Northern California's Applewood Inn offers world-class fine dining in their delightfully upscale restaurant. This Sonoma / Russian River Restaurant is highly regarded for its exquisite cuisine, soothing atmosphere, polished guest services, and its mellow earthy ambiance. The cozy restaurant was built to recall a French barn, yet gives one the feeling of being at a fine Italian villa. The restaurant is part of Applewood Inn, a Sonoma Bed and Breakfast boutique hotel. Both the inn and the restaurant have been touted by over 40 newspapers, magazines and public television shows. In the words of Food & Wine Magazine: "Applewood Inn & Restaurant is an oasis of luxe!"
Dining Style: Casual Elegant Price: $31 to $50 Parking: Private Lot Cross Street: Mays Canyon
"An overall superb and wonderful dining experience. Creative cuisine skillfully prepared and artfully presented. Stellar 'invisible' service provided by food savvy, knowledgable servers who did a commendable job describing plates upon presentation. Our Maitre d' double functioned as the congenial and extremely knowledgable sommelier. The evening's wine presentation and pouring were artful experiences as well. Applewood is well worth the trip to the country and don't pass on dessert!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/06/2010
(review submitted 03/11/2010)
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Review 2 for Applewood Inn
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Outstanding. The staff was nice and friendly. My girlfriend had the snapper which was excellent. I had the winter vegetable assortment entree which was innovative and different and delicious, and included a sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke) item which was a wonderful surprise. Our appetizer was the black trumpet mushrooms, which was also excellent. The sommelier Chris was very nice, very knowledgeable. The atmosphere was mellow and romantic. Dinner at Applewood was the perfect romantic highlight to a fun and otherwise casual weekend of wine tasting and B&B with my sweetheart."
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Quiet)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
03/06/2010
(review submitted 03/08/2010)
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Review 3 for Applewood Inn
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"We had heard about the new ownership of the Applewood Inn and decided to give it a shot. We couldn't turn down the Chef's tasting menu and were surprised to see a choice of either beer or wine for each course. As we were unsure which we would prefer, we asked for the sommelier and were more surprised to speak with a young, extremely knowledgeable man. In any regard, the selections for the pairings were exquisite. More importantly, the food was meticulously prepared and delicious. Even more wonderful was that almost all the food was local! We found this to be one of the best dinners out in a long time and rather inexpensive for $105/person (F&B). We cannot say enough about the food! Service was fast, quiet and unobtrusive. Highly recommended"
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Quiet)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/24/2010
(review submitted 02/26/2010)
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Review 4 for Applewood Inn
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"* Gem salad was amazing; fresh, textured, and flavorful * Braised pork dish was delicious, but was way too fatty; hardly any meat * Crab Cioppino had a well rounded representation of seafood, but a bit too frugal on the portion (for $30) * Extensive wine list with sommelier service * Service was very good, but slightly amateurish; for a fine dining restaurant, the wait staff seemed collegiate and under informed about the dishes they were serving * Atmosphere was dark, romantic, calm; elegant "woodsy" decor; contrasted by an energetic soundtrack
Overall, a generally pleasant experience. The outing makes for an impressive date. But be ready to spend at least $100; and risk feeling slightly underwhelmed."
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/18/2010)
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Review 5 for Applewood Inn
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Friendly service. Knowledgeable about the menu. Nice wine list. I would definitely return. Almost too quiet! Very special place.."
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Quiet)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/30/2010
(review submitted 02/09/2010)
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Review 6 for Applewood Inn
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"Simply amazing! One of the best if not the best meal I have ever tasted. I had the tasting menu and it was sensational along with the great service. This restaurant is a must for anyone who loves great food nd a romantic location or great with friends for a nice evening."
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Quiet)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/22/2010
(review submitted 01/24/2010)
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Review 7 for Applewood Inn
Overall Rating
(Good)
"Not worth it for the price. Not a good quality steak. Potatoes too oily."
Food
(Good)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
01/16/2010
(review submitted 01/18/2010)
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Review 8 for Applewood Inn
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"My girlfriend and I went here for dinner on New Year's Eve this year (just around 7, not for midnight), and there was a set menu. It seemed like a lot of places in the area were offering this, but something about Applewood told us that this was the place. And we were right. the food was EXCELLENT, particularly the dungeness crab bisque. we were talking about it all weekend. Great wine pairings, a warm and romantic atmosphere, without being too stuffy, excellent and knowledgeable service. I also have to mention that my girlfriend is a pescaterian (vegetarian + seafood). Both of the entree choices were red meat dishes, and the restaurant/chef was very accommodating in putting together a vegetarian entree that she loved. Thanks guys!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/31/2009
(review submitted 01/05/2010)
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Review 9 for Applewood Inn
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"The Applwood Inn is doing well under its new owners. Christmas Eve prix fixe menu was a real treat. The young, knowledgeable sommelier deserves a consult, even if you're a wine expert. His pairings are delightful."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Quiet)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/24/2009
(review submitted 12/31/2009)
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Review 10 for Applewood Inn
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"Dinner was wonderful. The new owners haven't missed a step and have maintained, if not improved the food and service. Well worth the drive through Sonoma wine country!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Quiet)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/12/2009
(review submitted 12/17/2009)
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Review 11 for Applewood Inn
Overall Rating
(Good)
"The food was good but for $34 dollars a plate, I was looking for special!"
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Food
(Good)
Ambiance
(Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Quiet)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
12/12/2009
(review submitted 12/16/2009)
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Review 12 for Applewood Inn
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"My husband and I enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner at Applewood, ordering from their special menu for the occasion. It was one of the best Thanksgiving dinners we have ever had, and the service and ambience was excellent. However, the dinner was marred by a few flaws. First of all, we made reservations several weeks in advance for 4:45pm. On arrival, the hostess warned us that things were "crazy" that day. So we went to the small wine bar and enjoyed two glasses of wine each before being seated a half hour late. Yet after being seated, the food and service was great, except for not being offered any bread as were other tables. We were not charged for the two glasses of wine that we had at the bar before dinner, however, which was a nice gesture."
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
Food
(Very Good)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
11/26/2009
(review submitted 12/16/2009)
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Review 13 for Applewood Inn
Overall Rating
(Outstanding)
"We had a wonderful experience with the five course tasting meal. Portion sizes were perfect and each course had uniquely layered taste surprises. Service was great. We loved it!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
Service
(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Moderate)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
11/21/2009
(review submitted 12/06/2009)
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Review 14 for Applewood Inn
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"We loved the food and the noise level which allowed us to carry on a conversation."
Food
(Outstanding)
Ambiance
(Very Good)
Service
(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level
(Quiet)
By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on
11/26/2009
(review submitted 12/05/2009)
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Review 15 for Applewood Inn
Overall Rating
(Very Good)
"The food was delicious, but the staff seemed overwhelmed and disoriented. The wine list leaves a lot to be desired (surprising for an establishment in the wine country). This place has the potential to be great, but could certainly use new management."
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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