Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
31
Development in Sonoma brought the railroad, and the railroad brought passengers. The De-
pot Hotel was built some time in the late 1800s for these passengers arriving from San Francisco.
Located only one block away from the historic Sonoma Plaza, the Depot Hotel is a beautifully re-
stored plumstone building. The original owners opened the hotel's restaurant to serve both the local
townspeople and visitors. Today, this historic building no longer offers rooms to rent. It houses an
excellent restaurant serving food in a casual and charming country-inn style.
One of the most well-known Italian restaurants in the Sonoma Valley, the Depot Hotel is one of
the landmarks of the Sonoma Valley wine country. The glass-enclosed Garden Room in back opens
onto a beautiful private garden with shady decks and brick terraces surrounding a reflecting pool
and Roman fountain. A favorite spot with locals, the Depot Hotel Restaurant takes pride in extend-
ing Sonoma hospitality to visitors and sharing the cuisine and wines of Sonoma Valley.
In 1989, Chef Ghilarducci received the prestigious national award Master Chef of America.
This honor, extended to only 5 percent of the chefs in America, is particularly valued as it is awarded
by professional chefs in recognition of the talents of a few of their colleagues. The restaurant has also
been consistently awarded three stars by the Mobil Travel Guide.
Sonoma Valley wines can be served by the glass at the cozy wine bar and at the fireside tables
in the parlor. Wine service is also available in the Garden Room and outside spaces. The chef also
teaches cooking classes in French and Italian cuisine.
Depot Hotel
241 First Street West
Sonoma, California 95476
(707) 938-2980
