01
Best overall pick
Hazel
Bohemian Highway • Seasonal Californian Bistro • Food-Focused Destination
A cozy, wood-fired restaurant where seasonal Sonoma County ingredients star on constantly changing menus.
Hazel feels like the kind of small-town spot locals are proud to claim, with a menu that leans into what’s fresh that week and a serious pastry program to match. Expect wood-fired pizzas, beautifully balanced small plates, and unfussy but polished mains. It’s the place you book when you want to show a visitor that Occidental can cook well above its size.
02
Classic Italian feast
Union Hotel Occidental
Main Street • Historic Italian Family Restaurant • Group-Friendly Staple
A long-running Italian institution known for red-sauce comfort food, big portions, and convivial, old-school charm.
Union Hotel is the archetypal Occidental Italian dinner: think baskets of bread, generous bowls of pasta, and that nostalgic red-check-tablecloth energy. The building itself dates back to the late 19th century, and the dining room hums with family celebrations and lingering multi-course meals. It’s the spot to bring a crowd that wants hearty, familiar plates and plenty of leftovers.
03
Old-school local favorite
Negri's Italian Dinners & Joe's Bar
Near Town Plaza • Traditional Italian Roadhouse • Comfort-Food Stronghold
Family-run Italian dinners served with a side of nostalgic atmosphere and a lively adjoining bar.
Negri’s has been feeding Occidental since the 1940s, and it wears its history proudly in its family photos, classic cocktails, and generous platters of pasta and chicken. The menu leans hearty and comforting, with sauces and recipes that feel like they’ve been passed down through generations. Joe’s Bar next door adds a casual spot for a Negroni or local wine before or after dinner.
04
Go-to breakfast and brunch
Howard Station Cafe
West End Of Town • Laid-Back Breakfast Cafe • Morning Favorite
A bustling daytime café turning out big, satisfying breakfasts and lunches in a historic railroad-era building.
Howard Station is where Occidental wakes up—plates of eggs, pancakes, and home fries land on tables fast, and the coffee keeps flowing. The space nods to the town’s railroad history, but the mood is very current small-town Sonoma: relaxed, family-friendly, and unhurried. It’s ideal before a day of wine tasting, hiking, or a drive out to the coast.
05
Casual all-day hangout
Altamont General Store
East End Of Town • Market-Driven Café And Wine Bar • Best For Relaxed Grazing
A stylish yet unfussy spot for creative sandwiches, shareable plates, natural wine, and good coffee.
Altamont General Store blends café, wine bar, and neighborhood hangout, with a menu that feels both simple and carefully considered. Expect elevated comfort—think inventive sandwiches, bright salads, and seasonal small plates that pair well with a glass of something interesting. Grab a seat on the patio when the weather cooperates and linger like a local.