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480 First St. E. (at the plaza). 707/996-9779. www.ledson.com. Entrees $6–$12. AE, MC, V. Daily 11am–9pm.

Juanita Juanita MEXICAN Everyone loves this roadside shack hawking fresh Mexican specialties and hearty sides of who-gives-a-heck attitude. Lines out the door during weekends prove the point. But if you’ve gotta have a killer quesadilla, nachos, enchiladas, tacos, and their fabulous “plate” specials (think grilled chicken with chipotle cream sauce on a bed of spinach and avocado with rice, beans, and tortillas) it’s worth the wait. Besides, the place is fun. Here the decor and vibe is about as casual as you can get. Plop down at the counter, pull up a chair at one of the mix-and-match tables, or grab a table on the patio, kick up your heels, dig into the plastic bucket of tortilla chips and side o’ salsa, sip on an ice-cold beer, and revel in the oh-so-Sonoma-casual vibe as you fill up on the huge portions. Kids dig the place, too, and have their own specialties offered at pint-size prices of $4.75.

19114 Arnold Dr. (just north of W. Napa St.). 707/935-3981. www.juanitajuanita.com. No reservations. Main courses $7.50–$15. No credit cards. Daily 11am–8pm.

Taste of the Himalayas ★ NEPALESE/INDIAN If you’re looking for something other than the usual pizzas, pastas, and burritos, this is your spot. Just what does a Nepalese meal entail? Start with crisp samosas (a mild blend of potatoes and peas served with mint sauce,) or momos (small steamed dumplings stuffed with either lamb or veggies). Move on to entrees such as curry or Tandoori dishes, which wash down nicely with Indian Taj Mahal beer. All entrees come with a delicious bowl of mild daal bhat, the traditional Indian lentil soup, your choice of basmati rice or naan, and casual but attentive service.

464 First St. E. 707/996-1161. Reservations recommended, but walk-ins welcome. Main courses $10–$18. AE, MC, V. Daily 11am–2:30pm and 5–10pm.

GLEN ELLEN

Moderate

the fig café & wine bar ★★ NEW AMERICAN The girl & the fig’s sister restaurant is more casual than its downtown Sonoma sibling. But don’t let the bucolic neighborhood vibe, airy environs, and soothing sage-and-mustard color scheme fool you. From his open kitchen, general manager and chef de cuisine Bryan Jones brings you the kind of rustic sophistication more commonly associated with urban restaurants. Consider starting with a thin-crust pizza, fried calamari with spicy lemon aioli, a cheese plate, or the signature fig and arugula salad; move on to braised pot roast with mashed potatoes or mussels in a garlic, leek, and tarragon sauce with fries; and finish with a fantastic chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. A perk: The “Rhone Alone” wine selections are available by the flight, glass, or bottle, free corkage.

13690 Arnold Dr. (at Madrone Rd.). 707/938-2130. www.thefigcafe.com. Reservations not accepted. Main courses $13–$20. AE, DISC, MC, V. Sun–Thurs 5:30–9pm; Fri–Sat 5:30–9:30pm; brunch Sat–Sun 10am–3pm.

Glen Ellen Inn Oyster Grill & Martini Bar ★ CALIFORNIAN Christian and Karen Bertrand have made this place so quaint and cozy that you feel as if you’re dining in their home, and that’s exactly the place’s charm. Garden seating is the favored choice on sunny days, but the covered, heated patio is also always welcoming. Courses from Christian’s open kitchen are exotic—think ginger tempura calamari with wasabi or brie fondue with sourdough toast points for starters. Entrees, which change with the seasons, range from pumpkin ravioli with roasted butternut squash sauce to grilled salmon with tomatillo sauce and corn cake. And let’s not forget the eponymous oyster grill and martini bar, which includes half-size martinis (genius!) and oysters any way you want ’em. If that doesn’t do it for you, the 550-plus wine selection list offers numerous bottles from Sonoma, as well as more than a dozen wines by the glass. Tip: There’s a small parking lot behind the restaurant.

13670 Arnold Dr. (at O’Donnell Lane). 707/996-6409. www.glenelleninn.com.