Best of Sonoma Valley 2015: comfort food

Growing up in an Italian-American household led to me finding comfort in hearty pasta dishes, served at home or in casual restaurants with white and red checkered table clothes.

Kenwood’s Cafe Citti (9049 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood | 833-2690 | cafecitti.com) is just that for me.

The casual restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere, yet little two-top seats line the front windows for solo or coupled diners. The patio is great on a sunny day, and is dog friendly.

Order at the counter after deciding on fresh made pastas, traditional Italian salads, inexpensive Italian wine. local beer, and tasty homemade desserts. I like to build my own pasta – pasta A.O.P. style (Olive oil, garlic and pancetta with red pepper flakes).

They offer tons of menu items – it’s overwhelming – from house-made ravioli and pizzas, deli salads to go and the best rotisserie chicken in the Valley. The staff will guide you through, and if all else fails – get the specials. Even gluten free, vegetarian, and vegans can get their comfort food on at Cafe Citti.

Once you sit down, the friendly waitstaff delivers your drinks and your food. Portions are large, warm and filling.

Pay your table, and mosey down the Highway to your next stop.

It’s one of my favorite casual restaurants in Sonoma Valley, and my top pick for when I miss my mom’s home cooking.