Hazel in Occidental is the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after the meal is over. We had dinner on their cozy outdoor patio, which was the perfect setting for a relaxed evening with our golden retriever (who was treated like a VIP, complete with a special treat from the owner!).
From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcome, friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the menu. With so many tempting options, their thoughtful recommendations helped guide us toward an incredible meal. We started with fresh sourdough and local olive oil (simple perfection), then shared the mushroom pizza and comforting roasted chicken with potatoes, each bite full of flavor and clearly crafted with care. The standout finale was the cheesecake pie topped with local sour cherries, tangy, creamy, and unforgettable.
This is the kind of restaurant that reminds you why dining out can be such a joy: high-quality ingredients, heartfelt hospitality, and a setting that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something truly special. Hazel is absolutely worth the detour.
Jessica Lipsky
Went here for dinner and got in right before a rush -- this place is small but bursting with flavor. Ordered two different pizzas (mushroom + caramelized onion with blue cheese) and brussel sprouts for apps. Everything was delicious.
Would definitely go back again next time I visit Bodega Bay area. Also several options for vegans.
Al D
Once again another superb meal from a simply brilliant chef. If I ate this well in a bistro in France i wouldn't have any complaints. The staff are friendly, helpful, and this is a brilliant, classic local restaurant.
Senay Ryan
Food tonight was awful swimming in fat and customer service so bad taking away your plates within 6 mins
Katrina
We ate here for dinner while in the area after we went on a tour at the Wild Cat Education and Conservation Fund. We didn't have a reservation so we ate at the bar. This place is very popular so I would recommend making reservations in advance, especially if you are going on the weekend.
It has a warm and inviting ambiance and the staff are really friendly. The food was delicious. I had the Little Gem salad and a slice of my husband's pizza. Both were delicious. They have a lot of options appetizers, pizzas, and main dishes. They have options for their pizzas like a gluten free crust and vegan cheese.
I also love that this is a family owned restaurant since I much prefer these types of restaurants over corporately owned ones. Highly recommend!
Dakin Maher
Top notch food and service by friendly locals.
Damian Rouson
Staff was friendly but service was slow. Food was tasty but a long hair in our salad ruined it. Portions are huge so recommend sharing entrees. Given the location in a region with such great farms, it would have been especially exciting if they used local meats. I chose vegetarian options.
Grant Sukchindasathien
A Culinary Knockout at Hazel in Occidental
Every once in a while, you find a restaurant that nails every single dish—and Hazel is absolutely that kind of rare gem.
We started with the Fried Brussels Sprouts, which were roasted to perfection—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with deep, caramelized flavor. The kind of dish that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts.
The Little Gems Caesar was another standout. It had a bold, umami-rich punch from the nutritional yeast and capers—a creative and modern twist that elevated the classic Caesar without overcomplicating it (and VEGAN).
The Pork Ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, glazed with a tangy, finger-licking sauce that balanced sweetness and spice perfectly. You’ll be scraping the plate clean.
As for the Pepperoni Pizza, wow. That crust was a revelation—crispy, and flavorful in a way that shows serious craft. The added arugula brought a peppery freshness, and the extra chili gave it just the right kick to keep every bite interesting.
We didn’t plan on dessert, but couldn’t resist the Lemon Meringue Pie—and thank goodness we didn’t. Light, bright, and with the perfect tart-to-sweet ratio, it was the kind of slice that makes you forget how full you are.
And even the non-alcoholic Best Day beverage was a great touch—refreshing and thoughtfully crafted.
From start to finish, this was a top-notch experience. Every single dish was dialed in and full of intention, which is so rare these days. Hazel is setting a high bar—not just for Occidental, but for Northern California dining in general.
George Riner
First time there. Wonderful visit. They serve the pot roast with a spoon! Nestled in all the potatoes & gravy! So tender and flavored. Creme fraiche horseradish sauce. Finished up with the sundae - cherries and almonds & all! Efficient staff and easy relaxed dining. I sat at the counter by myself and watched the people. They seem to do a great gig with their pizza to go.
Ryan Kent
The food was amazing. Very small time vibes. Friendly server.
Dietary restrictions: My partner is gluten free so that was great
Ok, another state and another city! I really love the life I have lived. I'm on a flight to Seattle now from Charles Schult airport Santa Rosa California. Had dinner last night at Hazel's. The menu is small. But the quality of food and service is 5 stare. The portions are healthy. So my companion and I shared. Check the pictures. it's worth 1000 words. Definitely worth a road trip. And then on to Bodega Beach ⛱️ ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Braised Pot Roast, Sourdough Bread
Chris Littman
We can’t stop going here. It’s fantastic. Everyone is incredibly friendly and every item on the menu is delicious. Friday is pie day, made in house, with some of the best crust you’ve ever had. Anytime you’re close, go out of your way for a fantastic dinner. If the schnitzel is on the menu try it. You won’t regret it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Schnitzel
Hailey Cowden
We had a wonderful evening sitting on the patio with our dog (grateful they were so dog friendly!) The food was fantastic, the roast chicken was life changing! The staff so efficient and kind! We will remember this dinner for a long time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sourdough Bread
Griswold Montgomery
Excellent pizza. And other dishes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sonoma Bill
The Mushroom Pizza was truly delicious❗️ Service was spot on & comfortable inside or outside seating, but prefer indoors.
Hazel in Occidental is the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after the meal is over. We had dinner on their cozy outdoor patio, which was the perfect setting for a relaxed evening with our golden retriever (who was treated like a VIP, complete with a special treat from the owner!).
From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcome, friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the menu. With so many tempting options, their thoughtful recommendations helped guide us toward an incredible meal. We started with fresh sourdough and local olive oil (simple perfection), then shared the mushroom pizza and comforting roasted chicken with potatoes, each bite full of flavor and clearly crafted with care. The standout finale was the cheesecake pie topped with local sour cherries, tangy, creamy, and unforgettable.
This is the kind of restaurant that reminds you why dining out can be such a joy: high-quality ingredients, heartfelt hospitality, and a setting that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something truly special. Hazel is absolutely worth the detour.
Went here for dinner and got in right before a rush -- this place is small but bursting with flavor. Ordered two different pizzas (mushroom + caramelized onion with blue cheese) and brussel sprouts for apps. Everything was delicious.
Would definitely go back again next time I visit Bodega Bay area. Also several options for vegans.
Once again another superb meal from a simply brilliant chef. If I ate this well in a bistro in France i wouldn't have any complaints. The staff are friendly, helpful, and this is a brilliant, classic local restaurant.
Food tonight was awful swimming in fat and customer service so bad taking away your plates within 6 mins
We ate here for dinner while in the area after we went on a tour at the Wild Cat Education and Conservation Fund. We didn't have a reservation so we ate at the bar. This place is very popular so I would recommend making reservations in advance, especially if you are going on the weekend.
It has a warm and inviting ambiance and the staff are really friendly. The food was delicious. I had the Little Gem salad and a slice of my husband's pizza. Both were delicious. They have a lot of options appetizers, pizzas, and main dishes. They have options for their pizzas like a gluten free crust and vegan cheese.
I also love that this is a family owned restaurant since I much prefer these types of restaurants over corporately owned ones. Highly recommend!
Top notch food and service by friendly locals.
Staff was friendly but service was slow. Food was tasty but a long hair in our salad ruined it. Portions are huge so recommend sharing entrees. Given the location in a region with such great farms, it would have been especially exciting if they used local meats. I chose vegetarian options.
A Culinary Knockout at Hazel in Occidental
Every once in a while, you find a restaurant that nails every single dish—and Hazel is absolutely that kind of rare gem.
We started with the Fried Brussels Sprouts, which were roasted to perfection—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with deep, caramelized flavor. The kind of dish that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts.
The Little Gems Caesar was another standout. It had a bold, umami-rich punch from the nutritional yeast and capers—a creative and modern twist that elevated the classic Caesar without overcomplicating it (and VEGAN).
The Pork Ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, glazed with a tangy, finger-licking sauce that balanced sweetness and spice perfectly. You’ll be scraping the plate clean.
As for the Pepperoni Pizza, wow. That crust was a revelation—crispy, and flavorful in a way that shows serious craft. The added arugula brought a peppery freshness, and the extra chili gave it just the right kick to keep every bite interesting.
We didn’t plan on dessert, but couldn’t resist the Lemon Meringue Pie—and thank goodness we didn’t. Light, bright, and with the perfect tart-to-sweet ratio, it was the kind of slice that makes you forget how full you are.
And even the non-alcoholic Best Day beverage was a great touch—refreshing and thoughtfully crafted.
From start to finish, this was a top-notch experience. Every single dish was dialed in and full of intention, which is so rare these days. Hazel is setting a high bar—not just for Occidental, but for Northern California dining in general.
First time there. Wonderful visit. They serve the pot roast with a spoon! Nestled in all the potatoes & gravy! So tender and flavored. Creme fraiche horseradish sauce. Finished up with the sundae - cherries and almonds & all! Efficient staff and easy relaxed dining. I sat at the counter by myself and watched the people. They seem to do a great gig with their pizza to go.
The food was amazing. Very small time vibes. Friendly server.
Dietary restrictions: My partner is gluten free so that was great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Ok, another state and another city! I really love the life I have lived. I'm on a flight to Seattle now from Charles Schult airport Santa Rosa California. Had dinner last night at Hazel's. The menu is small. But the quality of food and service is 5 stare. The portions are healthy. So my companion and I shared. Check the pictures. it's worth 1000 words. Definitely worth a road trip. And then on to Bodega Beach ⛱️ ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Braised Pot Roast, Sourdough Bread
We can’t stop going here. It’s fantastic. Everyone is incredibly friendly and every item on the menu is delicious. Friday is pie day, made in house, with some of the best crust you’ve ever had. Anytime you’re close, go out of your way for a fantastic dinner. If the schnitzel is on the menu try it. You won’t regret it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Schnitzel
We had a wonderful evening sitting on the patio with our dog (grateful they were so dog friendly!) The food was fantastic, the roast chicken was life changing! The staff so efficient and kind! We will remember this dinner for a long time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sourdough Bread
Excellent pizza. And other dishes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Mushroom Pizza was truly delicious❗️ Service was spot on & comfortable inside or outside seating, but prefer indoors.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mushroom Pizza
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