When it comes to family-owned restaurants, you’ll find them in all kinds of colors and stripes—small mom ‘n pop bistros, upscale A-list establishments, back-alley gems, and so many more. And these typically long-standing places span the culinary gamut as well. One of the oldest such places in Northern California is Dinucci’s Restaurant, and it is among the most delicious places you’ll ever eat!
Dinucci’s Restaurant is located in the town of Valley Ford, approximately 8 miles southwest of Bodega Bay.
Opened in 1968, it is not only one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in Northern California, but it serves up some of the best, authentic Italian recipes you’ll find anywhere. It is run by Jeanne and Ricky, a co-owner husband and wife team dedicated to carrying on the gastronomic legacy of her father, Gene Dinucci.
The setting for the family-style meals served here is warm and inviting.
It is peppered with oodles of photographs and other memorabilia the family has collected over the years. They are the perfect backdrop to the dining experience here, which is heavily focused on creating classic Italian dishes using locally sourced meat, poultry, produce, and other products wherever possible.
Consider starting out with a refreshing antipasti plate featuring salami, fresh vegetables, giardiniera (a special Italian relish made with pickled vegetables basking in a bold vinegar or savory oil), and a bean salad. Or you might opt for the delicious deep-fried ravioli served with your choice of a homemade Bolognese or marinara sauce.
The pasta dishes at Dinucci’s Restaurant are outstanding.
After selecting your pasta of choice—fettuccini, spaghetti, tortellini, and even gluten-free penne, the hardest part may be deciding whether to have a pesto, Bolognese, alfredo, or marinara sauce slathered all around it! The baked lasagna here is another amazing pasta option.
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Folks come from all around to enjoy their delicious carved prime rib.
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As you might expect, this hearty cut of meat is slow roasted to perfection and served with a bold au jus and creamy horseradish sauce. Note that it is only available on Fridays and Saturdays from 4:00 pm until it’s gone, so plan your visit accordingly. Non-meat eaters have a variety of options as well, including their outstanding eggplant parmigiana accompanied by
your choice of rice pilaf, French fries, sauteed vegetables, or a baked potato.
You’ll also find a wide array of chicken dishes on the menu like the Chicken Marsala, Chicken Parmigiana, and the Chicken Cacciatore pictured here.
Other patron favorites include the Cannelloni Crepes, Petrale Sole, and Pan-Fried Oysters. Yum!
Creative craft cocktails served up by their talented bartenders are another big draw here.
You’ll get a kick out of the exclusive wines and local beers and spirits that pepper this cocktail menu.
A long-standing family history, classic authentic Italian fare, a warm and inviting dining room setting, and awesome customer service. There’s not much more you can ask for at Dinucci’s Restaurant, one of the best authentic Italian family-owned restaurants in Northern California.
Have you eaten at Dinucci’s Restaurant? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there. You can also see more mouthwatering photos on their Facebook page.
If you’re looking for other things to do while in the Bodega Bay area, be sure to check out this awesome sailing tour!
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