Della Santina's — Restaurant in Sonoma

I've reduced from 5 stars to 3 after a terrible, one star visit to this restaurant. Sadly the owner wasn't present and the staff, in his absence, were truly horrible.

We were having a family celebration otherwise I would have walked out even before ordering.

On a cold evening, we were seated under a fan which our waiter claimed he could not turn off as the manager controlled everything. He refused to bring the manager to our table, so my wife had to get up and go find the manager who also refused to turn the fan off, and refused to reseat us, claiming no tables were available, when half the restaurant was empty throughout our stay.

On ordering, the waiter claimed that they had never served GF pasta - a straight lie as I have had it there on several occasions. He treated me like an idiot when I asked him to confirm that his recommendation of Italian sausages was gluten free. Anyhow, on his strong recommendation, I ordered the Italian sausages and beans off the daily special menu. Ten minutes later he returned and silently but showily pointed at the daily menu from which I ordered, pointed at the date (the previous day) and pointed at the current menu and pointed out that there were no sausages on it. No apology for giving me the wrong menu or for pushing a dish they were not serving, no offer to cook up something similar and he just walked away, leaving me to choose another dish. In years of eating out, I don't think I have ever come across such a nasty and insolent waiter - incompetent ones certainly but never actively rude and unpleasant.

As to the food, the appetizer (burrata with speck) was excellent as always, but my entree of mixed grilled meat was dry and overcooked with spinach which was tough and watery. My wife's duck ragu with truffle oil appeared not to contain any truffle oil.

I do hope that the owner returns and replaces the Monday night staff as they are failing him badly.

Old Review:

This is a real favorite of mine. The food seems far closer to the food you would get in Italy, rather than the Americanized version normally served. The back patio is charming and, because it is divided into different sections, provides a nice cozy atmosphere instead of a cozy space. Ideal for...

My fiencé and i went for Valentines dinner, he was so excited as he is originally from the area and Itallian food is his favorite. I dont know if it was just due to the stresses of predicted businesses that valentines brings but the service was mediocre at best, the young man that waited on us was uninformed about the dishes and could only descibe EVERYTHING as good or very good... and said the buratta had purple leaf lettuce but in fact it was purple cabbage which was drowning in dressing and made the dish undesirable and almost inedible. The quail was dried out and the risotto was not creamy at all, in fact it was a bit crunchy but the flavor was appealing. He loves lasagna and so thats what he got, the pasta its self was delicious and the layers light and fluffy and creamy but the Bolognese sauce was muted and lacking robust flavor, it had almost no flavor at all... he was quite disappointed. I had the chicken and even that was dried out like it had been prepared in advance to try to expidite the projected businessesof the evening. Anyway it was not anything spectacular and we would peobably not visit for dinner again. It was a let down as we traveled almost an hour to dine there. On a brighter note, the desert was devine, the il dopio was delectable and the cherrie flavor was nicely incorporated in the mousse and melted peefectly with the whipcream center of the torte while all sitting high over the base layer of mousse, that was complemented with the delicate crust that had a wonderful almond flavor that pulled it all together perfcetly. And the lemon torte was tangy and well balanced the custard was heavenly with the shortbread crust and the creme englese rounded the flavors just right. We would definitely recommend the desserts! I was not happy that the server dropped the check with the desserts and before our latte arrived, it gives the impression that we are being rushed along. Also he was not attentive at all, our courses were poorly timed and the whole expirience felt rushed, the server was only seen upon ordering and delivery of our dishes so if anything was not to our liking he was nowhere to be found so too bad for us i guess... And all for the "low price"...

Della Santina's Trattoria in Sonoma proved to be an exceptional culinary journey that authentically captured the essence of Italian cuisine. From the moment I stepped inside, the restaurant exuded an epic charm that resonated with the true spirit of Italy.

The culinary adventure began with the Pesto and pasta dish, a sublime creation that transported me back to the streets of Italy. The flavors were not only delicious but also remarkably true to their Italian roots, showcasing the chef's dedication to authenticity. Equally impressive was my husband's and our friend's choices—the gnocchi and sauce, which elevated our taste buds to levels of goodness that can only be described as extraordinary.

Beyond the culinary delights, the attention to detail extended to my latte, a beverage that proved to be both truly delicious and delightful. What struck me most was the personal touch provided by the owner, who was consistently present, making rounds, engaging with customers, and ensuring that every aspect of our dining experience was impeccable. His gentlemanly demeanor and genuine friendliness added a special touch to the evening.

The staff mirrored this warmth and hospitality, going above and beyond to accommodate my seafood allergy with grace and attentiveness. Their welcoming attitude created an atmosphere that felt like being among friends, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The restaurant's decor, reminiscent of a beautiful fantasy Italian dream, further contributed to the enchanting ambiance. The thoughtfully curated surroundings complemented the culinary journey, creating a holistic experience that transcended mere dining. Della Santina's Trattoria has undoubtedly earned its place as my number one Italian restaurant. The perfect blend of authentic cuisine, personalized service, and a charming atmosphere makes it a culinary gem in Sonoma. I wholeheartedly recommend this establishment to anyone seeking an unforgettable Italian...