Sonoma County’s restaurant scene grew up this year. The arrival of a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Sonoma, along with a wave of high-end French openings, made one thing clear: The region’s dining landscape is becoming more mature, more ambitious and increasingly attractive to top culinary talent.
The boom in fine dining also reflects a shift in how Sonoma County eats. Diners want more value in the overall experience, not just on the plate. If they’re dipping into college savings for a single meal, they expect flawless food, attentive service and a bit of theater. An influx of high-net-worth visitors and part-time residents has helped fuel the luxury tier. Newcomers such as Enclos in Sonoma are thriving on deep pockets and diners eager to add another square to their Michelin bingo cards.
On the other end of the spectrum, fast-casual chains such as Mendocino Farms have seen growth as customers look for alternatives to traditional sit-down restaurants. But even that segment is slowing as perceived value declines, according to Nation’s Restaurant News. A $22 salad or $18 sandwich doesn’t feel like much of a deal when you’re bussing your own table and eating with plastic utensils…