Dinner near Sonoma Mission Inn ?

[kungful]

I'll be celebrating a landmark birthday ( no one needs to know which) by spa-ing at the Sonoma Mission Inn.
I'm looking for a nice restaraunt for dinner that evening and have been thinking of The Girl & The Fig or Santé, niether of wich I've been to.

Any thoughts ?
I don't want to drive very far, or prefereably I'd like to walk.

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The Girl & The Fig
110 West Spain, Sonoma, CA 95442

Sante Restaurant
100 Boyes Blvd, Sonoma, CA

[rabaja]

I agree that you should hit El Molino while you are out that way for a more casual meal, but for your bday celebration you'll likely need to drive a bit East towards the square.
I have had several sub-par meals at The Girl and the Fig, bad enough that I won't consider going there anymore, nor would I encourage friends to go. They just seem utterly untrained, from host, to server, to cook.
I have heard La Salette is good, and look forward to trying it soon. This rainy weather would make it a good place to hit this weekend.
I hesitate to recommend The Estate because I've only been once and it was for drinks and apps, not the full meal deal, but I enjoyed it at the time.
The staff were warm and engaging and the food we did have was pretty good (a burrata, basily thing, it was summer).
Is Sante inside SMI? I hear it has stars or something but I've never thought to go.
Honestly, Sonoma restaurants are so hit and miss, I believe that's because they are tourist driven. It has become a frustrating reality for me.
Harvest Moon can be nice too, it's on the West side of the Plaza, but then again, sometimes it is beyond salty and I vow never to return.
Good luck in your search and please let us know what you find.
ETA: Get the number for Vern's Taxi and use it for your evening out. The SPD don't mess around with drinking and driving.

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Harvest Moon Cafe
487 First Street West, Sonoma, CA 95476

Sante Restaurant
100 Boyes Blvd, Sonoma, CA

El Molino
5321 Hopyard Rd Ste A, Pleasanton, CA 94588

[wolfe]

There was this recent favorable review of Santé. And yes it was given 1 star in this year's Guide Michelin.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/717412

[kungful]

Thanks every one for your suggestions.
I made a reservation for Sante.
That way I can drink like a fish, eat like a king, and stumble back to my room that night.
I hope to try El Molino Central and La Salette for other meals while I'm up there.

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Sante Restaurant
100 Boyes Blvd, Sonoma, CA

[ttoommyy]

kungful...So, how was Sante? I'll be headed to the Spa and Inn for a milestone birthday myself next week!

[kungful]

It was quite good. The service was impeccable and the food very well prepared. While the menu was not as exciting as it could have been (very standard fare), it was still well worth it. An excellent traditional, formal dining experience.
The meal I enjoyed most that weekend, however, was La Salette. Much less formal, but a more interesting menu, and just as well prepared food.

[ttoommyy]

Thanks kungful, good to know. If you don't mind me asking, did you enjoy the spa as well? After the last few weeks here at work plus turning 50 next week, I need some pampering.

[chowtogo]

I just ate at La Salette today. Great sangria, fairly pricey for what I had, but nice, impeccable service. And, well, authentic Portuguese food... you don't find easily anywhere on this side of the big pond.

[ttoommyy]

I live a stone's throw from amazing, authentic, fairly-priced Portuguese food in Newark, NJ. Thanks for the recommendation though.

[Shane Greenwood]

I ate at Sante a few weeks ago too and thought it was terrific. They deserve the star.

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Sante Restaurant
100 Boyes Blvd, Sonoma, CA

[wolfe]

The best restaurant within walking distance, not in the hotel, is probably El Molina Central but I suggest it for lunch. For dinner check out La Salette. It's about 2.5 miles away near the Plaza. It is Portuguese.
http://www.lasalette-restaurant.com/

[Jeni Bean]

2nd La Salette. Great for this time of year, hearty, delicious, warming food.

[Malcolm Ruthven]

El Molino Central is great, but I wouldn't describe it as a nice restaurant for dinner for celebrating a landmark birthday. It's an order-at-the-counter very small place with one small table inside and a patio outside.

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El Molino Central
11 Central Avenue, Boyes Hot Springs, CA 95476

[wolfe]

"The best restaurant within walking distance, not in the hotel, is probably El Molina Central but I suggest it for lunch."
Neither would I. I'll bet Mick would have read the whole post.

[Malcolm Ruthven]

Ha ha, yep...