Tambayan Filipino Eatery

Tambayan Filipino Eatery brings authentic Filipino cuisine to Santa Rosa's Wine Country, with "tambayan" meaning a gathering place or hangout spot in Filipino. Owned by Chef Roy Fernando and his family, this eatery has established itself as Sonoma County's premier Filipino restaurant since opening. The family-owned establishment specializes in home-style Filipino cooking prepared from scratch daily using fresh ingredients, with menu items that cover the full spectrum of Filipino favorites from breakfast silogs to dinner specialties. The restaurant serves dishes presented on banana leaves, adding an authentic touch that transports diners to the Philippines. Standouts include their chicken adobo, lechon kawali with perfectly crispy skin and tender meat, bangus (milkfish) prepared traditionally, and kare-kare with rich peanut sauce. The lumpia earns consistent praise as exceptional, while the halo-halo dessert provides the perfect sweet ending. The menu accommodates various dietary needs with vegetarian options like pinakbet and laing (taro leaves in coconut milk), and daily specials keep regular customers coming back. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere enhanced by outdoor seating and welcoming service creates an inviting environment where Filipino-Americans can enjoy nostalgic flavors and newcomers can discover Filipino cuisine. For Sonoma County's Filipino community, Tambayan serves as more than a restaurant - it's a cultural gathering place in an area where Filipino dining options are limited. The restaurant has successfully introduced Filipino flavors to Wine Country's diverse food scene, earning praise from both Filipino and non-Filipino diners.