Willi’s Wine Bar

"Willi’s remains one of the most enjoyable places in Sonoma County to order a table full of small plates and share everything. Nearly every dish we tried was excellent. The tuna tartare was fresh and balanced, the calamari perfectly crisp, and the lamb with couscous and almonds was the star of the meal — rich, tender, and honestly world-class. If it’s on the menu, order it. The bread pudding was equally memorable and a great way to end the meal. Service was friendly, attentive, and professional throughout. The only disappointment was the wine. For a place with “Wine Bar” in the name, the list and pricing were surprisingly underwhelming. We opened a $75 Russian River Valley Albariño that simply didn’t drink anywhere near that price point, and Alicia was also unimpressed with the recommended Sauvignon Blanc. Living in the middle of Sonoma wine country probably raises our expectations a bit, but the wine list felt like a missed opportunity given how strong the kitchen is. Fortunately corkage is available ($35 for the first two bottles), which is probably the smartest move here. The kitchen is doing excellent work and deserves better wine than what’s currently on the list. Come for the food — it’s terrific — and consider bringing your own bottle."