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    Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Healdsburg

    4.7 (42 reviews)
    Closed 3:30 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Healdsburg Photos

    SUSHI BY SCRATCH RESTAURANTS: HEALDSBURG ATMOSPHERE

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    Michelle C.

    My friend introduced me to this omakase place in 2024. I recently revisited again with more friends and the place is just as good as I remember two years ago. It is definitely an intimate experience as there are only 10 seats in a very small, dark room. The chefs and server are AMAZING! They are very knowledgeable and know what they're doing when it comes to preparing the fish to showcase certain flavor profiles and as to what pairs well with it. They are also super attentive and make the experience so lively and fun. Every piece of nigiri is well crafted and such a flavor bomb. There's not one piece on the menu that I didn't like. Every bite has a story behind it and the flavor will not disappoint. I would highly suggest going early (suggested when you book the rsvp) so you can enjoy the complimentary cocktail and appetizers beforehand. The chawanmushi is a must have from the pre-dinner offering that you shouldn't miss! Overall, the service and food is 10/10. I will definitely be back more often!

    Jessica M.

    This was my first omakase experience. Took myself here for my birthday. They set the bar HIGH! It's a 10 seat bar omakase. Basically 18 courses if you come 30 mins early for the optional welcome cocktail and canape service (which I recommend you come for). Service and attentiveness is spot on upon arrival. I got lucky with parking right in front but it is street parking. So come a little earlier just in case. The restaurant is located inside The Matheson so you check in with them in the front. Once your party is complete and reservation time is about to begin, they walk you inside. There are name cards where your seat is which is super cute. The chefs and bar server introduce themselves and the menu/drinks for the evening as it does change periodically. The story telling while each piece is served was awesome! All of the chefs are entertaining and funny and the food was delicious and fresh. At the end of the service, they give you the option to order any roll again or to try a roll from the next week's menu. I ordered the otoro again which was my favorite of the night. Some of my other favorites were the hamachi, kinki, snow crab, kanpachi, wagyu, and bone marrow (though they were all so well prepared). They do have sake pairings to go with the meal, however I opted for cocktails instead. Such a treat for my birthday. Service and food were top tier. Will definitely be coming back!

    Bill
    Chetan L.

    Sushi by Scratch serves absolutely amazing food, but our latest visit was overshadowed by a very troubling experience with their billing practices. We ordered a bottle of sake listed on the menu for $230. When the check arrived, we were surprised to find we were charged $280. Only because we had taken a photo of the menu did we catch the discrepancy. When we asked about it, the staff told us the actual price was $295 and that they had "undercharged" us--claiming the menu was incorrect. This kind of dubious pricing completely ruined what should have been another wonderful dining experience. If the menu contains errors, customers should be informed upfront. Charging more than the menu price without prior notice is unacceptable and leaves a very bad impression, no matter how good the food is. Unfortunately, this would prevent us from returning to this place or recommending it to others.

    Jacqueline S.

    Hands down the best omakase I've ever had--and honestly, even better than the sushi I had in Japan (just my personal take!). The experience is incredibly intimate--only 10 seats per seating, so you're up close with the chefs, who guide you through each course with passion and precision. Every piece is a perfect balance of tradition and creativity, with unexpected flavors that work. It was so good, I booked another reservation for next month--this time bringing my parents so they can experience the magic too. If you're a sushi lover, this is one of those meals you'll be thinking about long after it's over.

    Hokkaido A5 Wagyu (BMS 12)
    Phil Y.

    Hidden inside The Matheson in Healdsburg, Sushi by Scratch has a dramatic vibe that lets you know you're about to embark on a special culinary adventure. The space is intimate: a single counter with ten seats that put you front-row for a performance filled with playfulness, expert technique, and a deep respect for ingredients. Our recent omakase experience began with a cocktail and canapés, easing into a progression of 16 nigiri that showcased not only stellar sourcing but a steady stream of creativity. Hokkaido uni, scallops, and Spanish bluefin (otoro, chutoro, akami) were handled with the same care as rare finds like Itoyori (golden threadfin bream) and Kinki (idiot rockfish) from Hokkaido's deep waters. House-made garnishes set the tone for originality (e.g. bourbon-barrel-smoked golden Kaluga caviar, XO-sauce made with unagi jerky, yuzu kosho fermented with roasted Fresno chilis) alongside unexpected touches like pink pineapple and Hokkaido beet sugar. Standouts included Kagoshima hamachi, its sweetness lifted by corn pudding and the crunch of sourdough breadcrumbs; Hawaiian albacore rubbed with garlic confit, wrapped in sake-soaked nori, and dry-aged for a week; and A5 Wagyu bone marrow, seared until shimmering, that melted across the tongue in a pure hit of umami. The most unforgettable bite came when marrow was torched and dripped straight from the bone onto matcha-dusted unagi -- a combination so indulgent it's burned into memory. The pacing was spot on, with enough breathing room between bites to appreciate each build-up. Service was as much part of the show as the sushi, with the chef narrating the pieces with enthusiasm and pride. Ambiance was moody and transportive, fitting for the "speakeasy" entry. $185 for the menu seemed proportionate to the rarity of the ingredients, the caliber of the team, and the inventiveness woven throughout the night. Sushi by Scratch doesn't just serve fish; it serves moments that stick with you long after the last bite.

    Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish. The fish was fresh and melted in your mouth. Chefs were fun and told you all about each item. A very special shout out to Marcy, the general manager. She's only been with Sushi by Scratch for 2 days and I would have thought she had worked with them for years. She was fun and welcoming and honestly made our night that much better! Angie made sure our drinks never ran dry and was amazing all night! Thank you all so much! This will be an annual birthday tradition from now on. oh, and the sake paring, a must!

    Coreen L.

    We had the most amazing night at Sushi by Scratch in Healdsburg! The chef's counter felt so special and every bite of the omakase was insanely fresh and creative. The chefs made it fun and interactive, and the sake pairings were perfect. Book early - this is a must-do in Sonoma County!

    Ama Ebi
    Dat T.

    My friend invited me for a Sunday night dinner. We had been to the Matheson many times prior and were astonished to hear about a hidden omakase restaurant WITHIN the restaurant itself and had to try it at least once. This whole experience blew away all my expectations, and I'm confident to say this might have been the best dinner experience of my life so far. We arrived 30 minutes early for the pre-dinner out in the veranda. We were served a welcome cocktail similar to a Moscow mule but with the addition of sake and use of gin instead of vodka. The canapes served alongside were a small roll of tuna tartare wrapped in fried nori and a chawanmushi with caviar. Both were an amazing start to the dinner, and it only got better from there. We were welcomed into an intimate 10 seat bar with our names written on a small chalkboard showing where we would be seated. The head chef, sous-chef and 2 servers each introduced themselves and what would be served for the dinner. My friend and I got the sake pairing with our omakase. Each piece of nigiri was eloquently described by the sous-chef while the head chef would prepare the next piece. They were ALL amazing, and it only got better and better. The creativity of each accoutrement that was topped or brushed onto each nigiri blew me away. The pieces that stood out that night were the sweet shrimp with a "harissa" inspired sauce, the albacore wrapped in seaweed, either kanpachi or kinmedai (idr cause I was 3 glasses of sake in) grated with their version of bottarga, and the best piece, unagi with matcha salt and melted bone marrow. 20/10 The chefs change one piece of nigiri every week, so I can't wait to be back for another unforgettable experience.

    Snow crab

    Consider it dinner and a show! Amazing sushi. The omekaze had 17 courses but with the amouse bouche and one add on course we had 20 courses. Everything unique which is so hard to find in the world of nigiri. The chefs did a beautiful job. Menu changes weekly with complete menu change every 5 weeks. The only negative to my experience was that they allowed two dogs in the restaurant (which is an open kitchen). These were not service dogs, they were in a stroller and the owner confirmed they were just her pets. This is a definite violation of the health code. I emailed the restaurant to inquire as to this allowance but received no response at all. But I didn't take off any stars for that because the place was so great.

    Sarah E.

    Amazing from start to finish! The best sushi, the most talented chefs and kind server Tyler.

    Jenny O.

    Had dinner here a few weeks ago. Loved it, definitely recommend! It's located in a tucked away room inside The Matheson. Pre-dinner was slightly awkward bc they told us we could arrive half an hour early for complimentary pre-dinner drink and a couple of bites so we did but then were left lingering for a while (until almost the dinner start time) as they tried to hunt down everyone else scattered around the bar area killing time. This may have been bc they did mention they were doing the pre-dinner in the room instead of outdoors (I assume bc of the weather). Once we were at dinner though, everything was fantastic! We were sat around the sushi chefs so we had a good view of the prep. Every sushi was well-described. There were some innovative ones (like the bone marrow one) and some fish I had never tried before (like kinki idiot rockfish, delicious, definitely look up what they look like and you'll understand how they got their name lol). We were told there are I think 5 nigiri that are staples of the menu at all the Sushi by Scratch locations, but the rest are created by each site's team. At the end of the meal, you're given the opportunity to add on revisits of ones you really liked or to try some experimental ones (that may make it onto future menus). We were already feeling really full but couldn't pass up the opportunity to try more so we copied another couple and added 3 more experimental ones, and I'm glad we did bc they were great too. My partner got the beverage pairing and they were super generous with their pours. Loved that they took a Polaroid of us at the end of the meal to take home!

    Preparing each bite and explaining the ingredients
    Jeremy K.

    What an excellent experience! All around, we really enjoyed our time at Sushi by Scratch. Upon being seated at our seats with our names written on slate, we were presented with a complimentary cocktail. This is a very small venue with just about 10 seats in total. Each course was presented in front of us, explained in detail and the food was delicious. It is an adventurous meal with many courses of different flavors and materials. The staff was excellent, answering questions about the food and preparation and ensuring we were having a great time. Highly recommended if you love non traditional sushi and love to learn more about the ingredients and prep of the bites.

    Patrick D.

    What a hidden gem! This was absolutely a divine sushi experience. One for the history book. Chef Willer Larreal and his crew have created a beautiful culinary choreography. From the toro, to the fresh and delightful scallops as well as the A5 grading Wagyu Nigri. I though I was in paradise with some remarkable and innovative sushi rolls. The Omakaze menu is original and adventurous in its continuum of original tasting discoveries. The service is friendly, attentive and professional. Be aware the room is located in the back of the Matheson restaurant. So not easy to find, it was really a hidden gem......

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    What a fun and great experience! If you love sushi you will most definitely love this place.

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    Ask the Community - Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Healdsburg

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    Troubadour - Pears

    Troubadour

    4.5(153 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    I came in expecting a good bread and sandwich shop, then noticed the serious looking chefs…read morepreparing for dinner service in this tiny shop with incredible bread and baguettes. Ah, this was next level. Then I saw the Michelin man placed up on the counter behind the register: glancing again at online reviews and noted, one star. (I later discovered the chefs prepping were Sean McGaughey and Melissa Yanc, formerly from Single Thread.) We each got a glass of wine, Chardonnay for me and Cab Franc for my guy, and split a Brie and French ham sandwich with sweet jam, great butter, and a fresh chewy baguette. Simple, beautifully executed, and absolutely delicious. Great bread, good music, pears set up for dessert prep, a bustling kitchen, excellent wine, and a sandwich (and many other possibilities: their chicken salad sandwich & a fascinating roasted carrot sumac sandwich) worth coming back for. Five Yelp stars. Already planning my next sandwich order, and hoping to return for dinner.

    3.5 stars After…read moremissing it during my last trip to Healdsburg because I came too late and they had sold out (around 1:30pm on a Saturday), I made sure to come early this time (around 11:30am on a Sunday). This time they had plenty of sandwiches, and I settled for the turkey pesto. Having read so many rave reviews, I was unfortunately underwhelmed, the bread was good (soft, moist, good flavor), but I didn't think the sandwich itself was anything that special. There are many other turkey sandwiches I have enjoyed more, no need for a special trip. But do buy some bread while you are there, or grab some when you're at Quail and Condor. I liked the Yecora Rojo Sourdough (moist, good flavor). They can even slice it for you with their machine, although I wish I hadn't because the slices were very thick and a bit uneven.

    Photos
    Troubadour - End of lunch service, and before dinner service. Chefs Sean McGaughey and Melissa Yanc and vendors, crew & family.

    End of lunch service, and before dinner service. Chefs Sean McGaughey and Melissa Yanc and vendors, crew & family.

    Troubadour - Lé Dinner 3/2023

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    The Matheson - Tuna tartare

    The Matheson

    4.1(357 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$$

    I can't with The Matheson, but in the best possible way. I've eaten here and gave that meal 5…read morestars, so I already knew the dining room is excellent. But now I'm giving their happy hour 5 stars. We sat downstairs at their beautiful bar. Great service, a fantastic $15 medium rare (my personal favorite) burger with grilled onions, cheese, and a smoky umami flavor, regular order sized, and a separate generous little gem salad with Danish blue cheese ($13) plus fries ($6). It's a concise menu, but the burger is good and each offering is full sized and high quality. There is either a $9 Negroni or margarita or what appealed to us: the sci-fi, tech-looking Wine Wall, with 88 open bottles from around the world. Forget traditional wine tasting, this is around the world wine tasting. Choose from 88 wines, grab their wine "credit card," and sample multiple pours side by side. Pair them with great food, enjoy happy hour, and discover and compare wines made by a myriad of wineries and winemakers.

    What a fun and mordern atmostsphere. We reservation but arrived a few minutes early, so our…read morehostrst suggested to check out the bar or the self pour wine tasting. Fun concept wherr you can choose what you want to tatse , by a splash , half or full glass. We sat outside it was a beautiful evening. Friendly wait staff and food served promplty. We enjoyed our meal although the fish was a bit on the salty side. The mushrooms tempura was my favorite. The lobster gazpacho was refreshing. A great place for a date night in downtown Healdsburg.

    Photos
    The Matheson - At the downstairs bar at the Matheson at happy hour

    At the downstairs bar at the Matheson at happy hour

    The Matheson - Irish Sundae

    Irish Sundae

    The Matheson - Burrata salad

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    Umé | Japanese Bistro - Pacific oysters!!!! Yum!!!

    Umé | Japanese Bistro

    4.0(373 reviews)
    5.7 mi
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    Came here for dinner on a Saturday night as a party of 3. I didn't have super high expectations…read moregiven that there aren't many asian food offerings in this area compared to the South Bay Area but this place pleasantly surprised me! They had authentic wasabi and great ginger slices! We were seated in the back patio and it was enjoyable because it wasn't hot and there was plenty of shade from the Bamboo. Fried Calamari - 3/5 a bit dry but the sweet Thai aioli was interesting Geisha - 5/5 - Standard sushi roll 49er - 5/5 - my fave b/c of the refreshing lemon slice Carberator - 3.5/5 - just okay b/c I'm not the biggest fan of Tempura, we ordered it since it wasn't spicy for one of the members of my party to be able to enjoy and it was their favorite Snow White - 4/5 - a bit too saucy but great flavor ~~Parking: There's a dedicated parking lot that's pretty spacious, we didn't have any troubles finding parking. ~~Service: Good. All of the waitresses are super nice, though it can be a little difficult to get help from the back patio just due to not being within natural eyesight of them. ~~Best Part: 49er roll ~~Worst Part: Nothing. ~~Return: Yes

    We came here for dinner tonight. The rolls we got were all very fresh and tasted great with awesome…read moreplating. The staff was attentive and kept refilling our drinks. They were super friendly too. This is definitely my favorite sushi spot, even compared to all the spots in SF and the south bay. We sat outside on a sunny day and it had plenty of shade. It was surprisingly not bright due to the setup they have out back. Definitely coming back here again.

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    Umé | Japanese Bistro - Chefs prepare sushi...beautiful!

    Chefs prepare sushi...beautiful!

    Umé | Japanese Bistro - Chef's sashimi omakase

    Chef's sashimi omakase

    Umé | Japanese Bistro - Oyster shooters with Uni and quail eggs

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    Barndiva - Strawberry mimosa. Simple but tasty side salad. Lazy Dog.

    Barndiva

    3.8(1.2k reviews)
    0.0 mi
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    First, service. We were greeted very pleasantly and then got waited on by Liz (Barbara Elizabeth)…read more Food - we are vegetarians. So we didn't have a very large selection. But we ordered the famous goat cheese croquettes, the tempura beans, and the Chocolate Pot de Creme Brulee. Each item was absolutely delicious. Ambiance is beautiful too. We sat outdoors and it was pretty but so was indoors.

    We dined here a few times this summer....outside in the back under the wisteria, and inside in…read moretheir gallery-like space. Both are pretty options. Highly recommend sharing the Goat Cheese Croquettes - bite sized balls of cheese goodness, drizzled with honey and lavender. Perfection! We always get at least one seasonal Garden Salad - light and fresh! And I tried a few different main courses over our visits - all inspired and delicious: +Bucatini Pasta with broccolini, sun-dried tomatoes, chanterelles, and pine nuts +Burger (it used to be a thick and rich burger with a bordelaise sauce, but over the summer it was more of a double smash burger with cheese...very Americana, and a little "lighter" than the previous option) +Roasted Mt Lassen Trout - light and clean +Tikka Masala - I ordered this comforting dish with tofu but friends ordered it with chicken. It's flavorful, and a beautiful, bountiful presentation. Barndiva is known for their cocktails. We like our go-to classic and mezcal margaritas, but have worked our way through some of their signature cocktails, always adorned with dried fruit and/or edible flowers! If you haven't visited recently, I do recommend giving them another try. If you can't get a reservation online, call - that's worked for us! Cheers.

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    Barndiva - Clogs

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    SingleThread Restaurant & Inn - Rooftop firepit.

    SingleThread Restaurant & Inn

    4.4(529 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$$$
    Fine dining
    Luxury

    My 3500th Yelp review goes to...drumroll... Single Thread…read moreRestaurant and Farm in the beautiful town of Healdsburg, CA Our experience at SingleThread on 8/26/26 was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived, the service was exquisite--from the attentive wait staff to the incredibly knowledgeable sommelier. Our table was beautifully decorated with a centerpiece with branches and flowers and berries that created such a warm and intimate atmosphere--and that was just the beginning! We enjoyed an incredible @ 9-course meal (it was more like 20 IG you count each AMAZING morsel of sashimi) featuring so many unique and exotic varieties of fish, each course beautifully presented and thoughtfully prepared. As a pescatarian, I requested that my entire experience be gluten-free and cheese-free, and the team accommodated my request flawlessly. I never felt like I was missing a thing; every dish was creative, flavorful, and beautifully executed! My favorites were the corn bisque and sashimi bites as well as the complex multilayer cucumber dish! I wish I could eat that every night! It was amazingggg Then came the perfect finale After our 9 courses, we were brought upstairs to the rooftop, where we enjoyed three or four different gluten-free desserts while taking in a breathtaking sunset and beautiful views of Healdsburg. It was such a magical way to end an already unforgettable evening. From the food and wine to the service, setting, and attention to every detail, SingleThread delivered an extraordinary experience from beginning to end. Truly a special and memorable evening. We were so lucky to get a reservation and enjoyed every moment of our three hour dinner! I highly recommend coming here when you're in Northern California! The staff is so kind and accommodating!!They will curate your meal around any food allergies or food intolerances. It was true gastronomic debauchery!

    Our dining experience at SingleThread on September 6, 2026, was seriously disappointing. For…read morecontext, our party of four had dined at The French Laundry two days earlier, which may have heightened our expectations. That dinner was exceptional and showed us what truly outstanding hospitality can feel like. By comparison, our experience at SingleThread fell far short of the standard we expected from a restaurant of this caliber. The issues began as soon as we arrived. Despite several emails exchanged beforehand and repeated references to personalizing the experience, the staff initially got my name wrong. We were then directed to look through a small kitchen window without any explanation, context, or narrative about what we were seeing. After a few minutes, a small tea drink was served through the window, but we were then left standing in a cramped entry area for roughly 20 minutes with no meaningful interaction from the three people at the desk. During that time, we watched other parties arrive and be escorted elsewhere while no one checked in with us or explained the delay. Eventually, someone from the dining room asked whether we would like to be seated. By that point, I was already frustrated. Once seated, our server quickly described several small dishes arranged on a flower-and-moss-covered faux log, then left before we had any meaningful sense of the menu, the number of courses, or the direction of the meal. When the sommelier arrived and asked us to choose wine or pairings, I felt unable to make an informed decision because I did not know what food was coming. I ultimately chose the wine pairing simply because it seemed like the safest option given the lack of information. The service throughout the evening did not reflect what I would expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant. There was little storytelling, little hospitality, and very little sense that the experience was being guided with care. A server attempted to clear my plate while my fork and knife were still in my hands. Another server bumped a member of our party with a plate. Most concerning, the staff appeared to lose track of a guest's allergy and served me her plate instead. To be clear, we caught the mistake; the staff did not. That kind of lapse is difficult to overlook. We also consistently had difficulty hearing the descriptions of the dishes as they were presented, which further diminished the sense of connection to the meal. At a restaurant centered so heavily on the progression, story, and precision of each course, that lack of clear communication mattered. The food itself showed creativity, skill, and technique. There were several good courses, a few that felt unusual or less successful, and a couple of truly strong dishes, including the best duck I have had to date. Unfortunately, it was difficult to fully appreciate the food because the service failures were so distracting and so far below expectations. The one clear positive of the evening was the sommelier. He was engaging, knowledgeable, and thoughtful in discussing each pairing and in making recommendations to other members of our party. His service stood apart from the rest of the experience. We will not return. For us, the evening did not feel personal, polished, or worthy of the reputation attached to it. It felt like highly engineered cuisine paired with service that did not meet fine-dining standards. We left The French Laundry two nights earlier talking about every detail with admiration. We left SingleThread frustrated and deeply disappointed.

    Photos
    SingleThread Restaurant & Inn - Sashimi & Scallop dish

    Sashimi & Scallop dish

    SingleThread Restaurant & Inn - One of our luxury suites.

    One of our luxury suites.

    SingleThread Restaurant & Inn - SingleThread

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    SingleThread

    Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Healdsburg - sushi - Updated September 2026

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