Oysters bring the winter magic. Like a universe of twinkling stars illuminating a dark winter sky, a plate of freshly harvested oysters invites us to consider the world of possibilities. Served with an ice-cold martini or glass of fizzy bubbles or other libation, oysters ignite the excitement of the season, especially in winter.
Though we can enjoy them year-round, there is something deeply comforting about ducking into a cozy oyster bar to share an assortment of oyster dishes. From oyster shooters to a classic Oysters Rockefeller or a new innovative dish, a perfect winter meal starts with oysters.
Here are a few favorite spots to settle in for a bite of these local treasures.
Whether raw, cooked, or folded into a delicate soup or chowder, oysters are utterly appealing. Perhaps best of all, they flourish right here on the Sonoma County coast. That briny-sweet flavor is shaped by our environment—cold Pacific tides, nutrient-rich waters, and the careful stewardship of local farmers.
Trillium
Trillium in downtown Guerneville shines bright with the feel of a welcoming neighborhood spot, serving up a selection of raw and cooked oysters along with seasonal small plates, bread baked in-house, and charcuterie tasting boards. “We host lots of tourists during summer but mostly locals in the winter,” says co-owner Genny Payne.
Payne enjoys helping guests find the right wine to pair with their oyster dishes, adding, “Tomales Bay oysters are mostly mild with a pronounced marine flavor when eaten raw, they pair well with a local sauvignon blanc. I really like River Folk Sauvignon Blanc, which is produced by the Guerneville Wine Collective right down the street from us. It suggests just a hint of the sea.”
16222 Main Street, Guerneville
Sun-Tues 5pm-8pm | Fri-Sat: 1pm-9pm
707-604-5750 | trillium.bar
Salt & Stone
Surrounded by vineyards, just south of Kenwood, in the heart of Sonoma Valley, Salt & Stone offers a classic setting to sit barside for a perfectly crafted cocktail and selection of west coast oysters. The vineyard location sets the stage for an impressive wine list, too.
Salt & Stone also serves dinner. It is a great place to wrap up a day of Sonoma County wine tasting.
9900 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood
Lunch: Thur-Tue. 11am-2:30pm
Dinner: 5pm-9pm, daily
Happy Hour: 11am-5pm, daily
Weekend brunch: 10am-2:30pm
707-833-6326 | saltstonekenwood.com
Bodega Bay Oysters
This second-generation family operation opened an oyster bar and tasting room in 2014, two miles west of Bloomfield on Valley Ford Road. It’s a rare roadside find that also sells to-go oysters and shellfish raised in the cold, clean waters of Tomales Bay. You can’t get more local, or fresh, than this.
Co-owner Lindsey Strain shares, “My family has been farming shellfish since 1985, and we’re proud to offer the widest variety of locally raised oysters in the area. We’re happy to offer a new expanded menu for dining in-house and also sell shellfish to take home for a cozy date night or dinner with friends.”
Stock up on oysters and shellfish on your way to or from the coast or settle in to sample pairing flights of oysters with an accompanying bottle of wine, beer, or cider. Outdoor tables make a great setting for an afternoon of winter conviviality, weather permitting.
12830 Valley Ford Road, Petaluma
10am-6pm, daily | 707-876-3010 | bodegabayoyster
The Shuckery in Petaluma
Since opening in 2016 in the historic Petaluma Hotel The Shuckery has become the downtown gathering spot for fresh, west coast oysters and coastal California small plates.
You’ll find seasonal oysters flights, holiday inspired cocktails, and the popular “Bubbles & Bivalves” champagne and oyster evenings every Thursday. Stop by for the lively happy hour or drop in for dinner. Reservations accepted but not required. In a town that shuts down relatively early, The Shuckery offers a late-night happy hour in the Petaluma Hotel lobby.
100 Washington, Petaluma
3pm-9pm, daily
Late night happy hour, 9pm-11pm
707-981-7891 | theshuckeryca.com
The Hog Island Pick-up Window
Finally, if you are in or near Petaluma and want to dive into a plate of oysters in the privacy of your own home, check out the new Hog Island Pick-Up Window located steps away from the Petaluma River in the city’s warehouse district. Now a year old, this little spot sells shellfish and local fin fish, merch, and all the fixings for an at-home oyster party. The Hog Island Pick-Up Window offers both pre-order and walk-up options, making it easy to grab fresh seafood on your schedule.
419 1st Street, Petaluma
Mon-Wed, 9am-1pm | Thurs-Sun. 9am-6pm
415-390-4219 | hogislandoysters.com
Oysters from wild Pacific waters are a piece of the picture that makes Sonoma County special. They are good for the environment, and good for our bodies and souls. A dish featuring oysters elevates any meal or gathering, especially in winter. Perhaps best of all, eating local oysters feels like taking a dip in the ocean, without even getting your hair wet.