Sonoma County’s Italian dining scene traces its roots to 19th-century settlers who carried cherished recipes across an ocean. Today, their culinary legacy thrives in restaurants where handmade pasta meets farm-fresh ingredients, and century-old traditions adapt to California’s agricultural bounty. From multigenerational trattorias serving Tuscan soul food to innovative pizzerias crafting Neapolitan pies, these establishments honor their heritage while embracing local innovation.
Heritage Establishments Leading the Way
Family ownership defines Sonoma County’s Italian dining landscape. Della Santina’s Trattoria has operated since 1990, now run by second-generation owners who preserve founder Quirico Della Santina‘s Tuscan family recipes. The restaurant’s Mediterranean courtyard and handmade pastas transport diners to Tuscany while celebrating local seasonal ingredients.
Catelli’s in Geyserville represents the ultimate heritage establishment—a century-old institution serving generous portions of lasagna and house-made pastas. The restaurant’s old-school charm and deep community roots exemplify how Italian traditions anchor local dining culture. Beyond the familiar dishes, these establishments maintain time-honored dining customs that reflect deeper cultural values about mealtime etiquette and hospitality.
Must-Visit Italian Destinations
• Riviera Ristorante (Santa Rosa): Family-run for 25+ years, famous for gnocchi Riviera and lamb ravioli
• Ca’Bianca (Santa Rosa): Victorian mansion setting featuring cuisine from Milan to Sicily
• Volpi’s (Petaluma): Nearly 100-year-old building with speakeasy history, serving classic Italian-American dishes
• Lococo’s Cucina Rustica (Santa Rosa): Twelve-time “best Italian” winner blending Sonoma ingredients with Old World recipes
• L’Oro di Napoli (Santa Rosa): Authentic Neapolitan pizza transporting diners straight to Naples
From Tuscan Soul Food to Neapolitan Pizza
They are carrying on traditions that connect generations. Art’s Place in Rohnert Park continues founder Art Ibleto’s legacy of accessible Italian-American classics. Meanwhile, Rosso Pizzeria brings contemporary energy with wood-fired pizzas and creative toppings.
The diversity spans regions and styles. Dinucci’s in Valley Ford serves family-style dinners featuring traditional minestra soup and Bolognese sauce. Each restaurant adapts Italian regional specialties to Sonoma’s agricultural abundance, creating distinctive California-Italian fusion. Among these adaptations, some establishments have sparked passionate debates about authenticity when introducing modern ingredients like quinoa to traditional dishes, proving that culinary evolution rarely happens without controversy.
These establishments prove that authentic Italian dining extends beyond recipes—it’s about hospitality, community, and honoring culinary heritage while embracing innovation. Whether seeking rustic trattoria charm or upscale Victorian elegance, Sonoma County’s Italian restaurants offer experiences that satisfy both tradition and contemporary palates.
