Our experience here was short lived due to the extreme rudeness of the staff and overall service.Upon arriving on a weekday, the entire restaurant was empty outside of the bar and bar seating tables in the front. My partner and I asked to sit at one of the tables, but were told we couldn’t because it reservations. The host then stuck us at a table in the very corner that is a foot away from the bar with a patron occupying the seat. I then check the website and grab a reservation for 6:15 (10 mins from when we were seated) and informed the host.The host took their time (not sure of the pronouns) to seat us and after about 20 minutes finally begrudgingly directed us to the very back table by the kitchen. We waited another 20 minutes and not a single person approached our table despite the restaurant having a total of 3 occupied tables and at this point, a half-full bar. The staff was walking around aimlessly and talking to one another, not even attempting to look busy. We ended up leaving since it was obvious we would have to physically get up and track someone down to give this excuse of a restaurant our business. Don’t waste your time here unless you want to be treated like you don’t exist and upon scanning other reviews, the food seems to be subpar, overpriced and not worth trying. This is obviously a mediocre at best restaurant trying to pose as “fine dining.” We’ll see if they can turn it around, but I won’t hold my breath, nor will I be back, and I’ll certainly tell others of my experience to dissuade them from giving Sonoma any business
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Phil Bolles
It’s basically just okay— the tuna tataki came without the ponzu it was supposed to have, but instead a lake of some other, thicker citrus sauce
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Christina Kowalski
Overpriced for mediocre food
Devon Murphy
It is really the only upscale restaurant along the Penn Ave Capitol strip. I love the food, the ambiance is great and is fantastic place to escape all the tourists all over the street. One of my go-to's in the neighborhood!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amy Gayman
Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar is the perfect place for a lovely and delicious meal! I finally stopped by for lunch and was taken aback by the beautiful interior, kind and attentive waitstaff, and quality of the food and wine. Our party ordered the quiche off the lunch menu as well as the pizza, and the portions were perfecty sized and absolutely mouthwatering. Devante, our server, was an absolute gem and made us feel right at home. Tucked away on Pennsylvania Ave and in close proximity to the Capital, I am already planning a return visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sam Ori
This used to be a DC institution - truly great, innovative food, great service, great environment.Haven’t been in probably 10 years, and went tonight. Just terrible. For $300 (four people) we got ridiculously overcooked meat, a weird pork chop drowned in butter, a salad with expired greens, and ‘focaccia’ that looked like grocery store sandwich bread. Brutal. Wait staff was kind, but one person was wearing crocs and one was wearing headphones. Place was totally empty.And we saw a mouse.Do not step foot in this place.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Adam Sarvana
I am a vegan. I went to Sonoma for drinks with a friend after work on Friday, and we decided to stay for dinner. Since salads get boring at restaurants, I asked about modifying the lasagna to avoid the sauce and cheese. The chef didn’t just remove the dairy - he seemed to invent a new vegan eggplant lasagna from scratch. It was one of the most delicious dinners I’ve ever had, and I urged them to add the dish to the menu. I love this place either way, but if I can get the magic lasagna again, I’ll be back for dinner in no time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carrie
I recently hosted a reception at Sonoma and have nothing but good things to say about the experience. From planning to the actual day, everything went smoothly. The food, wine, and space were great, and you couldn't pick a better spot for an event after a long day on the Hill. I didn't get a chance to spend time downstairs in the restaurant but it looks so charming and cozy!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ariel Goldberger
While the restaurant certainly strives to present a welcoming atmosphere, the overall dining experience fell short of expectations. The service, while not unfriendly, could be best described as perfunctory, lacking the warmness. As for the food, it regrettably did not live up to the promise of its description. The flavors were underwhelming, and the dishes seemed to lack the finesse and freshness one would hope for. In a city bustling with culinary talent, this establishment unfortunately doesn't quite hit the mark.
My friend and I came here for my birthday. the food came out very quickly, the wine was great, and the food was delicious. Jordan was our server and he was incredible. I forgot my credit card on the table, and he ran down the street and around the block to catch up with us and give me back my credit card. It was so kind of him!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steven LOWE
Cold and drafty. . Heater not working well. Wi Fi not working either. Did OK. Good choice of wines.
Andrew V.
The food and service were great. I don't normally post, but the place was empty and I'm kind of surprised more people don't go there
Carley M.
I got street parking luckily, right around the corner. The staff was great. I got the rose, it was ok...but the place was really cute. A Saturday, around 6pm and empty. I did not try any food but the table i was at did and it all looked good. I had to be in and out though so only got the rose.
Rewine-ing the Week Podcast
After passing this spot for over 10 years I finally made it inside. I enjoyed myself everyone was helpful we arrived around the start of their dinner menu. I ordered the barnyard pizza and my friend had the GOAT pizza. Very nice atmosphere with the flowers and candles oh and dim lighting !
Great lunch!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Our experience here was short lived due to the extreme rudeness of the staff and overall service.Upon arriving on a weekday, the entire restaurant was empty outside of the bar and bar seating tables in the front. My partner and I asked to sit at one of the tables, but were told we couldn’t because it reservations. The host then stuck us at a table in the very corner that is a foot away from the bar with a patron occupying the seat. I then check the website and grab a reservation for 6:15 (10 mins from when we were seated) and informed the host.The host took their time (not sure of the pronouns) to seat us and after about 20 minutes finally begrudgingly directed us to the very back table by the kitchen. We waited another 20 minutes and not a single person approached our table despite the restaurant having a total of 3 occupied tables and at this point, a half-full bar. The staff was walking around aimlessly and talking to one another, not even attempting to look busy. We ended up leaving since it was obvious we would have to physically get up and track someone down to give this excuse of a restaurant our business. Don’t waste your time here unless you want to be treated like you don’t exist and upon scanning other reviews, the food seems to be subpar, overpriced and not worth trying. This is obviously a mediocre at best restaurant trying to pose as “fine dining.” We’ll see if they can turn it around, but I won’t hold my breath, nor will I be back, and I’ll certainly tell others of my experience to dissuade them from giving Sonoma any business
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
It’s basically just okay— the tuna tataki came without the ponzu it was supposed to have, but instead a lake of some other, thicker citrus sauce
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Overpriced for mediocre food
It is really the only upscale restaurant along the Penn Ave Capitol strip. I love the food, the ambiance is great and is fantastic place to escape all the tourists all over the street. One of my go-to's in the neighborhood!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar is the perfect place for a lovely and delicious meal! I finally stopped by for lunch and was taken aback by the beautiful interior, kind and attentive waitstaff, and quality of the food and wine. Our party ordered the quiche off the lunch menu as well as the pizza, and the portions were perfecty sized and absolutely mouthwatering. Devante, our server, was an absolute gem and made us feel right at home. Tucked away on Pennsylvania Ave and in close proximity to the Capital, I am already planning a return visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This used to be a DC institution - truly great, innovative food, great service, great environment.Haven’t been in probably 10 years, and went tonight. Just terrible. For $300 (four people) we got ridiculously overcooked meat, a weird pork chop drowned in butter, a salad with expired greens, and ‘focaccia’ that looked like grocery store sandwich bread. Brutal. Wait staff was kind, but one person was wearing crocs and one was wearing headphones. Place was totally empty.And we saw a mouse.Do not step foot in this place.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
I am a vegan. I went to Sonoma for drinks with a friend after work on Friday, and we decided to stay for dinner. Since salads get boring at restaurants, I asked about modifying the lasagna to avoid the sauce and cheese. The chef didn’t just remove the dairy - he seemed to invent a new vegan eggplant lasagna from scratch. It was one of the most delicious dinners I’ve ever had, and I urged them to add the dish to the menu. I love this place either way, but if I can get the magic lasagna again, I’ll be back for dinner in no time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I recently hosted a reception at Sonoma and have nothing but good things to say about the experience. From planning to the actual day, everything went smoothly. The food, wine, and space were great, and you couldn't pick a better spot for an event after a long day on the Hill. I didn't get a chance to spend time downstairs in the restaurant but it looks so charming and cozy!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
While the restaurant certainly strives to present a welcoming atmosphere, the overall dining experience fell short of expectations. The service, while not unfriendly, could be best described as perfunctory, lacking the warmness. As for the food, it regrettably did not live up to the promise of its description. The flavors were underwhelming, and the dishes seemed to lack the finesse and freshness one would hope for. In a city bustling with culinary talent, this establishment unfortunately doesn't quite hit the mark.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
My friend and I came here for my birthday. the food came out very quickly, the wine was great, and the food was delicious. Jordan was our server and he was incredible. I forgot my credit card on the table, and he ran down the street and around the block to catch up with us and give me back my credit card. It was so kind of him!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cold and drafty. . Heater not working well. Wi Fi not working either. Did OK. Good choice of wines.
The food and service were great. I don't normally post, but the place was empty and I'm kind of surprised more people don't go there
I got street parking luckily, right around the corner. The staff was great. I got the rose, it was ok...but the place was really cute. A Saturday, around 6pm and empty. I did not try any food but the table i was at did and it all looked good. I had to be in and out though so only got the rose.
After passing this spot for over 10 years I finally made it inside. I enjoyed myself everyone was helpful we arrived around the start of their dinner menu. I ordered the barnyard pizza and my friend had the GOAT pizza. Very nice atmosphere with the flowers and candles oh and dim lighting !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5