These are the restaurants closest to Hacienda Sonoma, but there are hundreds more within a short drive in all directions. If you need help deciding, please let us know!
Salt & Stone: Located just one minute south by car, Salt & Stone features fresh seafood and quality steaks. This is California cuisine at it's best. Salt & Stone is also known for its oyster bar, charcuterie, and cheese selection. Dinner is served seven nights a week 5pm – 9pm; and lunch is served Thursday – Monday 11am – 2:30pm. 9900 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood. For Reservations: 707-833-6326.
VJB Cellars - This is our local "Italian Villa" two blocks to the north, and although it's a winery, it's an amazing place for lunch, too. VJB offers wood-fired pizzas to order, salads, panini, freshly made gelato and chocolates, and their market is also a perfect stop for picnic supplies, cheeses, and salumi. Their outdoor plaza is always bustling on weekends. If you plan to visit for lunch, be sure to get your order placed and your table secured by 1:00 pm, because from 1:00-1:30 on weekends during warmer months, you'll be serenaded by two or three tuxedoed tenors who are as fun as they are talented. They tend to get the whole crowd singing and laughing, and it's a must-do stop for lunch in Kenwood.
The Fig Cafe & Wine Bar - You can't go wrong with any of the restaurants owned by the Girl & The Fig group, but this one is our personal favorite. The cuisine is centered around perfectly done "comfort food," like bistro-style steak and frites, pot roast, crab cakes, truffled macaroni & cheese, and a decadent brownie. And they don't charge corkage, so bring a bottle of wine! It's always busy, but there's rarely more than a ten-minute wait for a table. Best of all, it's only ten minutes away in Glen Ellen. 13690 Arnold Drive. Telephone: 707.938.2130
Palooza - This restaurant takes the space of the former Doce Lunas. It's a gastropub with a beer menu and beer flights; a casual stop when you need a break from the wine. The burger comes with housemade ketchup and is a favorite, as is the bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Less than four blocks' north next to the Kenwood Market at 8910 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood. Telephone: 707.833.4000
Golden Bear Station: just about a minute away by car, Golden Bear Station offers creative global and seasonal delicacies, and has earned an acknowledgement in the Michelin guide. They have some lovely fusion offerings and are the nicest people. Stella: Our newest neighborhood Italian restaurant, three blocks away, offering wood-fired specialties that celebrate seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. This is owned by the same owners as the Glen Ellen Star, below, and they are known for outstanding food. Glen Ellen Star: another tiny neighborhood gem offering both local and international flavors. The brussels sprouts with a brown sugar bacon marmalade is a favorite, as well as the grilled flat-iron steak. They also have a nice wine list. Located in Glen Ellen at 13648 Arnold Drive, call 707-343-1384 for reservations.
The Mill at Glen Ellen: Excellent customer service and really nice staff at this casual restaurant. Here you can find wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, salads, burgers, a few items with an Indian twist, a couple of different steaks, as well as house-brewed beers, and quite a few vegetarian and vegan options as well. They are in Glen Ellen at 14301 Arnold Drive, and don't take reservations.
Rancho Market & Deli: I can't tell you how many tacos and quesadillas we've eaten from here! They used to be a taco truck, but eventually moved inside to the tiny market that's more like a convenience store. If you're looking for an authentic taco, this is where to find it! There's really no place to sit and it's definitely no frills, so we usually bring them back to the house. It's 8 minutes drive south at 929 Madrone Road, Glen Ellen.
Pillowfight Coffee: Located on the back side of the Kenwood Market Complex (four blocks north) this coffee shop is open seven days a week from 7:30am - 2:00pm, and serves pastries, sandwiches, quiche, scones, and lots of other goodies.
Hacienda Sonoma is located North of the Sonoma Plaza, right in the heart of Sonoma Valley. We are surrounded byrolling vineyards, wineries, and the tranquil beauty of Wine Country.