Though Napa still dominates the conversation around hotel debuts, Sonoma has seen a more compelling wave of new restaurants. In recent months, these openings have raised the bar for dining in the region. They range from an informal spot popular with locals to a newcomer that earned two Michelin stars within its first year. Here are our three favorite discoveries.

Bijou
» A modern French bistro with serious cocktails

Over the years, this downtown Petaluma spot has evolved from a trendy cocktail lounge to a casual Southern-fare restaurant, and since June 2025, it’s been a French bistro. This incarnation deserves to last, as much for its excellent cuisine, by chef Stéphane Saint Louis (the powerhouse behind the enduringly popular Table Culture Provisions eatery nearby), as for its outstanding cocktail program. The ambience is tranquil and inviting, with a minimalist décor and double-height windows that flood the room with light. We started with the Pomme d’Or, a combination of vodka, gin, calvados, apple, citrus, ginger and verjus that was neither too boozy nor too sweet, and the signature version of a Bijou, a mix of tequila, mezcal, Green Chartreuse and vermouth, which dazzled with its smoky, herbal complexity. Both drinks paired beautifully with flavorful squash rings served alongside an allium dip. For our main course, we shared the branzino for two. The fish came charred to perfection, and the accompaniments included rich potato gratin, toothsome grilled root vegetables and fluffy house rolls. We concluded the meal with almond-caramel choux over vanilla cream, paired with a decadent Sauternes, already plotting our return visit.

Bijou
190 Kentucky Street, Petaluma. Tel. (707) 753-9155