Della Santina’s: A Taste of Tuscany in the Heart of Sonoma

For over 25 years, Della Santina’s has been serving up rustic Northern Italian cuisine in a cozy, family-run trattoria right in the heart of Sonoma. With its lush courtyard, homemade pastas, slow-roasted meats, and an unbeatable corkage policy, this Tuscan-inspired gem is a must-visit for lovers of great food, wine, and warm hospitality.

This Restaurant Is Permanently Closed.

Restaurant Rating

4/5

Cost Rating

$$$

Food Type

Italian

Address

133 E Napa St, Sonoma, CA 95476

Overview

There’s something special about Italian family-run restaurants. They have this effortless way of making you feel like you belong, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth. That’s exactly the kind of warmth you’ll find at Della Santina’s, a Sonoma institution that has been serving authentic Tuscan cuisine for more than two decades.

Della Santina’s is the kind of place where fresh pasta, slow-roasted meats, and house-baked bread take center stage. The food is unpretentious yet incredibly flavorful, with recipes that have been passed down through generations—all thanks to the Della Santina family, who have kept their culinary traditions alive while embracing the bounty of Sonoma’s local ingredients.

Founded by Quirico Della Santina, a third-generation chef from Lucca, Italy, the restaurant remains a family affair, now run by his son Rob Della Santina and his wife Nicole. Together, they’ve expanded the experience beyond the restaurant itself by adding Enoteca Della Santina, a wine lover’s paradise featuring a 250+ bottle wine library that showcases rare finds, local gems, and exceptional international selections.

Simply put? If you love Italian food, great wine, and the feeling of being part of a family dinner in Tuscany, this is your spot.

Ambiance

The atmosphere at Della Santina’s is one of pure Italian charm. Whether you’re inside the intimate, rustic dining room or enjoying the gorgeous courtyard, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a little piece of Italy.

Inside the Trattoria

  • Think warm wooden tables, vintage Italian decor, and exposed brick walls—a classic, homey vibe that immediately puts you at ease.
  • The lighting is soft and inviting, perfect for a romantic date night, a special family gathering, or a cozy dinner with friends.
  • The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about both the food and the wine, making sure your experience is as enjoyable as possible.

The Courtyard: The Best Seat in the House

  • If the weather is nice (which, let’s be honest, it usually is in Sonoma), grab a table outside.
  • The courtyard is filled with lush greenery, twinkling string lights, and the relaxing hum of conversation and clinking wine glasses.
  • It’s one of the most charming outdoor dining spaces in town, making it the perfect spot to sip wine, savor handmade pasta, and soak up the laid-back Sonoma vibe.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning a visit, try to book a table in the courtyard—it’s absolutely magical in the evening.

The Wine Club: Club Vino

If you love trying new wines and discovering hidden gems, then Club Vino at Enoteca Della Santina is worth checking out.

The Della Santina family has spent years curating an exceptional collection of wines, and their wine club brings those discoveries straight to you. Whether you’re into small-production local wines, hard-to-find Italian bottles, or surprises from around the world, there’s a membership option for every kind of wine lover.

Membership Options

Oro Member ($85 per shipment) – Perfect for those who love exclusive, small-production wines. Includes three hand-selected bottles every other month, plus access to winemaker dinners, special events, and discounts.

Argento Member ($55 per shipment) – If you like exploring different wine regions, this one’s for you. Each shipment features three great wines from a chosen country or theme, plus the same awesome perks as the Oro membership.

 Il Collettore (Price ranges from $65 to your individual maximum) – This one’s for the collectors! Choose one great bottle per month from your preferred country or let the experts surprise you.

Bonus Perks: All members get 10% off bottle purchases, special pricing on events, and invitations to exclusive tastings.

If you love Sonoma’s wine scene and want to expand your palate beyond California, this club is a fantastic way to do it.

More info here: Della Santina’s Wine Club

Corkage Fee: The Best Deal in Sonoma?

If you’re a wine lover who enjoys bringing your own bottle to dinner, you’ll love Della Santina’s corkage policy:

Corkage Fee: $25 per bottle (with NO limit!)

That means you can bring as many bottles as you’d like, making it one of the most generous corkage policies in Sonoma. Whether you just bought a special vintage at a nearby winery or have a favorite Italian bottle at home, this is a fantastic way to enjoy your meal without paying a huge markup on wine.

Pro tip: If you don’t feel like bringing your own, just walk next door to Enoteca Della Santina and grab a bottle from their amazing selection.

Conclusion

Della Santina’s is everything you want in an Italian trattoria—warm, welcoming, and filled with delicious homemade food. With its charming courtyard, exceptional wine selection, and generous corkage policy, it’s a must-visit when you’re in Sonoma.

If you love authentic Tuscan flavors, family-run restaurants, and great wine, book a table ASAP. You won’t regret it.

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