We had a lunch for 17 people at the Union Hotel last Sunday honoring my father after his service at the Druids Cemetery. Barabra and her crew took such good care of us! Food was on point and the service was wonderful. So many memories for our family in Occidental. At some point the place will have new owners that we hope they will keep the tradition's started over a century ago. Barabra thank you again for taking such good care of us. read more

Our University group returned to the Union Hotel Restaurant after a 6 year pause. Part of our absence was COVID and another was picking the nearby Hazel's for at least a few years. But now that Hazel's is temporarily closed and moving to a new location, we decided to come back. Things have definitely slowed down here, as the full family-style Italian meals have been replaced by huge Pizza choices, plus delicious bruschetta, tasty dinner rolls, and huge salads (with optional grilled chicken). We definitely miss the ravioli and the other Italian touches. Maybe it was COVID, or maybe dining choices have evolved away this kind of dining. What was sad to see was a huge dining room that we mostly had to ourselves, with memories of various celebrations dancing in our heads. I also peaked into the huge kitchen, of which only a part is used or currently needed. I wonder if Negri's across the street is in similar straights? On the positive side, the food was delicious and we didn't go hungry! Service was home town friendly and efficient, and the total tab for the 10 of us was quite reasonable. The nearby Union Hotel bar (for our pre-meal cocktails) was also fun and busier. read more

Bar side is separate from the dining room. No beers on draft but was fine because the spirit prices and pours were excellent. Service was good. Ordered pizza to go but not sure I recommend it. Toppings were a bit chunky, sauce too tick and sweet. Cheese didn't have the pull i like. Crust was great. Overall just okay. read more

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I've not been to this iconic restaurant in 20 years and I'm happy to report it is still just as good. It's old school Italian not high end gourmet yet boy is the food great! The delicious bread sticks are served upon arrival (and refilled as needed). I had the minestrone and devoured every drop of this flavorful soup. My garden salad was fresh, tasty and quite ample. I loved the vinegarette dressing. My friends had the meat balls and wow, they were big. I wouldn't recommend coming here for a romantic date as it's extremely loud, but it was perfect for us four ladies on this very rainy night and we enjoyed seeing all the families having dinner together. As busy as it was, the servers tried to stay on top of everything rather well. read more

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The Union Hotel Restaurant has been here for almost 150 years. A fun place to have our annual holiday luncheon with family friends. It's a tradition. The breadsticks, bruschetta, and crostini with garlic & brie, and minestrone soup are consistent winners that always get our meal off to a great start. The two of us who ordered spaghetti and meatballs this year were disappointed that the dish was served lukewarm and had lost some of its specialness. The ravioli was still on point though. I didn't taste the pizza this year, but it's always been pretty good. Love the authentic old-time decor, holiday decorations and the unique history of the restaurant, which seems to have survived a change of ownership this year. This is good for us and for the longtime waitstaff, who are kind and do a great job. Long live the Union Hotel Restaurant! read more

Union Hotel Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Occidental, California

One of my friends recommended Union Hotel restaurant to me for my birthday, so a couple of my friends and I decided to go -- and I'm so glad we did! We were honestly so impressed from start to finish. We ordered the bruschetta as an appetizer, a Caesar salad, and two pizzas to share, and everything was absolutely delicious. The flavors were so fresh and perfectly balanced, and you can really tell the food is made with care. On top of that, the service was great -- everyone was so kind, welcoming, and attentive, which made the whole experience even better. It made my birthday dinner feel extra special, and I already can't wait to go back. Highly recommend if you're looking for amazing food and a great atmosphere! read more

My family has been going to the union hotel for decades. 4 generations have now continued the tradition of celebrating together in this beautiful, charming place. The food is spectacular, the service is wonderful and they make everyone feel like family. If you are looking for that "old school" Italian vibe this is a must. We have celebrated holidays, birthdays and good old family time here. Thank you union hotel for everything. read more

Union Hotel Restaurant - Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Occidental, California

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No longer serving family style - how hard would it be to just put out bowls of soup and salad? The salad looks like it's just bagged salad mix anyway. The pizza was good but overpriced. I understand that costs have gone up, but you have to give people a good experience if you want to do more than a takeout business. Service was a little slow, could have been a bit more attentive since there were few customers. Atmosphere is still pleasantly nostalgic, but there were no tablecloths. The place was pretty much empty on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, not the festive environment I've always loved at the Holidays. read more

Once we had heard that tbis place was being sold we knew we needed to get the family there one last time. My wife and I have been going to the Union for over 50 years. We've celebrated births, christenings, birthdays and celebrations of life here through the decades. This place is a Sonoma County institution. To us it's more than just a restaurant it was like stepping into your family's kitchen during the holidays. Someplace you were always welcomed and made to feel special. We have always been treated like family here and never left here hungry. Talked to Barbara and she says they'll still be here a while so go and grab dinner here while they're still here. Needed to bring the family here one last time. So worth it. Hopefully get me and the wife back there at least one more time. read more

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We have been going there for 16yrs. The service is outstanding. So friendly and welcoming. We got the charcuterie.(it's definitely plenty for 3-4 people) and we also ordered the Garlic Gold Pizza!! It was sooooooo soooo amazingly delicious we are going back so. Worth the drive to Occidental. Go around 5-6 so you have time to catch the sunset in Bodega Bay. read more

Union Hotel Restaurant - The beautiful, beautiful charcuterie board. - Italian Near Me - Occidental, California

My family has been coming to the Union Hotel and Saloon for years for special occasions. So on my recent trip back to California, my mom and I made the trip to visit them again. While some options for the menu have changed in our post-covid world, one thing that hasn't changed is the flavors. We ordered the spinach salad, the tortellini with creamy pesto, and a margherita pizza. The owner also brought out a complimentary bruschetta. Everything was well seasoned and tasted amazing. Barbara was so kind and spent time getting to know us and why we were visiting. She was so hospitable and made sure that everything was delicious and we were happy with our choices. Next time I visit we will make sure to take the two hour drive to eat here again. read more

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A Timeless Gem in Occidental - Union Hotel Restaurant If you're in Occidental and craving truly delicious Italian food, Union Hotel Restaurant is a must-visit. Family owned and operated for over 100 continuous years, this historic spot offers not only exceptional food but a rich sense of place and legacy. According to California.com, it's the third oldest continuously operating restaurant in the state, and once you visit, you'll understand why it's stood the test of time. The menu is seasonal and thoughtfully curated, featuring artisan pizzas, fresh salads (served family-style), and classic Italian appetizers. We started with the bruschetta, which was absolutely scrumptious-bursting with fresh tomatoes and just the right touch of garlic and herbs. The artisan pizzas were the real star of the show-perfectly crisp crust, flavorful toppings, and clearly made with care. The outdoor patio is a highlight, shaded by a wooden pergola woven with mature wisteria, adding to the charm and relaxed ambiance. It's the kind of place where you'll want to linger. A nice local touch: the Union Rose, Occidental's official rose and one of the oldest in the region, is lovingly featured here. Warm, welcoming, and full of character, Union Hotel Restaurant is more than just a meal-it's a piece of California history served with style and heart. Open: Friday 4pm to 8pm and Saturday & Sunday Noon to 8 pm read more

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Absolutely delightful experience coming here for dinner. The bread sticks and bruschetta are to die for and Barbara is the sweetest host! The pizza was also amazing- including the lest overs the day after ;) read more

This is a beautiful historic hotel. The restaurant serves some amazing delicious food, and the saloon has some delicious ciders There was some beautiful old paintings of dogs on the wall in the saloon that was quite lovely . The family and I look forward to another trip to Occidental to have another fine meal and some great ciders. Give this place a try you will be glad you did. Bon appétit read more

Union Hotel Restaurant - Beautiful dog painting. - Italian Near Me - Occidental, California

Wonderful family experience! The food & setting are charming & inviting. Couple that with a staff and their genuine enthusiasm for hospitality & you create a wonderful memory. HINT: Try the patio for dining. read more

What a lovely spot. The patio is so beautiful with all of the trees in bloom. The salads were so fresh and very large. We ordered pizza too and it was delicious. Barbara is always so pleasant, truly a perfect host! This is our third time there and Barbara is always a joy! read more

We love eating at old hotels and were looking forward to dining here, but this dinner turned out to be the most disappointing part of our lovely trip to Occidental. First off, we noticed they had only pizzas, salad and bruschetta on the menu, which was a little surprising. Undaunted, we decided to carry on. We ordered the margherita, which seemed like a safe bet, but it was terrible: uninspired crust, piled high with thick, cold tomatoes and mozzerella that wasn't melted (enjoyed the basil tho). Not to mention the pizzas come in only one size and they're expensive (around $34!) Adding a star because the staff was friendly and the atmosphere had potential. read more

I try clam chowder whenever I see it on a menu, and this is hands down the best chowder I've tasted by far... in the whole bay area and beyond. Call ahead to see if they have the clam chowder that day and, if so, get the chowder & share a bottle of Balletto red for a great meal. When we visit Santa Rosa I must make the drive to this beautiful, tiny, mining town to get my chowder fix They have other really good dinner items, indoor & outdoor seating, and a cozy bar next door and lots of parking. Afterwords you can drive straight west out of town through the redwoods to overlook the Pacific Ocean and drive down to the beach just north of Bodega Bay. read more

Benvenuto a cena! My friend Jennifer Clarke is a local in Occidental and an enthusiastic fan of the Union Hotel and the owner -Barbara Gonnella. We have also always admired the Union Hotel's charm and rich history-- and today-- we stopped in to experience that charm. The moment we walked through the doors we felt like we were part of the Hotel's rich history which makes it even more fabulous. The wall of lined iconic photographs and beautiful decor remind you of the Hotel's Italian roots and--- as you look around-- you see the old wood building still hosting its original structure and vintage decor. We sat outside by the fire pit right under the cute lights and beautiful trees. Before we could ask - the warm bread and butter appeared. We ordered the iconic spaghetti and meatball pasta-- dish, the ravioli selection, the warm spinach salad, and the minestrone soup. We barely finished our bread when our beautifully platted dishes arrived. and the portions were so huge -- that honestly -- two people could easily share one dish. Impressive and gracious service: The staff and management treat each other like family and carry that to the customers. Compliments to Barbara and Jenn (owners). They went out of their way to make sure our party and our dog felt welcomed and comfortable. I can't say enough how wonderful the service is here. Perks: Dogs welcomed with love! Seating: Huge patio, large bar, and spacious indoor dining. Note: Thank you to Barbara, Jenn, and the wonderful staff for a lovely dinner experience. read more

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This was a 'local kind-of favorite' spot for me (see previous review! from 2014!) but just wanted to update for Yelpers that it is now only open 3 days a week (Fri - Sun.) and only serving pizzas (and maybe a charcuterie plate?as per a recent review on Yelp?...) while it is in the process of being sold. No minestrone, apple fritters, pasta dishes, meatballs, salads, etc. right now! Am curious to see what it becomes after the sale..... read more

They only serve pizza now all other items have been taken off the menu just FYI. Don't know about the Santa Rosa location. I'm sure they have their full menu. read more

Top notch service from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart. Ambience is so warm and welcoming. And the staff (including the owner) are attentive, kind, and make you feel like a special guest. Food was phenomenal (and fresh!) from the breadsticks to the bruschetta to the hearty garden salad, and their combo pizza. We live in Santa Rosa but will always drive out to Occidental to Union Hotel for dinner even with their limited menu options. The food and service is exceptional. Thank you for always serving us so kindly and with love & gratitude. read more

Union Hotel Restaurant - Bruschetta - Italian Near Me - Occidental, California

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Only serve Pizza, and then at that, owner or manager took the lead on ordering! Ambiance, not appealing, sticky tables, service was basically non existent! Seriously! Online one site states pasta, chicken, etc, but owner now states they have cut their menu back... whatever! I wouldn't go there again even if I did eat pizza! read more

A local must have Always our favorite family owned Italian food with live piano music while we enjoy our meal. Excellent customer service. Look forward to our next visit! read more

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Our family loves going to the Occidental Union Hotel for dinner. The food, atmosphere and friendly service is just the best. It's a great place for nice dinner for two or a special occasion with a large group, we've done all there and we are always so impressed. read more

We didn't eat at here, because the menu has been diminished down to basically just pizza. The old menu online is outdated.

The Occidental Union Hotel restaurant was the venue chosen for our son Jon and his fiancé Krista's welcome dinner the night before their beautiful wedding. Barbara and her entire restaurant staff were warm, gracious and very professional.. the food was delicious. The fire pit and string lights in the Courtyard were beautiful, and they even allowed me to use their carrot sheet cake as our grooms cake. That cake is the best carrot cake I've ever had. Everyone said the meal was absolutely delicious , the wine was delicious and the night went so beautifully.. I would recommend this venue for a romantic evening event such as ours . We are certainly very pleased that we experienced a successful family event, and we now have wonderful ,beautiful memories to cherish . Thank you again Barbara ,and your amazing staff ! Christina & David Massie October 13th, 2023 read more

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Very limited menu of salad and pizzas. Where did all the great Italian food go? Good bruschetta.

this was our first time at the Union Hotel our extended family haa Ben going here for years and we could see why everyone was so friendly and we had great service and shared stories of our family members that have passed on the Food was amazing we had plenty to eat and take home I would recommend the Union Hotel read more

The most amazing ravioli...it reminds me of the ravioli my Italian Grandma made for us so many years ago. I live in the Midwest and have already visited the restaurant 3-4 times! It's worth it. Can't wait to visit again! read more

The food and service at the union hotel restaurant are exceptional. All ingredients tasted fresh and presented beautifully. It's wonderful to spend time and our money at local restaurants that want to give the customer a Good experience. Order with ease, I'm sure it's all good. We will definitely be back for more pizza. Caesar Salad Pizzeria read more

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The Union Hotel Restaurant is one of our go-to spots when we are visiting Sonoma. We had a very nice visit this time. The Gold Pizza is a thing of wonder...carmelized onions, sausage and serious mushrooms. How could you go wrong? My son's burger was better than most burgers you could get at official burger places and the fries were out of this world. The marinated beans on the salad are so fantastic! It's these small touches that keep us coming back. Owner Barbara is a delight to chat with and one of the highlights of the visit. These family places last a long time for a reason: they know how to attract and keep happy customers! read more

Union Hotel Restaurant - The Gold Pizza! - Italian Near Me - Occidental, California

Such a wonderful dining experience. We came out here on a Sunday afternoon and had a light meal, but the quantity of the food was tremendous, and the quality was superior to almost any restaurant in the area. If not all of them. The service was exceptional. And we took food to go that we planned to eat, but didn't because of such an abundance of goodness. We even left with a couple bear claws as a gift. We will always come back here. See you soon. read more

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Comfy, family style Italian restaurant. Good salads and pizzas. I've attended several functions that went well. Service is good.

Can always trust them to have tasty Italian classics. It's been there since I was a kid and before. Traditional old school wooden interior feels like you could be stripping back to the 40s. Generally great staff. read more

This place was just as beautiful as it was delicious! We came for the bruschetta it was amazing, it came hot and fresh it was the best ! We also got the garlic pizza, it was made perfectly, the veggies were fresh! Oh the sausage, so yummy, we were told it is a family recipe and I'm glad they still use it. I was beyond satisfied with the food but what was the best part was the service. I loved how comfortable the workers made you feel, they were so welcoming and kind hearted. I was blessed with some cookies to go that were so good! And when I asked for honey they gave me raw local honey which was awesome. They went well beyond in their customer service when I left my purse and held on it keeping it safe for a whole week and the owner offered to send it all the back to me in LA. My stomach was full from the delicious food but my heart was full from the genuine hospitality! Until we meet again union hotel read more

If you cruise up the coast this is a must stop for a libation! Really fun and eclectic locals, staff are awesome! My wife's favorite destination in the area! read more

What an experience! We had the bruschetta, and the pizzeria, and the epic tiramisu, and the salad (not sure what kind it was) and were able to rent out the amazing table up on the hill. Such a special and unique experience to dine among the trees and nature with a beautiful view of the road (I don't want to oversell the view but it was nice to be up there). The food was so delicious and everyone was amazingly nice the entire time. I am so happy that we were able to experience this place. If you're thinking about spending the night, do not hesitate - it is a nice chill location. Or, if just passing through then just enjoy it for a bit - I doubt you will regret it. read more

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I wanted a taste of the old nostalgia, all I got was a punch in the face of cold harsh reality. As a kid going here in the 70's it was a delectable treat. The smells of the fresh bread, the long family style tables in the vast dining room. The smiles on the faces are all but gone now. Like a ghost of long ago. If you are looking for that experience, go to Italy I guess. ‍ So what's changed? Pretty much everything. it's just not the crowd pleaser of yesteryear. Gone are the endless fresh rolls with tubs of butter olive oil and balsamic. Now, even the wait staff seems uninterested, inattentive, and unconcerned about service. The Halls are empty, the walls are dull, and the old nostalgia is nowhere to be found. Only tourist pricing on food is mediocre. On a brighter note, the bar just inside and around the corner was hopping, I think mostly because people go there for beer and pizza. I am told the pizza is good. So if you're looking for a pizza, and you want to drive all the way to Occidental for it. Knock yourself out, I'm sure you will be satisfied. However If you're looking for a more traditional Italian dinner, maybe consider somewhere else in Sonoma county. read more

Wonderful staff with very generous portion sizes! Everything we ordered tasted very homey and fresh, would definitely stop by here again if I'm in the area! Best of all, the restaurant has a deal with Sonoma Canopy Tours and so once you complete your tour and are ravenously hungry, you can claim one free Bruschetta (per table). read more

Union Hotel Restaurant - Huge plate of ravioli for lunch ($22)! - Italian Near Me - Occidental, California