June 2019 by Rick Maudlin
This is our family favorite. We are always treated so well, excellent food, generous portions, great prices and personable staff. Comfortable dining inside and on the beautiful patio in the redwoods of historic Occidental. Come hungry and enjoy. Thanks Barb !
June 2019 by marco zamora
By far the best clam chowder I've ever had, and I'm a sous chef myself and I thought I made the best chowder but I was wrong( I have to admit).
June 2019 by Brad Scanlon
The best pizza we’ve ever had! It doesn’t hurt that Barbara and her staff are the friendliest in the area. Thank you for being so accommodating to our dog Charlie! Forever our go to place when in the beautiful Occidental area.
May 2019 by Katie Pence-Robbins
I always make sure to travel through Occidental in the morning for coffee and the best pastries at the Union Hotel. In the evenings for ravioli, lasagne, apple fritters etc. I always feel so nurtured in the comfortable, friendly atmosphere. You can’t go wrong here. My family also often has gatherings here in the huge back room. Always great and fun. Thank you Union Hotel !
May 2019 by Bea Gallego
Four of us visited the Union Hotel & Restaurant the first week in May. We met Barbara who was extremely nice and fun to speak with about the hotel, the restaurant, the food and of course their family and Lake Como, Italy. We ordered a pizza to go (best ever!!!!! w/outstanding homemade sausage!!!) and Barbara graciously had us try one of their special Italian pastries....so delicious!!! If we get the chance to visit Occidental again, we'll definitely go back to dine at the restaurant and purchase some pastries to go!! Thank you Barbara!! The gals from SoCal
May 2019 by Robyn Hurst
I have ALWAYS loved union hotel since I wasn’t a child! Now that I’ve been living in occidental for a couple years now I have had the pleasure having Union Hotel 10 min away from me. By far the best pizza I have ever had! Their clam chowder is creamiest mouth watering chowder. Not only the food is amazing the staff are always attentive, in a positive mood and very personable! Several times now Barbra has sent us home with some delectable pastries! Their raspberry apricot turn overs are delicious! Pretty much all their pastries are hard to turn down. I also go to their cafe from time to time, that’s where their pastries go great with their fresh great quality coffee! I give union hotel 8 stars instead of 5. :)
May 2019 by Ed Fritz
I don't want to call this place my favorite steak house or favorite Italian restaurant because it is more than that. The food is delicious and it comes in generous proportions. The staff and owners make you feel like one of the family. Whenever we are in Occidental, CA we make sure we eat here. Even though you are stuffed from the food try to save for dessert. The ambiance makes this a pleasant place to enjoy a meal with family and friends or a quiet dinner with your significant other.
May 2019 by Francine Harris
I have been going to this restaurant for years and it only becomes more cozy with time. They have great food,great service, and the area over all is amazing. Make sure your properly hungry otherwise you will be too full off the amazing starters to even touch your meal. If you really want to make a trip out of it make sure to stay at one of their properties to round out your experience. Everything from the cabin feel to the amazing view will make you want to return and bring more people to enjoy the experience with.
May 2019 by Alfredo Guarducci
Authentic Italian family food! Reminds me of being a kid and having Sunday night dinner at the relatives. Tina, Barb and everyone else made me feel right at home! Large portions and very reasonably priced .I will definitely be back! Thank you!
May 2019 by Alex T
This is a truly wonderful place. Its spacious enough for groups but the atmosphere remains cozy and intimate. The staff is cordial and inviting, friendly and helpful. Truly some of the best service I've ever received. We were served quickly and diligently. And the food. The food is wonderful. Filling and authentic. I cannot wait to go back.
February 2019 by Haley D.
I'm not one to write reviews about restaurants, however, I have so much to say about the restaurant at Union Hotel! My aunt suggested the restaurant. She always raves about the food and the baked goods. And she constantly talked about how sweet the owners are and the other people who work there. We finally went this past weekend with an empty stomach and open eyes and I have to say, it was more than well worth the drive for us. From the moment we got there, we were greeted with love and care like we were their own family. We got the bruschetta and clam chowder as an appetizer. As my main dish, I had the Cheese Ravioli! And my mom had the Garlic Gold pizza. Wow! Everything was delicious! I live in NYC, so you can imagine the wide variety of Italian food I get. I never thought I'd find anything just as good. But Union Hotel topped it off. The portions are HUGE and I couldn't say one thing I didn't like about the quality and freshness of the meal. After we ate, we took home a ton of baked goods to hand out to friends and ourselves (mostly for ourselves HA HA). Everything about Union Hotel was such a treat and I look forward to going back very soon!! Also, I had to get myself a shirt afterwards!! So comfy!
February 2019 by Nicole C.
We just had dinner here tonight (again). This is our go to place in West Sonoma County. This has to be the best restaurant in the county. We have had several of their dishes and they are all great, but we love the Pizza. However, if you go you must try the Bruchetta, it is like the ambrosia of the gods, it is real good. Also, ask about something from the bakery. Their Bakery is not just an add on to the restaurant, this bakery could exist on it's own. Just finished a blackberry pie like dish and it was great. Will we be back, you bet, usually about 2 to 3 times a month.
February 2019 by Devi J.
Warm family feel. Approachable owner. Salad was so cool and refreshing and the dressing was superb. We actually bought a quart to take home with us. The special of the day was Salmon on Spinach. The salmon was fresh, and cooked to perfection. A very healthy meal. My brother who was visiting from out of town, and had been to Occidental 40+ years ago wanted to go back. He was totally delighted with the place. He had the pizza and my husband the lasagna. Both were excellent. The minestrone soup was fresh. The vegetables were firm and not mushy....with big chunks of carrots, potatoes and greens. We bought a bottle of wine from a local winery which matched well with the meal. I'm going back again soon and taking more people! The dessert was huge...decadent mud pie which we shared.
February 2019 by Sandra Cifo
Good service , good spaghetti and meatballs, big portions
January 2019 by Ann R.
I came here last night with a group and we were the hungry hikers. The service, food, and atmosphere is above and beyond. Their brushetta bread is to die for. Large portions to take home and great desserts. I recommend this restaurant if you are ever in the area there.
January 2019 by Leslie K.
This is definitely an old school Italian restaurant -- you get a big bowl of soup, salad, and bread with your entree. How do people eat so much food? I definitely don't. So, I ordered something "off the menu" -- cooked spinach and feta. I'm not a big pasta person and they didn't have anything with potatoes so my intention was to eat this with the bread. The first time the greens came out they weren't cooked. The waitress brought me a huge hunk of feta. Unfortunately I had to add salt so it really didn't taste like real feta. I tried the famous soup and it was pretty good. If I ended up there again, I'd just get the soup. My partner ordered the pomodoro pasta and it was odd -- big hunks of tomatoes on top...no real fresh tomato sauce. It was bland.
January 2019 by PJ L.
We had 25 scrumptious meals all delivered hot at the same time. Everyone loved their selections and with such large portions, we enjoyed it a second day too! Keeping our New Years tradition alive and enjoyed by all!
January 2019 by Karyn P
OMG! What a night...I had the honor of attending the Occidental Union Hotel caroling just before Christmas.The Union is always festive...but caroling is over the top magic Christmas. Father Santa was wandering the restaurant blessing all tables and guests. A Complimentary hot cider bar and a table of thousands signature decorated cookies make me feel as though I was in a Hallmark card. I was handed a Union Hotel caroling book...with I accidentally took home....The Gonnella Family gifted thousands of us a beautiful memorable evening in Occidental.
January 2019 by madobies
I ordered the baked lasagna after reading the description on the family style menu that said it was layered with the Gonnella family's italian sausage. I thought the sausage would bring some spice to the lasagna but I was wrong. The red sauce also lacked flavorable herbs. The clam chowder was bland. If you are looking for a spicy meal don't come here.
January 2019 by Cj S.
We went here right before Christmas & they always decorate so beautifully. It was lovely, cozy & warm. Nancy was our waitress & was friendly and professional. We ordered minestrone soup which was hot & filling. I don't typically care for large chunks of vegetables in soup but this works here & is just delicious. I ordered the lasagna--it was enough to enjoy at the restaurant & have 2 more servings at home. It wasn't covered in cheese, had a healthy serving of meat & just the right amount of tasty sauce. My dining partner ordered the fried ravioli appetizer as her entree & they were pretty incredible. I secretly wanted more! It's an enjoyable experience here. Feels a little like stepping back in time. Especially if you have a few minutes to take in the historical pictures all around the restaurant. Cheers to family-owned & caring about your customers!
January 2019 by dmariemc3
We visited The Union Hotel Restaurant and wedding venue. The redwoods are gorgeous and the houses and studio are all full of character and shabby chic charm. We tasted a delicious lunch from the wedding menu. Everything was delicious! This is a great venue where everything is taken of so that you can enjoy your celebration!
January 2019 by Greg T.
The Union Hotel sets the standard for warmth and making you feel welcome. The food always tastes great and we are always full, but everyone who works there that we have ever come in contact with are so kind. We will be back soon even though we live 1-1/2 hours away. There are very few restaurants that reach this level of all-around excellence!
December 2018 by Wendy L
We have been going to the Union Hotel for 20 years to celebrate Christmas and Mother's Day. Barbara has seen our children grow up right before her eyes. As we have seen her lovely daughter grow up and now working at the restaurant. The food is always wonderful! We have basically ate everything on the menu and have enjoyed every morsel. We love the family style setting! It is truly a magical place!
November 2018 by Joseph M.
Solid place for a beer and good food!
November 2018 by Karen H.
We were in Occidental for vacation. I wanted to hit this restaurant. It had good reviews. And they were true! We tried the ravioli and lasagna. Had the minestrone. Very good. The bread twists are soft and chewy. Had heard good things about the tirimisu and really wanted to try it. It is, indeed, big enough for two. Really yummy and decadent. Topped it off with cappuccino and hot cocoa. The waitress was particularly kind and welcoming. The room is very interesting, with lots to look at. And the music fit the mood.
November 2018 by Jt K.
I received a coupon for a free pizza when I did the Sonoma Canopy Tour. I didn't have high expectations for a free pizza and when I walked in to the Union Hotel they became even lower. It was super early so that may have been why the place was empty. We were ready to walk out and head to another place to eat when our server came with the complimentary bread and my wife decided to stay since she didn't want to make a scene and boy am I glad we did. We ate out in the patio on a beautiful day. Clear view of the redwoods and all the other trees. The service was great and the food was amazing. Best pizza I have ever had. Traditional crust was made from the same amazing dough as the bread. Nice crunch and super soft. The minestrone soup had nice big chunks of veggies and the salad was a perfect compliment. Can't wait to go back. I would give 6 stars for the service if I could.
November 2018 by Carol G.
I have written reviews before about this fabulous restaurant, over the years. But, this is for their takeout. The pizzas are so good! The crust, whether thin or thick is handmade sourdough, & omg! The best ever! Their veggies come from their own gardens, & the sauce & everything is homemade. Their homemade sausage, & the linguici is extraordinary. They have " special " Tuesdays for bargain pizzas. You can also get almost anything to take home. We have gotten almost everything on the menu to take home when we didn't want to eat in. Their desserts are extraordinary too. Their carrot cake is exceptional, & they give you huge slices. Or try their fritters, or delicious mud pie! Everyone their is so nice, & helpful. The history comes through once you enter the hotel. It's a experience that no one should miss. My other reviews talk about their excellent food, and never miss their clam chowder so delicious. I have never had anything there that wasn't delicious. The atmosphere, food, ppl are all worth the 5 stars. And Barbara the owner, a true Lady and such a lovely one at that!
October 2018 by Alicia G.
I will continue to love this place again and again! I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant and bar while you are in the Occidental area. The pizza, pasta, appetizers, drinks, desserts, homemade pastries, friendly staff, welcoming owner...it is such a lovely restaurant overall. I love this place, they treat you like family right when you walk in and they feed you like family. The chicken pot pie is delicious, the spaghetti and meatballs are always authentic, the fried ravioli, everything is soo good!
October 2018 by BoulderNut
OK, it’s the same every time we go, and that’s a good thing. Nice soup to nuts menu providing Italian comfort food. Everything is great from soup, salad, pizza, chicken, ravioli, etc. Don’t miss beans for salad, cheese and salami plate, bread sticks, wine, and fine service. Yes, they should cut down on salt. Enjoy.
October 2018 by Rebecca T.
My husband and I had our wedding rehearsal dinner here. This place holds a special place in my heart since I have been coming here since I was a child. The food was great, atmosphere was wonderful. We got the pizzeria area all to ourselves. It was private and intimate. They did a great job making sure all guests were happy and allowed our family's younger children to run around our private area (ages 18 months to 9 years). I received many compliments about how great the food was and how the atmosphere was so welcoming. Like we were visiting a family's home. I highly recommend this place for a large group, small group, and even have had some wonderful dinner dates here. We plan to make this place our anniversary dinner date location every year. Sadly no photos were taken of the location, they were all family photos, which I wont post. On a separate recommendation, if you like tiramisu, you MUST... MUST try theirs. I recommend that you share it though. It is one of the best I have ever had, but is a large portion. Too much for most people to eat solo.
