Arandas

Arandas wasn't at all crowded when we were here on a Friday night (albeit we had a later reservation time - 8:30) and I don't know why, it's great! It's a little pricy but nothing beyond standard prices for the area, and the food and flavors have left a lasting impression for me. The chicken tacos were so well done - I'm impressed with how moist the chicken pieces were while getting a nice char from the flame. The veg tacos felt like I was eating a taco interpretation of a samosa - packed with depth of flavor in a way I've never had from a veggie taco before. I'd highly recommend the papas app - I was skeptical about an avocado crema, potatos, and smoked roe all working together, but they do (perfectly). Don't sleep on the churros - amazing!! The atmosphere is nice and the service was great. This place will absolutely be on my list to revisit if I'm in the area again!

Very pretty restaurant with a great patio. I had high expectations and wanted to like ot, but the food was just okay. Drinks and service were great! The smoky orange and rosemary garnish in the Paloma. - wow. Nice touch! The guacamole was great! I don’t understand the tiny ramekin of salsa, but guacamole is great. Elote was tasty, it’s on the cob so not easy to share but good flavor. The entrees were underwhelming. My husband and I both went will the two tacos. He had to steal my delicious salsa matcha because his were both dry (caritas and a carne asada I think). My curry butternut squash had some flavor but the squash was I undercooked and it could use some slaw or fresh ingredient. The quesabirria looked like it was prepared earlier and sat. The salsa macha was the highlight. And the beans were great - creamy and smoky. Maybe we caught the kitchen on an off night but I would go for drinks and apps maybe.

Really nice aesthetic, food was mid. We went on a night that they had a special menu. The duck on that menu was not pleasant. My friend ordered it and only took 2 bites before saying she couldn’t have it anymore. Her sister tried to eat it and the same happened. The waitress we had seemed to disappear at some point but was really nice at the end. She took the duck off the bill which was much appreciated. They also randomly had a tarot card reader but the wait was too long for us.

If your idea of paradise involves a perfectly chilled margarita in hand and a plate of nachos so good you’ll consider adopting them, stop what you’re doing and head straight to Arandas in downtown Healdsburg. Here’s why this place is about to become your new happy-hour obsession: • Coconut Mango Margarita Picture a tropical vacation in a glass: silky coconut meets tangy mango, with just enough tequila to keep things interesting but none of the “whoops, I can’t feel my face” regret. I sipped one and swear I heard steel drums playing in the background, yet I was still eloquent enough to order seconds. • Prickly Pear Margarita If the first margarita was a sun-soaked day at the beach, this one is the cool breeze at sunset. Not too saccharine, just that bright, fruity hit that makes you wonder why all margaritas aren’t made from cactus fruit. • Chicken Tinga Nachos Let’s talk nachos: when the chips are so well seasoned you want to frame them on your wall, you know you’re in the right spot. Arandas piles on a duo of nacho cheese and shredded cheese, then crowns it with tender, smoky chicken tinga that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of appetizer you’ll elbow your best friend for and then graciously share, because you’re a decent human being. • Ambiance & Location The restaurant’s vibe is exactly what you want in downtown Healdsburg: vibrant, inviting, and lively enough that you don’t feel awkward if you break into a mariachi-inspired jig (no judgment). Bonus: happy-hour margarita prices that seem to defy the laws of economics leave you extra cash to wander the charming streets afterward. • Verdict Arandas isn’t just a one-and-done destination; it’s your new regular hangout. Trust me, you’ll be plotting your next visit before you even finish your first round. Perfectly nestled in downtown Healdsburg, it’s an irresistible magnet for anyone who loves killer drinks, shareable bites, and a stroll-worthy neighborhood afterward. Put it on your weekly rotation; you’ll thank me later.

I’ve been wanting to eat here since it changed to a Mexican restaurant a few months back and we weren’t disappointed. It’s all about flavor and while the lunch menu is smaller than the dinner offering, and the dishes could be considered traditional, they were packed full of flavor. It was pretty warm when we were there but the fans in the outdoor area out the back were perfect, and were the Margaritas!

I traveled a LONG distance to dine here with friends from San Diego. And this is a destination-worthy restaurant. This is not your typical trendy Mexican restaurant. This is world-class cuisine envisioned by a brilliant chef, executed flawlessly in a beautiful space with a great hospitality team. 6 of us dined and were able to order basically the entire menu, plus a few specials. The overarching theme here is that the dishes look and taste deceptively simple...yet there are MANY complex layers of technique and flavor that go into them. (As a chef myself, I know exactly how complicated it is to execute cuisine like this.) This is the level of cuisine being produced in only a handful of restaurants in Wine Country, and most of those restaurants require months-in-advance reservations. (And most of those offer a sombre, stuffy dining experience, whereas the team here is familiar, friendly, and fun...exactly the way the chef says he envisioned the restaurant, like being welcomed into his family home.) We were pleased to see a seafood- and veggie-focused menu, which allowed us to splurge on MORE dishes than if the menu was weighed down by meat. (Although the steak dish was transcendent.) When we revealed that we LOVE intense spice, the kitchen sent out a variety of salsas crafted by the culinary team, including some experimental stuff, that allowed us to amp up the heat of our dishes. Each dish was a carefully crafted balance of texture, flavor, and nuance. We didn't have a single dish that we found to be average. Literally EVERYTHING was exceptional. The cocktails were also absolutely killer, and the wine list was fun, including some Mexican wines that were delicious. (Apparently the oldest winery in the Americas is in Mexico.) We had the fortune to speak with both the chef and the sous chef, and it sounds like the chef encourages experimentation by his team, and loves to give them creative expression and feature their results on the menu. Fancy that! A non-domineering, nurturing chef. Although it's only a month old, this restaurant is destined for a name and lasting legacy, once the word gets out.

Opening week, and what a gem. This was such a delightful meal— not too heavy but filling and delicious. Left feeling perfectly content. The appetizers we got (Guacamole y mas) was the perfect blend of flavors and textures to begin the experience. Pickled veggies, fruit with tajin, guacamole, chicharones, salsa and hot sauce. Fun to have this on the table to graze while you sip your cocktail and wait for the meal. Atmosphere is moody and comfortable. Meal came and was delicious. We chose the steak plate (huge serving) and pollo tacos (vitamin Ts lol). The taco was my selection for the night. It was served uniquely, meat mixed with wild edible flowers (beautiful) in a bowl by itself, small bowl of sauce, little plate of toppings including habanero pickled veggies, and a separate basket with hot house made tortillas. You put your own taco together. At first I was torn about the presentation but I actually prefer it this way after experiencing it. The vibe is definitely that of eating a delicious meal with friends on a patio but being served by a private chef. So comfortable. So delish. No filler foods distracting from the main dish. Our favorite drink of the night was Double Trouble, a clarified margarita. I’ve had nothing like it and it was so refreshing. Dessert was good, as were the dessert cocktails. But, the main attraction was the meal itself. Everything was perfectly cooked and served beautifully. The table was full of food and dishes of accouterments. Every employee was welcoming and kind, it seems like they’re all happy to be there. We also sat by the kitchen and it appeared to be organized, clean and, in general, a well-oiled machine back there. Can’t wait to go back!

Wrapped up my birthday week in Sonoma at Arandas, delicious Mexican food, awesome drinks, and amazing service to end the trip on a high note!

Arandas recently replaced our beloved Chalkboard, the restaurant attached to Hotel Les Mars. We were sad to see Chalkboard go, but excited to have a new option to try. They updated the space with some dark dramatic wallpaper, new seating, and new chandeliers. Very pretty! The menu offers a few starters, 3 seafood appetizers, 3 salads, 3 taco options, and 3 mains. We shared the guacamole for $16. It was beautifully presented with edible flowers on top. It was a more pureed consistency than I'm used to - I prefer a little more texture to my guac. But it came with fresh, thin, salty chips, which we loved. I had the CALABACITAS (summer squash tacos) and my guy had the POLLO (achiote grilled chicken tacos). The tacos come deconstructed, build-your-own style. The portions didn't look huge but proved to be quite filling. We really enjoyed the flavors of both the squash and chicken, and the homemade tortillas. I would order both of these options again. To drink we tried the classic margarita - really fresh and not overly sweet, one of the better margaritas we've had recently - and a non-alcoholic cocktail. Thumbs up to both! I hear that that Arandas Happy Hour is worth a visit, so I'll try that next.

Such a great happy hour! The bartender (I think her name was Reina) was great and very attentive. Her drinks were also great. Loved the food (we got happy hour items - tartare and the quesadilla) and both were very good. Can't wait to come back here!

A quiet night (Sunday) when we arrived at 6:30. No one in the restaurant so a little strange but our waiter, Ben (awesome) immediately made us feel comfortable. Cocktails were very tasty and every tapas ordered was amazing!! The space Arandas is in is very nice...almost too nice, but also comfortable. We had three different menu items to share and they were all delicious. I heartily recommend this place!! Everyone is pleasant and we really liked Chris our server.

We ate here on a recent Saturday night. Our reservation was for 7:30. There were 3-4 tables occupied (sort of sad for a Saturday night in Healdsburg but it was the Saturday after the storm). We were seated promptly near their front entrance; wait staff gave us menus and took our drink orders. I ordered a classica margarita ($14) and my friend ordered a "double trouble margarita "$20) which we sipped while we read the menu. After about four sips I noticed my that my margarita was done (see photo - liquid at the bottom is melted ice)). I'm not a big drinker but wow, $14 for what seemed like a one ounce margarita! My friends margarita was made well and the normal size. My friends thought their food was okay but not special. I ordered the tacos ($22-24) - you get four and are able to get mix the four options (a plus!). I got two chicken and two butternut squash ("calabaza"). The chicken tacos were what you'd expect - not special but fine. Unfortunately the butternut squash ones were not good; I let the rest of my party have them and they said that the problem was that they were under cooked. Oops. We ordered two desserts. My friends declared the Flan ($15) the best they'd ever tasted (and they're foodies) and I agree it was excellent. I ordered the churos ($15) and they too were great. Here's where it got sort of weird. By 8:15-20 we seemed to be the only table left. I noticed a draft on my legs so I covered it with my jacket and we eventually concluded that they had perhaps turned on the AC since we were the only ones left. Odd, right? Overall the wait staff was nice and prompt (3*), the food was variable (2*) the desserts were amazing (5*) but the value is not there (2*). It might be a good place to go during the day since they have a patio, or for a late night dessert.

Arandas is a new restaurant in the heart of downtown Healdsburg. Their restaurant is inside a hotel but has its own entrance. The vibe is a casual nice . And parking is easy as there is a large public parking lot right across the street ( walking distance). I liked their menu - the ceviche was really good as well as the guacamole. I orders the halibut which was cooked perfectly! There is a chicken or veggie taco on the menu but not a meat taco. We wanted dessert but were disappointed to see Italian desserts on the menu instead of Mexican desserts . I recommend churros be added to the menu . Our service was excellent ! All in all I would come back here even if they don't have churros on the menu !

This is the best happy hour in Healdsburg for quality high end Mexican tapas and delicious margaritas that are made with a local tequila. Try the papas (roasted potatoes) with cavier, the pollo tacos, and guacamole mas (with chicharrones) and the amazing scallop ceviche. It's all fantastic! There's an outdoor deck in back. It's in Hotel Mars next to Little Saint. Our new fav place.

Delightful modern Mexican cuisine in a cosy but elegant space. We dined on the patio and felt like we were abroad. The service is attentive and friendly. The food is absolutely delicious with creative pairings of flavors. This is not the familiar Tex-Mex cooking; it is more upscale and has a sophisticated continental vibe. Even the guacamole is gourmet.

Arandas is superb. Food is extraordinary. Wait staff is very attentive. Prices are very reasonable. It is our new go-to place. Highly, highly recommend it!

Small plates are delicious. Come during happy hour and enjoyed with fancy drinks. Back patio very comfortable even when it's warm.

Food, service, amazing The atmosphere has a relaxed vibe. Staff, never hurried us. Each dish thoughtfully prepared. Cocktail's reasonably priced and well crafted

Awesome new spot that took over the chalkboard location. Service was excellent and the food was as authentic as can get. We will definitely be back for more in the near future!!!

Arandas Healdsburg Beautiful restaurant the setting .bar ,pictures on the wall feels like a work of art owner put a lot of thought into the atmosphere the whole decor was exceptional ..the service was impeccable only thing I found lacking was in the food there was no thought in the menu I was totally disappointed $200 and this is what you get ,I'm surprised this is the same owner of Goodnight in Healdsburg that I raved about

My girlfriends and I came here to celebrate a birthday and our food was incredible! We got the shrimp ceviche ( it has a different name I won't try to type out ) that was unbelievable, guacamole y mas as well as some chorizo tacos, everything was much more filling then it looked. The drinks were also incredible! Ben was our server and he was very kind and attentive. Iana and Carl the managers also went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time. I think the remodel of this place is amazing I love the cozy but upscale feel of the restaurant. I hear the happy hour is amazing so we will definitely be back!

It's a little incongruous to have a nouveau Mexican restaurant in a hotel with a French name, but don't let that misdirect you! We had an absolutely delightful meal that was served in a particularly friendly atmosphere. We had the guacamole, the heirloom tomato salad with goat cheese, the shrimp cocktail and the papas. Each dish was fixed with a flair that demonstrates that this chef is promising and obviously talented. The guacamole was as good as we've had anywhere else with excellent homemade chips. The three other dishes had especially flavorful sauces. The papas were similar to Patatas bravas but it was served with smoked trout roe. Nice extension of a regular dish at other restaurants! The use of fresh ingredients was great. Besides the great food and ambience, the service could not have been better!

Happy hour SUCKS. I was there on a packed Wednesday Night Happy hour. First time. I am a local. I was looking forward to it.. We first thought the Happy hour prices for food were expensive, and we were correct as the portions were super small. I ordered the Sangria , and they told me they were out since "someone threw out the batch". Not sure what that means. When we finally got our bill, they had overcharged ALL of our food (but a few dollars each.., i wonder if they do that so people wont notice?). Their excuse was that "well that is what is says in our system", so does that mean EVERYONE sitting at the bar was overcharged?? They also charged us for 5 drinks instead of 4. And instead of being SUPER apologetic, they were just super annoyed with us for asking for changes. I will NEVER be back, And if you do go, check your bill. please check your bill..or better yet, dont go at all

Went last Monday. Ordered the guacamole dish for 28$ chips are not House made guacamole lacked salt, lime and cilantro, got the halibut dish, overcooked af. Got the chicken tacos, overcooked af, and you have ti make your own tacos with tortiallas thicker than mine and they still broke. Go to any taco truck and get better food. I paid 160 for the worst Mexican food of my life.

Beautiful spot, great service, food was mediocre. Honestly, we were a bit surprised, really expected much better cuisine.