Help me choose - girl and the fig or K&L Bistro?

[Cindy]

Have opportunity to dine at either one. Any preference, and why? I know one is in Sonoma and one is in Sebastopol, but both are about same distance from our house.

Looking for relaxed atmosphere, good food and casual/friendly service. Thanks!

[Cindy]

Thanks, everyone! Husband likes menu at G&F, so we'll try that one first. But given that K&L is just as close (about 45 min) we should go there also.

Thanks for the recs!

[Pammel]

I have been to both restaurants multiple times and have enjoyed wonderful meals at both, If I had to choose for one meal, I would go to Girl & Fig, especially on the patio. One word of caution, the patio doesn't get a lot of sun from my point of view so it can be a chilly experience. The last time there, I had a spring lamb daub that was wonderful. Although I have generally enjoyed all of my meals at K & L, I don't find anything about the atmosphere particularly charming. The filthy carpet in the dining room is a real detraction for me.

[kresge86]

I haven't tried K&L, but I love Girl and the Fig. It's a nice comfortable place for lingering over good food. I had an amazing cassoulet at one dinner, but I think it's not on the menu except during the winter. The cheese sampler (there are several different sizes available) is a must.

[salutlemonde]

I favor K&L - but from reading the posts here, it looks like a toss-up. They're very close in quality and service.

[Hello Kitty]

I like K & L as well every time I go there it's great

[LikeFrogButOOOH]

I have long been a fan of K&L, considering it one of my favorite restaurants in Sonoma County. The last time I went, though, I found merely good food that I could eat at any decent French bistro. The atmosphere is intimate and dimly lit, well-suited for a date. The fact that, without turning your head, you can easily have a conversation with the table next to you is a minor afterthought. I found the service charming, well-informed, and well-intentioned, if not as practiced as Gary Danko.

I haven't been to girl and the fig yet, but I hear positive things about it. Whichever one you choose, please write us a report!

[cheesehead in recovery]

We had the best dinner of our vacation (a few years ago now....) at Girl and the Fig. What a meal! Hubby had a prix fixe and i had a veggy thing...i remember the desserts were incredible.

[ellenm]

I like K and L
a particular favorite the carmelized onion tart with blue cheese and apple.
Lovely desserts

[Sarah]

We like K&L. Had the "Business Lunch," Sand dabs were perfect. Others enjoyed the Mussels and the Crab Cakes. Special of the day - Grilled Sardines (Friday). Great service too.

[sfoperalover]

i'd vote for the girl and the fig...lovely pace

[zin1953]

I love The Girl & The Fig . . .

[Cindy]

One vote for G & F! Thanks! Any particular dish you like?

[RicRios]

Another vote here!
More than any specific dish, I have the lingering memory of a very pleasant, fulfilling (pun intended!) experience.

[zin1953]

Cindy, I have never had a bad meal there -- never a bad experience. Everything I've had there has been delicious, and as RicRios says, more than anything specific, everytime I eat there, I leave feeling happy and without a sense that "this" could have been _____, or "that" could have been ________. Were I in charge of the restaurant, I wouldn't have changed a thing -- and tht's a pretty great feeling . . .