From secluded, cozy hideaways to stately, Victorian mansions, these are the most romantic restaurants in Sonoma County.
Della Fattoria Downtown
Three or four couples (six person minimum) can reserve a small upstairs dining room that looks down onto the main room. It is one of those hidden-in-plain-sight treasures, as sweet a loft as we’ve seen in Sonoma County. There is no extra charge for what they are calling the VIP Lounge.141 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma. (707) 763-0161
Farmhouse Inn
A table for two near the fireplace and the prix fixe menu make this Michelin-starred restaurant romantic any time. Let Geoff do the wine pairings for you and when he asks if he’d like the cheese course at the end of the meal, say yes. Then feed each other the creamy little morsels, preferably with your fingers.7871 River Road, Forestville. (707) 887-3300, (800) 464-6642.
Madrona Manor
As good as the food may be, what makes Madrona Manor a perfect romantic restaurant is its Victorian setting. The Victorian period is known for its rigid morals and buttoned-up-- literally; look closely at those dresses--social norms, just the sort of thing to inspire a bit of rebellion and naughtiness. No one but you will know what you’re wearing under that high-necked lace blouse and flowing skirt . . .1001 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, (707) 433-4231.
Stroll Through Sebastopol
Infusions Tea Café is a great place to start. Curl up on the mound of pillows at the low table and share a pot of black coconut tea.6988 McKinley, Sebastopol, (707) 829-1181
Next, walk the two blocks to K & L Bistro. Be sure to request the
corner table near the door, on the banquette. Table 1. It’s the
coziest spot in the restaurant, perfect for stealing kisses between
bites. Ask for it when you make your reservations.
Start with sparkling wine and oysters. Share the tuna tartare.
119 S. Main St., Sebastopol. (707)823-6614
Uptown Romance
Start with cocktails and maybe an appetizer or two at Barndiva ( at the table across from the middle of the bar; it’s pleasantly private, with a good view of the action.231 Center St. Healdsburg. (707) 431-0100
Next, walk over to Cyrus at the Les Mars Hotel and eat in the bar, not the restaurant, where the menu is available a la carte. Wear a little black dress and indulge in one of Scott Beattie’s Manhattans, perhaps the best you’ve ever tasted.
29 North St., Healdsburg, 707-433-3311
Bohemian Romance
If it’s a cold night, fill a thermos with hot tea spiked with milk, brandy and sugar and if it’s warm, fill a thermos with your favorite sauvignon blanc or pinot noir (this is, of course, illegal and we are, of course, just kidding) and head to the taco truck at the corner of Sebastopol Rd. & West St, the one that is not attached to a restaurant. Indulge in a few tacos--true aficionados prefer tacos lengua and tacos cabeza but the carnitas are good, too--ordering two at a time and then ordering more if you’re still hungry. Head home to watch Like Water for ChocolateSushi Tozai
Sit at the sushi bar, on the short end in the corner. Order wakame (seaweed salad that will make you feel lighter than air) and chilled sake --our favorite is Katana, a lovely dry sake--and don’t miss the octopus or the buli.7531 Healdsburg Ave., Sebastopol. (707) 824-9886.
Cafe Saint Rose
Mark Malicki’s delicious, adorable cafe. Not only is Mark Malicki’s food always on target; word is also out about the cafe’s vintage record player. Customers have been dropping by albums, mostly but not exclusively jazz. With luck, you may have dinner with vintage Dean Martin.9890 Bodega Hwy, Sebastopol.
