There are four of us, early 30's (wow, that sounds old) heading to Sonoma for a getaway weekend.

I've read the recommendations for restaurants in the area on this board, but we're not looking for something too romantic and cozy. Rather, some place with great food, that we can kick back with a glass of wine and laugh aloud without being concerned of intruding on someone else's romantic meal.

Any restaurants with more of a family style (not family-style with kids running around, but more family-tyle as in a meal with lots of conversation at the heartily stocked dining table...I keep picturing the Italian family passing the pasta bowl in those Barilla commercials) ambiance? Or perhaps with a nice outdoor dining patio?

THANKS!

Hi-I ate at Mustards Grill(www.mustardsgrill.com) in St. Helena in February. I thought it was great -- nice ambience; lively bar; lively restaurant, casual yet upscale. Food was great - interesting choices. It's a pretty spot, too.

First of all, Mustard Grill is NOT in St. Helena. It's in Yountville.

Secondly, the OP asked for restaurants in Sonoma. Mustards is in Napa, a good distance away.

Perhaps, the OP would like to provide more information as to where in Sonoma (a really big county) they would like dine at.

We've rented a house about a mile from Sonoma Square--so the immediate area as well as within 15 minutes drive is a-ok.

Thanks. Sorry, I didn't post enough info originally.

Pardon me. You should try Mustard's Grill in Yountville -- although not located in the heart of Napa, as you requested, it's not too far to drive and IMO - worth it.

>>>You should try Mustard's Grill in Yountville -- although not located in the heart of Napa, as you requested,<<<<

Hmmmm.......the op requested a restaurant in Sonoma town or within a 15 minute drive, neither of which is Mustards-a good 30 mins, from Sonoma town.

I would hope that if the op does decide to travel to Mustard's from her house near Sonoma town that someone in her party would be the Designated Driver
No way would I want to be driving
12/116 at night after drinking.

That said, there are many fine restaurants in Sonoma town where you and your friends could have some fun
and good food.

Meritage and Della Santini both have outdoor spaces, as does the Swiss Hotel.
All very good and I've dined with gal pals at these.

Carneros Bistro and Wine Bar at the Lodge at Sonoma is quite good.

We tried to get in to the new Harvest Moon Cafe during last months film festival-the locals are trying to keep it a secret and the reviews are very good.

There is a spot over in the town of Occidental that serves good basic homemade Italian food family style
(large bowls of yummy things as you described). It's called the Union Hotel
and they also have a lovely outdoor patio. Unfortunately, it's a good hour
from Sonoma town,yet it's in a really scenic area.

What time of year will you be here?

R5

Thanks, Razzle! I didn't realize Yountville was that far.

We'll be there in early June.

Wow, that sounds like fun, may I join you? Healdsburg is almost an hour away, but if you are out in the valley tasting, it's absolutely worth any drive to visit Willi's Seafood, especially with a "lively" group. They serve tapas-style (small plates) and y'all could order tons of dishes and just pass them around whilst sipping on some good vino. Go early. You can make a reservation on opentable.com The place is very lively, loads of fun and well worth a visit. You gals would love shopping in town as well. I've been to Willi's 3 times; it's probably my fav restaurant in California and that's really saying something, LOL! Della Santini's in Sonoma is nice too if you can sit on the patio.

Well, LLindaC, as you still need to get yourself to Thumbrint Cellars in Healdsburg,let's plan on your visit #4 to Willi's ! I agree, it's a very fun place-we need to pick up our Liquid Assets from Lambert Bridge soon...
looks like another visit to Willi's may be
in our future

R5

Della Santina's Nonna's gnocchi....and an Italian red.


Hey razzy....who luvs yah, baby?
Besides El Rico of course. ><

jbass...very funny recovery!

l'adventure...Y'ville IS worth the drive IMHO.

Hurley's patio on a nice day, Napa Valley Grille, Gordon's, Fr Laundry (if you can get in and want to pay $$$) Bistro Jeanty, PJ's Steakhouse and Bouchon's.
Other than Fr Laundry all are pretty informal.

I heard Redd is plating some good grub.
We just "did a ***k***" and dropped by for a quick glass of wine one night. Food looked and smelled "yummy".

Unfortunately, The Wine Garden closed it's doors.

For something that's completely different from your wine country dishes, try La Salette (1st Street) for some very good Portuguese dishes.

In some ways it is family style but with the Portuguese flair.

b_b,
Looks good. http://tinyurl.com/lce74
How have I missed it? :-?

The Swiss Hotel would be a nice fit for you. The food is great and there is a nice patio in the back.

We had a very nice lunch at the El Dorado Kitchen in March. Very upscale place, nicely decorated with great food and ambiance. Have a great time! ***kim***

Kal

mms...does Google have a kitchen? :-?

The Girl and The Fig sounds like it would work for you. Very lively bar, happening restaurant and great food.
Have fun!

now that you are totally confused, do you see why winos...I mean oenophiles.. are so much fun? There are lots of fun people in wine country- they've been sipping and visiting and just about everyone is in good spirits!

Thanks all! I think we'll try Harvest Moon Cafe Friday night and Della Santini's Saturday night. Hopefully we'll get to the Girl and Fig for brunch on Sunday.

Yum--I'm hungry already!

Another of the girl's is handling the tasting reservations and yes, we will get a limo/shuttle to drive us around.

I'm a strong opponent of drinking and driving and volunteer for www.annaarmstrongwhite.org.

We'll save Yountville, Healdsburg, St. Helena and Napa for another time(s). And there will be other times!