Simple food prepared to perfection. A perennial top restaurant pick.
“Cafe La Haye is one of those rare restaurants in which you know the moment you walk in the door, you’re going to have a good time…” Few restaurants capture that charm as well as Cafe La Haye. Reservations strongly recommended.
140 E Napa St.
Sonoma, CA 95476
Map, Reviews, Hours, Reservations
(707) 935-5994
MICHELIN Guide’s Point Of View:
For years, Cafe La Haye has been a standby off the square in downtown Sonoma. One bite of its luscious burrata, surrounded by Early Girl tomatoes and crispy squash blossoms in the summer, or vinaigrette-dressed pea shoots in spring, proves it hasn’t aged a day. The small, modern space is still charming, with large windows and lots of mirrors. Stunning local artwork for sale decorates the walls. The food spans cultural influences, including a delicate risotto with pine nuts in a cauliflower broth, or soy-sesame glazed halibut atop whipped potatoes and braised kale. A postage stamp-sized bar pours glasses of Sonoma chardonnay and cabernet, perfect with rich strozzapreti tossed with braised pork ragù, Grana Padano and toasted breadcrumbs.
Located just off Sonoma Plaza, Cafe La Haye offers an appealingly unfussy sophistication. The split-level dining room holds just a dozen or so tables, but its open kitchen, raftered ceiling and walls adorned with modern art create a vibrant energy that’s contagious.
Convivial owner Saul Gropman and chef Jeffrey Lloyd make a formidable team. Lloyd, former executive chef of restaurant Michael Mina, offers a seasonal menu that’s discreet in its complexity, featuring the sort of dishes that seem to get better with each bite. Wolfe Ranch quail is paired with a sauce of black olive and white wine, while petrale sole comes with a delicate porcini cream sauce.
Gropman’s wine list comprises a modest 100 bottles, but it’s a smart, well-focused selection that ranges from value choices such as Bedrock Zinfandel Sonoma Valley Old Vine 2010 ($47) to splurges such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti La Tâche 2005 ($3,500).
John R.
1698256341
It's rare these days when the owner of a restaurant greets you at the door and comes by your table to ask if everything was ok and thanks you when you...
Paula Alder
1695111632
The food was remarkably wonderful with one exception. We are both allergic to chili in any form and we made that extremely clear. Our first course was covered with chili on the otherwise delicious toast. When we told our waitress, she was not particularly sympathetic and there were only two other choices, both of which were also spicy. When we told the owner, he stated that there was nothing spicy on the toast! That particular dish was expensive and quite small and I was quite stunned that they didn't offer to simply remove it from the bill. I have never had a restaurant deal with a situation in that manner. Also, our server barely checked on us even when she was right next to us dealing with other people. Plus it was my sister's birthday and I wanted it to be really special for her. We did not make a big deal out of any of it and simply ate what we could. I have to say that while the food was exceptional, the service and the attitude was most definitely not and I sincerely doubt whether I will ever return to this restaurant because of that. In my opinion, great food is not enough to make a restaurant experience exceptional. We ate at three other restaurants that were exceptional in every way!
John L.
1694298888
I really cannot say enough nice things about, what is inarguably, my most favorite restaurant in Sonoma.It's sublime. Your step up is the French Laundry....
Alfredo arguello
1693753449
A wonderful restaurant!! The food was very tasty. We started with the burrata appetizer. My wife enjoyed the roasted chicken, and my son and I enjoyed the beet vegetarian rissoto. It was so good. Our server was Esther. She was delightful, and provided us with outstanding friendly service.
Payton P.
1693653550
Such a treat to dine here! Delicious food and wonderful staff and ambience. Their specials are always thoughtful and seasonal. Do yourself a favor and make...
Christi Waugh
1688693359
I've been to this restaurant multiple times - always outstanding. Interesting dishes, unique combinations and a wonderfully, casual and classy atmosphere. I enjoyed the pan fried eggplant with sweet chili sauce so much, i came home and tried to prepare it (my version was nothing like Cafe La Haye :( Highly recommend a visit.
Cynthia L.
1687605910
After getting to Sonoma too late, we walked into this gem. They were able to give us seating at the bar last min. It was amazing to see the chef and cooks...
Den Tan
1683857263
European setting decorated with beautiful art pieces to add to the dining ambience.Wine selection is also a exquisite select.Food is French-American fusion.A small classy restaurant that requires advanced booking to avoid disappointment.Delightful food and drinks experience.
Andrea Y.
1683753646
Had a nice dinner, because of the sweet, and friendly service. The food was decent, nothing special, and hate to admit, my husband's pork chop was watery...
Tammy Stobaugh
1683604740
It was wonderful, super friendly staff. Small place, so reservations are a must. My husband had the lamb, I had the filet. Both were delicious!
Stephen W.
1681983024
Last night, celebrating a birthday , we had dinner at Cafe La Haye. We were very impressed by the service, the friendliness of the wait-staff, and,...
Meggie C.
1679908150
Elegant. Intimate and the best pork chop of your life. A lovely owner. Great wine list and the best foodie place in Sonoma. MKe a reservation!!
joy johnson
1679799679
Easily one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been too! I got the filet mignon and it was cooked and seasoned perfectly. The green beans and potatoes were cream and incredible. The almond cake was not something I would normally gravitate but I ordered it after my sweet waitress recommended it.. it was to die for!!!! The service couldn’t have been any more amazing.. they were so friendly and fast. The chef and his team even checked in to see how everything was. I just wish I lived here so I could come more! I cannot wait to come back! This just made it the best birthday ever for me!
AMAR MUNJAL
1678846442
This place lives up to the hype. Amazing food and great service. Recommend it. We have a 5 and 7 year old and they accommodated our kids with a kid friendly dish. Make sure you come here!
Rod Spinelli
1677510333
What a memorable night with superb food, excellent service, and great atmosphere! Food was extremely tasty: this place is a must when in Sonoma. If you only have one night in town, don't go anywhere else for dinner!
Michael T.
1674981443
Superb meal, one of the best I've had in awhile. Small menu but everything looked wonderful, and my wife's and my selections were astounding. Broccolini...
Luke Allen Estates Agent
1672378777
Hands down, the best meal we had in Sonoma.On our last night in Sonoma, we had dinner at Cafe La Haye. After 3 days, this was easily the best meal that we had while in town.Picky eaters beware, the menu is tight. In my opinion, fine dining restaurants know what they have perfected and therefor everything is usually excellent.Both of our wines were delicious. A Chardonnay for me from Three Sticks and a Stone Edge Farm Sauvignon Blanc for my better half.We shared the salad special, an arugula salad with herbed goat cheese, prosciutto, and cranberries. Really excellent.Main courses were the pork chop (excellent) and the risotto special with shrimp (very good).We are not usually ones to splurge on dessert but there were several interesting options, so we treated ourselves with the butterscotch pudding and the warm almond cake with salted caramel ice cream. Both were exemplary and well worth the extra calories.All of this was strung together by superb service from Ester, who was an absolute pleasure.If we’re back in Sonoma, Cafe La Haye is now a must for us!
Luke A.
1672347104
Hands down, the best meal we had in Sonoma. On our last night in Sonoma, we had dinner at Cafe La Haye. After 3 days, this was easily the best meal that...
Jan Hyde
1670954737
My husband and I had a wonderful dinner here while visiting Sonoma recently.We enjoyed the ambiance, the professional and attentive staff and the meal. And, of course, when you're in Sonoma Valley, you know the wine choices are going to be good!Hope to return!Have the pork chop! 🥰
Mel C.
1668351587
My wife and I live in Napa. Cafe La Haye is one of our favorite restaurants for fine casual dining. They have a small menu with many daily specials which...
Morgan R.
1668157504
This place is AWESOME!!! It is very quaint and small with exceptional service! The man who greeted us was very kind and our server was very personable and...
Jacob Hookom
1667669794
Day after having dinner there, and still thinking about the shrimp cake appetizer and pork chop entree.
Hunt Bailie
1665616631
Servers & owner are always so welcoming. Our favorite place in town to visit and recommend. Food is a 10 out of 10!
Lindsay B.
1662708965
We started with the beef carpaccio which I would highly recommend getting. My husband had the steak and I had the pappardelle with scallops. Both were great...
American Angler
1662220252
Went over to Sonoma to get some cheese from Vella, and drop off a turbo blower for a Cat 420 my boy RJ needed and spotted Cafe La Haye.I don't remember having ever eaten here but it looked like the kind of place I would enjoy, so in I went. When I saw heritage porkchops on the menu ..that was it, and they were cooked to a perfect medium rare as requested.5 stars
Jarrett Harrington
1660881823
I had the pork chops and it may be the best pork chops I've ever had. 10/10 would recommend!
Cara S.
1659472123
Best meal on our trip to wine country. A lot smaller inside that what I'd have thought, but not uncomfortably so. We started with the salad that was on...
Lauren Keen Aumond
1659188958
Cafe La Haye was great! Small menu, so you may be forced to branch out a bit, but you'll be glad you did. Service was awesome and efficient!
Nathaniel K.
1658159892
TLDR: Excellent Salmon, Surprisingly good beets!Let's get started with the most surprising thing in our dinner, with a general statement, not too wacky or...
Andrew Means
1657160417
Best restaurant in Sonoma. Tucked away just off the square this cute little bistro was delicious, great wine list, and impeccable service.
Miranda W.
1656496355
Favorite go to spot on the Square, fabulous service and food.
Sherrie Perkovich
1655798922
Sal and his staff are always top notch. As is the food. It's nice that they feature local Sonoma wineries too. Highly recommend
Matt McDonnell
1653668768
Cafe La Haye gets a solid 4 stars. The food is good to very good, but not quite excellent. The service is warm and welcoming, but not at all personal.In an industry where restaurants are focusing on health, customer service and creativity, Cafe La Haye seems to be over-leveraging its reputation from yesterday.I would recommend eating here with friends or family that enjoy good food, but may be apprehensive about creative menus.
Tammy D.
1652385865
Nice ambiance, pork chop was delicious, chicken was ok, ahi was good but I didn't like the sauce. Service was great, expensive though.
Olivia Kienzel
1650313650
Just as top-notch as ever, from the service to the fine, inventive food made with such care and fresh ingredients.
Jeff H
1648828737
Hidden gem a few doors off the main square. My favorite high end restaurant in Sonoma. Get the pot de crème for desert and thank me later.
Carmen G. Butts
1647305794
The food is consistently excellent. The pork chop is perfection.
Bobby L.
1647221718
A little late for our reservation, so they were expecting us and sat us quickly. We didn't go crazy with drinks this time since we came from a bar nearby,...
Sandee L.
1644177887
We celebrated my friend's birthday during our weekend getaway at Cafe La Haye.I walked in and the host asked right away "Sandee for 2?" Nice. Seated right...
Elizbeth Hardesty
1640732097
Absolutely Lovely. The Staff, The Cook's and The Owners are Top Notch. A Must try if you're in town, you won't be leaving without their desserts. Delightfully Scrumptious!
Nuala Kelly
1638420177
The food and the manager were wonderful. Unfortunately our waitress didn't get any of our cues.We asked her to bring a chiller for our wine and was told it had to stay at the bar. So she kept filling us when we didn't want it. The end result was not good. We preferred to pour our own
Chare Brown
1636730251
Food was really good. The little gem sale was amazing. Pork chop was cooked to perfection. The restaurant is quaint but there was ample space for social distancing. Be sure to make reservations a few weeks in advance. Staff were friendly and well attentive.
Chare B.
1636700772
Food was really good. The little gem sale was amazing. Pork chop was cooked to perfection. The restaurant is quaint but there was ample space for social...
David E.
1635703930
Fantastic place to for a romantic dinner. The best salmon in town, though it is not always on the menu. My wife, who is vegetarian, loves the risotto. I...
baharak kh
1634954784
They had an amazing food here, their main food and dessert was SO good!!
Christina V.
1634482129
Very good meal. Had the pork chop, fried eggplant, and burrata salad. Super flavorful. Service was fantastic. Very small place.
Lori Corwin
1633583731
A wonderful evening. Everything that we ordered was delicious and perfectly prepared.Thank you Cafe La Haye!
Anette N.
1633104670
Excellent food, excellent service, excellent ambiance. It's a place to have dinner and should not be missed. The manager appeared to be more interested in...
Claudia P.
1632660111
Thoroughly enjoyed another memorable meal at Cafe La Haye. Every bite was perfect, and the service was awesome. Delicious starters were mushroom-sherry...
R D.
1632393653
First thoughts upon receiving my starter: looks plain but wow this is fucking delicious!Everything I ordered was a daily menu addition, and I even got...
Thomas B.
1624805200
Elegant and delicious. Delightful staff. Best meal we've had in a long time. Not sure where the negativity is coming from in the other reviews. Our experience was fantastic.
Bruno S.
1623933474
Outstanding experience on a Wed night! Service was impeccable and the meal was heavenly. We ordered salmon and quail - both were full flavored and presented...
Art G.
1622106965
This has been our GO-To restaurant for over 20 years. While the popularity is well deserved we have had a small issue in getting a reservation. Fear not...
Valerie Ho
1619194943
Really tasty food in an unassuming restaurant. Excellent service, attentive but also gives enough time in between check-ins for privacy. Most delicious sole and filet mignon was melt-in-the-mouth good. We were gently nudged towards the yuzu cheesecake which was refreshing.
Michael R.
1618773468
Such a great place to come for dinner! The ambience is so quaint with such a small kitchen inside and a small patio outside. It's such a small home cooked...
Michaelle R.
1618737175
Quaint high-end restaurant in downtown sonoma. Owner was very hands-on and present at all times making sure guests were happy and it was a very intimate and...
Mark Briscoe
1598942789
Expensive but worth it
Kathleen M
1594518621
Quaint, bright dinner spot with local American fare. Good wine selection too. Food was fresh and very delicious, uncomplicated. Dessert so good too
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