October 2019 by R Lucchesi
The food, atmosphere, and people of the Union Hotel Restaurant are all top notch. Barbara and her staff go out of their way to make sure you feel at home, and that you enjoy your meal. The food is amazing, and we go there every time we go out to the coast. If you visit here you won't be disappointed.
September 2019 by Nick
Just had my wedding with the Union Hotel and it was incredible. The ceremony was at the Trees and the reception was at the Union Hotel in their Bocce Ballroom. All of the staff, especially Barbara, were accommodating and had exceptional customer service. The ceremony site was beautiful and required little to no decorations to make it look magical. The food was, of course, out of this world and a highlight of the night for many of our guests. They helped us to have an amazing weekend and I am so happy we worked with them to host our wedding!
September 2019 by kc uyeda
This place is amazing. Great food and large portions I wish I could eat more. Then the waiter showed us the desert menu. Lol. If you are not a big eater then I would suggest share the main meal with 2 people. Get a soup and salad each then you can get a dessert.
September 2019 by denise lucchesi
Every time we had to the coast for a getaway, we go to the Union Hotel for dinner. Barbara and the staff are amazing. The food is delicious! Would highly recommend the beautiful drive to the Union Hotel.
September 2019 by Nick C.
Just had my wedding with the Union Hotel and it was incredible. The ceremony was at the Trees and the reception was at the Union Hotel in their Bocce Ballroom. All of the staff, especially Barbara, were accommodating and had exceptional customer service. The ceremony site was beautiful and required little to no decorations to make it look magical. The food was, of course, out of this world and a highlight of the night for many of our guests. They helped us to have an amazing weekend and I am so happy we worked with them to host our wedding!
September 2019 by Andrew M.
I've lived in Sonoma County most of my life, I was born here, and love this area as most do. Growing up, my family and I had became regulars at a handful of independent restaurant through out the county, unfortunately Union Hotel wasn't one of them :(. Yet I met my soul mate 8+ years ago, and she introduced me to a staple her family had frequented for over a half century, while not even being from Sonoma County! We stopped here on our way back from camping at Doran the first few months we dated, and I instantly fell in love. Everything I've ate there is my favorite, I'd say the lasagne is my go to, I'd never ate clam chowder before, now it's the only soup I want to eat, I believe they offer it only on weekends. Their ravioli is perfect, the hint of nutmeg puts it over the top. Their house vinaigrette tossed on their house salad is perfect. I love beef, their ribeye is always marbled wonderfully. Just the dining experience is something that is hard to replicate, it brings one to a different place and time, where owning a restaurant was about loving to feed your guests whom turn into regulars, whom turn into family. Family style Italian dining, made with love, a great experience! Thank you!
September 2019 by B H.
I love this place. I did not grow up in Sonoma County. When I was 12, my family went on a road trip and my father brought us here. I love the family style food. My favorites are the bruchetta, minestrone soup, ravoli, ...really anything. I now live in Santa Rosa. My dad still lives out of the area. he is 90 and always asks if I've been out to occidental for that delicious italian place. This is also low-key. no fancy anything. Just very much like home
September 2019 by Christina P.
This is a place to come home and remember our past connections to family friends and our values. Slow down and talk to the owner and lovely people who all make an experience at the Union a sweet evening.
September 2019 by Moejoe1238 ..
The owner and all of her staff are some of the friendliest people I've met. This is a great spot to come and relax and enjoy great food!!
September 2019 by Julie D.
The Union Hotel in Occidental is a hidden gem from the past. Barbara, the owner, is so gracious and greeted us so warmly, giving us a complimentary bruschetta to start off our amazing night. The bruschetta is reason enough to make us want to come back every time! She also took time when the restaurant was extremely busy on a warm summer evening in August to sit down at our table and talk with us. We can tell she puts everything into the Union. The food is hands down amazing. I had the Ravioli and my friend had the Chicken Florentine. Both were fantastic. They're famous for their ravioli, so I had to try it. I have to say, it beat my expectations entirely. My friend also loved her chicken Florentine. It was some of the best food she has ever had at a restaurant. We sat in the brick patio courtyard which was lovely. It was so relaxing sitting there with a nice glass of La Crema Chardonnay and taking in the breathtaking views of the redwoods in the background. The staff were fantastic as well. Barbara trains her servers at a very high level and I noticed that right away. I was expecting slower service since it was so crowded, but was pleasantly surprised at how attentive our waiter was. I was very impressed. For dessert, we had their famous carrot cake and chocolate mousse. I couldn't believe the portions we got as they came out. It was my friend's birthday, also, and the carrot cake was served with a candle and the staff sang her happy birthday which I thought was a special personal touch. The carrot cake is hands down the best I have ever had. This was on another level. If you get a chance, take a look at the history of the Union dating back to 1879 on back of their dessert menus. It is amazing. It's been in the same family since the start of the 1900's and has been passed down every generation since. All in all, this was one of the best restaurants I have been to in a long time, and I will definitely be going back. I couldn't get enough of the old Italian style, charm and atmosphere!
September 2019 by William Y.
So glad we picked this place for our car-club outing. Barbara is the best. Burschetta is to die for. Kirby says the Roasted chicken is the best she's had. Everything is first class, including the cookies. We picked the best time of year, not too hot but were able to sit outside. Food great, service outstanding and Barbara the best hostess ever. Bill & Kirby
September 2019 by Rocky S.
This place is an old time staple of ours. Since we've been out of the state for over 14 years we thought we'd give this a try again. The place hasn't changed much but our palates have. For what it is the family enjoyed the overall experience. We were a party of 9. We were seated immediately- which is impressive! The waitress was gone a lot so that was hard because by the time we saw her again it was at least 15 minutes. Slow service for sure. We got the soup and salad and 5 of us got the chicken dish. My daughter got a Florentine chicken dish and my sis got an Irish coffee ($10). All with bread and ravioli in red sauce. The clam chowder I heard was ok. Needed more flavor but still good. I enjoyed the minestrone soup. We had plenty of water and the lemonade was late to dinner and so was a Cesar salad that was ordered with the rest of the dinner. Not sure why the delay was so long for those two things but the waitress again was MIA. For 9 ppl and one drink, 2 soda waters and lemonade it was $256. Not cheap. Every dinner starts at $25 and just the soup and salad is $16. I think it should have been less. Not sure we would go back. But it was nice to be nostalgic for a night.
September 2019 by Terie H.
Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Beautiful atmosphere, great service, and phenomenal food! The basket of bread is warm and soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. The clam chowder and the Minestrone soup was so so so delicious and everything else too! We will definitely be back!!
September 2019 by Katelin H.
Easily the best part of our Labor Day weekend at the River. The food is absolutely delicious - and not just because it's one of a few options. This is "drive in from San Francisco to get it" good! The service is outstanding and it's really lovely to dine al fresca on a warm summer night. (Pro tip: get the mud pie for dessert!)
August 2019 by Rashael M.
I love this place. Pretty relaxed vibe. Cozy at night time. Outside seating in nice summer days. The food here is great very classic Italian dishes. I can eat everything on the menu. The bread is great you can tell it's made fresh daily. I always get the soup and salad deal becAuse there salad is perfect portion and the minestrone is reeeeaal good. I also LOVE the garlic pizza. It has mushrooms,sweet glazed onions,garlic, mozzarella cheese, sausage and the Best crust ever where it's still a little gooey in the inside but crispy on the outside to die for!! I'm only giving it four starts because I feel the building is so old it needs to be remodeled like update the bathrooms would be nice. Otherwise hands down a lovely place to eat.
August 2019 by eric olsen
We've been going to The Union for four Generations. Beginning in the late 50's we've gone to the Union several times over the every summer. Food and service have always been excellent. My favorite is the lasagna with home made Italian sausage. They also make excellent pizza. Another highlight is the old fashioned bar. Very little staff turnover which speaks well of the management. If you're in the area, you won't be disappointed.
August 2019 by Tracie Watson
My fiance and I were looking for a place for our rehearsal dinner for about 40 people, and the Union Hotel Restaurant was suggested to us. From the moment we were in contact with Barb, the owner, everything seemed smooth sailing. She asked us what our vision was for the event, and seemed incredibly happy to help in any way that was possible.
August 2019 by Darin Hedrick
If you have not been to the Union Hotel, you are MISSING OUT. Period. Food: excellent. Staff: even better. Old time feeling with portions that will have even big time eaters like myself, walking out with assistance. And if you get a chance to say hi to the owner, Barbara, you will instantly understand why this place is such a gem. If you're within 50 miles, stop by....even if it means going out of your way...you won't regret it.
August 2019 by Darlene Dickinson
My boyfriend and I were doing a short weekend trip in the Bodega Bay area and I'm so glad we came across this place! The owner was so kind and had the kitchen make us a pizza to go even though they were already closed for the night. She even gave us free pie, too! She went out of her way to give us a bunch of suggestions for things to do on the last day of our trip, explaining the history about the area as she listed destinations. We also got a glimpse of the dining area and it was adorable and authentic looking. The pizza and pie were delicious, and I can't wait to go back!
August 2019 by Saiful Rimkeit
We had a four coarse dinner.
August 2019 by Katie Hedrick
The Union Hotel has a great atmosphere. Everything from the service to the food was fabulous! I highly recommend the bruschetta and calamari for appetizers. If you are fortunate enough to eat their on Friday night, the clam chowder is a MUST! The owner Barbara is probably the kindest, most down to earth person you will EVER meet! Thank you for the memorable dining experience!
August 2019 by Pink S
Who says you can't go back home again. Every dining experience at the Union Hotel is like being home. Every patron is treated like family. Barb (one of the owners) is a goddess who makes everyone feel special. Gien, Barb’s daughter, is an all-star and the sweetest. The Gonnella family has owned this establishment since 1879. They have managed to maintain the standards that made The Union Hotel excellent while incorporating progressive additions. My family has been coming here for generations, and we have never been disappointed. The food is unbelievable. Authentic Italian. Once you experience the Union Hotel you will continue to return. The restaurant is charming. There is a very quaint Saloon, and a beautiful outdoor patio. I also have to mention the Bakery with the best chocolate, chocolate chip cookies ever. So yummy. I was just up there again for my birthday, and it was awesome. The pizza is so amazing, I'm still dreaming of it. Many thanks to Teddy, our server, for accommodating our special request. My other favorites are the minestrone soup, ribeye steak, ravioli, chicken parm, and polenta, etc. The dinners are family style, so come with an empty stomach, and be prepared for leftovers. Quality and quantity. If you get a chance to stay overnight, their guesthouses are so beautiful. They are surrounded by gorgeous woods, and serenity. They also host weddings in their grove, and receptions and events in their Ballroom. Just do yourself a favor, and go melt into one of the best experiences you will ever have. Unique and nostalgic. The Union Hotel is a home away from home.
August 2019 by pinkshimmer j.
Who says you can't go back home again. Every dining experience at the Union Hotel is like being home. Every patron is treated like family. Barb (one of the owners) is a goddess who makes everyone feel special. Gien, Barb's daughter, is an all-star and the sweetest. The Gonnella family has owned this establishment since 1879. They have managed to maintain the standards that made The Union Hotel excellent while incorporating progressive additions. My family has been coming here for generations, and we have never been disappointed. The food is unbelievable. Authentic Italian. Once you experience the Union Hotel you will continue to return. The restaurant is charming. There is a very quaint Saloon, and a beautiful outdoor patio. I also have to mention the Bakery with the best chocolate, chocolate chip cookies ever. So yummy. I was just up there again for my birthday, and it was awesome. The pizza is so amazing, I'm still dreaming of it. Many thanks to Teddy, our server, for accommodating our special request. My other favorites are the minestrone soup, ribeye steak, ravioli, chicken parm, and polenta, etc. The dinners are family style, so come with an empty stomach, and be prepared for leftovers. Quality and quantity. If you get a chance to stay overnight, their guesthouses are so beautiful. They are surrounded by gorgeous woods, and serenity. They also host weddings in their grove, and receptions and events in their Ballroom. Just do yourself a favor, and go melt into one of the best experiences you will ever have. Unique and nostalgic. The Union Hotel is a home away from home. Sent from my iPad
August 2019 by J M.
I hadn't eaten here in over 20 years so I was curious to see if it had changed. Walking in the side street door (bar on the left) it looked exactly the same with the delicious smell of tomato sauce wafting through the air. Before our meal, we congregated in the bar; the friendly bartender, Joelle, made delicious Greyhounds and Bloody Marys for us. The food, like the physical structure of the restaurant, was just as I remembered: plentiful servings, hearty and good. In spite of the fact that our large party, replete with active young children, was very distracting and busy, our server, Max, was helpful, friendly, flexible and tireless. MAX IS A 5 STAR SERVER! We sat outside on the terrace. So beautiful!
July 2019 by Maria Amato
My husband and I were staying at Timber Cove Resorts about 2 weeks ago, which is about an hour away and I really wanted Italian food. We traveled the hour to try out Union Hotel Restaurant & Cafe and we were not disappointed! Not only was there a lot of food served "family style," but it was delicious!!!!! The manager came out and explained the dishes and how the family style worked. She was so friendly to us and even shared the history of the restaurant that has been in the family for years. I loved hearing about it and am so grateful that we made the drive as it was so worth it.
July 2019 by Deborah Day
July 2019 by Shari Spiers
Great Food! Warm welcoming service!! Everything made fresh in house. Homemade Raviolis to die for! Warm bread and delicious bakery items will have you coming back for more! I can hardly wait to go back!
July 2019 by edwardo596
After reading all the reviews, I couldn’t wait to go here for the clam chowder and Italian food. What a wasted trip. The chowder was more a creamy potato soup than clam chowder. The spaghetti was absolutely the worst I have ever had in my life and I am 82 years young, so I have had a lot of spaghetti in my life time. I sure can’t figure out all the great reviews as even my wife’s chicken cacciatore was horrible. My meatballs had no flavor at all. Recommend you save your gas money and your dinner money. There are so many good restaurants, forget this one. Terrible experience.
July 2019 by Patricia A.
Went in for dinner while on a trip to Bodega Bay. I had no idea that Occidental was know for its Italian cooking. When you enter the dining area, it's as if you're taken back in time, to when ingredients were freshly picked from the family farm, and the sheep that made it onto your plate were from the nearby fields. The food is served here family style. This is traditional Italian (Sicilian) cooking at its finest. Service was great. Prices are reasonable. Try this gem!
July 2019 by 57r
Quaint old time feel in a quaint old town. Menu was quite limited. We went for lunch. I had a burger that was big and tasty as far as burgers go. I would have preferred something else but choice was too limited, nothing else looked interesting. There was a Caesar Salad or spaghetti with meatballs, a steak or raviolis. No other salads, no sandwiches, no fish. They did offer minestrone soup. The others in my group were equally unexcited. If you need to eat right now and this is the only place, you won’t be too disappointed but when done you’ll wish you could have saved $100 and eaten somewhere more interesting.
