Cafe Citti: A Culinary Love Letter to Italy in Santa Rosa If you haven't heard the hype about Cafe Citti, let me be the one to confirm: it's mind blowing. From the moment we sat down, the flavors, textures, and ambiance transported us straight to a cozy hillside trattoria. We kicked things off with the Special Antipasto Salad--a dreamy lineup featuring bresaola, and house-made burrata so creamy it could double as dessert, paired with a seasoned olive medley that danced on the palate. The focaccia, fresh from the oven, came with local olive oil and a balsamic glaze that felt like a warm hug from Sonoma itself. Then came the Polenta Fries-dangerously addictive, especially with that pesto aioli. I could write sonnets about them. Next up: Prawns alla Diavola, cooked to perfection and served in a sauce that was pure magic bold, balanced, and impossible to forget. We didn't think we had room for entrées, but with appetizers this good, skipping them would've been a crime. The Potato Gnocchi? Like cotton candy for grown-ups--pillowy, fresh, and utterly divine. The Ravioli alla Citti converted me from a ravioli skeptic to a full-blown devotee--bursting with flavor and clearly crafted with love. And the Polenta with Porcini Sauce? Comforting, creamy, and elevated with a crisp crust that added just the right crunch. If this is what Italy tastes like, I'm never coming back. We closed out with a trio of desserts-Gelato, Tiramisu, and Crème Brûlée-each one a sweet finale to a symphony of flavors. The ambiance? Cozy, welcoming, and exactly what you'd want from a place that feels like home. Cafe Citti isn't just a meal, it's an experience, a celebration, and a reminder that food can be both art and comfort. Brava. Thank you for the incredible service, cocktails, and your passion in sharing a piece of home with us all. Italiano Famiglia read more

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My first time dining here after the move from Kenwood. From start to finish everything was A+. It was a very warm evening yet sitting on the patio above the creek was quite nice with the curtains & fans. Our server, Darian, could not have been more fabulous. He joked with my granddaughter who was being a bit shy which invoked a smile. The garden salad I had was good- but the stars of the show were the Fried Polenta with a creamy mushroom sauce, the focaccia bread (which was refilled as needed) and the tiramisu which I had as my birthday dessert. Darian delivered the dessert with a very big candle and sang to me. I'd definitely come back here! read more

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So very glad we finally made it to one of our cousin's favorite restaurants! If it were closer, it be our favorite as well. This is an adorable, small Italian restaurant. Seating is outside on their covered patio. Everyone is so very nice & helpful. As wonderful as the employees, owner & ambiance are, the food is the star! 1st: I had the porcini mushroom, yellow onion & Pancetta pizza. 5 stars all the way with everything we ate!. So good! We shared a house Italian salad, delicious! Butter lettuce was cold & crisp! Cousin & husband had their polenta dinner & loved it. We had their tiramisu, perfectly made & their cannoli. Cannoli had chocolate chips, dark cherries & pistachios! Are you kidding me! No reservations; opens at 4:30 pm. What a wonderful experience we had, with a happy, helpful staff & delicious food! read more

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Cafe Citti is an authentic Italian restaurant. Its seating area is quite small so reservations might be smart. The staff was friendly and accommodating. The full size pasta is enough to share and was delicious. The polenta fries and dipping sauces were amazing! The salad dressing was unique but really good. Recommend checking this local spot out! read more

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First time doing take out at Cafe Citti! The owner Linda assisted with grabbing my bags for take out. She was very sweet and asked if I needed silverware and if I had enough bread (she gave me 4 Focaccia Bread Slices)! I told her yes, it's just the two of us having dinner at home and she said "There you go!" with a smile on her face. I ordered two pastas: Alfredo and Linguine with pomodoro sauce (added zucchinis). They clumped a little from the take out box but you just have to mix it together, get the sauce going and it's delicious! I had to get their whole chicken which was cooked with rosemary, sage and garlic. I also ordered their garden salad. Definitely more than enough food for two people and we have dinner again tonight with the leftovers. Love the family story behind Cafe Citti. I love that everything is served family style whether you get their family meals (serves 6-8) or a la carte. read more

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Still the Best - Even Better at the New Location! Cafe Citti has been a longtime favorite of mine, and I'm thrilled to say it's just as incredible--if not better--since the move to the new location a few years ago. I'll admit, I was a little worried the quality might dip with the transition, but those fears were completely unfounded. If anything, it's improved--and now they're even closer to home, which makes it all the more convenient. Luca, the owner, is a fantastic chef and an even better person. His passion for food shines through in every dish, and he's always so personable and warm whenever we chat. It's rare to find someone who's not only talented in the kitchen but also genuinely great to talk to(not a bad pool player either). The food is consistently delicious--fresh, flavorful, and comforting. Whether you're a longtime fan or thinking of trying Cafe Citti for the first time, I can't recommend it enough. Five stars all the way! read more

Last minute decision to try Cafe Citti out tonight. Wow is all I can say. Very small but mighty authentic Italian trattoria. We were seated immediately and fresh warm focaccia bread was put in front of us. Oil and an amazingly sweet balsamic vinegar was on the table. Delish!!! Our amazing server guided us with our order. We split the Caesar salad and then ordered their signature lasagna dish and the ravioli. Both were off the charts wonderful. We will be back to this little gem real soon. Food was fresh and served fast. In and out in under an hour. Thank you Cafe Citti read more

Easy order and pick up process. Food is so good. I had lasagna and my husband had penne with bolognese. Lots of bread. And the tiramisu and brûlée were amazing. Large portions that made lunch the next day easy. Definitely our go to for Italian food in Santa Rosa. read more

Beautiful plants and kind staff. There was a grumpy fellow with long gray hair who I thought was a customer but at the end of my time there I experienced him openly barking meanly and loudly at the staff. His body language seemed full of hate. The women graciously took his meanness quietly. And I believe he may have been management or even an owner. If that is who he was he would be smart to stay away from the public part of the business. I don't think I'll go back because of him read more

There staff is super fantastic the owner is amazing and the food is some of the best quality authentic Italian food you will ever have everything on their menu is amazing. We will definitely be going back. read more

Cafe Citti - The best tiramisu - Italian Near Me - Santa Rosa, California

Amazingly good pasta dishes and a sweet deck out the back for al fresco dining. Sweet treats are enticing as well.

Legit Italian cafe, we come here every time we're in Kenwood. Thanks to my trusty Yelp app, we dined here 5 years ago. The locals and tourists alike love this place. They have been in the adorable Kenwood space for 30 years. They have since moved to Santa Rosa next to Hank's Creekside on 4th Street, even closer. Their menu is extensive with authentic Italian eats. Service is stellar, everyone is so friendly and happy. It's like you're dining with family, but way better, as some real family members you don't like j/k (not really) lol. Grazie and see you on Yelp (SYOY)! read more

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Oh my god, this was a 10/10 experience every time! Service is great, fast, and friendly actually felt like they cared about us and their job. It's a beautiful small outside space. You can hear the road a bit but the ambience of the space makes up for it. The food, omg the food! Lasagna was melting in my mouth amazing, the layers were precise and so flavorful! Such big portions on the pasta too! Will be coming back and definitely recommend if you're looking for a good splurge. read more

Cafe Citti - Lasagna - Italian Near Me - Santa Rosa, California

It had been a few years since eating at Cafe Citti. The food is still great and the service was excellent. We sat outside on the deck and the setting was comfortable. Both of our main dishes Gnocchi and Linguini with chicken in a garlic cream sauce were excellent. We also had the polenta fries which were so good and finished with some yummy tiramisu. We will go back. read more

2nd time doing take out from here. Portions are very generous, food is quite good. Had penne with pesto and then Linguine with garlic cream sauce. Both are pretty good, strawberry and chocolate gelato are fantastic! Very creamy and freshly made. Quick friendly service at the register read more

The people who serve you here could not be nicer and more efficient. We had their Gnocchi and it was fabulous! The best we ever had was at Osteria in SF. They closed, so were thankful that Cafe Citti's Gnocchi was so good. read more

I have never been here. The lady in front was super nice. Since you can only sit outside we ordered to go. They need to fix the photos on the website. My friends spaghetti with marinara sauce was good she said. I had linguine with carbonara sauce. There was so many noodles and almost no sauce. No flavor. I dumped most of it. Foccicia bread was ok. The chocolate moose pudding was very good. Bad first impression. read more

We had a relaxing and delicious impromptu dinner Friday evening on the shady (and cool!) back deck of Cafe Citti. Our server Darian was charming, funny and extremely efficient. The SO had the rotisserie chicken with pesto penne, I had a small Caesar salad with calamari. Excellent! Finished with the tiramisu which was wonderful sitting in a "Citti" decorated sauce. Fantastic experience, will definitely return! read more

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First time back since they were in Kenwood, location is different, but the food is still the same! This was the first time eating here for my wife and she loved it. She ordered pesto linguini with shrimp and I ate linguini carbonara. The shrimp were cooked perfectly and the pesto wasn't too oily. My carbonara had great flavor, and a very generous portion. I don't remember having this dish at Kenwood, but I'm glad I ordered it. The service was great as well. Can't wait to go back! read more

Cafe Citti - Linguini carbonara - Italian Near Me - Santa Rosa, California

Excellent food, service and staff was the best! Loved the atmosphere too!! Can't wait to go again!!!

Had an amazing experience here! It is the cutest little restraunt and has amazing food! I would have had posted a picture but the food was too good to Wait! read more

I finally tried Cafe Citti, not having been to their previous location in Kenwood. Went with a friend who loves Italian food. I had called ahead to make reservations, only to find out (and also stated on their website!) that they do not accept reservations. Hours are usually 4:30p-7pm. The person taking my call suggested getting there early. So we arrived at 5:45 which was the sweet spot before the evening rush on a Friday. I found Cafe Citti to be a jewel of an Italian cafe. You would not really know what hides behind the walls by looking at it from 4th Street. There were some tables outside in front for dining /waiting for a table. We entered and waited at the hostess stand. To the left was the small but efficient kitchen, and to the right, a small room with a piece or 2 of kitchen equipment. A narrow path passes between them to the outdoor seating. The door opens and there lies a magical outdoor area, strung with lights, nestled in the trees. There are about 6 tables outdoors, and we sat at a 2-top. (I kind of felt like a princess!) Very soft music. Very low key, inducing instant relaxation. We were presented with foccacia bread, about 4 slices, and bottles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar were on the table. All delicious. My friend ordered the Lasagne ($26.95) Tuscan style Fresh Lasagna noodles layered with Bolognese sauce, béchamel sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. It arrived in a large bowl/plate. The flavors were rich, comforting, and all melded and melted together for lasagne perfection. I had the 1/2 Chicken Summer Combo ($22.95) Half rotisserie chicken, house potato salad and heirloom tomato and red onion salad with fresh basil. Oh my goodness. The chicken had perfectly seasoned crispy skin and the meat was tender and delicious. The heirloom tomato salad was excellent - ripe, delicious tomotoes, small slivers of onion and then basil, with balsamic vinegar. I wanted much more of this! I was not really a fan of the potato salad- it had more dressing/mayo on it than I like, and could use more flavor. That said, I ate it all anyway:) We just had water, no cocktails or wine. I wish I had gotten the name of our server - he was absolutely delightful. Fun to joke a bit with, quick wit, and so efficient. Note that because of the limited number of tables, there is a discreet note on a stand on each table kindly asking patrons to limit their time at the table to 90 minutes, so more people can dine. I thinks that's fair. So if you are one to want to sit and chat and drink wine for hours, maybe not the best place to do it out of courtesy for others waiting for a table. In terms of navigating through the cafe, not really sure how a wheelchair could get through to the back seating area, but a walker could make it. If you are W/C bound, there is seating outside in the front that should accommodate you. Did not use the bathroom, so unsure of its condition or space. (Added note: Linda at the Cafe tells me wheelchairs have made it through safely and bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.) Overall, it was a delightful dinner and experience. There were so many different pasta sauces there, that there is something for everyone. I cannot wait to go back! And go early:) read more

We were so incredibly blown away by the food and the staff! The drinks were so tasty and creative, and each plate was seasoned so well. We had never been here before, so we were shocked at how small the seating area is. But surprisingly, they move quickly! They even started us with drinks and appetizers on the front patio. Darion was an amazing server! He was so helpful and hilarious, and wonderfully kind and patient. We will absolutely be back to try more items on the menu. read more

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My wife had the lasagne, and loved it, I had the garlicky ceasar & 1/2 roast chicken. Good old fashion Ceasar salad including the anchovy fillet laid across the top, loved it, chicken was good, moist, and delicious. Looks like most of thieir business is take out, just a few tables in the back on a covered porch, which is well heated and comfortable on a cold rainy night. We will be back for more. read more

I haven't been in to Cafe Citti, but my in-laws recently brought us takeout from there to celebrate a birthday. The food was easily the best Italian food I've ever had outside of Italy! We split a Caesar salad (yum, very garlicky dressing), my husband had the ravioli (delicious), my daughter had the chicken breast sandwich (so good!), and I had gnocchi with Bolognese sauce (also delicious). Also the polenta fries appetizer (maybe the highlight of the meal!) and foccacia. Cannoli and gelato for dessert and we were all stuffed but happy (and with plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day)! And everything was packed with such care and attention to detail--the croutons for the salad were in a separate bag so they didn't get soggy, and everything cold was nicely separated from everything hot. It is very obvious that Cafe Citti really cares about their customers, too! I have a couple food allergies so I sent them an email ahead of time to check ingredients on a few dishes. Linda replied to my email soon after they opened, answered all of my questions, and was very gracious about it! read more

for my first time there I ordered a pint of soup, a focaccia bread. a caesar salad and 1 cannoli. It came to 49.71. I was in a bit of shock at the price but took my food home and opened the salad first. It was mostly back hard part of lettuce and barley any leafy part. It had a few croutons and 1 (one) pine nut. I threw it away and put my own lettuce in with the dressing. The focaccia was good, I have had better, the soup good and the cannoli excellent. I took a photo of the bad lettuce that should have never been used and sent it to the restaurant and got no answer. that small salad was 18. I will not go there again and report to my friends who live in Santa Rosa. read more

Cafe Citti - nothing back backs and hard ends of lettuce in this 18. salad - Italian Near Me - Santa Rosa, California

The Caesar salad was great! Lots of dressing, lettuce was crisp and fresh! Croutons had a nice flavor. The bread was delicious!

What a cute lovely site to have a meal. Their outside deck over looks a stream and trees. Ahhhh. And then comes the food. We started with their famous Caesar salad and then had Gnocchi Al Pesto and Linguine Scampi, all beautifully presented and delicious. Then we ordered tiramisu to go. Wow, it was probably the best tiramisu I've ever had and I've had tiramisu all over Italy. Service was excellent. Plus their Italian drinks are a real treat. Everything is great there. read more

The delivery of my order on Wednesday March 26 was not delivered to the door, but outside the entryway. I had to hunt for it. The food was cold. A quick knock on the door would have sufficed. I will not be orderinddelivery again. I live in Oakmont. read more

As tourists, we would stop at the Kenwood restaurant for lunch, on our way from Santa Rosa airport to our hotel, after wine tasting, or just to get biscotti. The food was always delicious, the crooked floor was charming, and staff so friendly. We were so sad to see it close, especially since we were moving nearby in Santa Rosa. The floors in the new location aren't crooked, and Linda is as friendly as ever wearing many hats with less staff. The food is still as delicious. The gnocchi and polenta dishes were so generous we took some of each home, with a biscotti to go. The patio in the back is cozy, and has heaters if you need them. With the charming mural of the Tuscan landscape and Andrea Bocelli playing through the speakers, close your eyes , breathe in the aromas on your plate, and you could be in an Italian trattoria. read more

Watch when you order online. Check your order before you leave. Ceaser salad 19.00+ a small bowl of lettuce croutons and an anchovie on top. No ceaser dressing. Disappointed! Chicken and lasagna are good. I was called by the owner and offered a refund for the salad. I'm sorry to have written a review while I was angry. We had an honest conversation. We have many wonderful meals at Cafe Citti. I will be returning. Thanks for calling. read more

My wife and I had an exceptional dinner last Friday night! This was our first time eating dinner at Cafe Citti, and we were definitely not disappointed! The intimate, outdoor seating had a wonderful ambience. The staff were very courteous and welcoming. Linda Citti, who served us, was very pleasant and gracious. Overall, the complete dinner was outstanding! Everything is housemade and absolutely fresh and delicious. All dishes were served with excellent presentation with a wonderful smile from Linda. View the attached photos to see what I mean! All these items brought me right back to my Italian grandmother's house when 50 years ago we had similar superb meals. The gnocchi were of proper consistency and texture. The Porcini sauce was was delightfully creamy with a fabulous earthy flavor from the wild mushrooms. The ravioli was also equally delicious and so memorable. The pasta was proper thin layers that melted in your mouth and then the special flavors of the filling hits your tongue to help send you back to the "Old Country". We finished the meal with two housemade desserts: tiramisu (again, excellent presentation!), and an impressive chocolate covered almond biscotti. My wife and I highly recommend coming to Cafe Citti! You will not be disappointed! read more

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The complimentary focaccia paired with olive oil and balsamic was fantastic. The house salad dressing was one of the best Italian dressings I've had. The polenta with Marsala wine sauce and porcini mushrooms was second to none. My wife and son had the gnocchi with pesto, which was perfectly cooked and flavorful. The hazelnut and chocolate chip gelatos were a hit with the family. The service was unmatched and the ambience was great as well. They are in a league of their own. We will be back. read more

Twenty years of excellent food since weve been going there since the early 80's. Right on down to the Ceasar salad. ask for xtra anchovies. read more

Love cafe Citti! I always order the linguini with white clam sauce and as always it is delicious. Their chicken and Caesar salad are so garlicky and delicious! Had the tiramisu for the first time here it was soooo good, just a bit soggy at the bottom but 10/10 would eat here again! read more

Cafe Citti - Italian Near Me - Santa Rosa, California

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Food...delicious Service...wonderful Setting on patio...perfect We truly enjoyed our time there, a very nice, small, place you have to visit!!!! We got there just a little after they opened and was fortunate to get a table right away. If you went at night I'm sure it's romantic with the lights hanging. read more

I had to skip my go to ... the calamari sando... and try something different. Nothing disappoints here, impeccable service, food and now the outdoor patio. Opted for the fried polenta with mushroom and Marsala sauce, others in the party ordered the lasagna, pesto with penne. Back to the polenta... perfectly served, crisp on the outside and that sauce is delicious I think it was a mushroom and marsala sauce. Took the tiramisu and gelato home for later... deliziosa! read more

The food is superior and very Italian! Highly recommend any of the pastas. Fantastic Caesar salads! The cannoli for desert is not to be missed! Very authentic. read more

I was very underwhelmed by this tiny little place. It's tiny and was very crowded. Orders weren't taken at the table, even though it looked like the type of place that would have full table service. My chicken was very bland, no spice or seasonings. Not what I was expecting at all and I was a bit disappointed...nothing special. read more

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My fiancé & I went to Cafe' Citti last night after both having a long day with the intent to pick up some food to-go & enjoy our dinner at home. As we began to order Linda "suggested" we consider enjoying our meal in their outdoor patio. We reluctantly agreed to politely take a quick look only to find their "Hidden Gem" which offered us a place to enjoy their food on site. Imagine our surprise when we discovered an enclosed, heated & elegantly draped intimate outdoor-seating area above Santa Rosa Creek, a beautiful mural painted on the exterior wall of an Italian farmhouse, soft music playing and the sound of rainfall capping our dining experience. We shared their must have one-of-a-kind Caesar Salad, the restaurant's signature homemade Ravioli alla Citti & finally their Gnocchi w/ Bolognese. We then capped off our evening by enjoying a Chocolate Mousse & an Affogato. The food was amazing, the service impeccable (thank you Darien!) & the intimate outdoor-seating area is definitely a "must try"! Oh yeah, we also took home a "Ball of Mozzarella" to enjoy before dinner tonight! Grazie per l'ottimo pasto e la bellissima serata, davvero molto buono! read more