6 Occidental Restaurants to Bite Into

  • Guides
  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on DECEMBER 30, 2015
  • 3413
  • 0
  • Share
Occidental is known for its family-style Italian eateries, originating with Carlo Panizzera in the early 20th century at the Union Hotel. These days, you’ll find a variety of fare to please the palate: we’ve compiled a list of the best seven restaurants for any breakfast, lunch, and dinner you need while staying in scenic Occidental.
1
Restaurants / Occidental

El Mariachi

For a break from fine dining in Occidental, check out El Mariachi. With outdoor seating and a laid-back atmosphere, this burrito-tamale joint makes for a delicious lunch stop. Enjoy a variety of freshly-made Mexican dishes like fish tacos, carnitas, and stuffed-full burritos.

Insider Tip

If you’re visiting during the colder months, bundle up; indoor seating is limited.

Details
2
Restaurants / Occidental

Howard Station Cafe

Sometimes, huge portions and an express coffee window are all you need for a quick, delicious breakfast. Howard Station Cafe has a relaxed atmosphere, crowds aside. If you’re feeling non-traditional, try the smoked salmon omelette florentine, and walk off your breakfast with a jaunt through town.

Insider Tip

They only accept cash, but don’t worry: there’s an ATM inside.

Details
3
Restaurants / Occidental

Hazel

A modern twist on the old-town feel, Hazel has comfort food you didn’t realize you were missing. With wine, pizza, short ribs, salmon, mashed potatoes, and desserts like freshly baked pie and cupcakes, it may be difficult to choose during a visit to this bustling restaurant—you may need to come back again, just to taste everything they have to offer.

Insider Tip

A local favorite is the fried Brussels sprouts served with Estero Gold cheese from California’s Cowgirl Creamery.

Details
4
Restaurants / Occidental

Negri's Family Style Italian Dinners

Italian dining equals family-style everything. Negri’s Original Italian Restaurant, with its casual, open atmosphere and bar serves up quality, old-Italian dishes like Nonna’s Ravioli and Franco’s garlic bread.

Insider Tip

While they’re known for Italian, Negri's Original Italian Restaurant serves up a popular Taco Tuesday special every week.

Details
5
Restaurants / Occidental

Union Hotel Restaurant

The Union Hotel Restaurant is the warm and inviting family-run standard in Occidental. Dishes like pizza, minestrone, and roasted chicken with salad will leave even the largest of parties feeling full and satisfied in an atmosphere that evokes a quintessential, Italian eatery, replete with strung lights, wood-hued walls and checkered tablecloths.

Insider Tip

Stop by the Saloon (also on the hotel property) for a cold beer and jukebox music.

Details
6
Restaurants / Occidental

Barley and Hops Tavern

One of the few pubs in town, Barley and Hops Tavern not only serves up microbrews, but from-scratch fare, too. Choose from a wide selection of craft beer including local favorite Purple Haze, and listen to local stories at the bar.

Insider Tip

Vegans don’t fear. Barley and Hops Tavern makes a homemade vegan patty so you can get your burger fix.

Details

You might also like

Guides

Sparkling Wine Tour Northern Sonoma County

Move over Champagne–Sonoma County is home to a wide range of sparkling wines. Here’s where…

Read More
Guides

Kenwood Wineries: Two-Day Tasting Itinerary

Elegant wineries, scenic views, and great wine await in Sonoma Valley’s Kenwood. We’ve compiled the…

Read More
Guides

Insider’s Guide to Dry Creek Valley

Dry Creek Valley may be known for its wine — zinfandel in particular — but…

Read More
Guides

8 Things to Do in Healdsburg for…

Healdsburg is a must-visit Sonoma County destination, where good food, wine, and beautiful scenery abound.…

Read More