Exploring Different Food Options Near the Green Music Center
What is more classic than a dinner and a show? Getting all dressed up, going to a nice dinner and ending the evening with a concert? There is almost nothing better to do for a date night, a friends’ night out or even taking yourself out on a date. It is easy to check two things off for a dinner and a show; a great outfit, found in your closet, and a great show, found at the Green Music Center. But if you’re anything like me, when it comes time to find a great place to eat, you are dragging your heels and opting for a less glamorous toast-for-dinner five minutes before you have to leave. While I am all for at-home cooking, special occasions call for special dinners, served at a great restaurant. So before you get overwhelmed by the diverse amount of options, I have compiled some great restaurants to try out before you settle on a bread-and-butter dinner.
Rohnert Park
Hana Japanese Restaurant- 101 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park, CA, 707.586.0270
Price Range- $$-$$$
If you are looking to impress, look no further than Hana Japanese restaurant. This establishment has a bit of history within Sonoma County. The founder came to Sonoma Country to work for his family’s optics business, but left and came back to the location after going back to Japan to return to his love of cooking. The current executive chef Keita Tominga’s motto is, “To let the beauty of Sonoma County shine through Japanese Cuisine and Japanese culture. By tapping into his Japanese roots his goal is to spread Japanese food and culture to everyone who visits Hana.”
A delicious menu of sushi, sake and other servings, this restaurant is sure to give you a delicious dinner and a fabulous experience.
For more information visit their website!
Shangri La
1706 East Cotati Ave
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
707-793-0300
For something with a bit more of a casual feel, but with delicious Nepali/ Indian cuisine, look no further than Shangri La cafe. They have been in Rohnert Park for 17 years, and they are sure to have whatever you’re looking for. They have a variety of options for vegetarians, those with gluten allergies and more. The name Shangri-La means an imaginary paradise on earth, especially a remote and exotic utopia. Looking at the wonderful food prepared here, we can definitely see why they have this as their name!
For more information visit their website!
Santa Rosa
Spinster Sisters
401 South A Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707-528-7100
If you’re from the Sonoma county area then there is a high probability that you have heard of the Spinster Sisters. Founded in 2012 by chef Liza Hinman, she wanted to create a restaurant that screamed ‘Sonoma County’. It has won the Bohemian’s Best Restaurant in Sonoma County in 2017 and 2018, and continues to be a big part of the Sonoma culinary experience. With indoor and outdoor seating options, any time of the year makes this restaurant the perfect for your pre-show dinner.
They serve anything from fresh cod to cauliflower steaks, so no matter your restrictions, you’re sure to find something for everyone; just remember to make a reservation!
For more information visit their website!
Stark’s Steak & Seafood
Railroad Square
521 Adams St.
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707-546-5100
If you’re looking for a good burger then allow me to introduce to you what Sonoma Magazine dubbed as one of the best burgers in Sonoma County: Stark’s Steak and Seafood. Located in downtown Santa Rosa this restaurant offers a variety of surfs and turfs. The owners of this restaurant have a plethora of experience in hospitality and good food, owning several other exceptional restaurants in the Sonoma area. Even if you’re just looking for some higher end comfort food, check out their truffle mac n’ cheese!
For more information check out their website!
Petaluma
Cucina Paradiso
114 Petaluma Blvd N
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 782-1130
Looking for classic Italian cuisine? Cucina Paradiso is the place for you. This delightful restaurant is located in downtown Petaluma. They offer traditional Italian cuisine in a comfortably well dressed atmosphere. Offering both lunch and dinner options, you’ll have all your bases covered here. If you’re looking to dine along the Sonoma river, check out their outdoor patio. They offer a variety from fabulous pastas and gnocchi, to a classic caesar salad, you can never go wrong with Italian food.
Not sure how to pair your wine with your dinner? Their staff will offer their help!
For more information check out their website!
The Shuckery
100 Washington St
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 981-7891
If you’re a lover of seafood and oysters, fantastically named The Shuckery, has got your back. They have a menu with a large plethora of fresh catches from oysters to cod and clams, a seafood fanatic is sure to feel right at home here. Opened in 2016, The Shuckery, “Combined the brass tax of oyster farming with the femininity of the oyster.”
They offer wine pairings with your meal, conservas (fresh caught fish and shellfish marinated in a flavored oil brine), shareable bites and more!
For more information visit their website!
Stockhome
220 Western Ave
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 981-8511
Not sure what cuisine to dine on? Stockhome in Petaluma offers a contemporary fusion of Swedish and Middle Eastern food. Opened in 2018 this Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant made quick work of becoming an accredited eatery. They offer a variety of vegan and gluten free options, so it turley is great for anyone to dine at.
Grab anything from Swedish style pizza, to the classic kebab with a variety of different meats. Check out their vegan menu that is sure to satisfy anyone.
For more information visit their website!
Written by Liza Schoen
Liza Schoen is a 2024 graduate from Sonoma State University, with a B.A in Communications and Media studies with a minor in philosophy. She currently served as the Green Music Center Marketing Student Assistant (2024), as well as an usher (2022-2024) for Green Music Center shows and concerts.
