This spot, in the reception area of the Petaluma Hotel, is a gem. It offers comfortable sofas for…read moreseating, a warm inviting fireplace, and kind hearted bartenders and staff to serve you. Check the hours, but it's awesome that at the moment it is open 7 days a week until 11pm! By far, the most inviting "later evening" spot in town for a cocktail or glass of wine. A small menu from The Shuckery is available (I believe you can order most things?) - appetizers. The restaurant is right next to this space. I great spot to relax and spend time with friends or loved ones - whether staying at Hotel Petaluma or not!

The Shuckery Parlor is located in the lobby of Hotel Petaluma, which is next door to The Shuckery…read more We were already staying in the hotel, hanging out in the lobby, and planning on getting some oysters. Turns out they didn't have space for my party in the restaurant but were more than happy to seat and serve us in the Parlor. We got drinks, appetizers, and main courses, and it was all lovely! There was a wedding happening in the hotel, so we dined to the fine tunes of the DJ (not sarcasm - the DJ was great!). Despite us being down the hall from the actual restaurant, service was good. We started with some oysters and the burrata. My friends seemed happy with their oysters, but I thought the burrata was only okay. It was a bit watery and the portion was small. I ordered the scallops and my husband got the lobster roll and we both very much enjoyed our meals. Mine came with three large scallops in a light sauce on a bed of vegetables. There were a bunch of shaved carrots and everything really came together nicely! I saw a few other smaller parties relaxing on the couches with drinks. I appreciated the option of having a more low-key option to a sit down restaurant when I was having a rare night out with friends.

Delicious wine from all over! Knowledgeable staff and warm & friendly atmosphere! They offer…read moredelicious bites I have yet to try but have heard nothing but greatness about! :) Belly up to the bar on a massive barrel (great for big bootays like myself) or dine at a bar top table overlooking downtown Ptown You won't be disappointed.

Great selection of tasty wines, and better company! Relaxing place for easy chats, locals and fun…read more Service is quick and knowledgeable and it is where I go to pick up amazing wines from good people!

5-Star Review: Brigitte Bistro is a True Taste of France in the Heart of Sonoma County!…read more If you're in Sonoma County -- or lucky enough to be visiting wine country -- do yourself a favor and make a reservation at Brigitte Bistro in Petaluma right now. This place isn't just another restaurant; it's a full-on immersion into authentic French culture, where every detail transports you straight to a charming bistro in Paris or the South of France. From the moment you walk in, the warm, intimate ambiance wraps you in that classic French elegance -- rustic yet refined, with a cozy piano bar vibe that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. The lighting, the decor, the energy... it's perfect for a romantic date night, a special celebration, or just treating yourself after a day exploring Sonoma's vineyards. But what truly elevates Brigitte Bistro to "amazing" is the incredible team led by Chef Nick Ronan. His passion shines through in every dish, drawing from his experiences in London and Paris and his childhood memories of Southern France. The menu features timeless classics executed flawlessly: think rich onion soup gratinée, perfectly seasoned steak tartare, boeuf Bourguignon that melts in your mouth, and desserts like chocolate fondant or île flottante that end the meal on a high note. Fresh, high-quality ingredients, beautiful presentations, and flavors that burst with authenticity -- it's French cuisine at its finest, right here in Petaluma. And Chef Nick's team is equally outstanding. Jean-Luc and Hassan bring that genuine French hospitality and warmth that makes you feel like family. Their attentive service, friendly smiles, and expert guidance through the menu and wine list turn a great meal into an unforgettable experience. They embody the joy and attention to detail that define true French culture. Whether you're a local like me in Rohnert Park or just passing through on vacation, Brigitte Bistro is a must-visit. It's the kind of spot that reminds you why we love dining out -- for the food, the atmosphere, the people, and those moments of pure delight. Bravo to Chef Nick, Jean-Luc, Hassan, and the entire team! You've created something special in Sonoma County. Merci beaucoup -- we'll be back soon! Highly, highly recommended. 5/5 stars. Reservations essential! 841 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA (707) 981-8381

We have been to Brigitte Bistro twice already and are definitely planning to come back again. The…read morefood is excellent, and they also have a very nice wine selection. So far we have tried a few different dishes. For appetizers, we had PÂTÉ EN CROÛTE AUX CHAMPIGNONS D'HIVER and ESCARGOTS AND MARROW BONE. My husband was a huge fan of the marrow bone. He said it was rich in flavor and had a buttery/creamy texture. For entrees, my husband ordered the WAGYU STEAK FRITES BEARNAISE and I got the Moules-frites featuring steamed mussels served with French fries. The Wagyu steak was slightly more cooked than we would have preferred, but other than that, it was juicy and seasoned well. My Moules-frites were AMAZING! The mussels were sweet, tender, and perfectly cooked, and the broth they were served in was absolutely out of this world. The fries were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Plus, we got some Della Fattoria bread with our meal, which is always a nice touch. For desserts, we tried: CHOCOLATE FONDANT - Brigitte Sea Salt Caramel Ice Cream: a perfect balance between rich chocolate and sweet, salty caramel. PISTACHIO TIRAMISU TABLE SIDE was the best! It was incredibly creamy, with a rich mascarpone filling and a wonderful pistachio flavor. And ILE FLOTTANTE (FLOATING ISLAND): the meringue practically melted in my mouth. It was light, creamy, sweet, and had a salty note that made it perfectly balanced. The service is incredible. Every single employee is welcoming, kind, smiling, and attentive. The owner is always nearby, making sure everything is running smoothly and taking the time to greet and check on guests. The restaurant is pretty small, so I would definitely advise you to make a reservation. It gets packed really quickly, and we have seen multiple parties waiting outside for the next available table. The parking lot is also on the smaller side, so one of the times we were here, we had to park up the street. I would 100% recommend this restaurant. Every time we crave French food, Brigitte Bistro is where we go!

New wine tasting room in Petaluma, with a spin, they spin records as well. They had a grand…read moreopening on July 12th. They served their sparkling brut Rose and plenty of Pinot Noir, all from Sonoma County, Sonoma Coastal, & Petaluma Gap appellation. One that stood out to us was the 2022 Dragons Back Pinot Noir. A classic tasty Pinot. They went all out and offered tasty bites that really enhanced their wines. They used to be in Healdsburg at Bacchus Landing a much larger location but not centrally located so moving to historical downtown Petaluma gives them an opportunity to attract a larger audience especially since their wines are sourced from the cooler Sonoma county region. What a fine job of remodeling the tasting room. I don't know how they did it but somehow the place seems wider and larger than the previous tasting room at this location. They opened the back with some large gathering tables and their vast selection of records is housed in the back as well. They added some small tables throughout the space. It's easy to maneuver. They also allow guests to bring food inside, so you can sip, sit, nosh & listen to some tunes. There are plenty of eateries around so it's any easy stop. As I write this review I'm reminiscing how well their Sparkling Brut Rose and Dragons Back Pinot Noir went so well with a prosciutto sandwich they offered at their grand opening. A great match, and good representation of Sonoma Coast, Petaluma Gap wines.

California's wine country has made its presence known in the heart of California's cheese country!…read moreLocated in the heart of downtown Petaluma, the Montagne Russe tasting room is the newest tasting room in Petaluma taking over from where Black Knight Vineyards recently had a tasting room. Montagne Russe's full name is Montagne Russe Winery and Record Lounge, and it is exactly what it is, as it is part wine tasting room and part vinyl record store with hundreds of new and pre-used classic record albums for sale. What a perfect place to sip great wine while enjoying hit tracks from the past. Montagne Russe pours some of the nicest wines sourced from across Sonoma County, especially the nearby Petaluma Gap, making this newest tasting venue an ideal spot to soak in the atmosphere while supporting a local business. We've visited Montagne Russe before when their tasting room was at Bacchus Landing in Healdsburg, and while it was a beautiful space, it wasn't always busy. So it's no surprise they made the move to downtown Petaluma this past year. We'd been wanting to check out their new location since they opened over the summer, and finally got the chance during a recent weekend afternoon. With lively crowds outside, parking was harder to come by, as the recommended Keller Street Garage was completely full, but a short walk from the River Plaza parking lot did the trick. Even though we had reservations, we didn't end up needing them when we arrived, but the tasting room was full by the time we left. Winemaker and owner Kevin Bersofsky greeted us with a complimentary splash of their 2022 Sparkling Brut Rosé which had subtle hints of citrus throughout. From there, I enjoyed their Library tasting while my friend enjoyed their Signature tasting, both of which were offered at 35 dollars a person. For our second tasting, I enjoyed their 2019 Silver and Gold Chardonnay while my friend enjoyed their 2023 Roberts Road Chardonnay. My tasting of the Chardonnay tasted as it it was lower in alcohol, but higher in acid than my friend's Chardonnay, but both tasted wonderful. For our third pour, we enjoyed their signature Pinot Noirs, we me enjoying their vintage from 2019 and my friend sipped on their 2022 vintage, which were both sourced from Black Knight Vineyard, of which their wine tasting room they replaced in downtown Petaluma. For our fourth pour, I enjoyed their 2021 Terra De Promissio Pinot Noir, while my friend enjoyed their 2022 "Quatre Cinq Un" Pinot Noir, for both of these wines, the tannins were not too overpowering but you could definitely taste them. For our fifth and final pour, I enjoyed their 2018 Robert's Road Pinot Noir, which had hints of baking spices and cherries, while my friend enjoyed their 2021 Alder Springs Syrah, which was lush and silky smooth. For 70 dollars, not including gratuity, we enjoyed a lovely afternoon of wine tasting. When we made our reservation, there was a note about being able to bring in takeout from nearby restaurants, though it never came up once we began our tasting and honestly, we were too focused on the wines to think about food. As the afternoon went on, the crowd grew significantly, and at times it felt like we got a bit lost in the shuffle when it came to service. Still, we made the most of our visit and thoroughly enjoyed both the wines and the people-watching. With Montagne Russe still relatively new to the downtown Petaluma community, I can easily see them thriving here for a long time to come.

We have dined at Central Market a few times, and finally had the chance to use a gift certificate…read morethat was graciously given to us. Last night's experience was outstanding. We really enjoy the vibe of downtown Petaluma, and the ambiance of the restaurant was nicely set with fresh cut flowers in the dinning room. The service was impeccable (shout out to Alex and Rita); they were very knowledgeable about the food (ingredients and preparation) and service was prompt without ever rushing us through the dining experience. We started with the meatball appetizer, and the gem salad. The Blue Ribbon Meatball was fantastic. The gem salad was mind blowingly good; every ingredient, from the eggs, the blue cheese, and the pork belly was over the top The pork belly was cooked in the wood fired oven and the smoke flavor was just amazing. For dinner we split the mushroom pizza and then finished with the Valrhona chocolate tart. Everything was cooked to perfection, the presentation and flavors were sublime. It was evident that a tremendous amount of care and attention to detail goes into the preparation and service of the meal. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will be back soon.

What a find. We spent the day exploring Petaluma and decided to have dinner at Central Market. It…read morewas a complete home run. The service was outstanding from start to finish, but what really impressed me was seeing Chef/Owner Tony Najiola actively overseeing every aspect of the operation. He visited tables, checked on guests, and was clearly involved in every detail of the dining experience. That's something you rarely see anymore, especially from a restaurant owner who has been doing this for more than two decades, and it deserves to be applauded. Everything we ordered was fantastic. The shoestring zucchini was a great starter, the lobster risotto was rich and perfectly prepared, and the Testarossa pizza was absolutely outstanding. Pairing it all with a Pliny the Elder made for a perfect Sonoma County dinner. Central Market isn't just a great restaurant, it's the kind of place that reminds you why locally owned restaurants matter. We will definitely be back the next time we're in Petaluma.

A hidden gem. So…read morenear Napa and Sonoma it would be easy to overlook a winery in Petaluma. But do not! I tasted from the Racing menu and was blown away by the selections. It's worth a stop.

We had a great experience with David as our tasting room host for the classic tasting! Our…read morefavorites were the Grenache and the Zinfandel, both from Dry Creek Valley so lots of yummy baking spice notes, perfect for autumn. David kindly poured us the malbec and cab franc to end our tasting, as we had already tried the cab sauv blend at a recent Yelp Event, we liked both. We had a cozy corner table in the back, so it was a tasty and relaxing afternoon!

Final winery in the way home. Had to make a quick stop…read more Brooks Note Fur Baby - Milo Host and Server Savanna and Hilary, they both was great in helping with which fine to have and snacks. The deco is very unique and fun place. They have Music Bingo on Thursday's and many more events. Check their website: www.brooksnotewinery.com 2023 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Lavender Breeze - Lemibade, Lavender, Blueberry Charcuterie Plate A little history of the winery. It was founded by husband-and-wife duo Garry and Joanne Brooks (the name "Brooks Note" combines Garry's last name and Joanne's maiden name, Note). Garry was a Navy veteran who transitioned into a lucrative career in tech, but after planting a small backyard vineyard, he realized his true passion was winemaking. He left the tech world, earned a degree in viticulture and enology from UC Davis, and cut his teeth at prestigious wineries like Ravenswood, Kosta Browne, and Dutton-Goldfield. They officially launched Brooks Note as a commercial label in 2011.  It is a must visit.

We really liked this place…read more There was a party in the back room otherwise when we arrived (Sunday) we were the only other people there for a tasting. By the time we left, there were two other couples. Very casual, pleasant, and tasty. We loved the complimentary antipasto plate!

Ambiance - I was flying solo so I was sitting at the oyster bar. The folks from Carmel started up…read morea conversation and we had a really good time before they left to have dinner at a friends house. Service - the gal behind oysters bar was very skilled, very informative, and kept the food comin'. She created I wish I could call her out by name but it wasn't on the receipt that was texted to me. Food - on a scale of 1 to 10 it was an 11! * Lemonade was had good lemon taste and just the right acid/sugar balance. I learned that a batch is made each day, and occasionally two. The best I've had anywhere in Sonoma County or Marin County! * I order the first three items on the oyster list (this time two of each) and came up with a new favorite. Then I added four more to the favorite. At 81 I don't do well on short term memory! I love that what was done so right was the lemon and the mignonette (sp?) sauce that was exactly balanced. The last restaurant in Ptown and two absolutely terrible with a red and a white. * Next I ordered a Shrimp Cocktail. They screamed fresh, perfectly boiled that let the shrimp flavor out, and again the red sauce was perfectly balanced between flavor and heat. Had to made in house. And they just nicely crisply cool, not in a cold place that overwhelms the flavor. I don't think I've every had one this good! * Next was a pair of fried oysters. I was prepared for some oily, bready things that would ruin all of the above. BUT NO, the perfect balance was incredible!! * Last was the clam chowder. I'm soooo fussy about this after growing up in the NorthEast (Connecticut) and 4 years of college in Maine blew this one away. It lacked the perfection and freshness of my East Coast standard. But I finished with the last of lemonade and all was well. My standard has never been "perfect." I don't meet that standard, so the chef shouldn't have to either. Hey, maybe he's never been in Maine! P.S. there's not section for this, because the above doesn't happen without OWNERS that create processes and hire people that and buy the best incredients. Kudos, gals!!

We stayed in Petaluma and our friends recommended The Shuckery. We got here right before Happy Hour…read moreended (3pm-6pm) and was able to get a dozen oysters and rose' at HH prices. We got an additional dozen because they were so tasty. Raw oysters - Well shucked. Very minimal shell pieces if at all. Fresh clean tasting. The varieties we had were called Sweet Jesus and Kuushi. Mignonette was delicious, light & tangy but not overpowering. Baked oysters - my sis ordered one Rockefeller and one Miso. The Rockefeller was "ok" but the Miso was "absolutely divine". Braised short ribs - absolutely delicious. The mashed potatoes underneath was creamy and had a distinct cheesy taste. The meat was tender and flavorful. The greens brightened up an otherwise heavy dish. Linguine di Mare - very tasty. Pasta was well cooked and seafood was fresh and not overcooked. The accompanying toast (from local bakery/cafe Della Fattoria) was crispy and chewy and sopped up the cream sauce well. And that cream sauce. Absolutely amazing. Wish I had more of the toast to get all of that delicious sauce. Service - we did not have reservations but were seated quickly upon arrival. Everyone was friendly and attentive. Shout out to Wade and Scott. 10/10 would recommend, would come again. Delicious fresh food, great service.