Water Street Bistro

The food is absolutely delicious! We sat down to eat outdoor. We got the quiches, ham and cheese sandwiches, and some pastries. As a french family, we can tell you it's hard to find that level of quality for that kind of food. And nothing was served in plastic, big bonus. We will be back!

Was crowded at lunch but anything this good is going to be busy! The mocha was amazing and also the OMG crab chowder! We will go again next time we visited Petaluma

sunny drahn

It was my mum's birthday and she wanted to go out somewhere to eat with just me. We never get mother/daughter time. I am on such a restricted diet right now because of health issues that I had planned on just being her company and not eating. We checked several restaurants to see if there was anything that I could eat, and I got very discouraged because no one could help me. We came to Water St. Bistro, and then we left after looking at the menu and how busy they were. I was ready to give up, but Mum insisted I at least ask if they could accommodate my needs, so we went back, and I asked. Not only was chef Stephanie so willing to get creative, but she insisted it was no problem and that it would taste good. At the point, I was just excited to be able to be out with Mum for a special meal, that I didn't even care if it tasted good. Well, the meal WAS delicious, flavorful, and healthy. I enjoyed it, and my time with Mum, immensely! After the meal, I went to thank the chef, and I couldn't get the words out. I just got teary-eyed and hugged her. Needless to say, I have found my place. Thank you, Chef Stephanie, for your kind heart and amazing culinary gift!

Jaz C

this might be my favourite spot. it’s family owned with a rotating menu made up of the freshest produce and ingredients California has to provide. can you get fancier food elsewhere? sure. this spot though, has a charm that cannot be replicated without having their level of soul & love. it breeds authenticity in design with well put together and thought out plates. everything is great. the quiche which i wanted to buy by the bulk, crab chowder, all their rotating lunch menus. literally everything. even the aperitif bread.

Lisa Watson

I had another fabulous meal & experience here today. The bistro was the most crowded I’ve seen it in a long time, however Stephanie was so great at multitasking & patient with the customers I have to applaud her. The ambience of the restaurant is simply charming with many French accents throughout. I had one of the best quiches ever - so light & fluffy with spinach & feta. My friend loved her eggplant sandwich. And the complimentary bread is consistently delicious (served with real butter). The one and only issue was the salad dressing on my spinach salad. It was so incredibly sour I was unable to eat it. And I really wanted to. My friend tasted the dressing and completely agreed. I mentioned it to a staff person but he didn’t say anything. It won’t stop me from coming back, I can assure you!

Michael Connors

Best crab chowder I’ve ever had! Great bread and butter! Friendly staff! Fun, cozy atmosphere!

Helen Bond

Waterfront Café in Petaluma — a beloved French café that has been part of the community for over two decades. Stephanie welcomed us like family, baking fresh croissants and quiche, sharing homemade soaps and treats, and serving food made truly from the heart. Bella spent time with our residents, answering questions and filling the room with warmth and laughter. We met Al, who has been enjoying breakfast there for 23 years — a testament to how special this place is. Valentina shared her story of Eastern European roots and wished us happy holidays!

Solomiya Lyshenyuk Williams

The sandwiches we got were really good and large (the leftovers were enough for lunch the next day). It was a bit strange to have to wait in line twice - first to place an order and second to pay for it. The crab chowder was really good too. I would definitely recommend this place for lunch.

Elizabeth Mack

This is a great lunch spot on a nice day and the food is amazing. They always have a large selection of local, home made goodies. I didn't try any of their baked goods but their brownies looked amazing. I had the citrus, beet and crab salad which was the perfect lite lunch. I have had their quiche before also which is very tasty. I would definitely go back!

Rose

Adorable café in a beautiful spot downtown. Any spot you sit, you have a fabulous view! Absolutely delicious goat cheese and spinach quiche! Actually craving that right now.. I also got the Lavender Latte. That was so yummy and was presented in an adorable, perfectly-large sized bowl! Grandma and I found a beautiful spot on their patio, but inside looked beautiful and cute, too! Wherever you want to sit, the view is great. I went for my birthday weekend. My long-distance fiancé surprised me there that day so now I have the perfect memories at this place! Highly recommend!(:

Stephanie Regni

The food is absolutely delicious! We sat down to eat outdoor. We got the quiches, ham and cheese sandwiches, and some pastries. As a french family, we can tell you it's hard to find that level of quality for that kind of food. And nothing was served in plastic, big bonus. We will be back!

Darin C

Was crowded at lunch but anything this good is going to be busy! The mocha was amazing and also the OMG crab chowder! We will go again next time we visited Petaluma

Jhonson Moura

Hidden little gem by the river in picturesque Petaluma. I had the tastiest crab chowder I have ever eaten in my life here. Let the picture speak for itself.

Amanda Raygoza Bliss

Loved the staff, vibe, food & prices! Good homemade food! Latte was amazing!

The huge menu offered a wide variety of choices, so everyone got to have what they wanted. The tuna melt was delicious and the French fries hot and crispy. The staff was friendly and helpful.

So much more than a bistro. After 27 years this Petaluma institution is closing down. The pastries, quiches, main course meals and the espresso drinks are the best in the county. The homely environment makes relaxing unavoidable. The care comes through in every morsel and every detail. C’est Magnifique! Water Street doubled as a day care for seniors. The departure will leave a huge gap in the lives of this community. Go well Stephanie! You deserve whatever you choose for yourself. You, your awesome family and your entire crew will be missed.

My husband and I have been coming to Watee Street Bistro for almost 27 years. We have always loved. My husband is a fan of their Duck Confit while I enjoy the quiche or Coq au Vin. The chef is retiring and closing shop and this next week is it's last hurrah. We say merci for your food and dedication to the Petaluma community and Bon Voyage for your next adventure 😀

This place is amazing for quiche. The pastrami and Swiss sandwich was to die for and if you're looking for pastries. This is definitely the place Everything is amazing. The food is almost as good as the staff

Amazing. Water front views, really nice people, great choice of freshly made foods... I can't even believe a place like this exists. Coffee for $1.25?! Those are prices from the early 2000's, transported into 2025.

Excellent breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Stellar service. Highly recommend. Make sure to try the pastries.

We had the best little lunch experience here. The staff was so welcoming and generous. The food was excellent - we got a turkey Brie and apple sandwich and the crab chowder. Would recommend this to anyone looking for a quaint cafe by the water!

Deborah Simonova

My husband and I have been coming to Watee Street Bistro for almost 27 years. We have always loved. My husband is a fan of their Duck Confit while I enjoy the quiche or Coq au Vin. The chef is retiring and closing shop and this next week is it's last hurrah. We say merci for your food and dedication to the Petaluma community and Bon Voyage for your next adventure 😀

Steve West

So much more than a bistro. After 27 years this Petaluma institution is closing down. The pastries, quiches, main course meals and the espresso drinks are the best in the county. The homely environment makes relaxing unavoidable. The care comes through in every morsel and every detail. C’est Magnifique! Water Street doubled as a day care for seniors. The departure will leave a huge gap in the lives of this community. Go well Stephanie! You deserve whatever you choose for yourself. You, your awesome family and your entire crew will be missed.

Jason C Dukes

Excellent breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Stellar service. Highly recommend. Make sure to try the pastries.

Lauren Robertori

Amazing. Water front views, really nice people, great choice of freshly made foods... I can't even believe a place like this exists. Coffee for $1.25?! Those are prices from the early 2000's, transported into 2025.

MrDknopoff

This place is amazing for quiche. The pastrami and Swiss sandwich was to die for and if you're looking for pastries. This is definitely the place Everything is amazing. The food is almost as good as the staff

Amanda Holtz

We had the best little lunch experience here. The staff was so welcoming and generous. The food was excellent - we got a turkey Brie and apple sandwich and the crab chowder. Would recommend this to anyone looking for a quaint cafe by the water!

dominicleeder

Travelled up for the day. Left this place just feeling happier…. And full of incredible food! The brownie is the best I’ve had. Salads are incredible and the bread!!! Would not recommend more!

I have gone twice and the first time was very relaxed and fast service but the second time the place was swamped the entire time, so very busy and very slow. Most recently I decided to order the half salad and sandwich, only to discover that the full sandwich, which is cheaper, also comes with a side salad. You can see the picture they are similar in size. I felt a little disappointed and would recommend always getting the full sandwich for the price. (Likely because it was so busy it was not pointed out that with the price I paid for a half soup as well, which the owner has pointed out) The flan was very tasty and I also recommend the pecan waffle.

Caitlin G.

I have gone twice and the first time was very relaxed and fast service but the second time the place was swamped the entire time, so very busy and very slow. Most recently I decided to order the half salad and sandwich, only to discover that the full sandwich, which is cheaper, also comes with a side salad. You can see the picture they are similar in size. I felt a little disappointed and would recommend always getting the full sandwich for the price. (Likely because it was so busy it was not pointed out that with the price I paid for a half soup as well, which the owner has pointed out) The flan was very tasty and I also recommend the pecan waffle.