The Spinster Sisters — Restaurant in Santa Rosa

Spencer Sisters feels like a place you stumble upon and then immediately want to tell everyone about — or keep secret just a little longer. Tucked away but buzzing with energy, this bistro brings a confident spin to American fare, with a raw bar that rivals the coast and a pastry program that deserves its own spotlight. Let’s start where any visit should: the oysters. Always impeccably fresh, served ice-cold with thoughtful accompaniments that let the brininess shine. Whether you're a purist with lemon or a mignonette devotee, there’s no wrong way to start your meal here. From there, the menu leans classic but never boring — think beautifully seared fish, well-sourced meats, and seasonal vegetables treated with care. Every dish feels grounded in American tradition but with just enough finesse to keep it interesting. It’s familiar food, elevated. The wine list is another highlight. Smartly curated, it walks the line between comfort and discovery — you'll find respected domestic producers alongside intriguing international picks. Whether you’re pairing with oysters or a rich entrée, there’s always a bottle (or glass) that feels just right. And then there’s the pastry — truly next-level. Whether it's a buttery tart, a delicate layered cake, or a warm, seasonal dessert with a modern twist, the sweets here are far more than an afterthought. You’ll regret skipping dessert — trust us. Spencer Sisters is the kind of place that does the small things right, and that adds up to something special. Warm service, a sense of place, and a menu that hits all the right notes — from sea to pastry case. It’s a bistro with...

This was a phenomenal meal! To begin, our server was ebullient and a genuine joy to be around. She was very animated, her positive vibe was totally contagious and her energy only added to an already great evening.

We were two couples. Our friends are in the wine industry and brought a couple bottles. Corkage was very fair at $25 each.

When we originally sat down, I was not super excited by the menu. But by the time we left, I was singing it's praises!

We started with some oysters and fries. The champagne cucumber mignonette was inspired. The fries were fried with rosemary and sage and were a perfect beginning. Their sofa sauce is the perfect aioli for frites.

Then came the fall salad. Wonderful.

The rest we ate family style: Tagliatelle, Duck, Steak, Cassoulet and some focaccia to soak up the sauce.

The tagliatelle in bolognese was absolutely phenomenal and definitely a must do. The duck leg was probably the best duck I've had in decades. I don't normally order steak at a restaurant because it's so easy to make a perfect steak at home, but this really was great. The vegetable cassoulet was as good as a cassoulet without sausage and duck could possibly be, and if you're looking for something vegetarian (and possibly vegan, I really don't know), it was grand.

Across the board, this was a...

family style new american restaurant in santa rosa serving fresh food and warm vibes. all of the dishes were delicious, had good variety and well priced. small plates definitely better than large plates. service was pleasant. atmosphere was top tier, loved the warm lighting and bookshelf wall. perfect for a girls night or date night but better with a group to try more dishes. overall, would come back when i’m in the area!

focaccia: small portions but tasty dish. focaccia had a nice crispy crust.

dungeness crab fritters: well loved across the group! great flavor and chewy texture.

chicken liver mousse: recommend if you like liver mousse! pairs well with the accompanying bread. can ask for more bread since the ratio is off.

baked dungeness crab dip: one of the best dishes. dip was rich and creamy and the crackers were a great pairing. must try!

spinster fries: well made side dish! fries were perfectly crispy and the sofa sauce was amazing.

spiced carrots: so flavorful without being limp. must try!

ricotta cavatelli: pasta was al dente but this dish was unmemorable

california halibut: not a fan of the chickpeas but...