Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Glen Ellen

Girl and the Fig is always one of our favorites…. So beyond pleased that Mary is on board … she’s absolutely amazing!!!

Salt and Stone: A Consistent Culinary Gem Salt and Stone has become one of our go-to dining destinations, and for good reason. Over the years, they’ve maintained a level of excellence that never disappoints. Jose, who has served us several times, deserves special mention. His service is consistently prompt, professional, and filled with thoughtful suggestions that enhance the dining experience. During our most recent visit, we enjoyed the French Onion Soup, Steak Tartare, and a Pasta with Prawns. Each dish was outstanding. The hot dishes arrived at the perfect temperature—a detail we greatly appreciate. The Steak Tartare, complete with a raw egg yolk on top, was a standout. While not for everyone, the yolk added a luxurious touch that I particularly enjoyed. The bar is equally impressive. We treated ourselves to a perfectly executed Martini and a Manhattan on the rocks. Living in Wine Country, we cherish the occasional cocktail, and Salt and Stone delivers on that front as well. As spring approaches, the outdoor seating area becomes one of the most inviting spots in Sonoma County, combining great food with a beautiful setting. Salt and Stone continues to impress, and we highly recommend it to anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience.

Lovely time … food delicious and perfectly paired, staff friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend whether you are a novice or a wine connoisseur!!

A Perfect Lunch Spot in Glen Ellen My wife, Barbie, and I had a wonderful afternoon exploring Glen Ellen, and we decided to stop for lunch at The Mill after finding its stellar Yelp reviews. The Mill’s location is enchanting—nestled beside a fast-moving creek. Parking was convenient in a nearby lot near the bridge leading to a charming complex of restaurants and shops. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the owner (Sanjeev), who escorted us to a cozy table for two right at the creek’s edge. The lunch menu was thoughtfully curated, offering a variety of dishes and beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. On the owner’s recommendation, we started with their special bread, a favorite among many Yelpers. It was fresh, perfectly seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and parsley—absolutely delicious! For our main courses, we had the clam chowder and the spicy chicken salad. Both dishes were flavorful, satisfying, and generously portioned. Whether you’re on a wine-tasting weekend or simply a local out for a scenic drive, we wholeheartedly recommend The Mill at Glen Ellen. It’s the kind of place that combines excellent food, picturesque views, and genuine hospitality to create a memorable dining experience.

This was a cozy and romantic outdoor dining experience. We went on a Tuesday night which made for a quiet, seemingly private experience. There were some guests who curiously looked and one couple stopped to ask about the food. The ski chalets are decorated super cute and can fit many people at the one table. It was adorned with furry blankets both to sit on and to throw over you along with cushy pillows. There was also a tall standing heater and a fire pit so it’s definitely warm enough. Our servers were very attentive and both food and drinks came out in a timely manner. The holidays cocktails were well balanced. We also chose the cheese fondue which came loaded with a plate of vegetables to dip. My favorite was the broccoli and potato. We also splurged and got the chocolate fondue for dessert. Again, very flavorful but less fruit than the vegetable plate. Both were priced at $35 each. Drinks were in the $20-$27 range which is steep but normal for a Fairmont. The grounds are lit up for Christmas with music playing as well. It was a very pleasurable Happy Hour experience and we’d definitely go back for this or the dinner experience. One thing to know is to check the restaurant days/hours in advance. You’ll need to know to check in at the bar if you go on a day the restaurant is closed.