Syrah Bistro

My wife and I have been to Syrah twice. The first time was in Aug 2008, the first time we were in Santa Rosa. The second time was in May...the 2nd time we were in Santa Rosa. We have reservations there in 2 weeks...which will be our 3rd visit to Santa Rosa. Catch my drift?! \r \r I noticed the reviews for Syrah were a little ""dated"" on this site, and most have to do with poor service. Considering the poor servers likely didn't last too long at the #1 restaurant in the area, I'd like to post my review giving KUDOS to the TOP NOTCH service we have received at Syrah during both our meals. \r \r In May we got the chef's 7 course tasting menu + wine + foix gras. Yep...the whole nine yards! From the moment we sat down, we received amazing (yet not over-bearing) service. Every single facet of the meal was timed perfectly. We were fresh off a 4 hour plane ride, and were not in the mood to be rushed out of there, and they understood and delivered a well timed and relaxing night. \r \r Now for the food. Without detailing every course, I'll just say that it was the greatest meal my wife and I have ever eaten...EVER. We are counting down the days until we get to go and give Chef Silvers a shot to out-do himself! It will be extrememly difficult, but we are up for the challenge if he is! \r \r One quick thing...portions are surprisingly generous at Syrah. There are other high-end restaurants in the wine country region where you will pay $300 for a meal and walk out hungry because you paid for the name on the sign out front and museum-quality artfully decorated food on your plate. Syrah's plating is amazing, don't get me wrong...but you will NOT walk out hungry! \r more

A terrific dining experience across all dimensions, this place justifiably ranks among the best restaurants in Sonoma County. The menu was extensive and interesting enough to make ordering a challenge, and everything that came out of the kitchen was delicious and satisfying (diet warning: the portions were not small). The wine list was equally interesting and fairly priced (we enjoyed the flights). On an early Saturday evening, the front dining area had the feel of a bustling bistro without being noisy while the back (interior) courtyard was quiet and romantic (if it's a special date night you may want to request the ""fountain"" table featuring a bench bounded by gurgling fountains). Service was faultless, our server's wine knowledge particularly impressive. Pros: Excellent across all dimensions more

I took my girlfriend here for her Birthday on a recent Sunday evening. We had reservations, but there was enough room that walk-ins could have been accomodated. The server was warm and professional. The wine list was amazing. We had a bottle of the Martinelli Pinot which was heavenly. The heirloom tomato salad was unbelievably tasty. The other dishes, including dessert were fantastic. Nothing could have been better. It was not a cheap meal, but a fair value for the quality of the food and service. Highly recommended. Pros: Fantastic, fresh food; great wine list, professional, friendly service Cons: a tad expensive more

i had the misfortune of witnessing one of the rudest chef/owners i have ever seen. the food isn't good enough to warrant an unappetizing environment. more

The food was good but the staff did not mesure up. We paid $240 for two people! We had reservations that were pushed back a 1/2 hour. Why even make reservations? Our water was only filled up once during the meal and we did not even get bread until the hostes ask if we needed anything. This was after salads. I will not go back. Pros: High quality food Cons: Rude staff more

My whole experience at the resturant was very negative due to the wait staff. I had to ask the hostest in order to get a menu or bread. The waitress only came to my table once to take my order. To make matters worse a bus boy brought me my bill and took my credit card to run. Very disappointing seeing as how the food and atmosphere is very nice and worth the visit. Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Variety Cons: Wait Staff more

I really liked the laid back bistro atmosphere. I didn't try the tasting menu because I wasn't quite that hungry. The food was pretty good, I wasn't blown away, but I think it's worthy of a try. more

I have been to this place several times and it just keeps getting better and better. I too recommend the tasting menu. It was a dining experience to match the French Laundry -- at a fraction of the price! Pros: Great Food, Excellent Service, Large Wine List more

Bistro setting so it is kinda casual. The Chef's tasting menu is very enjoyable. They serve more courses than what is on the menu. Also, having the wine service with the meal was excellent. They have a great wine list with reasonable prices. Took our 3 year-old and they really went out of their way to make her visit enjoyable. Highly recommend! more

Quaint little Santa Rosa bistro. Tasty food, go for the Chefs Tasting Menu, a 7 course meal that will leave you completely satisfied. Not the best place for kids, good place for a romantic dinner or for seeing old friends. I went with 2 other friends I hadn't seen in many years, so we may have been a little loud but we had a table far away in another room so all was good. Great wine list. Pros: Wine list, Attentive staff Cons: Somewhat high priced more

The atmosphere was good, and the service was exceptional. We were, however, disappointed in the meal. The swordfish was so dry it wouldn't have gone down without the surrounding sauce. The beef was unexceptional. It may have been an off night, so we will give it one more try. more

An informal California bistro with a warm, rustic décor and open kitchen, Syrah provides diners a taste of the wine country in downtown Santa Rosa. With seating in the cozy restaurant itself or a spacious enclosed courtyard with bubbling fountains, Syrah highlights seasonal ingredients in appetizers ranging from Roasted Beet and Fennel Salad to Peeky Toe Crab Cakes and in entrées including a Duck Confit/Roast Duck combination and a massive Breast of Veal. After dinner specialties include Spiced Poached Pear, Pumpkin Cheesecake, and a cheese platter with numerous local cheeses and accompaniments including quince paste, almonds, and honey. Service is prompt but somewhat over eager, and the all-American wine list features an incredible selection of half bottles while concentrating almost exclusively on Syrah. While not for the extremely budget conscious (dinner for 2 with wine $140), Syrah provides diners with local bounty lovingly prepared in a casual environment. Pros: Local ingredients, Good parking more