Skip Napa And Visit This Small California Town For A Foodie Getaway

Like anyone who moves to San Francisco, I quickly fell in love with Napa and Sonoma after arriving in the Bay Area, feeling instantly at ease the second the Golden Gate faded into the rearview and the rolling hills of green vineyards came into eyeline. But as I became friends with more locals, I started to hear about other, smaller wine country gems that were quieter, more quaint, and serving some of the best food around. I soon discovered that one of my favorites was Healdsburg, a charming getaway destination and culinary haven.

Nestled between three of California's top wine-growing valleys on the Russian River, Healdsburg is a small town filled with locally owned boutiques, vibrant eateries, and trendy tasting rooms. The entire area is only 3.5 square miles, and most of it is completely walkable. Think tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and a lively town square, all surrounded by some of the best farm-to-table restaurants you can find. 

The crown jewel is Single Thread, a three-star Michelin restaurant that was ranked number one in the world by La Liste. Sitting stoically in an ivy-covered building a few steps from the town square, Single Thread is run by chef Kyle Connaughton and his wife Katina, who heads up the property's 24-acre farm, along with its greenhouses, hives, orchards, and everything else that goes into creating award-winning tasting menus. But Healdsburg's reputation as one of the most foodie-friendly small towns in the U.S. doesn't hang on a single thread alone.

The most important part of a trip to Healdsburg is getting to Quail & Condor early. This James Beard-nominated bakery serves some of the best pastries in the Bay Area, all of which are made with locally sourced ingredients. The kouign-amann is the signature, but the pain au chocolat is also a must. Follow it up with a seasonal latte from the award-winning Black Oak Coffee Roasters, where every cup is handcrafted from the syrups down to the beans.

Other daytime hotspots include Costeaux, a French Bakery that's been serving legendary cakes and breads since 1923, and Little Saint, a plant-based brunch and dinner spot housed in a beautiful industrial-style setting. Acorn is also a fan favorite, mainly for the bird's-eye view from the outdoor seating area — and the fluffy lemon ricotta hotcake. As for dinner, my friends always bring me to Valette, a Californian restaurant run by two brothers in a building once owned by their grandfather. 

I also had an unforgettable beef bourguignon the last time I went to Bistro Lagniappe. Healdsburg is also home to some of the best California wine brands. Seek out Idlewild for creative blends, Martha Stoumen for pioneering natural wines, and Bloodroot for small-batch selections served by the friendliest staff. After experiencing the food and hospitality in Healdsburg, you might end up stopping before you get to Napa every time.