From historic homes turned trattorias to modern gathering spaces with full bars and inventive cocktail programs, Santa Rosa offers planners and hosts an impressive range of venues for special events.
Surrounded by vineyards and redwood-lined hills, the city’s dining scene reflects both craftsmanship and creativity.
Whether you’re hosting a wedding rehearsal or just looking for a spot to enjoy the afternoon, these are the best restaurants Santa Rosa has to offer.
Top 9 Santa Rosa Restaurants Perfect for Private Events
From historic estates and Italian trattorias to modern wine-country bistros, these Santa Rosa restaurants showcase the city’s signature blend of warmth and culinary creativity.
1. Ca’Bianca Ristorante Italiano
Location: 835 2nd Street, Santa Rosa, CA
At Ca’Bianca Ristorante Italiano, history and elegance intertwine inside the restored Marshall House, a 1876 Victorian residence just steps from downtown Santa Rosa.
Crystal chandeliers, carved moldings, and frescoed walls bring a sense of grace. And the leafy garden patio adds quiet charm for outdoor dinners under the trees. This is one of the best restaurants Santa Rosa has for romantic and formal gatherings, equally suited to anniversaries, small weddings, or executive dinners.
The menu spans Italy, from Milan to Sicily, with an emphasis on homemade pasta and fresh seafood. Signature dishes include gnocchi in gorgonzola cream, rigatoni with sausage and mushrooms in tomato-cream sauce, and Frutti di Mare saffron tagliolini with mixed seafood.
Entrées like Pollo Ripieno – chicken stuffed with prosciutto, spinach, and mozzarella – filet mignon with peppercorn reduction, and rack of lamb with balsamic glaze showcase an authentic, ingredient-focused approach.
For logistics, there is plenty of metered street parking in the area, and the Santa Rosa CityBus system provides easy access to nearby stops.
No matter your dining or event goal, Ca’Bianca remains a timeless favorite where fine food, attentive service, and Sonoma County hospitality shine together.
2. Monti’s Rotisserie & Bar
Location: 714 Village Court, Santa Rosa, CA
Located in the open-air Montgomery Village Shopping Center, Monti’s Rotisserie & Bar offers a bright, convivial atmosphere perfect for gatherings. Its refreshed interior combines Mediterranean tones (rattan accents, patterned tile, cool tones, and warm woods) with a contemporary layout that welcomes groups for lunch, dinner, or special events.
The menu seamlessly merges California sensibility with European technique, featuring wood-grilled meats, fresh seafood, house-made pasta, and seasonal vegetables all prepared with care.
Signature cocktails and a deep wine list make it ideal for dinners or receptions that move from the table to the bar seating. Guests can dine indoors or on the patio, which seats roughly 50 and works beautifully for al fresco celebrations.
Private event options are flexible, with semi-private sections accommodating medium-sized groups. Staff can assist with set menus, bottle service, and pacing, and the kitchen readily handles vegetarian options or diners who wish to eat gluten-free.
Public transit is convenient via bus routes 4, 4B, 8, and 30, all serving the Montgomery Village area. Free lot parking simplifies access for drivers, and dogs allowed outside the patio make the space welcoming for well-behaved pets.
3. Perch and Plow
Location: 90 Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, CA
Overlooking the heart of downtown Santa Rosa, Perch and Plow feels distinctly modern: high ceilings, bright windows, and an adaptable floor plan that transitions smoothly from lunch meetings to evening celebrations. It’s one of the best restaurants in Santa Rosa for hosts wanting to combine fine food with an urban vibe.
The menu features West Coast-inspired small plates, locally sourced ingredients, and a creative cocktail bar that combines classic cocktails with house-infused options. Executive Chef–led dishes like seared ahi, flatbreads with caramelized onions, and farm-fresh salads pair well with a full list of beer and wine from nearby Sonoma County producers.
Private bookings can reserve individual sections or the entire restaurant, with amenities such as Wi-Fi, microphones, and projectors available for presentations or slideshows.
Guests can arrive easily by Santa Rosa CityBus or Sonoma County Transit, with multiple stops within a block of Courthouse Square. For drivers, there is metered street parking and nearby public garages (D, 3rd, and 5th Streets) that makes access simple.
4. Ausiello’s 5th Street Grill
Location: 609 5th Street, Santa Rosa, CA
Since 2000, Ausiello’s 5th Street Grill has anchored downtown Santa Rosa as a go-to spot for relaxed gatherings and after-work meetups. Equal parts bar and community hangout, it channels the welcoming energy of a neighborhood tavern while serving hearty, well-executed fare that fits both casual lunches and private group dinners.
The vibe is warm and unpretentious, with comfortable tables, bar seating, and just enough bustle to keep the atmosphere lively. The outdoor area offers an open-air extension, letting groups enjoy Santa Rosa’s mild evenings.
The menu celebrates American comfort food: juicy burgers, chicken sandwiches, and generous platters of wings or fries. The Bloody Mary Brunch Burger and house-seasoned fries are favorites among regulars.
Access is easy thanks to Santa Rosa CityBus and Sonoma County Transit, both of which stop near the downtown Transit Mall (only a short walk away). For drivers, there’s a mix of paid parking lots, garages, and metered options nearby.
5. L’Oro Di Napoli
Location: 629 4th Street, Santa Rosa, CA
L’Oro Di Napoli brings the soul of Naples to Sonoma County. Warm, fragrant, and intimate, the restaurant feels like an Italian home – complete with a visible wood-fired oven that glows in the open kitchen.
The menu celebrates traditional Neapolitan cooking, where simplicity meets precision. Pizzas are the star, of course, baked at high heat with blistered crusts and balanced toppings like prosciutto, mozzarella di bufala, and olive oil drizzle.
Beyond pizza, guests enjoy antipasti such as burrata caprese, homemade lasagna, and polpette della Nonna, plus inventive sweets like pistachio or Nutella pizza for dessert. The all-Italian wine list and small selection of beer add to the charm, allowing a bottle purchased with dinner to feel both refined and unpretentious.
The space itself offers cozy, quiet tables and a loft-style upper floor that’s ideal for private dining. Outdoor seating (covered and heated) extends the restaurant’s capacity and offers flexibility for special events during any season.
Transit access is excellent: the Santa Rosa Transit Mall and SMART Downtown station are only a few blocks away, and several CityBus routes (2/2B, 3, and 6) stop along 4th Street. Drivers can park in city-owned garages on 1st, 3rd, and 5th Streets or use the surrounding paid parking lots.
6. Tomatina
Location: 2323 Sonoma Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA
Located in the lively Montgomery Village shopping center, Tomatina serves fresh, seasonal Italian cuisine in a bright, family-friendly setting. Its combination of casual warmth and polished service makes it an excellent choice for large dinners where everyone, from kids to executives, feels comfortable.
The open layout features an exposed hearthstone pizza oven and visible prep line, allowing guests to watch their dishes come to life. House-made pastas, piadine, and flatbreads headline the menu, complemented by lighter vegetarian options and gluten-free alternatives.
Seasonal salads, desserts, and starters change throughout the year to reflect the best local produce. The full bar offers beer, wine, and signature cocktails, adding flexibility for both lunch and dinner events.
Private groups can reserve the patio or sections of the main dining room, depending on the event size. Staff assist with custom menus, and secure deposit space for gatherings of 15-20 or more.
Reaching the restaurant is straightforward via Santa Rosa CityBus Routes 4, 4B, or 18, all stopping near Sonoma Avenue and Farmers Lane. Free parking in the Montgomery Village lot makes it simple for groups arriving by car.
7. Riviera Ristorante
Location: 75 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, CA
Family-owned and filled with light, Riviera Ristorante offers a quintessential Santa Rosa dining experience. It’s unpretentious, heartfelt, and grounded in fresh ingredients.
The restaurant’s layout features a cathedral-ceiling main dining room that bathes in natural light, a cozy garden room, and an outdoor patio shaded by arbors or tents, giving event planners flexibility across seasons and group sizes.
Authentic Italian fare anchors the menu, with an emphasis on local produce, olive oil, and classic Mediterranean simplicity. Guests often highlight seafood pastas, grilled meats, and daily specials that change with the market.
Wine and beer are available, and desserts round out a meal that balances refinement with comfort. The service is warm and unobtrusive, a reflection of the owners’ long-standing commitment to Sonoma County hospitality.
Private events here range from wedding rehearsals to corporate dinners and gatherings. Staff are accustomed to special requests and can provide set menus for groups.
Located at 75 Montgomery Drive, Riviera Ristorante is easily reached via Sonoma County Transit and local CityBus lines. On-site and nearby parking is available, though planners should allow extra time during peak hours.
8. Downtown Barbecue
Location: 610 3rd Street, Santa Rosa, CA
At Downtown Barbecue, the spirit of Texas smoke meets Sonoma County flair. Founded by pitmaster and executive chef Damian Brugger, a Marine veteran with deep Southern roots, the restaurant is a celebration of craftsmanship and pure flavor.
Housed in a modern downtown Santa Rosa setting, it blends rustic authenticity with an urban edge. All this makes it the ideal location for group dinners, client events, or post-conference receptions that seek something bold and memorable.
The menu reads like a love letter to Southern technique: tender brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and house-made sausages, all slow-smoked to perfection. Side dishes bring comfort with mac and cheese, collard greens. Guests can enjoy beer, wine, or classic cocktails from the full bar, and the service is relaxed yet highly attentive.
The space itself feels like a working studio for smoke and craft, where diners watch the pit crew slice, season, and serve. Private events can rent sections or arrange catering for larger groups, with staff assisting in menu design and pacing.
Downtown Barbecue is conveniently located near Courthouse Square, the Santa Rosa Transit Mall, and several paid parking lots.
9. La Hacienda del Toro
Location: 3660 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa, CA
Vibrant, festive, and bursting with flavor, La Hacienda del Toro is the place to go for authentic Mexican cuisine and lively hospitality. Located on Stony Point Road, this spacious restaurant and cantina doubles as both a destination for fresh food and a gathering place for special events.
With its mix of indoor dining, a large outdoor patio, and an event-friendly layout, it’s perfect for group celebrations that call for color, music, and genuine warmth.
The restaurant’s interior design evokes a traditional Mexican cantina, complete with rich wood and colorful accent decor.
Outside, the patio is a highlight, featuring lush, comfortable seating that is often filled with conversation and music under the open sky. This outdoor area serves as a favorite setting for private parties, birthdays, and small corporate gatherings, especially when paired with the restaurant’s upbeat service and flexible seating arrangements.
On the culinary side, La Hacienda del Toro focuses on authentic Mexican dishes. The menu also features a robust selection of margaritas, beer, and wine, along with a lively happy hour that draws a regular crowd. Each dish is made to order, and staff are known for their attentiveness.
Beyond dining, the restaurant doubles as an entertainment venue, often hosting live music and concerts that turn dinner into a celebration. These events are well organized, with the full bar and outdoor seating making the space adaptable for both casual diners and event guests.
Santa Rosa CityBus and Sonoma County Transit routes both serve Stony Point Road, and on-site parking is plentiful, though arriving early is wise on concert nights.
Conclusion
From restored Victorians to modern bistros and smoke-filled barbecue houses, Santa Rosa’s dining scene brings together everything that defines Sonoma County: a respect for the land, a love of craft, and a talent for making people feel welcome.
Each of these restaurants offers its own flavor of hospitality, turning business dinners, birthdays, and reunions into moments worth remembering.
Discover your next unforgettable event space on Perfect Venue Marketplace, where finding and booking the best Santa Rosa restaurants is as effortless as raising a glass.
