Cafe Citti

My family and I enjoyed an excellent meal last night at the café. It was the first time visiting since they moved from Kenwood. I’m happy to say they’re just as great. The grilled polenta is to die for with a nice rich mushroom sauce. Our waiter, Darian was professional and fun. The tiramisu was quite good as well. Nice setting on the patio above the creek.

We have been dining with you since you were in Kenwood. Last night we ordered delivery and had 2 Caesar salads. The dressing was more like butter than dressing. It wouldn’t pour or spread on lettuce and tasted off. The garden salad was fine. The bolognese, puttanesca and pesto were just ok but not what we’ve come to expect from Cafe Citti. We really enjoyed your restaurant but we won’t be dining with you again. The food was not representative of price nor quality and there are others with more consistent quality for the price. It’s sad that we have to bid farewell to our regular Italian restaurant but price no longer equals quality.

We came close to their close but they were thankfully able to seat us outside. The staff is SOOOO sweet ❤️ My dad wanted to order their lasagna, but they were unfortunately out, but they gave him extra ravioli to make up for it which was extremely nice of them. If you go, you have to get the gnocchi! It’s melt in your mouth and some of the best I’ve had.

Had a delightful dinner. Very friendly and wonderful service. Very limited seating, perhaps only 6 tables situated on an outdoor deck amongst the tree tops. Food was very good, very good Gnocchi with the Citti sauce, wine tasted great and deserts and coffee were superb.

Lovely afternoon spent with my 4 sisters. The food was delicious and the wine so smooth to the palate. Staff was prompt with their service and didn't mind that we stayed well after their closing time for their lunch service.

Directly off the road during your drive through the Sonoma Valley, between Glen Ellen and Santa Rosa, it's easy to find. All handmade pastas, sauces, and desserts, which any good Italian place would offer yet hard to find anymore. The atmosphere was semi chic yet very casual, allowing the customer to come in in any clothing style and with any company. Order at the bar and then you can get table service. The pricing was fair yet slightly on the expensive side for the fact of having to order at a counter. Would recommend restaurant change to a full table service. Also some of the chairs seemed rather worn and obviously not expensive chairs, so they should be replaced. Will definitely go back.

Absolutely amazing food! Must try the Caesar salad and ravioli. It’s such a warm and welcoming environment. It’s also a really beautiful and cozy seating in the back.

My family and I have been coming here since they opened and it has consistently been my favorite restaurant. Authentic, straightforward, northern Italian perfection. My parents compare every caeser salad to Citti's and - spoiler alert - no one else gets it right. (Today's wasn't as garlic forward as usual but we forgive). Homemade croutons, an anchovy, perfect creamy/citrus balance... Also, Luca's pesto is unmatched. I generally don't order pesto out because I'm a bit snobby about it and don't think anyone can make it as good as me. Except for Luca. I'm also partial to the A.O.P. but you really can't go wrong on the menu. You can tell that the dedication Luca and team brings to the restaurant goes beyond the food - it goes to the people too. I remember being so impressed and welcomed when staff that was there when I was 8 years old was there when I was 20. Grazie, Luca. Mangiamo!

Cafe Citti: A Culinary Love Letter to Italy in Santa Rosa If you haven't heard the hype about Cafe Citti, let me be the one to confirm: it's mind blowing. From the moment we sat down, the flavors, textures, and ambiance transported us straight to a cozy hillside trattoria. We kicked things off with the Special Antipasto Salad--a dreamy lineup featuring bresaola, and house-made burrata so creamy it could double as dessert, paired with a seasoned olive medley that danced on the palate. The focaccia, fresh from the oven, came with local olive oil and a balsamic glaze that felt like a warm hug from Sonoma itself. Then came the Polenta Fries-dangerously addictive, especially with that pesto aioli. I could write sonnets about them. Next up: Prawns alla Diavola, cooked to perfection and served in a sauce that was pure magic bold, balanced, and impossible to forget. We didn't think we had room for entrées, but with appetizers this good, skipping them would've been a crime. The Potato Gnocchi? Like cotton candy for grown-ups--pillowy, fresh, and utterly divine. The Ravioli alla Citti converted me from a ravioli skeptic to a full-blown devotee--bursting with flavor and clearly crafted with love. And the Polenta with Porcini Sauce? Comforting, creamy, and elevated with a crisp crust that added just the right crunch. If this is what Italy tastes like, I'm never coming back. We closed out with a trio of desserts-Gelato, Tiramisu, and Crème Brûlée-each one a sweet finale to a symphony of flavors. The ambiance? Cozy, welcoming, and exactly what you'd want from a place that feels like home. Cafe Citti isn't just a meal, it's an experience, a celebration, and a reminder that food can be both art and comfort. Brava. Thank you for the incredible service, cocktails, and your passion in sharing a piece of home with us all. Italiano Famiglia

So very glad we finally made it to one of our cousin's favorite restaurants! If it were closer, it be our favorite as well. This is an adorable, small Italian restaurant. Seating is outside on their covered patio. Everyone is so very nice & helpful. As wonderful as the employees, owner & ambiance are, the food is the star! 1st: I had the porcini mushroom, yellow onion & Pancetta pizza. 5 stars all the way with everything we ate!. So good! We shared a house Italian salad, delicious! Butter lettuce was cold & crisp! Cousin & husband had their polenta dinner & loved it. We had their tiramisu, perfectly made & their cannoli. Cannoli had chocolate chips, dark cherries & pistachios! Are you kidding me! No reservations; opens at 4:30 pm. What a wonderful experience we had, with a happy, helpful staff & delicious food!

My first time dining here after the move from Kenwood. From start to finish everything was A+. It was a very warm evening yet sitting on the patio above the creek was quite nice with the curtains & fans. Our server, Darian, could not have been more fabulous. He joked with my granddaughter who was being a bit shy which invoked a smile. The garden salad I had was good- but the stars of the show were the Fried Polenta with a creamy mushroom sauce, the focaccia bread (which was refilled as needed) and the tiramisu which I had as my birthday dessert. Darian delivered the dessert with a very big candle and sang to me. I'd definitely come back here!

Last minute decision to try Cafe Citti out tonight. Wow is all I can say. Very small but mighty authentic Italian trattoria. We were seated immediately and fresh warm focaccia bread was put in front of us. Oil and an amazingly sweet balsamic vinegar was on the table. Delish!!! Our amazing server guided us with our order. We split the Caesar salad and then ordered their signature lasagna dish and the ravioli. Both were off the charts wonderful. We will be back to this little gem real soon. Food was fresh and served fast. In and out in under an hour. Thank you Cafe Citti

Cafe Citti is an authentic Italian restaurant. Its seating area is quite small so reservations might be smart. The staff was friendly and accommodating. The full size pasta is enough to share and was delicious. The polenta fries and dipping sauces were amazing! The salad dressing was unique but really good. Recommend checking this local spot out!

First time doing take out at Cafe Citti! The owner Linda assisted with grabbing my bags for take out. She was very sweet and asked if I needed silverware and if I had enough bread (she gave me 4 Focaccia Bread Slices)! I told her yes, it's just the two of us having dinner at home and she said "There you go!" with a smile on her face. I ordered two pastas: Alfredo and Linguine with pomodoro sauce (added zucchinis). They clumped a little from the take out box but you just have to mix it together, get the sauce going and it's delicious! I had to get their whole chicken which was cooked with rosemary, sage and garlic. I also ordered their garden salad. Definitely more than enough food for two people and we have dinner again tonight with the leftovers. Love the family story behind Cafe Citti. I love that everything is served family style whether you get their family meals (serves 6-8) or a la carte.

Still the Best - Even Better at the New Location! Cafe Citti has been a longtime favorite of mine, and I'm thrilled to say it's just as incredible--if not better--since the move to the new location a few years ago. I'll admit, I was a little worried the quality might dip with the transition, but those fears were completely unfounded. If anything, it's improved--and now they're even closer to home, which makes it all the more convenient. Luca, the owner, is a fantastic chef and an even better person. His passion for food shines through in every dish, and he's always so personable and warm whenever we chat. It's rare to find someone who's not only talented in the kitchen but also genuinely great to talk to(not a bad pool player either). The food is consistently delicious--fresh, flavorful, and comforting. Whether you're a longtime fan or thinking of trying Cafe Citti for the first time, I can't recommend it enough. Five stars all the way!

Beautiful plants and kind staff. There was a grumpy fellow with long gray hair who I thought was a customer but at the end of my time there I experienced him openly barking meanly and loudly at the staff. His body language seemed full of hate. The women graciously took his meanness quietly. And I believe he may have been management or even an owner. If that is who he was he would be smart to stay away from the public part of the business. I don't think I'll go back because of him

The people who serve you here could not be nicer and more efficient. We had their Gnocchi and it was fabulous! The best we ever had was at Osteria in SF. They closed, so were thankful that Cafe Citti's Gnocchi was so good.

It had been a few years since eating at Cafe Citti. The food is still great and the service was excellent. We sat outside on the deck and the setting was comfortable. Both of our main dishes Gnocchi and Linguini with chicken in a garlic cream sauce were excellent. We also had the polenta fries which were so good and finished with some yummy tiramisu. We will go back.

I have never been here. The lady in front was super nice. Since you can only sit outside we ordered to go. They need to fix the photos on the website. My friends spaghetti with marinara sauce was good she said. I had linguine with carbonara sauce. There was so many noodles and almost no sauce. No flavor. I dumped most of it. Foccicia bread was ok. The chocolate moose pudding was very good. Bad first impression.

Amazingly good pasta dishes and a sweet deck out the back for al fresco dining. Sweet treats are enticing as well.

I finally tried Cafe Citti, not having been to their previous location in Kenwood. Went with a friend who loves Italian food. I had called ahead to make reservations, only to find out (and also stated on their website!) that they do not accept reservations. Hours are usually 4:30p-7pm. The person taking my call suggested getting there early. So we arrived at 5:45 which was the sweet spot before the evening rush on a Friday. I found Cafe Citti to be a jewel of an Italian cafe. You would not really know what hides behind the walls by looking at it from 4th Street. There were some tables outside in front for dining /waiting for a table. We entered and waited at the hostess stand. To the left was the small but efficient kitchen, and to the right, a small room with a piece or 2 of kitchen equipment. A narrow path passes between them to the outdoor seating. The door opens and there lies a magical outdoor area, strung with lights, nestled in the trees. There are about 6 tables outdoors, and we sat at a 2-top. (I kind of felt like a princess!) Very soft music. Very low key, inducing instant relaxation. We were presented with foccacia bread, about 4 slices, and bottles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar were on the table. All delicious. My friend ordered the Lasagne ($26.95) Tuscan style Fresh Lasagna noodles layered with Bolognese sauce, béchamel sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. It arrived in a large bowl/plate. The flavors were rich, comforting, and all melded and melted together for lasagne perfection. I had the 1/2 Chicken Summer Combo ($22.95) Half rotisserie chicken, house potato salad and heirloom tomato and red onion salad with fresh basil. Oh my goodness. The chicken had perfectly seasoned crispy skin and the meat was tender and delicious. The heirloom tomato salad was excellent - ripe, delicious tomotoes, small slivers of onion and then basil, with balsamic vinegar. I wanted much more of this! I was not really a fan of the potato salad- it had more dressing/mayo on it than I like, and could use more flavor. That said, I ate it all anyway:) We just had water, no cocktails or wine. I wish I had gotten the name of our server - he was absolutely delightful. Fun to joke a bit with, quick wit, and so efficient. Note that because of the limited number of tables, there is a discreet note on a stand on each table kindly asking patrons to limit their time at the table to 90 minutes, so more people can dine. I thinks that's fair. So if you are one to want to sit and chat and drink wine for hours, maybe not the best place to do it out of courtesy for others waiting for a table. In terms of navigating through the cafe, not really sure how a wheelchair could get through to the back seating area, but a walker could make it. If you are W/C bound, there is seating outside in the front that should accommodate you. Did not use the bathroom, so unsure of its condition or space. (Added note: Linda at the Cafe tells me wheelchairs have made it through safely and bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.) Overall, it was a delightful dinner and experience. There were so many different pasta sauces there, that there is something for everyone. I cannot wait to go back! And go early:)

Oh my god, this was a 10/10 experience every time! Service is great, fast, and friendly actually felt like they cared about us and their job. It's a beautiful small outside space. You can hear the road a bit but the ambience of the space makes up for it. The food, omg the food! Lasagna was melting in my mouth amazing, the layers were precise and so flavorful! Such big portions on the pasta too! Will be coming back and definitely recommend if you're looking for a good splurge.

2nd time doing take out from here. Portions are very generous, food is quite good. Had penne with pesto and then Linguine with garlic cream sauce. Both are pretty good, strawberry and chocolate gelato are fantastic! Very creamy and freshly made. Quick friendly service at the register

We had a relaxing and delicious impromptu dinner Friday evening on the shady (and cool!) back deck of Cafe Citti. Our server Darian was charming, funny and extremely efficient. The SO had the rotisserie chicken with pesto penne, I had a small Caesar salad with calamari. Excellent! Finished with the tiramisu which was wonderful sitting in a "Citti" decorated sauce. Fantastic experience, will definitely return!

Had an amazing experience here! It is the cutest little restraunt and has amazing food! I would have had posted a picture but the food was too good to Wait!

First time back since they were in Kenwood, location is different, but the food is still the same! This was the first time eating here for my wife and she loved it. She ordered pesto linguini with shrimp and I ate linguini carbonara. The shrimp were cooked perfectly and the pesto wasn't too oily. My carbonara had great flavor, and a very generous portion. I don't remember having this dish at Kenwood, but I'm glad I ordered it. The service was great as well. Can't wait to go back!

I haven't been in to Cafe Citti, but my in-laws recently brought us takeout from there to celebrate a birthday. The food was easily the best Italian food I've ever had outside of Italy! We split a Caesar salad (yum, very garlicky dressing), my husband had the ravioli (delicious), my daughter had the chicken breast sandwich (so good!), and I had gnocchi with Bolognese sauce (also delicious). Also the polenta fries appetizer (maybe the highlight of the meal!) and foccacia. Cannoli and gelato for dessert and we were all stuffed but happy (and with plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day)! And everything was packed with such care and attention to detail--the croutons for the salad were in a separate bag so they didn't get soggy, and everything cold was nicely separated from everything hot. It is very obvious that Cafe Citti really cares about their customers, too! I have a couple food allergies so I sent them an email ahead of time to check ingredients on a few dishes. Linda replied to my email soon after they opened, answered all of my questions, and was very gracious about it!

Legit Italian cafe, we come here every time we're in Kenwood. Thanks to my trusty Yelp app, we dined here 5 years ago. The locals and tourists alike love this place. They have been in the adorable Kenwood space for 30 years. They have since moved to Santa Rosa next to Hank's Creekside on 4th Street, even closer. Their menu is extensive with authentic Italian eats. Service is stellar, everyone is so friendly and happy. It's like you're dining with family, but way better, as some real family members you don't like j/k (not really) lol. Grazie and see you on Yelp (SYOY)!

The Caesar salad was great! Lots of dressing, lettuce was crisp and fresh! Croutons had a nice flavor. The bread was delicious!

The delivery of my order on Wednesday March 26 was not delivered to the door, but outside the entryway. I had to hunt for it. The food was cold. A quick knock on the door would have sufficed. I will not be orderinddelivery again. I live in Oakmont.

What a cute lovely site to have a meal. Their outside deck over looks a stream and trees. Ahhhh. And then comes the food. We started with their famous Caesar salad and then had Gnocchi Al Pesto and Linguine Scampi, all beautifully presented and delicious. Then we ordered tiramisu to go. Wow, it was probably the best tiramisu I've ever had and I've had tiramisu all over Italy. Service was excellent. Plus their Italian drinks are a real treat. Everything is great there.

We were so incredibly blown away by the food and the staff! The drinks were so tasty and creative, and each plate was seasoned so well. We had never been here before, so we were shocked at how small the seating area is. But surprisingly, they move quickly! They even started us with drinks and appetizers on the front patio. Darion was an amazing server! He was so helpful and hilarious, and wonderfully kind and patient. We will absolutely be back to try more items on the menu.

Twenty years of excellent food since weve been going there since the early 80's. Right on down to the Ceasar salad. ask for xtra anchovies.

Cafe Citti is a gem! Delicious desserts, Caesar salad and my favorite, rotisserie chicken! It is a great texture. The staff is kind and gracious and their outdoor patio is very nice.

The complimentary focaccia paired with olive oil and balsamic was fantastic. The house salad dressing was one of the best Italian dressings I've had. The polenta with Marsala wine sauce and porcini mushrooms was second to none. My wife and son had the gnocchi with pesto, which was perfectly cooked and flavorful. The hazelnut and chocolate chip gelatos were a hit with the family. The service was unmatched and the ambience was great as well. They are in a league of their own. We will be back.

My wife had the lasagne, and loved it, I had the garlicky ceasar & 1/2 roast chicken. Good old fashion Ceasar salad including the anchovy fillet laid across the top, loved it, chicken was good, moist, and delicious. Looks like most of thieir business is take out, just a few tables in the back on a covered porch, which is well heated and comfortable on a cold rainy night. We will be back for more.

for my first time there I ordered a pint of soup, a focaccia bread. a caesar salad and 1 cannoli. It came to 49.71. I was in a bit of shock at the price but took my food home and opened the salad first. It was mostly back hard part of lettuce and barley any leafy part. It had a few croutons and 1 (one) pine nut. I threw it away and put my own lettuce in with the dressing. The focaccia was good, I have had better, the soup good and the cannoli excellent. I took a photo of the bad lettuce that should have never been used and sent it to the restaurant and got no answer. that small salad was 18. I will not go there again and report to my friends who live in Santa Rosa.

Food...delicious Service...wonderful Setting on patio...perfect We truly enjoyed our time there, a very nice, small, place you have to visit!!!! We got there just a little after they opened and was fortunate to get a table right away. If you went at night I'm sure it's romantic with the lights hanging.

There staff is super fantastic the owner is amazing and the food is some of the best quality authentic Italian food you will ever have everything on their menu is amazing. We will definitely be going back.

Watch when you order online. Check your order before you leave. Ceaser salad 19.00+ a small bowl of lettuce croutons and an anchovie on top. No ceaser dressing. Disappointed! Chicken and lasagna are good. I was called by the owner and offered a refund for the salad. I'm sorry to have written a review while I was angry. We had an honest conversation. We have many wonderful meals at Cafe Citti. I will be returning. Thanks for calling.

As tourists, we would stop at the Kenwood restaurant for lunch, on our way from Santa Rosa airport to our hotel, after wine tasting, or just to get biscotti. The food was always delicious, the crooked floor was charming, and staff so friendly. We were so sad to see it close, especially since we were moving nearby in Santa Rosa. The floors in the new location aren't crooked, and Linda is as friendly as ever wearing many hats with less staff. The food is still as delicious. The gnocchi and polenta dishes were so generous we took some of each home, with a biscotti to go. The patio in the back is cozy, and has heaters if you need them. With the charming mural of the Tuscan landscape and Andrea Bocelli playing through the speakers, close your eyes , breathe in the aromas on your plate, and you could be in an Italian trattoria.

Excellent food and service. The pizza and pasta are delicious. The Caesar salad is perfect. I take a pizza to my tennis club and everyone loves it.

My wife and I had an exceptional dinner last Friday night! This was our first time eating dinner at Cafe Citti, and we were definitely not disappointed! The intimate, outdoor seating had a wonderful ambience. The staff were very courteous and welcoming. Linda Citti, who served us, was very pleasant and gracious. Overall, the complete dinner was outstanding! Everything is housemade and absolutely fresh and delicious. All dishes were served with excellent presentation with a wonderful smile from Linda. View the attached photos to see what I mean! All these items brought me right back to my Italian grandmother's house when 50 years ago we had similar superb meals. The gnocchi were of proper consistency and texture. The Porcini sauce was was delightfully creamy with a fabulous earthy flavor from the wild mushrooms. The ravioli was also equally delicious and so memorable. The pasta was proper thin layers that melted in your mouth and then the special flavors of the filling hits your tongue to help send you back to the "Old Country". We finished the meal with two housemade desserts: tiramisu (again, excellent presentation!), and an impressive chocolate covered almond biscotti. My wife and I highly recommend coming to Cafe Citti! You will not be disappointed!

My fiancé & I went to Cafe' Citti last night after both having a long day with the intent to pick up some food to-go & enjoy our dinner at home. As we began to order Linda "suggested" we consider enjoying our meal in their outdoor patio. We reluctantly agreed to politely take a quick look only to find their "Hidden Gem" which offered us a place to enjoy their food on site. Imagine our surprise when we discovered an enclosed, heated & elegantly draped intimate outdoor-seating area above Santa Rosa Creek, a beautiful mural painted on the exterior wall of an Italian farmhouse, soft music playing and the sound of rainfall capping our dining experience. We shared their must have one-of-a-kind Caesar Salad, the restaurant's signature homemade Ravioli alla Citti & finally their Gnocchi w/ Bolognese. We then capped off our evening by enjoying a Chocolate Mousse & an Affogato. The food was amazing, the service impeccable (thank you Darien!) & the intimate outdoor-seating area is definitely a "must try"! Oh yeah, we also took home a "Ball of Mozzarella" to enjoy before dinner tonight! Grazie per l'ottimo pasto e la bellissima serata, davvero molto buono!

Their lasagne is excellent to me. Ate there twice, and did take out about 6 times. I would stay away from the pasta primavera, too bland. Seating is very limited so plan to wait sometimes

Shout out to this place. You walk in and just know they are doing the work here. Everything is on point. Portions are good. Just go.

I liked it better in Kenwood, maybe that's nostalgia. The food is still amazing and the new location is outside dining which is fun. I ALWAYS get the cesar salad, the dressing and pine nuts is delicious. The main courses....good luck choosing, but fear not anything you finally decide on will be tasty.

I had to skip my go to ... the calamari sando... and try something different. Nothing disappoints here, impeccable service, food and now the outdoor patio. Opted for the fried polenta with mushroom and Marsala sauce, others in the party ordered the lasagna, pesto with penne. Back to the polenta... perfectly served, crisp on the outside and that sauce is delicious I think it was a mushroom and marsala sauce. Took the tiramisu and gelato home for later... deliziosa!

The food is superior and very Italian! Highly recommend any of the pastas. Fantastic Caesar salads! The cannoli for desert is not to be missed! Very authentic.

All round excellent! This place does not skip a beat. The food is always great. The service is invisible. The ambiance is sweet. It's outside, but you won't notice.

Cafe Citti never disappoints! Up from southern California to visit family, and ordered a family meal and some extras. It's a go-to for our large family gatherings. Especially love the Citti and AoP sauces, and roasted chicken. Thanks Linda and staff for stellar food and service!!!

Love cafe Citti! I always order the linguini with white clam sauce and as always it is delicious. Their chicken and Caesar salad are so garlicky and delicious! Had the tiramisu for the first time here it was soooo good, just a bit soggy at the bottom but 10/10 would eat here again!

The staff ver very nice and the food was good if not a bit overpriced. Appreciate having the well behaved pup on the patio since we are getting to know one another.

I was very underwhelmed by this tiny little place. It's tiny and was very crowded. Orders weren't taken at the table, even though it looked like the type of place that would have full table service. My chicken was very bland, no spice or seasonings. Not what I was expecting at all and I was a bit disappointed...nothing special.

Such a gem; they always remember my Gpa and always are so considerate and generous. The best focaccia too! Also I don't know of any other place to offer a calamari sandwich and it is simply perfect for my taste (not greasy or deep fried tasting; just a yummy prawn like texture).

Meh. Wanted to like it more than I did. Small little restaurant in the middle of what seemed to be nowhere. Odd that it is a sit down... semi nice restaurant that you order up front. Food was ok. Nothing to remember.

Visit for dinner with a friend last night. At almost 6 on a Saturday we were the only ones there, although other parties came later. I got the fried polenta with mushroom cream sauce, my friend got pasta with Alfredo sauce. We both really enjoyed our meals! The focaccia they served us before the meals was very good. I'm just sad we didn't have room to try the cannoli!