down one of the best places to eat—and drink. The food is so good it’ll have you questioning your life choices (like filling up on fries before the main dish—been there, done that). To my defense those fries came with an irresistible smoked mushroom dip that I still think about. And the umami bomb is with mushrooms, shiitake cream, broccoli, and crispy rice. If plant-based is your thing, the sweet and sour tofu bowl is also a winner.
Beyond the food, the vibe here is all airy spaces and lush greenery (total indoor garden goals), perfect for unwinding with a cocktail in hand. Speaking of which, I had the creamy Thai Iced Tea cocktail—like a drink and dessert rolled into one—while Peter ordered a Corpse Reviver, which was tasty but not nearly as photogenic as mine (presentation matters, right?).
The Farmer’s Wife
Let me start by saying that this isn’t technically a restaurant, as much as a casual order-at-the-counter kind of place (with outdoor-only seating). BUT, it deserves a place on this list because the food is just that good.
Okay, let’s talk about the sandwiches. Specifically, the tuna melt at The Farmer’s Wife. It’s got potato chips inside the sandwich for that perfect salty crunch, and honestly, I never want to eat a tuna melt any other way again. Their Farm Market Salad is equally impressive, loaded with seasonal fruits, avocado, goat cheese, and a drizzle of wildflower honey. It’s almost too pretty to eat… almost.
Piala
If you’re a fan of Georgian food (the country, not the state!) Piala is the spot to go. Their khachapuri—a bread boat with gooey cheese and an egg—is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. And the Khinkali dumplings? Just like the ones I had in Tbilisi and they’re the kind of good that makes you accidentally eat too many.
Oyster
If you love seafood, Oyster is calling your name. Fresh oysters on the half shell, seared ahi tuna burgers, and fish so good you’ll be planning your next visit before you even finish. The vibe is coastal chic—beachy with just the right amount of elegance. My recommendation? Start with a few oysters from the raw bar (the selection changes daily) and pair them with a crisp white wine or bubbly. It’s one of those little luxuries that makes life feel extra delicious.
Brought to you by the team behind Sushi Koshō, Oyster feels like a blend of a beachside bistro and a Parisian café. Their menu focuses on shellfish, with standouts like the Dungeness crab wedge and a thoughtfully curated Champagne list.
Top Restaurants in Sebastopol Video
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