A small community of Sherpas from Nepal now run locally favorite restaurants in Sonoma County. Their journey from the high peaks of the Himalayas to California's Wine Country is a remarkable story of adaptation, entrepreneurship, and community building.
These former mountaineers and guides have brought their legendary hospitality and work ethic to the restaurant industry, creating beloved dining establishments that have become fixtures in the local culinary scene.
From authentic Himalayan cuisine to fusion dishes that blend their heritage with California flavors, these Sherpa-owned restaurants represent a unique chapter in both Sherpa diaspora history and Sonoma County's diverse food culture.
Many of these restaurateurs maintain strong ties to their homeland, supporting earthquake relief efforts and educational initiatives in Nepal while building new lives for their families in America.