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Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar, Washington, DC
Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar, Washington, DC
Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar, Washington, DC
Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar, Washington, DC
Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar, Washington, DC

Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar

4.0
4
1586 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Top tags:
At Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar, our culinary mission is straightforward - use the best local ingredients as simply as possible. New American Cuisine places an emphasis on seasonal ingredients that are regionally available, and our menu changes frequently to reflect the Mid-Atlantic’s offerings. The first floor, a bustling, “upscale-casual” bistro and wine bar, offers superior moderately-priced cuisine by using the best local, organic, and naturally raised ingredients. The menu bears a southern European influence, and is comprised of four groups: cheese and charcuterie, handmade pasta and pizzas, wood-grilled meats and fish, and organic salads and produce. The second floor features a lounge and reserve wine bar along with a dining room for private events. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be taken by telephone or through OpenTable.

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Italian, Californian
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (202) 544-8088
  • Website
    http://www.sonomadc.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Drew Trautmann
  • Catering
    Sonoma's mission is to highlight the Mid-Atlantic's best naturally-raised and local ingredients and pair the creations with the best American and Italian wines. We strive to integrate sustainable practices in all our restaurants: sourcing local ingredients, to create mouth-watering dishes, we aspire to be more than just a culinary trend-setter.
  • Private party facilities
    Sonoma’s event food selections have been designed to mirror the same high quality and ethos of the restaurant. With choices from house made charcuterie boards, to artisanal cheese boards, from shrimp cocktail to apple and brie crostini, our canapé selection has something to delight all tastes.
  • Private party contact
    Hilary Smith: (877) 365-2098
  • Location
    223 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20003
  • Neighbourhood
    Capitol Hill
  • Cross Street
    2nd Street S.E.
  • Parking Details
    Neighborhood and metered parking available
  • Public Transit
    Capitol South Metro
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wine

What 1,586 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.0
4 based on all time ratings
  • 4Food
  • 3.9Service
  • 3.8Ambience
  • 3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

1,586 Reviews

  1. Dave

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great service, great ambiance even with only a few tables seated due to restrictions

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  2. Josh

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service!

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  3. RAJA

    San Antonio

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2020

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Had a lovely experience. Food was very good, and large portions.

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  4. KellyC

    Washington DC

    43 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2020

    overall3food3service2ambience3
    We went for restaurant week and it was a great value, but I would not normally go to this restaurant. The food is definitely overpriced and lots of other places have better, comparable food. We did not have good service either. The pizza was mediocre at best. We really loved the $20 bottle of wine for restaurant week though. That was a highlight.

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  5. OsborneB

    Charleston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2020

    overall4food2service3ambience5
    Tough to get a good feel of a place in COVID times, but this place is pretty good. The food is alright overall, definitely recommend the starter plate with toast and fig preserves. Outdoor seating is great.

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  6. dontgetoutmuch

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 7, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our waiter was delightful.

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  7. Shade

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2020

    overall4food3service3ambience3
    The food was unduly expensive and not very tasteful.

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  8. maureenh

    Washington DC

    21 reviews

    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2020

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    Pizza not hot. Pizza had no flavor as if the chef forgot to add any spices. Gave half of both pizzas to hungry man outside the restaurant

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  9. Krchampion

    Tampa

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2020

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Went in for lunch and sat at the bar. The bartender was fabulous! I ordered a spectacular glass of wine and some cheeses. Everything was pleasant.

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  10. volvogirl

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We arrived early to the restaurant and they accommodated us with no problem. They brought out appetizers early and let us talk before asking about a main course. The focaccia bread with Parmesan crisp and olive oil is outstanding. The arugula salad has the right amount of dressing and is light but filling. I ordered potato gnocchi with caramelized onions and blue cheese, Which was extremely filling the onions were so savory I wanted more. We ended the night with coffee and a chocolate mousse type dessert which was very dense and just the right touch with coffee. The lighting is mood appropriate. Our waiters were extremely attentive and gracious.

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  11. AshD

    Washington DC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2020

    overall2food2service2ambience1
    Service was very slow and awkward. It took us 15 minute to get four glasses of wine. We were not guided through the menu and/or recommended ordering structure. Size of cheese and charcuterie portions were grossly inflated by server so we ended up with less than we wanted. Cheeses were very cold (should be tempered). Pastas were mediocre at best.

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  12. Cubit

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2020

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    We had the Valentine’s tasting menu right before going to the Folger Shakespeare theater. The service was great, and they got us out in plenty of time to make our show. The foie gras appetizer was delicious, and the chocolate dessert was divine, however, the duck was lackluster. The skin needed to be crisper, and the fat wasn't quite rendered enough. All in all, however, it was enjoyable.

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  13. showgoer

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Friendly and attentive service, and the food and wine were excellent.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    The 3 star review is a direct reflection of the overall experience, average. Our bill for (2) came out to $160 but the food, and custom service were comparable to eating at Outback Steakhouse. Upon getting to the restaurant, there was no valet service not a big deal, but finding street parking is always a challenge. We were seating promptly for our reservation by a very hospitable host. After being seated, there was no introduction to the menu, any specials, our recommended wines- which was probably most disappointing since it is a wine bar. The waiter recommended the mixed green salad, which was no more than a mixed green bag of salad that you can purchase at the local grocery store with chopped carrots (this was the first hit on the food). We both order the New York steak as it was the steak of the night, it was primarily fat, but had a decent chimichuri sauce on top, resulting in a very average steak. Overall, everything was timely, and the service was standard (nothing remotely bad occurred, but nothing stuck out as outstanding). At the end of the night we didn’t feel as though we had just experienced a $160 dinner.

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  15. LindaB

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2020

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Beet salad was very unusual... tasted like tomatoes...very disappointed! Fish was ok!

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  16. Catlover

    Washington DC

    76 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    76 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    2nd time I've been to Sonoma and I really like the food. Although I have to say the mussels I had the first time were outstanding. I had the fish most recently and while very good - it was considerably more expensive and didn't give me that "outstanding" experience as the mussels had. Otherwise I think the food is extremely good. One thing I don't like is they don't offer bread unless you pay for it - $5 for foccacia. It is a really great little restaurant and great for pre-theatre when going to Shakespeare theatre.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 10, 2020

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    I love Sonoma. I frequent it at least once a month. The service is always slow, however.

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  18. bigpants

    Washington DC

    19 reviews

    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Food and wine overall very good, although a bit uneven. Service friendly and relatively prompt. We likely will return.

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  19. HeatherT

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2020

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Very nice! Friendly service, good meal, an excellent & convenient choice for pre-Folger Theatre dinner.

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  20. TheOldCrow

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 30, 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Three business associates met for dinner.

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  21. Georgia

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2020

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Lots of pre-theater folks - staff is used to serving on the early side and moving things along in a good way. Ambiance relaxing on a cold night with good wine.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 18, 2020

    overall4food3service2ambience4
    Service was very slow. We waited about 45 min after all wine and food done before getting check.

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  23. Allden

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 18, 2020

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    The wait staff at Sonoma was wonderful and friendly, and the ambiance of the restaurant was great. The reason I wouldn't recommend it is that the food wasn't flavorful and therefore, the value wasn't great. I went in for restaurant week dinner with a few friends, and we had the following: 1. Meatballs and the Oyster Stew 2. Chicken Penne and the Bucatini 3. Chocolate fudge brownie cake Starting with the positive - the meatballs were very good and filling. If I were to return, I'd get those. The chocolate fudge brownie cake lives up to its name and is very chocolatey. My criticisms: Stew - had great elements, but no real flavor. Could have used some salt and pepper. Chicken penne - was billed as having roasted garlic, and I tasted zero garlic in it. The sun dried tomatoes were good, but if they hadn't been there, the penne and the chicken were also very bland. Bucatini - the sauce was just ok, but I don't remember the dish beyond an ok sauce. Chocolate fudge brownie cake - came with fudge on the side, and there was some inside when you broke it open. There was so much and it was so dense, it was more like paste in my mouth. I think it cold be great if they added something as simple as a single scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. I've had better Italian in DC for better value, so until they fix some of these things, great service isn't worth the money for not good food.

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  24. Crocpinot

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 17, 2020

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Delicate, well-contrived cuisine, especially for the "Restaurant Week" special menu. Food preparation was far superior to the service (which was adequate) and the ambience (chilly by the front door, rather noisy). I admire the wine list – that's what it's about, to start with – although the price per glass seems excessive.

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  25. StatiaB

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2020

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    Honestly, it was a let down. A group of 3 of us went for Restaurant Week but when we arrived the menu was different than what was posted online. When we asked why, we were told “the items were changed.” No apology or effort to alleviate the situation as we were there to try the two menu items that were replaced. We also saw our server twice. Once to give our order and then to pay the bill. The pasta I ordered was delicious. The experience was just boring.

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  26. Marcia

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2020

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Pre-theater

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  27. EmmaP

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2020

    overall4food3service4ambience5
    I am not generally a big fan of italian food, but this place was pretty good! I enjoyed the food options available for the restaurant week and the wine was very good. Overall I enjoyed my night!

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  28. SteveF

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you like good wine and good food paired together, this is the place for you. And, prices are reasonable.

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  29. Dave

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 10, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent atmosphere. Best meatballs in the city. Perfect for a date or happy hour.

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  30. MarkL

    Baltimore

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 4, 2020

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Rissoto and beignets not cooked quite long enuf, but otherwise everything was great. I highly recommend the oyster stew!

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  31. Jared

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 4, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience and recommendations!

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  32. PresMitchell

    Washington DC

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on January 3, 2020

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Great for a mid day punch to catch up with an old friend.

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  33. BonnieL

    Washington DC

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great risotto )!

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  34. Anon

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 13, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful place to meet and have supper or a drink before a Folger performance.

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  35. Croquetman

    Richmond

    44 reviews

    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My new favorite in Washington DC. What a GEM. Do you like mussels? How? Baked? In broth? They have it. Served in generous bowls either 1/2 or full servings. A Half is plenty to share as an appetizer. Onion soup? The best I have even eaten. Hands down the best. And I'm old, so that's saying something. Nice wine list. Prices very moderate. Casual. We arrived for dinner at 6:15. The place was empty. By the time we finished our sumptuous dinner, the joint was hopping and full. Hidden gem. Go. Enjoy.

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  36. NickD

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2019

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    Right from the start, service was extremely poor. The greeter took more than a minute to acknowledge us, instead she was looking at paperwork at her greeter station. She could have at least looked up from what she was doing to say “I’ll be with you in a minute.” Then the greeter couldn’t find our reservation. We had to show her the open table confirmation on our phone. And when she took us to our table there was no “enjoy your meal” or “your serve will be with you shortly.” Then came the server, he barely said anything. He didn’t Ofer to explain the menu, and when asked about things, he only answered with short two or three word answers. He drop off silverware with no explanation such as “these knives are for your pate.” Try as we might to engage in a friendly way, there was just no attempt at interaction back. Finally, the food was a huge disappointment. The duck pate was nice, but a little on the chunky side and under seasoned. The mussels were nice and plump, but they still tasted extremely fishy (which by the way probably explained the nasty fishy smell when we entered the restaurant). The broth/sauce was very dry and too little. Didn’t taste like there was any wine used in cooking the broth and the mussels, which probably explains the fishy taste. And what are wheat berries doing in a mussel broth? Just weird and out of place. The saving grace of the meal was dessert. The pumpkin cheesecake was delicious, however the chocolate cake was over baked and dry. We’ve been going to the Sonoma for years, always before a show a the Folger, and have always enjoyed it. However, we heard that it had gone down in quality lately, and now we have experienced it first hand. Probably a last visit to the restaurant, sadly.

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  37. Bets

    Washington DC

    39 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    39 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Great wine selections- very good food and excellent service

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  38. MW1234

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 29, 2019

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    The food was good but it was really an off-night for service. From the hostess who barely acknowledged us upon arriving and leaving because she was on her cellphone to the wait staff who didn’t notice us for 15 minutes after we were seated to the manager who seemed oblivious that we were just sitting and waiting, the service was surprisingly off. We did eventually get a waiter who was very apologetic and tried to make things right.

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  39. RichardW

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2019

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Chicken penne dish was bad - poor quality, bland chicken. Also, the entree size costing twice as much was no larger than the regular size.

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  40. gail

    Washington DC

    77 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    77 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The main thing this restaurant has going for it is that it is very convenient to the Folger. The food is pretty good. I had very good brussel sprouts. The mussels were good, but the serving wasn't large enough, at least not compared to most places I have gone to for mussels. Only about 12-16 I would estimate, and two were closed.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 544-8088.

Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar is rated 4 stars by 1586 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Sonoma Restaurant + Wine Bar

223 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20003

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    2nd Street S.E.
  • Neighbourhood
    Capitol Hill
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Italian, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress Code
    Business Casual
  • Parking Details
    Neighborhood and metered parking available
  • Public Transit
    Capitol South Metro
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Drew Trautmann
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.sonomadc.com/
  • Phone number
    (202) 544-8088
  • Catering
    Sonoma's mission is to highlight the Mid-Atlantic's best naturally-raised and local ingredients and pair the creations with the best American and Italian wines. We strive to integrate sustainable practices in all our restaurants: sourcing local ingredients, to create mouth-watering dishes, we aspire to be more than just a culinary trend-setter.
  • Private party facilities
    Sonoma’s event food selections have been designed to mirror the same high quality and ethos of the restaurant. With choices from house made charcuterie boards, to artisanal cheese boards, from shrimp cocktail to apple and brie crostini, our canapé selection has something to delight all tastes.
  • Private party contact
    Hilary Smith: (877) 365-2098
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