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Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar Reviews List

Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar

At Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar, our culinary mission is straightforward - use the best local ingredients as simply as possible. New American Cuisine places an emphasis on seasonal ingredients that are regionally available, and our menu changes frequently to reflect the Mid-Atlantic’s offerings. The first floor, a bustling, “upscale-casual” bistro and wine bar, offers superior moderately-priced cuisine by using the best local, organic, and naturally raised ingredients. The menu bears a southern European influence, and is comprised of four groups: cheese and charcuterie, handmade pasta and pizzas, wood-grilled meats and fish, and organic salads and produce. The second floor features a lounge and reserve wine bar along with a dining room for private events. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be taken by telephone or through OpenTable. $20/bottle corkage fee (2 bottle maximum) $3/person cake fee (including cupcakes)
See more Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar details
179 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
(179 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 179 reviews
5 stars
(52)
4 stars
(84)
3 stars
(35)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(2)
Food 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
2.3 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(95)
  • fit for foodies(89)
  • notable wine list(75)
  • great for lunch(33)
  • special occasion(33)
  • romantic(28)
Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar Reviews List
Review 1 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Food was great, service terrible

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/16/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Sonoma's food is consistently good, and I've had very good service there, but not this time. The waiter seemed to rush us, and then served the person for whom the salad was an entree at the appetizer stage, meaning she had no food while me and the other diner had our main course. It also took about 15 minutes to get the dessert menu, and I nearly had to tackle the guy to get it.
The poor service really diminished the dining experience. I took two out-of-towners who were testifying on the Hill and I landed up apologizing to them for the experience."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/16/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We had FANTASTIC service during our dinner. One of the guests in our party didn't particularly love her entrée; however, the wait staff and manager were incredibly accommodating and gracious about the entree switch and she wound up loving her new dish. Highly recommend."
Dined on 5/16/2013
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Review 3 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Always Excellent

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/14/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We always love our time at Sonoma. The wine list is superb. The food delicious. And the service is outstanding!"
Dined on 5/14/2013
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Review 4 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/13/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great night, but servicer was not attentive enough. That definitely took away from the experience."
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 5 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

new neighborhood favorite

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Very impressed with the food. The house-made meatballs are simply divine. Our entrees were generous and delicious. And dessert??? We enjoyed the goat cheesecake with blueberries & strawberry shortcake. Decadent.
They have wine flights, which can always be fun. The attention to detail & customer satisfaction is high on the wait staff's list. My husband wasn't drinking and there were long stretches where he'd go without a water fill. This is not a negative, but nothing here is complimentary. The bread is a heavenly grilled foccacia, but it comes at $3 for two small-ish slices. It's delicious but doesn't go that far with a table of three."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great meal

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This is the third time I've been to this restaurant. They have an excellent selection of cheeses that are paired perfectly with jams. Their pasta is incredibly fresh, and the service was great."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Not what I expect at Sonoma . . .

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/07/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I have enjoyed and recommended Sonoma to friends since it opened. Lunch this week was very disapointing. The sunchoke soup was very good; the ssald had only two (not four) ingredients, mouldy cheese and limp greens. Had lunch not been for business, I wold have sent the salad back and requested a substitute."
Dined on 5/07/2013
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Review 8 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/06/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"It's been awhile since I've been to Sonoma Restaurant, but I used to go there quite regularly. It looks as if the menu has been downsized considerably (some of my favorite menu items are no longer available), and the prices have definitely increased especially for the wine. I was surprised to find that there was limited number of wines available (especially odd for a wine bar), and there was nearly no glass of wine for under $10 nor a bottle under $40. The relatively inexpensive glass of wine we originally ordered was not available, and we were offered several alternatives for significantly higher prices ($16 to $18 a glass). We won't be back anytime soon."
Dined on 5/06/2013
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Review 9 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We had the Gilt City dinner.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had the Gilt City dinner. It was delicious. Our wine glasses were always filled with a full pour. Efficient service but not so quick that you couldn't finish what you already had on the table. I would say my only complaint would be that we only received one steak knife for the entree course. The expectation was to share two different entrees but after my husband and I partitioned the course between ourselves we kept having to share one sharp knife back and forth to cut the steak! Overall great experience, great food, we will return."
Dined on 04/26/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 10 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

WHat about second breakfasts?

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I often come to sonoma for lunch or happy hour, I had no idea that they were starting to do breakfast now too. AMAZING! I went on a weekday right before I left for a meeting on the hill and it was just perfect. Really recommend it!"
Dined on 04/24/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Back to its high standards

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The last time I went to Sonoma, I was disappointed in the food, though the atmosphere and service were excellent. This time the restaurant was serene, the service was attentive, and everything we ordered was delicious. My companion loved a simple pasta dish with aglio olio. I had a fantastic arugula salad with blue cheese and red grapes and a very tasty calamari appetizer. I've lifted my ban!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Made an impromptu stop for

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Made an impromptu stop for a late lunch with an old friend. We had the sparkling wine flight and the cheese and charcuterie boards. Everything tasted great and was nicely presented. A perfect place to sit down for a visit. We were there at the end of lunch service so it wasn't busy or noisy but I liked the restaurant and would definitely go back."
Dined on 04/18/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 13 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Really Pleased!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Wouldn't have found it without Open Table. Thanks! It exceeded my expectations. I read the reviews and a few had poor comments about service. We did not have that experience. Service was great and the food interesting! It gets busy. If you want to get in and get out I'd disclose that up front. Otherwise it was refreshing to not feel rushed and we were allowed to take time and enjoy our meal."
Dined on 04/15/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 14 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Sonoma a pleasant surprise

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"First time at Sonoma and had my NYC niece and a friend with me. We enjoyed our meal thoroughly-- our mahi and cannellini was so tasty (we remarked several times that the flavor was understated yet sophisticated), wines recommended very satisfying, and desserts superb! It was a pleasant surprise as prior reviews didn't reflect such fine quality. While a full house, no one rushed us, and we had a lovely evening and a delicious dinner on a beautiful Spring night."
Dined on 04/09/2013
 2010
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Review 15 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I tried their new menu this

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I tried their new menu this week and thought the food was excellent. We went for a late lunch, so we missed the crowds."
Dined on 04/08/2013
 2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 16 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Mmmmmmmmmmmm

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Pleasntly surprised with an amazing meal. Luckily it was fairly quiet, good service, and fun easter brunch!! So glad they aren't just a wine bar, this place is a great gem!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list
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Review 17 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

OK option on the Hill

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Sonoma has fallen off its game from our early visits to it. The food was OK at best, not great by any means. The grilled chard had too much of a taste of the overused grill that made it almost unpalatable. Service was good however. There are other options on the Hill now and Sonoma must step to the plate to be competitive."
Dined on 03/29/2013
 2002
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We came early in order to

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We came early in order to make an early curtain, so the restaurant was quieter than it has been on other occasions. Music was pleasant bossa nova and not too loud. Service was great because dinner service was just beginning. We did not order from the specials mostly because the fish on the menu was not wild, but farmed (our preference; we realize the benefit of sustainable farming, and why restaurants make that choice. This is startingu to sound negative, but I don't mean for it to, because the food we ordered was terrific. I love their smaller spaghetti Bolognese and we both love their kale salad with roasted pine nuts. My husband had the salad with chicken, which was roasted to perfection. Our waitress was quite good."
Dined on 03/29/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 19 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

ENjoyed the food very much.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"ENjoyed the food very much. The service was a bit slow and here was a pretty long wait between courses given that is was lunchtime. Nice ambiance but the chairs were uncomfortable."
Dined on 03/21/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
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Review 21 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Wait staff was nice. But clueless. The food wasn't their best...served cold tea_black tea looked more like herbal"
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Review 23 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food and service. It's

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great food and service. It's pricey but not overly for a Capitol Hill restaurant. Advertising as a wine bar implies an extensive wine list but it's about what you'd find in a "non-wine bar" restaurant. Good wines, choice selection but a little light on the number of choices."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 24 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Find on the Hill

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We LOVED Sonoma. It was an "adult" bar and restaurant. By that I mean sparse decor (exposed brick, simple wood design), perfect lighting (REAL candlelight for a pleasant change), and good smooth jazz in the background. It was the kind of place I've seen in movies that I always wished I could go to. The wines are terrific, especially the "red carpet" flight. Big bold Italians, with a good CA thrown in. The prosciutto was some of the best I've had. The killer was the crispy kale served with the carpaccio. I could eat a bowl of that by itself! And any place that has Cynar as a digestiv wins points in my book. Dominic provided superb service; just the right attention without being overbearing. Can't wait to go back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 25 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A fantastic Hill restaurant

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"A fantastic Hill restaurant and great place to meet friends."
Dined on 02/28/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 26 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We had a wonderful time --

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We had a wonderful time -- the beef cheeks were to die for. We'll definitely be back."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great find, pre-theater

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had tix to Folger and walked over. It is a lovely space with friendly and attentive service. Food was good. Charcuterie board was amazing."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 28 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

My go to place for lunch!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My go to location for lunch. Service and food simply amazing for the price."
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 29 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great place with lots of food

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great place with lots of food choices. Very accommodating."
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2007
Special Features: good for groups, hot spot
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Review 30 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Must visit for Wine-Os and Foodies.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I don't normally write these types of review, but I figured that with the excellent experience that I had at Sonoma, I feel I should point other hungry, late-night, foodies in the same direction. This restaurant was very well done. The decor was fancy, but not over the top. The staff was knowledgeable, and the food was impressive. While eating my palenta, mushroom ragu, I turned to my wife and commented on all the great food we have had in DC, Sonoma belongs on a list of spots that I will revisit."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 31 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

one of the entrees was served

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"one of the entrees was served a little too cold, but we enjoyed our server a lot, and they took great care of us."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 32 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Dining at Sonoma is a guaranteed

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Dining at Sonoma is a guaranteed gustatory delight and my recent visit for Valentine's Day was not exception. With a menu that included ribeye, butter poached lobster and pasta, and sublime wild mushroom ravioli, what's not to love? What made this dinner even better was the optional wine pairing. Most excellent!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 33 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Plan on cheese or in-house meats

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"On our one dining occasion (to date), absolutely perfect service. They stand out for their cheese and charcuterie menus; when you eat here, plan to start with one or the other. In our case it was cheese (three selections made a very satisfying first course for two in lieu of salad or any other appetizer). We had both the menu trout and the fish special; each was excellent and the portions were unusually generous. Went with our server's suggestions across the board down to our bottle (Quivira Zinfandel 2010) which was amazing with everything -- we like a red with our fish; what can I say?"
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 34 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Local food choices and an

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Local food choices and an excellent experience. I will definitely return when in DC."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 35 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Sonoma: You're the Top Banana

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I considered Sonoma a "find" when I first went there when it opened, and I've been going back ever since. I've gone mostly for lunch as I work at the Library of Congress, and I've taken an eclectic number of friends to lunch with me. Most have liked it; only that I can remember said it wasn't worth the money and wouldn't go back. At first I was a little upset that the menu changed so frequently, because once I fell in love with a dish I wanted it again and again. However, I've since learned to see this as a plus. It's unlocked my palate to newer and bolder tastes. Since I don't know that much about wine, it's their staff is so knowledgeable. They always know the right glass to suggest with the right dish. Sonoma is great."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
0points
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Review 36 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Disappointed

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Steak was overdone, there was debris in my wine glass, and the desert was just OK. The hostess didn't offer to take our jackets, we had to hang them ourselves while she went to our table and looked annoyed that we weren't keeping up with her. The waitress brought our final bill without asking if we wanted desert, she had to come back and pick up the check and then take our desert order."
Dined on 02/12/2013
 2008
0points
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Review 37 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

I will never eat at this restaurant

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I will never eat at this restaurant again. The portions are inversely proportional to the size of the plates on which they are served and the plates were enormous. The service was terrible. Each time I requested something (a spoon, extra salad dressing) it took so long I didn't need the item by the time it arrived. We asked for separate checks, but everything was on one check. We were going to the theater and told the waitress and the woman seating people, yet it took so long for our credit cards to be processed we were late! This, despite the fact that earlier on we seemed to have plenty of time, so we ordered dessert and coffee. The coffee was tepid. The check, which we asked to be brought along with dessert and coffee did not com"
Dined on 02/10/2013
 2007
0points
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Review 38 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We live one block from Sonoma

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We live one block from Sonoma and love it. The service can be spotty, but the food is always solid. We like to try the wine flights (fun!) but have also had dinner on several occasions. We would recommend the pizzas, risotto, and gnocchi dishes. Sonoma has an especially great happy hour (only served upstairs) -- $5 wines and a selection of charcuterie ranging from $3-$15."
Dined on 02/06/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
0points
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Review 39 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food was OK. Portions seemed

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was OK. Portions seemed a little small. Bread to cheese ratio was way off. Not sure if that is the norm or was because it was restaurant week. Waitress wasn't particularly friendly. An OK meal, glad I didn't pay full price."
Dined on 02/06/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
0points
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Review 40 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I really enjoyed my night

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I really enjoyed my night out at Sonoma. Our server was well versed in the menus and different offerings. There was a good selection of wines and cheese. The food was all excellent (though the country pate was a bit mild for my taste). Great little spot for those of us that live in Eastern Market and are looking for a nice night out."
Dined on 01/19/2013
 2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 41 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Sonoma's is a personal favorite.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Sonoma's is a personal favorite. When I have tickets at the Folger it's location and diverse menu are a sure thing for me. We started the evening with a cheese and charcuterie plate. It was first rate. I had the trout on a bed of cous-cous and my date had the spaghetti both were excellent. As sides, we had roasted garlic potatoes and tomato curry soup both were great supplements to the meal. The goat cheesecake and a class of port finished the evening. If you have an event on the hill Sonoma's is an excellent start to an evening."
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
0points
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Review 42 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Delicious kale salad and ricotta

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Delicious kale salad and ricotta gnocchi, extremely attentive waiter, I hope to have an opportunity to go back!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
0points
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Review 43 for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Can't Wait to Go Back!!!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Brilliant experience. We arrived a bit earlier than our reservations and opted to spend some time at the upstairs lounge. The lounge was quiet and comfortable and was a great way to wind-down before dinner. The lounge staff was attentive and personal ... thanks Steve. Dinner downstairs was excellent. Great variety and choice of small plates or full size. Quiet and talkable environment. Wait staff very well-versed and professional yet attentive with a smile. Overall an great evening and am looking forward to going back to enjoy some wine flight samplings of the extensive wine list."
Dined on 01/23/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
+1point
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar
Based on the average of (136) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
16 out of 18 recommend this product
Food 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Service 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
2.4 / 3
Energetic