Readers Choice: Depot Hotel is Sonoma's Best Italian Restaurant

Earlier this week we kicked off a new series, , where we asked you, our readers, to name the very best stuff in Sonoma.

We started off with a veritable 'Sophie's Choice' of questions: Which one of Sonoma's amazing Italian restaurants is the best place for your primi, pasta and dolci.

You answered in droves, naming as Sonoma's best spot for an authentic taste of Italy. 

Housed in a historic stone building, two blocks north of the Sonoma Plaza, the Depot Hotel's history runs concurrent with the city – opening first in 1870 as a hotel for gold-rush era travelers in from San Francisco and later as a 'saloon' and Italian restaurant.

In 1985, Michael Ghilarducci, along with wife Gia, purchased and revamped the spot – allowing Michael, a life-long resident of San Francisco's North Beach district, and fixture of its kitchens, to bring his signature Mediterranean-inspired cuisine to Sonoma. 

The restaurant remains a family affair: Antonio, the Ghilarducci's son, who worked in the restaurant throughout childhood, took over as executive chef five-years ago.

"In an age of chemicals and technology in the kitchen, it is exciting as a chef to roast a whole pig over hardwood outdoors, to make centuries-old pasta recipes," said Antonio. "Not food that no one has ever thought of before, but food that was never written down because it was such a jealously guarded secret."

Eaters are excited by Antonio's passion, coming in droves for hearty dishes, such as veal scallopini, as well as the Depot Hotel's salumni, charcuterie and wine list.

Congratulations to all the staff! We can't wait for our next pasta.

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