Swiss Hotel

Description:

• With its slanting floors and beamed ceilings, the historic Swiss Hotel, in the town center, is a Sonoma landmark and the local favorite for fine, satisfying food at reasonable prices. The turn-of-the-20th-century oak bar is adorned with black-and-white photos of pioneering Sonomans. The white dining room and sidewalk patio seats are a pleasant place to enjoy lunch specials such as penne with chicken, mushrooms, and tomato cream; hot sandwiches; and California-style pizzas fired in a wood-burning oven. But the secret spot is the very atmospheric back garden patio -- a secluded oasis shaded by a wisteria-covered trellis and adorned with plants, a fountain, gingham tablecloths, and a fireplace. Dinner might start with a warm winter salad of radicchio and frisée with pears, walnuts, and blue cheese. My favorite main courses include linguine and prawns with garlic, hot pepper, and tomatoes; the filet mignon wrapped in blue-cheese crust; and roasted rosemary chicken.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010