Taste Outside the Lines: Bold New Foods to Try in Santa Rosa, California
Looking to spice up your culinary experiences and step outside your comfort zone? Visit Santa Rosa, where food lovers and fearless eaters can embark on a flavor-packed journey through bold, delicious, and unexpected dishes. From French delicacies to adventurous Mexican street food, Santa Rosa is a must-visit food destination for anyone looking to expand their palate and explore unique cuisine in Northern California.
Here are just a few must-try dishes to kickstart your foodie adventure in Santa Rosa.

Escargot at La Gare French Restaurant
📍 208 Wilson St | Historic Railroad Square
Tucked inside Santa Rosa’s charming Historic Railroad Square, La Gare French Restaurant offers an authentic taste of France with its classic escargots (snails). Served in bubbling garlic butter and herbs, these tender delicacies are the perfect way to elevate your dining experience. If you’ve never tried escargot before, this is your chance to savor a traditional French dish prepared with elegance and flair.

Signature Garlic Octopus Tentacle at Perch + Plow
90 Old Courthouse Square | Downtown Santa Rosa
For the adventurous at heart, Perch + Plow serves up a bold dish that’s as visually stunning as it is flavorful. The Signature Garlic Octopus Tentacle is perfectly grilled and plated over a vibrant spring mix with romesco sauce and charred scallions. Located in the heart of downtown Santa Rosa, this elevated eatery is the perfect place to indulge in something new and upscale.

Chapulines (Grasshoppers) at Mitote Food Park
100 Sebastopol Rd | Roseland District
Craving something truly outside the box? Head to Mitote Food Park in Santa Rosa’s Roseland neighborhood to try chapulines—seasoned grasshoppers popular in Oaxacan and Southern Mexican cuisine. Crispy, tangy, and full of umami, these bite-sized snacks are the ultimate test of your culinary courage. Don’t worry—they’re as tasty as they are crunchy!

Barbecued Bone Marrow at Bird & The Bottle
1055 4th St | Downtown Santa Rosa
Bone marrow lovers, rejoice. Bird & The Bottle serves up a mouthwatering plate of barbecued bone marrow paired with sweet onion jam and toast wedges—an indulgent and savory experience that balances smoky, sweet, and rich flavors. This innovative dish is a must-try for those looking to elevate their taste experience in Santa Rosa.
