Downtown Petaluma has long been a bit of a local secret, but with a thriving food, winery, and cultural scene, it appears the secret is out! Wondering what to do in Downtown Petaluma? Use this Best of Downtown Petaluma guide created by Petaluma locals to find the best spots for happy hour, wine tasting, foodie haven, shopping, staycation, and more.
Want to explore Petaluma and eat delicious food with a local guide? Check out North Bay Wine Tours – Petaluma Walking Tour and Petaluma Gap Wine Tour.
Best of Downtown Petaluma
Restaurants
- Risibisi located right on Petaluma river, you’ll enjoy delicious Italian food and wine. The river view add an European charm to this historic restaurant. Ask for the back patio seat and enjoy people watching while sipping on a glass of Prosecco.
- The Shuckery is the best place to go for oysters and seafood. Female owned and operated, The Shuckery offers the highest level of service and quality. They offer many varieties of oysters, fish, gluten free and vegetarian dish options. Recently reopened The Shuckery Parlor in the lobby is also a great stop for a unique craft cocktail or a glass of wine.
- Stockhome is a Swedish/Mediterranean fusion restaurant that is family owned and operated. They offer delicious comfort food like the classic Swedish meatballs, falafel, pita bread, unique burgers and more. Check out the market place inside the restaurant of locally made ceramics, jewelry and fun Swedish candy.
- Wild Goat Bistro is a casual option for a lunch or dinner. Special attention is given to making nearly the entire menu gluten-free – even many home made desserts. The carefully curated wine list includes wines from hand crafted, small production local vintners as well as wines of interest from around the world.
- Street Social Located in Downtown Petaluma, Street Social is a small 5 table restaurant run by a wife and husband team. They source local ingredients and support Petaluma farms. The menu is unique and Michelin Star ready. It changes daily if not weekly so it’s always an exciting moment to see what new dish you can try here!
- Stellina Pronto is a charming neighborhood Italian cafe and bakery. They offer the most amazing pastries, breakfast puffs, salads, sandwiches, Italian style cookies and cakes. It is also the best place to get your special occasion/holiday baked goods. Enjoy a cup of espresso in the early morning overlooking the street.
- Hanks Petaluma is a family owned Italian restaurant located right on Theater Square. Offers lunch, dinner, and happy hour, Hanks is a great hang out spot for a casual meal and Italian vino. They offer weekly specials like Wednesday Date night (pizza pie and a bottle of wine for $39, life music on Friday nights, and more).
- TC Provisions chef’s Stephane Saint Louis’ new haute culinary adventure and it is a MUST VISIT in downtown Petaluma. From weekend brunch to Tuesday Tasting menu, you are in for the best experience. Attention to detail, quality local ingredients, elegant environment make Table Culture Provisions an outstanding dining experience in wine country and ranks high on the Best of Downtown Petaluma Guide.
Wineries
- Barber Cellars is another favorite to visit. Located next to the Shuckery at the Petaluma hotel. The wine is delicious and I always find something I haven’t tried before.
- Barber Lee is another family venture of Michael from Barber Cellars. Open Friday to Sunday, Barber Lee offers delicious craft cocktails, small bites and spirit flights.
- Black Knight Cellars is a new tasting room and offers unique varietals by glass, bottle or tasting flight. You can expect a fun tasting, right in the heart of Downtown Petaluma
- Sonoma Port Works is located just off the busy downtown. They specialize on small production ports and dessert wines. A $15 tasting will get you a generous 5 wine flight. This is a fun way to discover sweet wines.
- Vine and Barrel is a small wine shop/wine bar focused on unique bottles from around the world. If you’re local, check out their $35/month wine club – you get 2 bottles of wine every month and additional 30% discount on any other bottles.
- La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge celebrated amazing wine, food, and company. Here you will find a large selection of local and international wines for any and every palate.
- Brooks Note is the newest addition to Petaluma’s wine scene.It’s a small, family winery focused on making balanced, elegant wines from the hidden corners of California Wine Country.
Best Happy Hour in Petaluma
- Hanks Petaluma 3-5PM Daily
- The Shuckery 3-6PM Daily
- Brewsters Beer Garden 3-6PM Monday – Friday
- Seared 3:30-6PM Tuesday – Sunday
Hotels
Located right in downtown and the home to the Shuckery and Barber Cellars, Hotel Petaluma is the cutest boutique hotel in town. The rooms are beautifully renovated AND they allow dogs for only $20 per dog (2 max). It’s the perfect place to stay while exploring Petaluma.
Petaluma Wine Tour
Now that you’ve read our Guide to Downtown Petaluma, it’s time to explore. North Bay Wine Tour’s has you covered, get in touch with our Wine Country Expert to help plan your perfect private wine tour. We’ll introduce you to amazing options not covered in the Petaluma guide. We also offer a private Petaluma Gap Wine Tour that displays several of the best wines from this award winning region.
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