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These are the Santa Rosa restaurants that you have to know about. They’'re the powerhouses with the reputations for great food, great ambiance and great service. Whether you're a local trying to plan a something special or a visitor looking for a spot for a great meal, these blue chip restaurants are your best bet.
John Ash & Co.
John Ash & Co. is a Santa Rosa institution, where the eponymous owner was known as the “father of Wine Country Cuisine.” The decor is Old World with vineyard views and an additional terrace setting. The recipes are made with fresh, seasonal, local ingredients, then paired with great wines from the region.
Ca'Bianca
Ca'Bianca is set in a historic house dating back to 1876 and retains many of the original fixtures: stained glass, crystal chandeliers, and ceramic fireplaces. The food is strictly Italian, and they pride themselves on house-made pasta and bread with a focus on local, organic and seasonal products.
Rosso Pizzeria and Wine Bar
When Rosso first opened its doors, it shot to superstar status seemingly overnight. But when you consider that founding father John Franchetti is a seasoned chef (he's formerly of Tra Vigne), the restaurant's "sudden" success is not so unexpected. The pizza is thin, wood-fired and inventive (imagine prosciutto combined with cheese and duck egg) and you can wash it all down with one of their more than 100 eco-friendly wines.