HEALDSBURG. One of Healdsburg's more noteworthy ­ and frenetic ­ eateries, Bistro Ralph is the type of place that patrons turn to for big celebration nights. Since space is at a premium and since white brick walls and a metal ceiling intensify crowd noise, the restaurant is certainly not one of the Wine Country's "romantic hideaways." The daily menu is anything but generic, tantalizing patrons with inventive, globally-influenced dishes. For example, a meal may start off in China (calamari seasoned with Szechwan pepper) and move to Europe with a focaccia puff, a hot cup of lobster bisque, or a mouthwatering duck confit. Enjoy the culinary adventure to its utmost.

SANTA ROSA. Understated and without pretense, Gary Chu's has been recognized by the local press as one of Sonoma Valley's top Chinese eateries. The restaurant's gourmet menu includes pot-stickers, Mandarin spareribs, and Szechwan lamb and pork in spicy plum sauce. The subdued atmosphere, with soft lighting and stark white walls, does nothing to detract from the restaurant's true star ­ the food. Professional, friendly service and an extensive list of Sonoma wines add to the dining experience. Reservations are suggested.

ST. HELENA. This trendy joint serves sushi, sake, and more than a few varieties of fresh fish ­ local and otherwise ­ with your choice of sauces and accompaniments. Tempting small plates like Peruvian scallop ceviche with Inca corn or hot and bubbly crab dip are superb starters, while your main course affords the opportunity to pair salmon, sole, tuna, squid, or sturgeon with dressings like tomatillo salsa and parsley butter. A near-encyclopedic selection of sashimi and nigiri are offered alongside specialty rolls, and over fifteen types of sake will definitely slake your thirst.

ROHNERT PARK. It would be easy to overlook this gem of a Japanese joint, located in an otherwise run-of-the-mill strip center between Santa Rosa and Petaluma. The eatery, with its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic, is reminiscent of trendy Bay Area sushi joints. Hana earns a fair amount of local press for its superb sushi ­ rolls like the Sake Kawa (grilled salmon skin, daikon sprouts, and pickled burdock root), New York (tobiko, cucumber, and avocado), and Dragon (eel and avocado with shrimp tempura and daikon sprouts). If you're feeling truly bold, unagi-and-foie-gras nigiri is worth sampling. Reservations taken.

SANTA ROSA. Gary Chu's friendly, neighborhood eatery caters to Montgomery Village's sushi cravings. Painted in sleek greens and silvers, the restaurant's interior features an enormous saltwater tank and Japan-by-way-of-Cali decor. Indeed, Chu and staff go the extra mile to make sure trendy patrons, many of whom are Bay Area escapees, feel at home while dining on famous California rolls, dragon rolls, and delicious grilled salmon with miso sauce. Take-out is available.