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. sample menu (691K)

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. sample menu (480K)

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) sample menu (6K)

Bistro Des Copains: The latest addition to the dining scene in Occidental is a French bistro whose name translates to the buddies bistro. The cuisine is reminiscent of the food of Provence with a menu to satisfy all tastes. Present offerings include Moules à la Provençale, Magret de Canard, Poulet Grand-mere, Saumon a la Tomate, to name a few. But a word to the wise: save room for the absolutely decadent pot de créme.

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K&L Bistro: Romantic and intimate, this Sebastopol cafe (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 Sunday and Monday) sample menu (172K)

Mosaic Restaurant and Wine Lounge: Recently opened in nearby Forestville, this restaurant is the dream of Tai Olesky who was executive chef at a well-known hotel in the area. His innovative style of cuisine marries flavors of far and wide. A big hit is coffee encrusted filet mignon with hazelnut croquettes, maitake mushrooms, chocolate-cabernet demi glace, and blue cheese compound butter. The wine list is geared toward Pinot Noir and Zinfandel as this area is the best for these wines.

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 bread cake. No reservations necessary. (Closed Sunday)

Underwood Bar and Bistro: Located a short ten-minute drive from the Inn is the hip and very popular Underwood Bar and Bistro. The Wine Country Living Magazine (November/December 2003 issue) wrote about low-key neighborhood spots that feature “small plates” of homey food, and palatable prices. The Underwood made the magazine’s hot newcomers list for 2003. Items on the “tapas and small plates” menu include white anchovy crostini, pizzetta of feta, tapenade, tomato, arugula and fennel, and Hoisin glazed baby back ribs. Oysters on the hall shell are always a favorite as well as their grilled hamburger of Hereford ranch beef, and steak frites. Great wine list and full bar. (Closed Monday). sample menu

Zazu: This casual roadhouse restaurant offers market-fresh cuisine with an innovative (yet approachable) flair. Husband and wife team John and Duskie are known for their wine-friendly menu and Italian-inspired dishes, such as vin santo braised rabbit with chestnut pappardelle, and thumbelina carrot; and seared Sonoma duck with laura chenel goat cheese gnocchi, black mission figs, and saba. (Closed Monday and Tuesday)

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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 Seaweed Café: offers a vibrant coastal cuisine using natural and organic foods. When the season allows, they hand select ingredients from local ranches, organic farms and fisheries. Their wine list features West Sonoma County wineries exclusively. A weekend brunch menu features featured fresh baked goods, luscious French Toast with fruit compote, local oyster and mushroom omelettes, smoked salmon gravlax, and, as a special, lamb shank marmalade with poached eggs.

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. sample menu (704K)

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. sample menu (601K)

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. sample menu (757K)

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Cyrus Restaurant: If you wanted to go to the French Laundry and are tired of trying to make that coveted reservation, look no further! Cyrus will spoil you for anything else. It is a special occasion restaurant, hands down, but even if you want to go for a gastronomic treat, this is the place. There are not enough superlatives to describe the cuisine, impeccable service and attention to detail. Champagne and caviar cart to start and an equally impressive cheese cart to finish the evening with exquisite courses in between -- what more could a person want?

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. sample menu (3K)

Applewood Inn: The Inn's Zagat recommended restaurant offers Wine Country dining with Mediterranean cuisine paired with an award winning wine list. Menu changes seasonally. The restaurant is closed on Sunday and Monday.

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. sample menu (190K)

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