Negri's Original Occidental — Restaurant in California

Well I wish I could give less than one star because this was the biggest disappointment at least the last 10 years of my life. OK, as other people have said in the reviews, I have been going to Negri's since I was at least three or four years old and it was the best place around. Like around anywhere. So 50 years later, we decided oh we should go to Negris. So we went there and like I said this biggest Disappointment ever! First of all yeah, just sit in the bar, which was no problem, but I thought it was going to still be family style, which I cannot blame them for due to Covid. But the menu was very expensive, which would have been fine with me if the food was quality I even asked the waitress if it was still the Same recipes, etc., and she assured me that it was the same cooks that had been there forever. Well she lied. Specifically about the minestrone soup Which is probably the best that I have ever had anywhere in my life. Well, it was horrid. I can't quite put my finger on the taste, but I believe it is rancid. I let her know this and let her take it back. She assured me that it was cooked fresh every day. I don't believe that either because it tasted very sour. Only compliment I can give them is they have the class not to charge for that Soup since I didn't eat it. Anyways, continuing on we ordered the meatball polenta appetizer, It was OK not as bad as the soup but they were very tiny meatballs 2 Of them and a little chunk of Polenta for like $18 I believe. So I thought that was kind of overpriced, but like I said if it was good food like it used to be, there would be no concern about the cost. We also ordered a small margarita pizza and I really was trying to give them the benefit of the doubt. Seeing that it looks like it was hand tossed. I figured the pizza is gotta be good. Well wrong again. It was barely cooked like the bottom of the pizza was not brown at all. It was practically raw. Hardly any cheese and what else can I say it sucked. Please forgive me for going on and on, but I just wanted to get all this down to hopefully prevent anybody else that knew the old Negri's From making the mistake of dining There. Please do not waste your time or money. I have completely forgot about Google reviews. I wish I would have Looked at this before I went out there. It seems like everybody feels the same way about this place, but it's kind of funny reading the response to these review From the owner. And it's probably not even on a responding. They probably have a social media representative. So right on tell the actual owner that This restaurant used to be the best now it is lower than the worst. I get it you're just doing your job but maybe try to invite those people back at a discount or something I don't know Because everybody has a bad day, but almost every single review says you guys suck. The ones that don't we're probably written by somebody Who you paid to get a good review or has some kind of interest besides an actual honest . Sorry about being so brutal , but Trying to keep it real! Anybody thinking about going to Negris, Don't waste your time go to Mary's pizza several locations and Sonoma County. There are about 1 million times better plus Monday through Friday. They have an Appetizer happy hour Where are all the appetizers are half price from 3 to 6 PM. I believe........ Just...

Great food but kinda expensive for the atmosphere lack of stellar customer service from two workers there. Our server, although young, was the redeeming factor. A sweet and on it redhead. However at the bar the management as soon as we walked in to an almost empty restaurant we had to wait twenty minutes. Wasn't the biggest deal until we order drinks at the bar. We could tell he stuck out like a sore thump but as a paying customer and a business wishing to make money, smiles and making guests feel welcome is important. Our table was ready as my husband went to pick up the drinks. He was trying to pay and was being ignored. He spills my drink chasing the girl at the bar. She tosses him a rag to clean it off not even helping him. After paying $20 for two drinks he was upset and told them to keep the drinks. No offer to remake the drink or for a refund or even to acknowledge his slight. After we are there for a while and he passes this employee then gives him an excuse about how her boss was watching followed by an insincere apology. Again no offer to replace or refund and not even a proper apology. She tried to pass the blame. My family has been coming to Occidental for generations. Want to keep loyal patrons watch the snarky employees you hire. Entitled doesn't transition well in any...

This place is a slice of heaven on earth. From the location within the beautiful town of Occidental to the actual family line still operating the bar and restaurant, this is an American gem thru and thru. The raviolis are UNBEATABLE; like the kind you’ll literally never have again if for whatever reason the Negri family stopped making them. Every single menu item is of this caliber, NOTHING is done halfway. The front of house family clan consists of Sandy, Amanda, Tori, baby Blake and Alandrea (with several other incredibly talented back of house staff), and these amazing women NEVER stop running their butts off to give us all a great meal, delicious drinks and an extension to their family as we all dine under their roof. In the 4 months I’ve been in this speck-on-the-map of a town, these people have straight up become like family to me, as well as the regular patrons I’ve met while sitting at the bar. If you’re wondering if you should make the trip, the answer is not only A hard yes, but be ready to make the trip regularly as you will never forget the food and the feeling of Negri’s Italian/Joe’s bar. Love you guys so much, thank you for the care you show all of...