Applewood InnGreat food lovely settingWe loved the food. Service was attentive without being overbearing. Setting was lovely, with wooded views in every direction. Best of all the desert was amazing!6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMSuch a beautiful restaurantSuch a beautiful restaurant in a beautiful part of the world!6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful restaurantThe chef knows what he's doing. Highly recommend the Rabbit Sausage if they have it still.
As for everything else, tables are situated perfectly with a view of the outdoor area of the Inn, service was outstanding, attentive but not omnipresent, very well versed in the cuisine and were able to answer questions we had about the entrees with great detail.
Will definitely be back.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMnice surprisesmall hidden restaurant gem tucked inside a 10 room inn.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMFresh,delightful foodWe have been to applewood twice for the Russian River menu on Sunday nights. Both times the food was a delight to our mouths with many different complementary flavors. Beautiful presentation and attentive service. We will definitely return and recommend to our friends6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMMemorable Dining ExperienceGreat food from appetizers to dessert! For starters, I highly recommend the Marin Miyagi Oysters served on the half shell with American Sturgeon Caviar, Fresh Horseradish, Lemon and Olive Oil. The main course was Cocoa Nib Crusted Rack of California Lamb cooked medium rare, and dessert was Honey Cannoli. None disappointed and the presentation was impeccable!
We were immediately seated. The wait staff was professional and attentive.
Our hats off to Chefs Tyja and Shelley! It may be a while since we live out of state, but we will be back.6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect Evening - The Applewood InnAmbiance is rustic but at the same time elegant. Seasonal foods of the highest quality, prepared to perfection. Dinner perfectly paced by excellent service. We started out with the Diver's scallop - perfectly carmelized sweet giant scallop perched over succulent "just warmed" uni and a dollop of well seasoned mashed potatoes surrounded by a saffron sauce - HEAVENLY and our favorite dish. We also enjoyed the roasted beet salad - perfectly balanced in colors, textures and flavors. Entrees did not disappoint - butter tender filet mignon was surrounded by fresh morels (a real treat for us) and salmon was roasted with a juicy center and crispy skin. This is no budget restaurant, but is well worth the splurge and the wine list is reasonable6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMCharming and romantic restaurantI arrived here on time for a 5:30pm dinner reservation (no other time slots available for the days I wanted) and was quickly seated. The restaurant is located in a fairly hidden part of Sonoma County. The service was spectacular and everyone was very friendly. The food was also amazing!
We each had a 3 course meal with wine pairing. For appetizers, we had the scallop and oyster/caviar. Both were delicious (although my gf didn't care for the raw oysters much)! For our entrees, we had the black cod and pork chops. My gf mentioned that the cod was good but the sauce was very salty. I liked them both though. For dessert, we ordered the tart and the mocha mousse. The mousse was a tad sweet but the tart offset that perfectly. Great place! :)5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMStarters are excellentThe only dishes we truly enjoyed here were the 3 starters from the menu. The burrata was devine, the beets were flavorful, the oysters with caviar was an amazing 1st time experience, and the scallop with uni was heaven. Unfortunately, we weren't as thrilled about the entrees. I enjoyed my lamb, but found myself removing the coffee crust that I didn't enjoy too much. The vegetarian dish missed some excitement and could have been better. It was a fun experience to finally dine here.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMAnniversary DinnerIt was our first visit to the Applewood Inn. We arrived a little early as we did not know how long the drive would take. The hostess asked us to wait and then went off somewhere. After another couple came in, she seated them and finally came back to seat us. The food was interesting and very good. Our server was attentive and explained all the dishes. The staff that delivered our dinners weren't that well-trained. They almost hit a couple of guests in the face with their dinners while placing them on the tables. My water glass was almost empty by the time the staff came to refill it at the end of our meal. I would have expected more attention to details like making sure the diners were taken care of with water, bread, etc.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding Food and ServiceWe now know why Applewood Inn received a Michelin star. My wife and I both ordered different appetizers, main courses and desserts, so that we could share/taste each other's dishes. All were incredible. We had to fight over each other's selections. As far as service, Joe was outstanding (attentive, but not smothering). Will definitely be back.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMDo the tasting menuIt was fabulous ... the Scallop/Uni dish in particular. Its one of their specialties I think.5/22/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful restaurant!My boyfriend and I decided to try this restaurant because I found a Groupon for it. We both absolutely loved it and the wine list was pretty nice. The food was immaculate and service is top notch. We are definitely considering going again, but it will wait for a special occasion. Its pricey but very worth the money.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMexcellent all aroundevery aspect of the dinner was perfect except they could have brought the lemon for our water a little bit quicker. amazing appetizers. we got the order choc and crab soup along with the crazy scallop appetizer. they were awesome but the entrees were even better. perfect steak with over the top rack of lamb. wish I lived closer cause I would absolutely fine with getting back here more often. I'm a foodie from New York City so I know what I'm talking about5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMTaking a bite out of Applewood innDinner at the Applewood Inn restaurant was very tasty indeed! All the dishes were artfully presented and creative. The service was very good....although I thought our waiter was a little too "serious" (I kept wanting to tell him to "lighten up a little!"). We used a discount coupon for the meal, which made it affordable. We appreciate that using the coupon did not result in being greeted or treated any differently that diners paying full price. The chef's recommendation to start with a beer was spot on. The dessert was "off the charts" delicious!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMCame to dine at ApplewoodCame to dine at Applewood a couple of times, every time is memorable. Food is always great with fine/fresh ingredients.
Cannot miss the Lamb chop5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was exceptional andThe food was exceptional and creative. The staff explained all the dishes. We were never rushed.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful grounds and ambianceBeautiful buildings and grounds, impeccable service, and great food make for a memorable dinner. The only low point was that the beef loin was small, a little chewy and tasteless. But the mushrooms, bourdelaisse sauce, asparagus and fingerling potatoes were delicious .5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat tasting menuWe came to celebrate a 50th birthday and had the tasting menu with wine pairings. The food was terrific, the wine pairings very nice, and the service attentive. Sadly, they ran out of bread by 8 pm. Would definitely recommend this place for a special occasion.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperbA wonderful experience all around. Great food, service and ambience.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of myfavsReally appreciate server being so attentive. And the detail of each dish mentioned when presented is a nice touch.
This is our 2nd visit and it doesn't disappoint. Will return soon.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food! The amuse withGreat food! The amuse with mushroom and crab was astounding - the best amuse I have had anywhere.The oysters were presented excellently as well.The entrees were great.The staff at all levels were engaging and friendly.Great job!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect in every wayApplewood Inn is a charming, hidden gem. You will miss it if you're not using a GPS, but well worth the adventure finding it. Amazing food, service and views. A perfect way to end a long day of river rafting on the Russian River, followed by wine tasting.5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMGood food and wine listA foodie place in the middle of nowhere. Definitely a good place to stay and eat.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a wonderful experience.We had a wonderful experience. Great service, really delicious cuisine. The food was simple with complex taste. It was great to have a table in a private area for this event.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMProbably the best meal thatProbably the best meal that I and my wife have eaten since we moved to the bay area in 1979. Better than the French Laundry, Chez Panisse and Cyrus.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMSecond time we have been there.Second time we have been there. Two of the best meals I have ever had. Outstanding4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was the best dinner we'veThis was the best dinner we've had in 20+ years! Service was impeccable. The food is beautifully presented and prepared with the best ingredients. A true gem in West County!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMAWESOMEI think this was one of the most amazing dinning experiences I have ever had. Our waiter was BEYOND knowledgeable about both the menu and the wine list. WELL worth the money since it is a little spendy but I would so go back!4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMThe only reason why I am notThe only reason why I am not giving five stars for everything for this place is because the server and cooks did not know that farro has gluten in it.I have Celiac Disease, let the wait staff know this, and the server ensured me that the main course I ordered was gluten free and even said he asked the chefs to make sure. However, when I got my meal there was a huge pile of farro- a grain that is definitely not okay for me to eat. Everything else was perfect though. They gave us these delicious olives instead of their usual bread and were otherwise very helpful and accommodating. Their scallop appetizer was one of the best things I've ever tasted and the espresso gelato was awesome. My fiancé was equally impressed!4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMA Place to Return to!This restaurant is absolutely amazing! For the price and location I wouldn't recommend anywhere else. I would highly recommend staying at the Inn as well! The food in the morning for breakfast was amazing as well!
For starters we had the scallops (potatoes, uni and scallop) and Crispy Pork Belly which were both a wonderful blend of flavors and perfect size portions. For dinner we had the Cocoa Nib Crusted Rack of Lamb and the Miso Glazed California Black Cod, Crispy Black Trumpet Mushrooms. Both were perfectly cooked to order, were a nice portion size and were amazing in flavor! I will be coming back!4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat night ouThe food and service were excellent. When your food was presented each item on the plate was explained. very comfortable surroundings.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMArtful & delicious ApplewoodDelicious scallop appetizer, desserts are works of art,
Amazing rack of lamb & beef tenderloin. Pricey, but wonderful for
special occasion or for those who regularly spend $200/couple.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had an absolutely outstandingWe had an absolutely outstanding meal at the Applewood Inn. The food was some of the best I've had and our waiter Joe (and all the staff) were at the top of their game! I would definitely eat here again for the food and the "gem" experience. It is too bad it is off the beaten path, a bit tricky to find. Also, the parking is a bit of a bear, but it is all worth the wonderful food and experience.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMExceptional Meal-Nice SettingThis was our first visit and we opted for the Prix Fix menu. While some items on the menu would not have been something we would have selected on our own, the presentation and flavors were exceptional! The staff is attentive and professional. When our "medium-rare" meat came out too "rare" they immediately took it back to the kitchen and quickly came back with it done to our liking. The location and buildings (it has lodging too) are lovely, and while the restaurant is a tad formal the food is definitely worth having to dress up a bit more than usual.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was a wonderful restaurantThis was a wonderful restaurant ... from the time we spoke with a sweet lady by the name of Sandy through the dinner experience. It can't be better than this. The location was ideal, even though we had to drive close to 2 hours to get there, it was worth the trip. Sandy even came to our table to say hi.
The food was superb, basic yet presented so appetizingly. I had the signature dish, lamb chops and my husband had the halibut. We gave each other a taste and both entrees were excellent.
If this restaurant were in our neighborhood, we would go there more often, but since this is somewhat of a 'destination' place, perhaps a couple of times a year would be great to go and enjoy the delicious food and explore the Russian River area3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a lovely dining experience.We had a lovely dining experience. The waiter was very knowledgeabke and made it clear that the kitchen would accomodate any food issues we had. The food was very good. The setting is romantic. We also ate dinner there which was wonderful as well.3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food, although choicesExcellent food, although choices are limited: 1 beef, 1 lamb, 1 vegetarian, 2 fish. Some of the starters sound like they might work as smaller entrees. My beef tenderloin was heavenly.3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMCulinary gem hidden in the redwoodsThis was a real find. From the moment you enter the restaurant, the staff is attentive, knowlegeable, professional, and skilled beyond belief. The chef deserves more than one Michelin star. Don't miss this place if in Sonoma County!3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMBetter than the French LaundryI work in the wine industry and have been lucky enough to est at some of the best the Bay Area has to offer including the French Laundry, Meadowood, Chez Panisse and others of that caliber. I would have to say that Applewood Inn is right up there with the best dining in Northern California. If this is what a typical "One Star" Michelin restaurant is, then I need to dine at more of them. It was simply superb. Great food and service. A fairly compact menu and wine list, but very well put together with a range of dishes. The wine list was outstanding. Not too big, but it again had a range of styles and price points made all the more impressive by the emphasis on local wineries.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMJust great. A wonderful northernJust great. A wonderful northern California restaurant among the Redwoods.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMWe tried the tasting menuWe tried the tasting menu and although the food was good, it wasn't great nor was it memorable. Should has just ordered the appetizer and main course.3/14/2013 12:00:00 AMRun, don't walk to this exceptionalRun, don't walk to this exceptional restaurant. Everything was so perfect. Nothing negative to report. This was our second trip here and we hope to always make this our special occasion place to go.3/9/2013 12:00:00 AM