Della Santina's

GF—Do not trust what they say. We just had a waiter tell us that the gluten-free pasta they used to make ‘homemade’, was just a lie. They treated gluten-free as a ‘fad’, and they just told people it was GF when there was really flour in it. Our waiter even acknowledged that he even saw flour being put into it. He acted as if it was no big deal. The waiter was very dismissive towards us when we were shocked by this, and he didn’t seem to think that there was any problem with it. My husband approached the owner (Rob Della Santina)and shared and him what we had heard, and how the waiter rudely treated us/responded. The owner got defensive on behalf of his waiter, made up a story about the GF pasta and And literally turned his back and walked away from my husband In the middle of the conversation. My husband was very polite, and respectful, but the owner clearly did not care and has a hard time taking responsibility for the concerns of his customers. He even referenced that his waiter had a lot of people who liked him?? That has nothing to do with our situation, and a complete deflection.

Obviously, somebody suffered by eating this pasta because they no longer have it on the menu. Now we know why. Disgraceful. I wouldn’t trust any meal that they say is gluten free because they do not respect people that have allergies/Intolerances and treat their customers, unknowingly, as if it’s a fad. A complete lack of Customer Care and service. Beware.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

Showed up before our reservation and they couldn’t find us, even though I received a text the day before and confirmed. They then waited 20 minutes to seat us, but then told us we had 3 minutes to order because they were about to close. The waiter told us that gluten free pasta here is a lie, that they don’t actually have it. I don’t recommend this restaurant and they are not advertising they do. Apparently it’s false and they do not recommend eating the pasta if celiac.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

We are currently here and I asked about the gluten free menu. They didn’t have one but the owner came out and specifically told me every single thing I can eat. He said his son has 9 life threatening allergens so he takes it very seriously. I felt cared for and am excited to try the polenta

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Server didn't seem too knowledgeable about GF options. Food was so-so. Ambiance in garden area was really nice.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

They had gluten free pasta when I was there. Wonderful with the red sauce. They took extra precautions and it was delicious

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The owner was there and took amazing care of us. His grandson is gluten free as well so he and the chef are knowledgeable about prep. We were there on our honeymoon and they really went out of their way to spoil us. Would highly recommend!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

When we asked when we first walked by, the owner was super nice and said a lot of their menu (besides pasta) is naturally gluten free. No gf pasta but they walked me through what I could eat. I had an amazing tomato mozzarella appetizer and then grilled salmon and risotto and panda cotta for dessert. It was all Sooooooo good and the staff was amazing. Felt great the next day. Would go back any time I am in Sonoma!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Server was extremely helpful, checked with kitchen on menu items i was interested in. received helpful advice on entrees

We went for the pasta. Host told us it was available/gf waiter told us cross contaminated & it wasn’t so we left.

Celiac friendly?

No

We checked when making the reservation that they had gluten free options. When we arrived, we were sat immediately, but didn't have a waiter come over for 15 minutes. They had a special Valentines Day menu, so I asked the waiter what my options were for gluten free. He said they had gluten free pasta and could do a variety of sauces with chicken or fish, repeated that a couple of times. I was expecting him to go through the menu and tell me which dishes would be safe for me or that could be altered for me. I didn't feel comfortable with his information, so we called the owner over, and he did go through the menu so I knew what was safe. He said the mushroom risotto would be safe, so I went with that. He did say to make sure to mention the gluten allergy to our waiter so that the chef wouldn't add a sauce to the risotto that might contain flour. He also said he'd check with the chef to make sure mine would be ok. I did as he said, and ate my dish. Sure enough a couple hours later I was sick as a dog and up all night. What a bummer way to spend Valentines Day! Proceed with caution as a celiac at this place. There are a lot better options in Sonoma and Napa, which I will also review!

Celiac friendly?

No

This is an excellent Italian restaurant with a reasonable selection of GF items and able to prepare dishes with GF pasta. The owner is allergen-aware. I would give it 5 stars if they had a GF menu or a menu which listed allergens.