The Best Special Occasion Restaurants in Sonoma County

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Anniversary Dinner at SingleThread: Every detail of your multicourse dinner has been perfectly planned, from a fairy-table tableau of welcome bites to wine pairings and sequential dishes that lean into chef Kyle Connaughton’s love of Japanese cuisine. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

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At Single Thread restaurant in Healdsburg. (Garrett Rowland/Sonoma County Tourism)

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Anniversary Dinner at Cyrus: This multicourse culinary journey leads you through different parts of the expansive restaurant—the Bubbles Lounge, Kitchen Table, Dining Room and Chocolate Room. A mix of eastern and western flavors with a menu focused around the mix of flavor expressions—sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. (Chad Surmick/The Press Democrat)

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Guests enjoy the Kitchen Table while chatting with chef Douglas Keane at Cyrus in Geyserville. (Chad Surmick/The Press Democrat)

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Cool Friend in Town: take them to Barndiva in Healdsburg, with its statement-glasses crowd, gallery vibes, the best damn Manhattan and Juicy Lucy burgers for the win. Other hot spots include Sebastopol's Khom Loi and Psychic Pie. (Barndiva)

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Mother's Day at Bloom Carneros: This mom-approved roadhouse offers plenty of outdoor space and family-sized tables (to include the maximum number of kids and presents). It is also dog-friendly and has an everyone-friendly menu from chef Jennifer McMurry that ranges from vegan sweet potato tacos to glazed pork belly, burger and the tastiest-ever Cubano. (Bloom Carneros)

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Father's Day at Geyserville Gun Club: It just sounds cool. But once you get there, dad will dig the classic bar vibe, Prime Rib Thursdays, and a great burger, ramen, oysters or fried chicken wings. (Emma K. Morris)

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A variety of dishes at Geyserville Gun Club. (Emma K. Morris)

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Father's Day at Augie's French: Classic French cuisine, just like your parents had on their honeymoon to Paris. Dad-friendly cocktails and hearty entrees, plus my own pop-approved Croque Madame on the Happy Hour menu. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

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Engagement Party at Stark's Steak and Seafood: The clubby private dining room is an intimate space where you can really get to know Uncle Jack, which may or may not be a good thing. Luckily, you'll be able to dig into the buttery garlic rolls, truffle mac and cheese, creamed spinach and ribeye while nodding politely. Plus, you can sneak out to the bar area for a quick toast with your honey-to-be. (Conner Jay)

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The Big Promotion at The Matheson: There's no shame in a little flex after getting that sought-after raise. Impressive steaks and shareable plates, or go for the luxe prix fixe tasting menu for $125 per person. Try the Land Rover-on-a-Honda-budget three-course tasting menu for $55 per person. (Deb Wilson)

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Snake River Wagyu Babette with potato pave, alliums horseradish and black truffle from The Matheson in Healdsburg. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

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Meet the Parents at Dry Creek Kitchen: Classy digs with a classy menu, tip-top service and a great wine list inspired by chef Charlie Palmer's passion for regional American ingredients. (Paige Green)

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Seared Diver Scallop with cauliflower, grape and vanilla bean from the Dry Creek Kitchen Thursday, November 2, 2023 in Healdsburg. (Photo John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

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Poached Pear Frangipane Tart with red wine reduction, mascarpone and candied orange from the Dry Creek Kitchen Thursday, November 2, 2023 in Healdsburg. (Photo John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

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Gal's Night at Molti Amici: Former SingleThread staffers have created a menu of Italian-inspired dishes that punch far above their weight class. We love sitting outside on the patio with gal pals and a bottle of sparkling, stuffing slice after slice of wood-fired pizzas into our faces. (Molti Amici)

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Panna Cotta, Market Berries, Montenegro from Molti Amici in Healdsburg Wednesday, July 19, 2023. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

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Raviolo al’ Uovo, Summer Truffle, Sage Brown Butter from Molti Amici in Healdsburg Wednesday, July 19, 2023. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

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Date Night at Table Culture Provisions: While the seven-course tasting menu is absolutely ridiculously good, you can book an early table on Wednesday or Thursday for Social Hour (4 to 6 p.m.) with approachable prices for chef-driven entrees like Moules Mariniere ($24) or Crispy Chicken with creamed mushroom sauce ($29) that includes mashed potatoes and a green salad. (Crissy Pascual/Petaluma Argus-Courier)

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Date Night at Street Social: A husband-and-wife team operates this hidden gem, offering wildly creative riffs on comfort food. The menu switches up weekly, so you're always bound to find something new. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

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Chicken Liver Mousse with caramelized onion jam and a crispy Cassava waffle from Street Social in Petaluma. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

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Birthday Dinner at Rocker Oysterfeller's: We can't think of a more down-to-earth spot for a fun-filled birthday dinner with friends. The portions are hearty, the vibe is Louisiana-meets-Bodega (so equally great fried chicken and oysters), and the bar is welcoming. (Rocker Oysterfeller's)

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From left, grilled oysters with pesto butter, Louisiana hots, and garlic butter from Rocker Oysterfeller's Kitchen + Saloon in Valley Ford. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

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In-Laws in Town at Grata: Italian cuisine that's approachable but well-crafted; casual-chic; a respectable but not ostentatious price point with excellent cocktails. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

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Feeling Lucky at 630 Park Steakhouse: On a winning streak? Graton Casino's upscale steakhouse has blingy chandeliers, romantic booths, a glowing bar top, fancy steaks, seafood towers and a silk shirt crowd. (Conner Jay)

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Graduation at Sweet T's: You'll need to plan ahead for a group, but this Southern barbecue-inspired restaurant has a lengthy list of sharable appetizers, barbecue by the pound, cheesecake, pies and cocktails. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

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Three-way Smoker Combo with ribs, chicken, brisket and sides of Mac N' Cheese and Okra/Corn/Cherry Tomato Saute from Sweet T's Restaurant + Bar in Windsor. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

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Pecan Pie from Sweet T's in Windsor. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

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Book Club at Willow Wood: Gather over Bronte with baked eggs or egg salad with Edgar Allan Poe at this cozy west county cafe. Eggs are a breakfast best bet, but we always have Great Expectations about their polenta with butter and syrup. (Sonoma County Tourism)