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There’s something undeniably special about dining in a historic spot in Northern California. Maybe it’s the history or maybe it’s the good company that can always be found at these hidden gems. One thing’s for sure. It always turns into a dining experience that’s worth remembering. A lot of people consider the Swiss Hotel the oldest restaurant in Northern California. Opened well over a century ago, this place has quite the fascinating history. The food is great and definitely worth the visit alone. However, this restaurant’s past is what makes the Swiss Hotel such a special place to dine.
The Swiss Hotel, located in Sonoma, has been around a long time. Although, it hasn't always been the hotel and restaurant that you see today. Learning about this restaurant's history is part of the dining experience and makes for a memorable way to enjoy a tasty homestyle meal.
Fascinatingly enough, the restaurant started off as a large family home to Don Salvador Vallejo. It was built sometime in between 1836 and 1840. Decades later, in the 1870s, the home served as a stagecoach stop and made its first transformation into a hotel. For awhile it was called "The Ticino Hotel" and it housed all types of railroad passengers and employees who stopped in Sonoma for a brief night.
Today, the Swiss Hotel is operated by the same family four generations after it was purchased by a man named Mose Mastelotto in 1923. It's gone through a minimal amount of changes over the decades. In fact, the hotel and restaurant still boast a uniquely historic charm that makes it easy to imagine it in its early days.
As you walk into the hotel's dining room, you'll feel as if you've stepped into a time capsule. The walls are lined with photographs containing the history of the town, its people, and notable visitors. The Swiss Hotel is obviously much more than a place to grab a bite to eat. It's a little slice of history.
After all this time, the restaurant is still one of the most popular places to enjoy a meal in Sonoma. It's easy to see why. The food tastes delightfully homemade and they serve a variety of classic comfort dishes that are sure to warm your insides.
The desserts are so worth saving room for so be sure to set aside some space in your stomach for these delicious goodies. Chocolate mousse, Tiramisu, Blueberry and Lemon Panna Cotta, Creme Brulee, Bread Pudding....you'll want to try them all!
If you've been searching for a unique place to stay and eat during your visit to Sonoma, look no further. The Swiss Hotel will charm you in every way possible. Of course, the food is amazing. However, this place is much more than that. It's a beautiful reminder of the town's colorful history.
You'll find the Swiss Hotel at 18 W Spain St, Sonoma, CA 95476.
Have you dined at the oldest restaurant in Northern California? The Swiss Hotel is a unique slice of history that you’ll definitely want to experience for yourself. Be sure to take a look at our list of 7 Amazing Northern California Restaurants That Are Loaded With Local History for more unique dining destinations like this one.
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