Eldorado Hotel & Kitchen in Sonoma, California

In the heart of Sonoma Plaza, surrounded by charming boutiques and cozy tasting rooms serving the finest local wines, you'll find El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen. In the world of hospitality, the definition of luxury is constantly being redefined. Luxury is no longer just luxury and extravagance. True luxury lies in experiences that touch the soul, an atmosphere that exudes warmth, and service that anticipates your every need. It's about creating memories that will last long after your visit is over. El Dorado in Sonoma, California embodies this new standard by seamlessly blending elegance and comfort. Indeed, when I first visited El Dorado six years ago, I thought it was just a restaurant. But El Dorado is more than just a restaurant. With direct access to many of Sonoma County's best wineries, this hotel radiates charm, comfort, and unparalleled hospitality.

Take a sip

Sonoma is synonymous with world-class wine, and El Dorado embodies that reputation in every glass served. The hotel's wine selection is a testament to the hotel's deep connection to local vineyards, offering guests an exclusive taste of the region's finest. However, guests can also take it a step further and the base of the vine. SOnoma Plaza (or the Square) has 30 tasting rooms within a few thousand feet. Here are some of my favorite wineries on the Square where you can enjoy a wine tasting without a car and just some comfortable walking shoes.

Pangloss Cellars (0.2 miles away)

Sojourn Cellars (.5 km away)

Three Sticks Wines (80 m away)

Roche Wine & Vineyards (30 meters away)

taste

A culinary adventure at El Dorado is a celebration of Sonoma's bountiful harvest. Renowned for farm-to-table cuisine, the hotel's kitchen prides itself on a seasonally changing menu where every dish tells a story of local bounty and craftsmanship. El Dorado Kitchen is more than just a place to eat; it's part of the Sonoma community. The restaurant actively supports local farmers and artisans, sourcing many of its ingredients from nearby producers. This commitment to sustainability and community support is another reason I consider this hotel a special place.

I have eaten at this restaurant many times largely I don't mind calling Executive Chef Armando Navarro by his first name. But I said “largely”So I will continue to refer to him as “Chef” or “Chef Navarro.” The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. My go-to orders are:

starter

ceviche

oysters or caviar

main dish

Petaluma chicken breast or spinach ricotta ravioli

crunchy brussels sprouts

dessert

Churro

EDK Cantina

EDK Cantina is a new dining destination for hotel guests and visitors to Sonoma Square, opening in May 2024. In addition to authentic Mexican cuisine, we also offer a variety of casual menu items, including mouth-watering tacos and antojitos. Our grab-and-go style window on Spain Street offers poolside dining and local beer and canned cocktails.

Stay

Beyond the table and wine, El Dorado is a 27-room hotel that is undergoing a $3 million redesign due to be completed as of May 2024. We had the opportunity to tour the newly redesigned rooms, which blend comfort with chic elegance. Like the restaurant, the atmosphere is characterized by a close connection to Sonoma culture and traditions, and it's good to see that philosophy has not been lost in the renovated rooms.

Now that phase one is complete, I can't wait for phase two. In early 2025, new enhancements to public spaces will be introduced, including the hotel lobby and exclusive lounge for guests. Guests will enjoy bespoke tastings with local winemakers, private dinners in partnership with local suppliers, and other Sonoma-inspired activities. The solar heated saltwater pool has been completely renovated with seating and cabanas perfect for sipping, savoring and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of EDK Cantina.

We hope to begin a multi-phase renovation with newly redesigned rooms this April. ” To tell Tim Harmon, CEO and founder of Palisades Hospitality, parent company of Mosaic Hotel Group; “Modern travelers will find sophisticated and welcoming destination hotels where they can feel at home after exploring the many attractions of wine country and Sonoma Valley. We look forward to establishing Eldorado Hotel & Kitchen as a vibrant, refreshed part of Mosaic's portfolio and continuing to be an even greater gathering place for guests and locals alike. ”

new guest experience

“Pick Your Picnic” is available for stays Sunday through Thursday and includes key picnic essentials needed for exploring Sonoma. The package includes a day parking pass to Jack London State Historic Park, an El Dorado Hotel-branded lap blanket, a to-go lunch for two from EDK Cantina and a journal. The upcoming “Market Night” package will be available in June 2024 and includes a branded tote bag, a lap blanket and a small bottle of local wine with a tumbler to enjoy the Tuesday Night Market at Sonoma's Plaza, where market-goers can enjoy live music, shopping and local artisans and purveyors.