Walking Distance

West Pole Bakery Café: Specializing in wood-fired pizzas and paninis (Italian sandwiches), the restaurant offers a creative mix of ingredients (e.g., the "Ring of Fire" pizza: hot sausage, hot sauce, caramelized garlic and peppers, and fontina and asiago cheeses). The flat-bread pizzas are an innkeeper's favorite, and don't miss out on a luscious sweetza for dessert. No reservations necessary. (Closed Monday)

Union Hotel: The restaurant was founded in 1879 when the Italian wives of the lumberjacks began serving the logging community. Today, this renowned establishment still serves the family-style menu that made it famous. Be ready for A LOT of food! If you're looking for a lighter bite, Union Hotel also has a pizza parlor serving á la carte dinners. Make sure to try the mud pie or Nonnie's fritters. No reservations necessary.

Negri's: Founded in the first quarter of the century, Negri's also serves Italian family-style dinners. Generations of regulars keep coming back for family reunions, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners. Folks who went to summer camp here 50 years ago still bring their grandchildren in for a bite. No reservations necessary.

Old Altamont Spaghetti Company: This restaurant is also owned by the Negri family and provides Italian cuisine in the Tuscan countryside tradition. The attached bar is great for watching sports on TV and having a margarita or mixed drink. No reservations necessary. (June-September, open daily; October-May, closed Monday and Tuesday)

El Mariachi: Looking for authentic Mexican food? You can watch the chef's cooking and shredding the beef and chicken each morning. This is an innkeeper favorite for take-out burritos, nachos, and even mochas. No reservations necessary. (Closed Monday)

10 – 20 Minutes

Stella's Café: A consistent guest pleaser since its October 1999 opening, Stella's is a casual restaurant with a bistro atmosphere. Greg, the chef/owner, worked at many high-end restaurants (e.g., Chez Panisse) before starting his own. His menu changes regularly to reflect what's fresh. Offers indoor and outdoor seating, moderately priced entrees, and a very reasonably priced wine list. Reservations recommended. (Closed Tuesday)

K&L Bistro: Romantic and intimate, this Sebastopol café (named for owners Karen and Lucas Martin) changes its menu weekly, so you're guaranteed the chef's newest creations — made with the freshest ingredients. Sample entrees include Sonoma duck breast or whole sea bass filleted right at your table. Offering delicious food with flare, this cozy restaurant also features an eclectic, reasonably priced wine list. Reservations recommended. (Closed Monday)

Willow Wood Market: A lovely drive west to the town of Graton brings you to this true locals' hangout. Set in the middle of an old-style market, this eatery offers daily specials of tasty organic fare, as well as sinful delights, such as an amazing ginger cake. No reservations necessary. (Closed Sunday)

The Coast (20 – 30 Minutes)

River's End: A mouthwatering menu and stunning sunsets — what more could you ask for? Perched high on a bluff, this quaint restaurant overlooks the Russian River as it flows into the Pacific. Featuring sublime California cuisine with a new menu every two weeks, this classic café offers the best of Sonoma County. Reservations recommended. (April-November, closed Tuesday and Wednesday; December-March, closed Monday–Thursday)

The Duck Club at the Bodega Bay Lodge: Well known for the chef's preparation of both fish and meat entrees, this coastal restaurant has a wonderfully varied menu. It's a lovely drive to the coast from the Inn and a pleasant way to spend the evening. Reservations recommended.

Tides Wharf: This casual seafood restaurant is just off Highway 1, north of Bodega Bay. The tasty clam chowder is an innkeeper's favorite. The Tides Market provides snacks and a take-out window serves crab or chowder to eat later. No reservations necessary.

Lucas Wharf: Also located on Highway 1, Lucas Wharf is suspended on piers above the Pacific, a great place to watch the sunset. No reservations necessary.

25 – 30 Minutes (And Well Worth It)

Dry Creek Kitchen: Charlie Palmer presides over this hip new eatery in the Hotel Healdsburg. Features California cuisine with an ever-changing menu and an in-depth wine list of exclusive Sonoma wines.

John Ash & Company: Well known in the culinary world, this restaurant bears the name of one California's most celebrated chefs. It's a great restaurant focusing on the produce and meats of Sonoma County. The lovely setting overlooks the adjoining vineyards. Reservations recommended.

Stormy's Steak House: So you want a real piece of beef? Located amidst the grazing pastures of Sonoma County, this restaurant is where the locals go for a steak. Sit in front of the huge fireplace and enjoy a 32-ounce porterhouse or huge prime rib. Reservations recommended. (Closed Monday–Wednesday)

Sassafras: On the western outskirts of Santa Rosa, this stylish restaurant offers unique and wonderful Cajun-influenced cuisine. Its location also makes it a great option on your way to the Inn if you will be arriving after 9 p.m. Reservations recommended.