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 | The Swiss Hotel The locals call it “The Swiss”. So far this is my all around favorite place to eat in Sonoma. It is homey and the service and food are great. When it gets warm they have an outdoor seating area in the front and the back. Rick says check this place out! 18 West Spain Street Sonoma, CA 95476 Reservations: 707-938-2884 fax: 707-938-3298 Open 11:30am to 10:00pm daily www.swisshotelsonoma.com |
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Basque Boulangerie Cafe A little bakery cafe on the Plaza with tables outside so you may enjoy your meal outside watching locals/tourists walk by. It is a bit hectic getting your food then a table but the light fare is very good. 460 First Street East Sonoma, CA 95476 707-935-7687 Open 7am to 6pm daily |
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Shiso An Asian fusion place that went into the old Meritage location. Really like the sushi and some of the other Japanese dishes here. Another place with a patio out back that has a door that sticks so there is a constant source or entertainment while waiting for your food. It has not been fixed in that last two months so I figure during the rainy season it should only get worse. 522 Broadway Sonoma, CA 95476 Located in the Sonoma courtyard shops 707-933-9331 www.shisorestaurant.com |
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Mary's Pizza Shack This is the flagship for the entire chain of fifteen locations. It is a loud and busy place with lots of families eating Italian classics and of course pizza. The only thing about this place is if you are a local it is hard not seeing people you know especially if they seat you near the door. You definitely will be eating cold food. Also they deliver which is rare in Sonoma. 8 West Spain Street Sonoma, CA 95476 707-938-8300 |
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Schellville Grill Okay, this is the real thing. Formerly called Ford’s Café it is a genuine country cafe complete with funky lighting fixtures and local farmers in the morning. This place opens at 6am with bottomless coffee cups and pancakes bigger than your head. It gets crowded on weekends and can take up to an hour to get a meal but a hearty breakfast it is. This is NOT a place to go if high cholesterol or fat is a concern. Breakfast and lunch are really what this place is all about Matthew has carried on where Fords left off with a clean-up of the interior and sprucing up the back patio. Highly recommended. 22900 Broadway Sonoma, CA 95476 707-995-5151 Open 6am to 2pm 7days 6-9pm Fri-Sat. |
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Della Santina's This Italian restaurant has a lovely patio out back (I love eating outside) that is heated and partially covered. The food is great but what I come here for is to drink off there wine list. One of the waiters named Jesus will even let you try his wine if your lucky enough to get one of his tables. He makes an excellent Chardonnay that rivals some of the white Burgundy's I've had. The owner Robert tries to accomodate locals first but do hang in there as the wait is worth it. 133 E. Napa St Sonoma, CA 95476 707-935-0576 Daily 11:30am-3pm and 5-9:30pm Reservations recommended |
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| Taqueria La Hacienda My favorite taqueria in town that I didn't discover for over 6 years. They make the best Chile Relleno I've ever had plus they make a Chile Relleno burrito. Wow! 17960 Sonoma Hwy Sonoma, CA 95476 707-939-8226 |
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El Dorado Kitchen 405 First Street West |
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Maya's I at first did not like this place because it was crowded and I thought the food was just so-so. Well it changed hands and the quality went way up. 101 East Napa Street Sonoma, CA 95476 707-935-3500 |
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The Sunflower Cafe In a historic adobe on the plaza with a charming garden seating in the back this latest rendition of this location is just right. The right food (casual but delicious) service (very good) and prices. 421 First Street West Sonoma, CA 95476 707-996-6645 |
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Tiddle E. Winks This store carries all those confections and soda pops you had when you were younger and haven't seen forever. Lots of collectible Americana and pop ephemera. Bring lots of cash! 115 East Napa Street Sonoma, CA 95476 707-935-3500 |
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| Mondo At the former Ranch House location featuring 40 beers, 20 on tap, lots of burgers and interesting sandwiches and sides. I love the fried Calamari and Cuban Burger. The veggie burger is the best I've ever had. They also make their own ice cream. 875 West Napa Street Sonoma, CA 95476 707-938-8013 Open Lunch 11:30AM to 5PM Tuesday-Sat. Dinner Tuesday to Sunday 5PM to 9PM except Saturday which is to 10PM |
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Vella Cheese This is another genuine article. Ig and Roger make excellent dry Jack cheese's plus other assorted styles of cheese. My favorite is the Specially Selected. 315 Second Street East Sonoma, CA 95476 707-938-3232 |
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Babe's Burgers and Hot Dogs This is a greasy spoon burger shack with it own brand of funkiness. They have really very good hamburgers cooked to order by Mr. Babe. While your waiting check out their toys for sale such as Barbies latest pink Mustang. Also not on the diet list. 2660 Fremont Drive (Hwy’s 12/121) Sonoma, CA 95476 707-938-9714 Open 7am to 11:30am for breakfast; 11am to 3pm for lunch; closed Wedsnesdays |
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Cafe La Haye Sal the owner that runs this place formerly cooked for the crew at George Lucas' Industrial Light & Magic before starting up here. John McReynolds the original chef has moved on but I hear the quality is still consistent. The food is really quite good on the few times I've dined here but I recommend a reservation way ahead of time. It currently gets great reviews in the SF Chronicle and Zagats.. 140 East Napa Street Sonoma, CA 95476 707-935-5994 Open 5:30pm to 10pm; closed Mondays |
 | Depot Hotel Restaurant The Depot was built in 1870 and turned into a saloon prior to the railroad extending its line acrossed the street. The railroad purchased the building and added a restaurant to serve its passengers and a number of rooms upstairs to rent to weary travelers. In 1923 it became a private residence and restored to a restaurant in 1974. They serve some hearty northern Italian cusine with a view of a classic Italian garden and fountain. 241 First Street West Sonoma, CA 95476 707-938-2980 Open for lunch 11:30am to 2pm Mon-Fri; dinner 5 to 9:30pm Wed-Sun |
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Rin’s of Sonoma Thai Food Rin's was originally in Noe Valley, San Francisco, and maybe still is. I have not been back to my old neighborhood for awhile. Located in a remodeled Victorian house with a large patio they can seat a lot of people. My favorite dish is their green curry. They will even make special less spicy dishes for the weak palate or children. 139 E. Napa St. Sonoma, CA 95476 707-938-1462 Open 11am-9pm daily |
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Deuce Deuce has a wonderful outdoor patio that is terrific on a balmy evening. 691 Broadway Sonoma, CA 95476 707-996-1031 Open for lunch 11:30am to 2:30pm; 5pm to 9pm for dinner daily |
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