I am taking my husband to Sonoma for his birthday in April. We are staying at the new Renaissance Hotel in Sonomoa (any feedback on this hotel is appreciated). I was planning on making reservations at Auberge du Soleil for dinner but in seems that everyone seems to find the food disappointing. I don't think I have read any positive comment about the food; just that the view is spectacular and go only for drinks. Comments?? Where should I take my husband for dinner for his birthday?? And we are staying for 3 nights - from everyones comments Tra Vigne is a must. Any other suggestions?? Thanks

I love Tra Vigne but it is in Napa Valley, Rutherford actually, not Sonoma county. I think Terra is a spectacular restaurant.

Try the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. It is wonderful.

If you are a serious foodie you might consider a pilgrimage to French Laundry after taking out a loan. Food is awesome and some consider it the best in the nation.

I still like the restaurant at the Domaine Chandon champaignery. The food is good. The view of the vineyards in the evening is magnificant, and the champaign is a bargain.

What about the Generals Daughter. It gets very good reviews and they are associated with the cooking school Ramekins adjacent to it. We're doing their Friday night hands on dinner there in Feb as well as staying at the Lodge at Sonoma. I'll let you know how it goes. We'll also be eating out on Sat night and haven't yet picked a place but looking for some place yummy.

Last year for our anniversary we stayed in Sonoma and ate at Cafe La Haye, just off the plaza. It is a tiny restaurant with impeccable service and food! It was truly a memorable evening for us, we're still talking about that dinner. You will need reservations since it has so few tables. If you can walk from the hotel to the square it will make for a wonderful, romantic evening. There are a few bars on the square where you can get a drink before or after dinner. And there's a nice new/used bookstore right next to Cafe La Haye that is open late and has an impressive collection of books on the area, including good cookbooks. Enjoy!

I did not eat at Cafe LaHaye, but I saw it, and it looks charming. Also one of the chefs has a "side gig" at the B&B where I stayed, and breakfast was wonderful, so I take that as a good sign!

I enjoyed Saffron in Glen Ellen, and I have also heard good things about the Glen Ellen Inn (for food). (Glen Ellen is 20 min max from Sonoma)

Thanks for the info Robin. I'd looked at this restaurant on the web http://sterba.com/sonoma/lahaye/dinner/ and considered making reservations there. It's not for a romantic evening but 4 of us sisters. Would it be good for that? Or is geared more for couoples and romance?

Sorry Robin I meant my question for Susan. Thanks.

Try The Girl and the Fig. "Country Food with French Passion". Terrace dinning (possible in April and they do have heaters) is fantastic. San Francisco Chronicle review: "if this restaurant were in South of Market in SF, there would be lines out the door every night". Here is website: http://thegirlandthefig.com/html/home.html. By the way, food and service are wonderful. Right on a corner of the main square in Sonoma.

Suzie, I'm thinking about your question. It is a very small restaurant, maybe 25 tables, and most everyone there is a couple, but it's such a nice experience I think I'd go with a couple of girlfriends too. They have some lovely appetizers that you can share (we loved the mussels) and our server (a woman) was very warm and gave us a great recommendation on wine with our dinner. It's a friendly place, give it a try!