Dining Through Time: Five Santa Rosa Restaurants That Have Stood the Test of Time
From Reuben sandwiches to French fine-dining and an early farm-to-table pioneer, Santa Rosa’s culinary scene wouldn’t be what it is today without its long-standing restaurants. Here are five institutions that continue to serve locals, visitors and generations of diners.
Mac’s Deli & Café – 630 Fourth Street
Opened in 1952, Mac’s Deli & Café bills itself as the oldest continuing breakfast and sandwich café in Sonoma County. Originally founded by Mac Nesmon as a New-York-style deli, it was bought in 1970 by the Soltani family, who continue the tradition.
In an era when dining trends change rapidly, Mac’s has maintained its character, a classic deli counter, hearty sandwiches (the Reuben is a house favorite), and a comfortable, familiar feel. For visitors, it offers both a taste of nostalgia and a delicious stop for breakfast or a midday bite.
Betty’s Fish and Chips – 4046 Sonoma Highway
Since 1967, Betty’s Fish and Chips has been a go-to for crispy, golden-fried comfort food. This no-frills, family-run spot has perfected the art of English-style fish and chips — hot, flaky, and wrapped in nostalgia.
Beyond the main attraction, Betty’s legendary lemon pie draws as many fans as the cod itself. Simple, satisfying, and steeped in tradition, it’s the kind of spot where regulars have been bringing their kids, and grandkids, for decades.
Omelette Express – 112 Fourth Street
Founded in 1978, Omelette Express has become a Santa Rosa breakfast institution. The original location on Fourth Street still invites guests, with owner Don Taylor often greeting guests at the door. The menu is expansive beyond its namesake — Benedicts, burgers, salads and what locals call “some of the best coffee in town.”
In a city where brunch culture continues to grow, Omelette Express shows how breakfast-and-lunch spots laid the groundwork. Its longevity speaks to a consistent formula: reliable food, welcoming ambiance, and community roots.
La Gare French Restaurant – 208 Wilson Street
La Gare French Restaurant opened its doors in 1979 in the historic Railroad Square neighborhood of Santa Rosa. Its chef/owner, Roger Praplan, notes that he now serves the grandchildren of his early customers, a testament to its multi-generation appeal. Though dining trends have shifted over the decades, Praplan stays “laser-focused on the traditional French cuisine that’s made the restaurant a popular birthday, anniversary and holiday restaurant for decades.”
La Gare exemplifies how fine dining can root itself in a community and become part of the ritual of celebrations. Its presence in the historic Railroad Square adds a heritage-layer to its experience.
John Ash Restaurant – 4330 Barnes Road
Opening in 1980, John Ash Restaurant marked a turning point in Sonoma County’s dining evolution. Chef John Ash pioneered the farm-to-table movement long before it became a buzzword — drawing on nearby produce, meats and cheeses and pairing with local wines. While Ash himself is no longer in the kitchen, the restaurant still adheres to its original vision and has produced many of the region’s top chefs.
For those focused on food, wine and experiences, John Ash Restaurant represents a foundational chapter in Wine Country’s culinary narrative set in the beautiful grounds of Vinarosa Resort & Spa.
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