Wondering where to eat in Winters without spending half your trip scrolling through restaurant reviews? I’ve narrowed down the best restaurants and cafés worth knowing about, including what I’d order at each one, so you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying this little Northern California town.
I was honestly surprised by the food scene in Winters. I expected a charming little agricultural town with a handful of places to eat, but I didn’t expect to find so many genuinely good restaurants packed into such a small downtown. And here’s a list of my favorites.
Planning a trip to Winters? See my 24-Hour Getaway to Winters, Ca (for small town lovers) before you go (PS: the town is also included in my 25 Day Trips from San Francisco (& What to Do There!).
Putah Creek Cafe
Putah Creek Cafe was one of my favorite stops in Winters because it has exactly the kind of old-school diner feel I love in a small town. The restaurant is family-owned and has been serving the community for decades, with a casual atmosphere that feels genuinely local rather than overly polished, plus a patio that’s especially inviting when the weather cooperates.
I stopped in for breakfast and ordered the Greek yogurt parfait, while Pete had the huevos rancheros. Everything felt fresh and homemade, and the portions were generous without being ridiculous.
Get Directions: 1 Main St, Winters, CA 95694, United States
Preserve
Preserve is the restaurant that made me think, “Okay, Winters has a real food scene.” The restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients and a farm-to-fork approach, but the atmosphere is just as appealing as the food, with a trendy yet warm interior that feels polished without becoming stuffy.
I had the fried chicken bánh mì with a house salad, and both were excellent. The salad was made with mixed greens, golden balsamic vinaigrette, citrus, seasonal fruit and feta, which sounds simple until you realize how much flavor is packed into that combination. The menu changes, so you’ll likely find other tempting options depending on when you visit.
Get Directions: 200 Railroad Ave, Winters, CA 95694, United States
Buckhorn Steakhouse
Buckhorn Steakhouse is one of those restaurants where “old-school steakhouse” is actually a compliment. It manages to feel like a classic steakhouse from another era while still having a trendy, energetic atmosphere, with oak furnishings, antler chandeliers, historic details and plenty of character inside the old DeVilbiss Hotel.
Pete and I had dinner here, and we started with the steakhouse chopped salad, which was loaded with char-roasted tri-tip, greens, tomatoes, cheese and crispy fried onions. We also ordered the beef carpaccio, made with thinly sliced filet mignon, along with Brussels sprouts, and I could have happily made a meal out of the appetizers and sides alone.
Of course, this is a steakhouse, so if you’re coming hungry, the steaks and prime rib are the obvious choices. I’d also consider the Steakhouse Chopped Salad with char-roasted tri-tip if you want something a little more casual, or the Beef Carpaccio to start the meal.
Get Directions: 2 Main St, Winters, CA 95694, United States
Ficelle
I haven’t personally eaten at Ficelle yet, so this one is on my Winters return list rather than a firsthand recommendation. The restaurant has a reputation for creative Spanish-style tapas with Spanish, Mexican and California influences, and the menu is designed for the kind of meal where everyone orders a few things and passes them around.
The setting also sounds like part of the appeal, with a casual dining room and an outdoor patio beneath oak trees. Menu offerings have included Gambas al Ajillo, chile relleno, teriyaki beef skewers, seafood cannelloni and eggplant stacks, although the selections can change.
If you’re looking for a place where dinner can feel more like an evening of grazing and sharing rather than one big entrée, Ficelle is worth considering. I’d start with the Gambas al Ajillo and Eggplant Stack, then add another dish or two depending on how hungry everyone is.
Get Directions: 5 C E Main St, Winters, CA 95694
Park Winters
Park Winters is technically outside the heart of downtown, but the setting is a big part of why I’d put it on your Winters food list. I haven’t eaten here yet, but I visited the property while it was closed, walked around the gardens and immediately thought that I wanted to come back when I could actually sit down for brunch.
The property is a historic 1865 Victorian farmhouse surrounded by gardens and agricultural land, and weekend brunch is served in the Flower Farm Pavilion. The menu has included dishes such as huevos rancheros, chorizo potato hash, fried chicken and biscuits, a Capay Cuban sandwich, a Greek quinoa bowl and seasonal desserts, so there’s a nice range beyond the typical brunch lineup.
Get Directions: 27850 County Road 26, Winters, CA 95694
Steady Eddy’s Coffee House
Steady Eddy’s is a cozy, family-owned coffee shop right on Main Street, and Pete actually grabbed a coffee here during our Winters visit. I didn’t have a full meal myself, but I liked the comfortable, casual feel of the place and can see why it would make an easy stop before heading out to explore town.
The menu goes beyond coffee with pastries, panini, wraps, salads and other casual breakfast and lunch options. Coffee drinks have included the Monticello Mocha, while food choices include things like the Turkey Bacon Avocado and Greek Wrap.
If you want somewhere relaxed to grab coffee and something quick before spending the day exploring Winters, this is an easy option. It’s especially convenient if you’re staying downtown and want to start your morning without turning breakfast into a whole production.
Get Directions: 5 E Main St, Suite A, Winters, CA 95694
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
Flying International?
Get Cell Data Before You Arrive: I recommend using airalo for international travel. Also, book an airport transfer in advance (I use Kiwi Taxi). Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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