Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but romance is always in the air at these Sonoma County restaurants.
John Ash, Santa Rosa: If the way to your heart is through your stomach, then you’ll find a soulmate in deluxe dining destination John Ash & Co, next to Vintners Resort in Santa Rosa. This historic restaurant pays homage to the godfather of Wine Country cuisine, founding chef John Ash. The restaurant is nestled among acres of vineyards, with stunning views from just about every angle. Twinkling lights and a lovely patio make it a perfect sunset spot. 4330 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, 707-527-7687, vintnersinn.com/dining/john-ash-co. (Courtesy of Vintners Inn)
Stark’s Steak & Seafood, Santa Rosa: Stark’s is your Santa Rosa spot for retro-chic romance - you’ll get the Bogie-and-Bacall vibe right away. Aged steaks, Manhattans, aged whiskies and other old school cocktails are the real deal. The seats are leather. Wedge salad and creamed spinach are side staples. A baby grand sits in the corner waiting to tinkle out a tune or two. Classic and classy. 521 Adams St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-5100, starkrestaurants.com. (Courtesy of Stark's)
Lococo’s, Santa Rosa: Generations of Santa Rosans have loved the focaccia and olive tapenade that’s a signature at this casual trattoria in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square. You’ll find a variety of classics, but wild boar pappardelle is always a fave. For dessert, LoCoco’s does cannoli proud, turning out classic versions as good as any found in New York or New Jersey. 117 4th St., Santa Rosa, 707-523-2227, lococos.net. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Ca' Bianca, Santa Rosa: They say garlic is an aphrodisiac. Test out the theory with a little between-course-kissing at one of Santa Rosa’s oft-cited romantic eateries. Featuring dishes from throughout Italy, you’ll have plenty of excuses to twirl your fork suggestively or maybe even have your own Lady and the Tramp moment. 835 2nd St., Santa Rosa, 707-542-5800, cabianca.com(Photo by Crista Jeremiason)
Sante at Fairmont Sonoma: The chef’s tasting menu is the best bet for buttering up your sweetie at this historic Fairmont-owned hotel. Dishes like Wagyu beef with garnet yams fondant, creamed Swiss chard and foie gras Bordelaise sauce and Valrohna chocolate sponge cake with passion fruit are over-the-top delish and sure to get you a few extra snuggles. 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma, 707-939-2415, fairmont.com
Depot Hotel, Sonoma: French food may have a reputation as the most romantic cuisine, but for some classic culinary seduction, la Bella Italia never fails. Located in an 1870 train depot, this Sonoma restaurant serves Italian comfort food in the tradition of the Lucca province in Tuscany. Romantic bonus point: the outdoor patio overlooks an ornamental reflection pool with a sparkling fountain. 241 1st St. W., Sonoma, 707-938-2980 depotsonoma.com(Courtesy photo)
Temporarily Closed: Madrona Manor, Healdsburg: The recently renovated Madrona boasts one of Wine Country’s top chefs, Jesse Mallgren. His menu brings familiar flavors to the next level, with modern preparations, creative combinations and unparalleled service. This is pop-the-question worthy dining. 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-4231, madronamanor.com. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Valette, Healdsburg: Multi-course meals showcase the best local products and creative execution by Chef Dustin Valette. Here, every sense is stimulated before the food actually gets to your mouth. Day boat scallops en croute are our favorite to share with your honey. 344 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-473-0946 valettehealdsburg.com (Chris Hardy/for Sonoma Magazine)
Barndiva, Healdsburg: This Healdsburg hotspot is a mashup of rural charm and urban sensibilities making it a popular meet-up spot for couples and groups. Chef Ryan Fancher is another of Wine Country’s celebrated chefs, serving up high-low dishes like crispy lamb rillette, Kennebec fries with spicy ketchup, filet mignon with loaded baked potato or beet salad with fresh goat cheese. 231 Center St., Healdsburg, 707-431-0100, barndiva.com. (Chris Hardy/for Sonoma Magazine)
Single Thread, Healdsburg: The steep price tag on this ultra-bespoke dining experience make it a natural special occasion spot, especially with just a handful of quiet tables. Tweezer-perfect dishes made by Chef Kyle Connaughton are based on an ancient Japanese calendar of seasons, making each bite of the multi-course dinner perfectly of the moment. Here food is as much art as sustenance, and sitting with someone special makes the hours-long experience very intimate. Not recommended for first dates, natch. 131 North St., Healdsburg, 707-723-4646, singlethreadfarms.com. (Courtesy photo)
Dry Creek Kitchen, Healdsburg: This iconic Charlie Palmer restaurant has been a cornerstone of the Healdsburg food scene for more than a decade, serving American classics with a Sonoma twist. The dining room is one of the most romantic and relaxing we’ve found, with comfy chairs, excellent service and soft lighting (everyone looks better in soft lighting). Don’t-miss-dishes include blue cheese crusted filet mignon and arctic char. A Sonoma Neighbor menu is three courses from $36 per person, featuring weekly specials Monday through Thursday. 317 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-431-0330, drycreekkitchen.com(John Burgess/The Press Democrat)
Catelli’s, Geyserville: Paper-thin layers of pasta make Catelli’s lasagna truly share-worthy and well worth the drive up to Geyserville. Cozy banquets as well as family-style dining at this Italian-American classic brings everyone together. 21047 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-857-3471, mycatellis.com
Sugo Trattoria, Petaluma: A Petaluma favorite for Italian comfort classics like fresh pasta with salmon, daily ravioli specials, house made chicken pappardelle with wild mushrooms and chicken artichoke piccata. Don’t miss the bruschetta trio with toppers including prosciutto and fig jam, rosemary garlic or smoked salmon with pesto. 5 Petaluma Blvd. S. B, Petaluma, 707-782-9298, sugotrattoria.com (Photo by Crissy Pascual)
Hazel, Occidental: Hidden away in one of Sonoma County’s most historic burgs, Hazel is a husband and wife operation serving locally-sourced dishes with a Mediterranean influence. Excellent pies, cakes and bakery items make it especially romance-worthy. 3782 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, 707-874-6003, restauranthazel.com. (Photo courtesy of Hazel/Sherry Heck Photography)
Russian River Vineyards, Forestville: Recently renovated, Russian River Vineyards is hot. Its revitalized tasting lounge, in the shadows of a historic hop kiln, talented chef, and updated dining patio make this a great spot for spicing things up. 5700 CA-116, Forestville, 707-887-3344, russianrivervineyards.com. (Photo by John Burgess)
Farmhouse Inn, Forestville: If the quiet country drive to Forestville doesn’t get your Romance-O-Meter going, the warm glow of the Farmhouse Inn on a dark winter’s night should at least get a patter. Intimate almost to a fault, the restaurant is cozy and homey, with snappy service and a Cal-French menu that plays to the flavors of many regional wines on their extraordinary list. Plus, you can always book one of their cottages for a little overnight nookie. A perennial romantic favorite. 7871 River Road, Forestville, 707-887-3300, farmhouseinn.com/restaurant. (Photo by Charlie Gesell)
River’s End, Jenner: End a sunny, windswept day at the coast with a quiet evening for two. With large windows overlooking the shore, this spot’s sunset views mixed with the fresh-out-of-the-ocean seafood make it an affair you’ll always remember. (The restaurant's website URL is ilovesunsets.com). 11048 CA-1, Jenner. (Photo by Crista Jeremiason)
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but romance is always in the air. Whether you’re heading out for a quiet dinner for two, an evening on the town or venturing further afield for a weekend escape, we’ve put together a list of favorite restaurants for sharing with the love of your life (or the love of this month, either way).
