So disappointed... this is not the Sonoma I remember from Princeton. One women seemed to be running the entire front of the restaurant. She was the hostess, bartender and waitress. Very odd!! Service was so slow, I can't blame the ONE waitress but there were only 5 tables seated. Our meal was good but the tomatoes were missing which was the only vegetable in the meal. Not sure how they were forgotten, they only had 4 entrees on the menu. $49.00 for 3 shrimp & 3 scallops on a bed of risotto. The atmosphere was nice but felt odd because it was so empty and the tables from past customers were never cleared. The one waitress certainly had no time for cleanup but where was the rest of the staff ?? Does this restaurant have a manager?? A disappointing anniversary dinner that was overpriced! read more

Horrible service kitchen is slow Food is mediocre Still waiting for my food after two hours This is our second time here and will never retirn read more

A fantastic wine country type restaurant located in the hills of North Central Massachusetts. The food is absolutely worth the trip. The service is good too. It is a real surprise for a North Central MA restaurant. It is located in Princeton, MA which is a real nice old New England town. Perfect for a date on a sunny, cool October day when the leaves are peaking. Make sure you call ahead. read more

Our experience at Sonoma was very positive. My wife and I have been to all of the steakhouses in and around Worcester and this place could rival any Boston establishment for less of a cost. I love lamb chops and the Colorado rack here was amazing. My wife had a filet with a lobster tail and that was very good. I had to try it and make sure it was ok for her to eat. Our waitress Emma was really pleasant and did a great job taking care of us, not to mention her check ins which were timed perfectly. And because our food took an extra 15 minutes the restaurant offered us shrimp cocktail which were like mini lobsters. I can count on one hand the number of times I've been offered something during my meal and honestly 15 minutes is nothing. It's things like that you remember along with everything else that add to an overall great experience. There's a lot on the menu we'd like to try so we'll definitely be back. read more

Took my family here for Easter (5) server was good bread was hot and delicious, wine was good, the rest was awful, for what I paid, the meal was cold, salad was far from fresh, looked like it was made 3 days ago, roasted potatoes were like breakfast potatoes and cold. I was gonna send all meals back but did not want to make a scene. I would not recommend anyone to go here If you want a good meal...I would send them to McDonald's before I'd go here again. read more

First. We get an $88 bottle of wine. The service was slow considering we were the ONLY people in the bar. Then three "kids" come to the bar just to drink. They're offered bread. Again. $88 bottle of wine. (With meals!) Why weren't we offered bread? Two. We asked for two medium steaks. One was well done. And they were both COLD. Never again. And to say that your original restaurant in Princeton was outstanding! Never. Again. read more

THIS is the best restaurant I've been to in ages... The food is precision, the staff (esp Angela) KNOW service.... It beats many of the Boston and NYC restaurants I've been. My new favorite and those of you who follow my reviews know I'm picky! Try Sonoma! read more

We've been to Sonoma when they were in Princeton on several occasions. While expensive, the food and service were amazing and well worth it. My wife and I decided to try there new location in Worcester and were incredibly disappointed. The wait staff was young and inexperienced. Slow service, forgotten items, lack of knowledge on menu items. However, worst of all was the food, which was a far cry from the Sonoma we came to know and love. My wife ordered the baked Haddock which did not appear to be fresh. The white rice it was served with was totally over cooked. I seldom dislike a meal enough to complain, but I let them know that this was totally unacceptable, they were kind enough to comp the meal. Maybe dinner is better, but we won't be back to find out. read more

This review is for the new, relocated Sonoma at the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester. Unfortunately the service and ambiance in the new location are not up to par. The special touches that made Sonoma our go-to destination restaurant time and time again were absent. No amuse bouche, no warm rolls and tapenade, no heirloom vegetables and no attention to detail at all. We were celebrating a momentous birthday (82 years) but there was no acknowledgement as we were looking forward to- Our meals were adequate, but not the same presentation and quality that we were accustomed to in the Princeton Sonoma. We dined on a Thursday evening and so missed the guitar serenade we were used to. All and all, a very disappointing evening at what felt like a hotel restaurant. Sadly, we won't be returning. read more

Stopped into Sonoma on Monday morning for breakfast. My guest ordered Eggs Rockerfeller, and I ordered the Smoked Salmon Platter. My meal was delicious and my bagel was still warm upon arrival. My guest asked for her poached eggs to be a little more firm, and they came out perfect! We both ordered coffee. One decaf, one regular, and they were both piping hot and tasted freshly brewed. Our waitresses name was Meghan and she was absolutely amazing! She has a great personality and made us laugh and smile throughout our meal. We will most definitely be back! Thank you Sonoma, and thank you Meghan for such a lovely expierence! Carol K read more

Had Easter dinner here. The selections were limited for the holiday menu. Most everyone in my party ordered the prime rib which was good and the meat portion was large while the sides portions were lacking. Would have liked to see more balance in the portions. I had the Ahi tuna which didn't have much flavor and didn't seem to be a very good cut. The sides were light and tasty but again in very small portions. The presentation was beautiful though. For dessert my son ordered the selection of Easter chocolates which was a huge disappointment as it was essentially a Palmer's chocolate (Palmers really shouldn't even be able to use the word chocolate in their product as it is the furthest thing from it). The meal was expensive considering the overall quality. I will give them another chance at some point to see how it is not on a holiday. read more

The new restaurant in beechwood is Very disappointing. We have been to Sonoma in Princeton many times and loved the restaurant and the atmosphere The new restaurant is nothing like that. The bartenders are not friendly in on the verge of almost being rude. If you were the waitstaff came over but overall the atmosphere is just not the same. The attention to detail and the food wasn't even close to the old restaurant. Very very disappointed read more

Sigh. Oh Sonoma. How I wish you were still in Princeton. When you were unique and intimate. When dining with you truly felt like a special experience with inspired dishes. Sure your food is prepared well in Worcester, but the atmosphere is sterile and annonymous. The dishes, typical. Sonoma Princeton would never allow bagged baby carrots anywhere near their kitchen. And where is the table crumber?! I'm sure that the transient hotel guest that come and go will think you're just fine, but those of us who know the old you will mourn. read more

You'll be surprised by Sonoma, a gourmand's choice in a nondescript location. But don't let the understated exterior fool you: Inside is a cornucopia of flavors and unique dishes, served by friendly, knowledgeable wait staff and in a ambience more like a top restaurant in NYC, DC or San Francisco. The starters deserve top billing: I enjoyed the salad nicoise with fresh tuna sashimi; my dining companion had the kobe beef carpaccio served with local cheeses. In fact, next time we go to Sonoma we'll dine exclusively on the starters--the choices are deep and compelling. Our server (Debbie) presented a complimentary mix of three tapenades which went well with the bread rolls (unremarkable). Debbie knew the menu extremely well; her recommendations throughout the meal made for a superlative culinary experience. The entrees are similarly delicious: I chose the filet mignon and was surprised when it was presented without a steak knife. Turns out no knife was necessary; I cut through the medium rare meat with the side of my fork, it was that tender. My dining companion chose the short ribs, which were similarly delectable. The garnishes complemented the food, although the broccoli rabe was slightly disappointing. At first glance the wine list is on the expensive side but we chose the DeLoach Zinfandel and, with its black currant and black pepper spices it did not disappoint. The wine list really brings out the flavors of the food. The desserts are superlative; in fact, the hardest part of dining at Sonoma is choosing one. Chef Dan makes all the desserts himself, and as he told us when he came to visit our table, he takes great pride in using local ingredients to craft these delectable delights. I reluctantly passed on the Tiramisu (made with chocolate shavings rather than the traditional cocoa) and instead shared with my dining companion a wonderful piece of apple crisp with fresh vanilla ice cream, drizzled with a cranberry sauce. While pricey, Sonoma is worth the investment. read more

The food and the service were great, just be ready to have sticker shock ! 2 people, one drink each one entree each and we split a dessert.... $150 .... Yikes !!! (That's before tip) read more

We just visited the new Sonoma in Worcester for our anniversary. The ambiance is terrible, service is okay and food was very mediocre. Skip this place and head to somewhere a bit more trendy. read more

Perfection! This was our second visit to Sonoma; prior 2-years ago. We were very happy to find that nothing had changed - and, we still wish that we lived closer. The atmosphere is just wonderful, as the majority of people are there for the same reason: excellent everything! The service is "big city" quality with very experienced staff, but way out in this gorgeous country setting. If you time it right you may see a magnificent sunset on your way to the restaurant. The food: WOW! Seriously, check the menu on the website. I personally think there are several incredibly compelling offerings, making the choice difficult. While some restaurants have specialties, at Sonoma it's all special; wine list is just right; desserts exquisite! Go now! read more

SONOMA Restaurant - 2010 Award Winner! - Seafood Near Me - Worcester, Massachusetts

Went back to Sonoma this past weekend. They try so hard to serve unique selections. We ordered the Grilled Steak and Egg, Togarashi Tuna, and The Sonoma Caesar to start. All were very good. For our main courses, we had Sautéed Potato Gnocchi, Center Cut of Filet Mignon and Korean Short Ribs. the meat dishes were good but the Gnocchi was not. You would think that a restaurant of this caliber would pride themselves on excellence in every way. That is why I was so surprised when our waiter stacked the dirty dishes in front of me. All in all, it was a nice night, especially if you enjoy spending hours at a restaurant.. read more

Have been there a number of times.Outstanding! Creative chef...gourmet Super nice staff ...knowledgeable ..fantastic place! read more

Great place! We went there as it was recommended by some friends. It was quite a drive from our place, but a beautiful drive. The location of the restaurant was unexpected, but it is so New England. We had a three course meal and felt that it was well balanced, well portioned and great tasting. The bread was crispy on the outside and nice and soft on the inside. The vanilla butter was a perfect accompaniment. I had a lobster bisque soup and it was delicious. I was about done with the meal right then and there. Needed a small nap. The Asian inspired appetizer was delicious as well. Had something chicken for the entree and that was great as well. The best part was the creme brulee at the end with the berries. I definitely recommend this restaurant as a place to go to once or more times if you like. It seemed like most of the people going there were regulars. I am not a wine drinker, but I was told that there selection is superb. The service was great as well. They seemed down to earth and took time in explaining the dishes and the ingredients used. Lovely place and looking forward to our next visit. read more

We always loved Sonoma at its prior location and had some concerns about the move to a Worcester hotel. The charm has declined slightly but the food and service still excels. The restaurant was packed, more so than we had ever seen for the restaurant that was here previously. We were seated quickly on a Friday night and had a nice table for two. Kelly B. was our server and she was very pleasant, friendly, helpful and attentive to every step of our meal. We enjoyed the lobster ravioli app and then had the Seafood stew and Lamb Rack special. Both were excellent and served without any delay. The Smores Cake for dessert was delicious. Our impression is that the food is every bit as good as it was at the previous Princeton location. The menu has a nice variety and the wait staff was extraordinary. Now that the Worcester/Beechwood location is closer to us, we'll be sure to frequent this wonderful restaurant more often read more

Very disappointed by Sonoma this time around. Service was mediocre at best. We ordered a charcuterie platter from the waitstaff. She didn't bring it. Nothing was explained as to what it consisted of They then brought our meals. Again not the waitress. They had no idea what meal went with whom. I got twin filets with oyster sauce. One piece was under 1/2 thick the other about a 1/2 in. Served with tasteless vermicelli and some type of small piquant greens. This is an expensive restaurant who used to do things with perfection I have been a customer of Sonoma for many years both before the move and after Each time in this new venue gets worse It will be a long time before I feel the need to return. Disappointed read more

Ok. I was skeptical after Sonoma moved to its new location in Worcester. We LOVED the Princeton location. The service, the cozy atmosphere, the food, the Bradys. The unassuming location, but the most amazing food. Peter the acoustic guitarist. We loved everything about Sonoma in Princeton. Not to mention we had our rehearsal dinner here, so Sonoma really has a special place in our hearts. Fast forward to now, and we didn't realize Sonoma had moved to inside the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester until we went to make our reservation for our anniversary this spring. We didn't know what to expect. It is not the same, but we had a nice experience. It's definitely trendier and more upscale in its appearance, but we were happy to see a lot of the same waitstaff (plus more because the new location is larger), and some even remembered us from our previous anniversary and visits. Peter still plays guitar, and we were so happy that hadn't changed. The menu is a bit different--I'm seriously missing the Korean short ribs, and I was pretty disappointed they don't have that on the menu anymore. They also used to have sushi grade tuna shipped from Hawaii but I didn't see that entree anymore either. And I happened to really love the 5 sides they would give you on your plate, like the beets, turnips etc. but they don't do that anymore. I had the stuffed veal and my husband had the Volcano salmon. Both were new dishes to the menu. We didn't recognize a lot of the dishes. We also had the beef carpaccio to start, and that was amazing. I love that they still roll around the dessert cart, which is such a nice part of the Sonoma that we remember. We hope to come here again, even if it is different. Sonoma is still a lovely restaurant for a special occasion. read more

Good service, good atmosphere, definitely an improvement from the last restaurant at he beachwood hotel. Overall the food was very good but for the price tag you really want more than very good. The calamari appetizer was inconsistently cooked, some was perfect and some was very overdone. The steak I ordered rare came to me medium. And the lobster in the fra diavolo was also overdone. Though the lamb was absolutely divine, perfectly cooked and seasoned. read more

Wow. I'd been anxious to try Sonoma for some time, and finally had occasion a couple of Fridays ago. We were not disappointed! It's a pretty drive out to Princeton, even in late December after the leaves have fallen. It's a classic New England town. The restaurant itself is nothing exciting on the outside, as it's at the end of a small plaza, but it is warm and inviting inside. We were greeted immediately by the host, seated, and served an amuse-bouche. Our server knew the menu quite well and did a great job of articulating it, from the appetizers to the wine list. We opened with the escargot and the apple salad. The escargot were delicious, served with spinach and cheese in a hot skillet. The apple salad was also quite good; light and sweet in contrast to the smoky earthiness of the escargot. For entrees, my companion had the filet mignon, which as noted in another review here, is fork-tender. She loved every bite! I had the rack of lamb, which was also cooked perfectly and fork-tender. Lamb can be mediocre-to-disaster rather easily; in this case, it was spectacular, with a mustard and panko crust on the outside. Although stuffed, we still ordered dessert--the tray just looked too tempting. My date had the flourless chocolate cake, which was good but I found it to be disappointing only in that it's a common dessert in a restaurant that is anything but common. I had the banana cheesecake with the bruleed banana garnish--fantastic. Sonoma is definitely expensive, but worth it. A romantic, high-quality "special occasion" place that makes you rethink just what a "special occasion" really is in order to find an excuse to go back! The service, the food, the wine list, and the atmosphere are all outstanding. read more

The thing I love about Sonoma is the menu keeps changing with the season. Sure there are always the standbys such as "The Caesar" - their version of a Caesar salad, but most of the menu changes with the season. The specials always seem to focus with what's in season so when I visit I ten to go with these. It's a smaller place in a strip mall, which doesn't sound like it's going to be upscale, but once you step inside you forget that is where you are. Every meal starts with an amuse bouche and comes with a tapenade. Given the size of the place (Maybe 20 tables) the chef has time to give your meal the attention it deserves. The cook on our food (I had a sirloin, my wife a tuna) was perfect. Medium rare was actually medium rare and she had a rare sear on hers. They do have deserts which seem to be made with the same loving care, and are always scrumptious. Yes, it is expensive, however you do get what you pay for. I will be returning. read more

I had my birthday dinner at Sonoma the other night. I have been coming to Sonoma since they were in Princeton. As always the food is cooked to perfection. Great food, atmosphere, and service. I enjoy the weekend nights with incredible classical guitar to heighten the mood. I look forward to coming back soon. read more

We were a large party that attended Thursday, August 22nd to see Mitch Chakour. It started pretty bad as the restaurant did not have our reservation when we arrived. Thankfully they were able to accommodate us under a very large umbrella with beautiful seating and tables. Our waitress Nicole C was awesome! She made menu suggestions that were just out of this world delicious! She was very attentive and kind. She made our night very easy to enjoy by replenishing our beverages whether it be alcohol or just ice cold water. Nicole is the best! Thank you Sonoma and Nicole for a great night! read more

So we tried the new location last night and it was excellent. The restaurant is now in the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester and is now far easier to get to. The decor is contemporary and elegant. Our server was excellent and the food was fantastic. You need to try this restaurant. Creative and delicious. read more

I spent the weekend there for a wedding and right after my workout session at the hotels workout area, I was ready to dive into some food at this restaurant with some family members. I choose the salad and my two family members choose a flatbread burger. What I ended up getting was the smallest salad I have ever ordered (about the size of a small side salad from wendys), also it was pretty bland with little mixed veggies in it... believe it cost $9. I was in such disappointment and after eating it I was starving still, but didn't want to order another meal and receive the same disappointment. I left and walked to the convenient store across the way to buy workout bars to fill myself with. Also, my family was disappointed in their meal and stated that they did not expect their food to come looking the way it did. read more

I would like to thank the Owners, Management and Chef for screwing up my Valentine's Day evening dinner. I booked a reservation over a month ago because Valentine's Day is always hard to get reservations. We looked at the menu thought it looked great so we made a reservation. So 5 days before (2/9/2019) I get a call at 4pm to be told they decided to do a price fixe menu for $80/pp (with wine pairing extra). We are not cheap, we like good food but the menu they chose were things I don't care for. If they wanted to do a fixed menu, they should have done it long before 5 days, not like we don't know Valentine's Day is coming. So I would love to thank you once again for screwing up my plans cause now all of the good restaurants are booked. I usually only give good reviews but this deserves a bad one. Thanks again and thank god I don't run my business this way or I would be unemployed. read more

We had a family dinner with six of us. We sat outside and enjoyed wonderful food. But this is not about the food. Our waitress, Nicole, was outstanding. Personable, prompt, informed, and hilarious! Totally made our experience. We will ask for her when returning. read more

Nicole was the best server in the United States of America and should get a raise for her comedic performance and stellar service. She should also go to Nashville ASAP. Thank you !!!! read more

Food made me sick. I ordered a wrap, gluten free due to an allergy. The waitress acknowledged this when I ordered. When the food arrived there were croutons in the wrap that were not gluten free. The waitress did return it to the kitchen and brought out a new sandwich with mumbled apology. No one else came out to speak with me, and an email I sent regarding this incident went unanswered. Will not be returning here. Mistakes happen, but the customer service, or lack thereof, was unacceptable. Besides the food incident, the service overall was slow, despite the fact that there were only one or two other tables occupied. read more

I recently enjoyed an amazing dinner at Sonoma for New Years Eve with my grandmother. We started with the crab bisque and burrata salad. My prime rib was cooked perfectly and cut like butter. My grandmother raved about her veal osso bucco. Our server David was wonderful as well. read more

Top notch dining with excellent service. Very appreciative of waiving private dining room charges for a bereavement function. All very well done. read more

Very very disappointed!! NOTHING like the Princeton restaurant! Food was less than mediocre. 6 oz filet was less than an inch thick, and despite being cooked medium rare, it was served in a god awful gravy...which was NOT requested!!! It was supposed to be no dry rub or sauce. Roasted garlic potatoes were salty and cold as was the cauliflower. Potatoes were replaced by a kind server. Salmon was tasty but way too much broth and bland. Ambiance is cold..wait staff was very nice but for the $$$$$ absolutely not worth it. Please please please...move back to Princeton and the original chef and menu!! read more

Sonoma - 206 Worcester Rd Princeton, Ma. Fine Dining at its best. Tucked away in the small bedroom community of Princeton Ma, Sonoma offers all the twist of an upscale menu and service. Not often have I found the variety and originality presented here. Atmosphere is casual but a jacket for men and proper dress for women might make you feel better placed then coming in jeans. Opening with a cheese board appetizer we sampled several with bread and greens. A sampling of beets, quiche, farro, carrots, green beans and garlic mashed were served as a shared vegetable. Entrees were a flat iron steak cooked to absolute perfection and a duck breast with a cognac demi -glace and sweet potato hash. Both exceeded our expectations. No after dinner cocktail but we did indulge in a slice of bread pudding , coco powdered ice cream and two cups of jo. Ever all consensuses on Sonoma is exceptional. In fact I was a bit blown away. I have been in the food scene for many years and it take a lot to impress me. This venue does it. We will be back and next time with friends. read more

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Please explain to me why this place warrants 5 stars that it seems to get? It was a party of 5 but I'm only going to comment on what I ate or had a taste of. We started off dinner with crusty rolls with apple butter, which was lacking in any flavor and in much need of either sugar or salt -anything to awaken my taste buds. I tried the gnocchitini and it was swimming in oil and there was a hint of mushroom. The whole gnocchi taste was masked by all the oil - which ruined it. The apple salad was great but the baby spinach would have fared better if the tips were cut off. With those prices - they could afford to pay someone to take extra care in their product. The baked brie with apricot was delicious but I didn't get much of brie inside the puff pastry so not a very good balance for an appetizer, tasted more like a dessert. My favorite part of the night was waiting, and WAITING for the waitress to just take our dirty plates away. And when she did, it was still a 10 min wait for the entrees. This place is so caught up with designated roles for everyone that they forget to help each other out. The water girl came by twice before the appetizer/salad plates were taken away. The sirloin flavor was masked and overpowered by the blue cheese topping as well. This place seems to have a trend - lots of overpowering flavors that do not compliment the dish. The venison was good though, but again, needed something added to it that made it pop in your mouth. I could cook a venison at home to this same standard, but people go out to experience more than just things they can cook themselves. Shouldn't a trained chef be capable of more? Now this is my favorite part, waited 20 minutes for the waitress to get our empty entree plates. The couple who arrived while we were eating our appetizers was done with their dessert by the time we kept waiting for her to take our empty plates. Her "service," or lack there of, ruined any hopes this place would be deemed good. Also, the chef chooses the sides for you, so do not expect to pay high prices to get what you want. He knows best. Now lets put this in perspective: LOTS OF WAITING! Arrived at 6:45pm and didn't leave until 11pm. 5 people, 5 appetizers, 5 entrees, and 3 desserts do not warrant 4 hours unless you are cooking everything from scratch, which a restaurant should never be that ill prepared. The waitress is hard to flag down but your water glass will never be empty. Considering this place is in the middle of nowhere: don't bother with the drive. read more

First, I ordered a Greater Good Pulp beer. Awesome. Until the bug showed up as I neared the bottom. The menus was less than great. The fries were tasteless. The burger was cooked well but it too wasn't all that flavorful. The last straw was we tried to use our Sonoma gift card and were refused. Apparently when the hotel bought out the former owner they figured they didn't have to honor the outstanding balances on cards. We waited for the manager for some time and finally decided it was time to go. If you have a gift card forget going. If you want a warm atmosphere I'd suggest many other Worcester spots. read more