Sonoma Grille

I recently dined here with a friend, and we had an awesome meal. I should say dined again, as everytime I am in Pittsburgh, this is the one place I definately visit. Another reviewer stated that it's a dining experience, and it truly is. On my last visit, we were seated quickly by a friendly hostess, James was our server and he was a delight! He added so much to our experience with his descriptions of the menu and specials, and wonderful wine suggestions. We had the chef's tasting and it too was intriguing and delicious. Chef Kris delivered our food and spoke with us about the flavors and nuances of the meal, and after dessert and a port wine, we were ready to slip away into a blissful sleep. The only reason for the lack of a fifth star on my review was a cocky manager with very dark hair. I have seen him on other visits to Sonoma, but this was the first time I had the displeasure of speaking with him. However, don't let this deter you. The food and service more than make up for it.

Posted 01/12/09

We like to go here for wine and food...the cheese plate is exceptional. The best list of california chards I've seen. The staff is always very professional. It's good to hang out in downtown pittsburgh

Pros: such good wine and great festive but casual atmosphere

Cons: it can be kind of noisy

Posted 12/17/08

I've never had anything but great service here. I live in downtown Pittsburgh and this is a place I like to frequent. First of all let me explain that the Sonoma is one of the restaurants that offers not just food but a dining "experience"...there are lots of options and various courses and this is NOT where you go at 7pm and expect to be out by 8pm for a show you are attending. Fully expect for this to be a two hour extravaganza of dining pleasure. If you are a group of more than 4? Expect to be even longer. That being said, the service I've had was always great with a staff that really knows their menu. The food is truly wonderful and unique and very nicely prepared and served. The wine list is one of the best in the city. Even the salads are extra-special. The cob salad was amazing. They are a little on the pricey side but in the end it's well worth it. I'd recommend the Sonama to anyone who wants to make and evening out of dining and not just a quick meal before the show. It deserves more of your attention that that and you'll be glad you visited.

Pros: Excellent food, wine list and service

Cons: A bit on the expensive side and limited nearby parking

Posted 12/15/08

Made reservations for 7 for Saturday evening at 6PM. We arrived about 15 minutes early and were seated immediately. We let our waiter know that we had an event at 8PM, and he assured us that he would have out the door in plenty of time. The wine list was extensive-but we just were not in the mood for wine, so we ordered mixed drinks from the bar. Our waiter seemed to be a little upset by this, but the drinks were served in a timely fashion. The waiter explained the menu to us, and our orders were placed by 6:15PM. The salad course came without a probelm, I had the Watermelon Radish salad which was exceptional. Everyone was very satisfied with this course. This was followed a bread plate, which was a little on the skimpy side, but refills were available when we requested them. Time wore on and attempts to flag down our waiter were futile. Our main courses did not arrive until 7:25PM. Although everyone in my group raved about the food (the pork dish was unique and EXCELLENT) we were horribly rushed, which put a damper on the experience. Again we had to try to flag down the waiter in order to pay our bill and get out be 7:55PM. Would we go back again? Probably.

Pros: FOOD!

Cons: service

Posted 09/22/08

This is my 2nd favorite place in downtown pittsburgh. Impressive wine selection and lively dinner atmosphere. We will go back there again!

Posted 07/02/08