Bravas Bar de Tapas sits right in the heart of Healdsburg’s plaza, and it’s one of those restaurants where you can actually bring your dog to the outdoor seating without anyone making you feel like you’re inconveniencing them. Mark and Terri Stark, both James Beard nominees, run the place with the kind of attention that shows in every plate.

The menu focuses on Spanish tapas and larger shareable plates, with paella being something they do really well. We ordered several small plates to share, which is the way to go here—you get to taste more of what they’re doing. The wine list leans heavily on local Sonoma selections alongside Spanish imports, and their sangrias and Spain-inspired cocktails are genuinely worth ordering. Everything feels designed to pair with the food rather than just fill a glass.

What made our visit relaxed was the outdoor area. Your dog gets to sit with you while you eat, which sounds simple but matters when you’re trying to spend a couple hours at lunch. The plaza location means there’s activity around you—people walking by, other diners—but it doesn’t feel chaotic. It’s just the right amount of energy.

The restaurant takes the Spanish tapas tradition seriously without making it feel pretentious. The cooking is straightforward and good, the staff knows the menu inside out, and they don’t rush you through your meal. If you’re in Healdsburg with your dog and want something more interesting than casual outdoor dining, this hits differently than most places. The outdoor tables fill up quickly during peak times, especially weekends, so timing your visit or getting there early makes a real difference in how comfortable your experience will be.