There are a number of good restaurants in the Railroad Square area, very close to the Marriott. Since the #101 widening project has begun, driving thru the D/T area can be a challenge. The northbound D/T exit is closed. Fourth St. and Third St. going under the freeway (east/west) are closed off. Davis St. in the Railroad Square area has been made one-way (south) and Morgan is one-way (north). College Ave. is also down to one thru lane each way. Tell your husband to allow lots of time to get around and to inquire at the Marriott’s front desk for driving tips and latest road info. since things are changing rapidly.
Josef's Restaurant & Bar (Hotel la Rose) at 308 Wilson St. (707) 571-8664, and Syrah Bistro & Wine Tasting at 205 Fifth St. (707) 568-4002, are a couple of my favorites in the area. If your husband loves old-time, French cuisine, he’ll be delighted by La Gare Restaurant. He may want to take a look at other restaurants in the Railroad Square area as well: http://www.railroadsquare.net/dining. If he’d like to have a very special dinner, I highly recommend John Ash & Co. (http://www.vintnersinn.com/dining/johnash.asp) loc’d at the NW outskirts of Santa Rosa (from #101 north, exit River Rd. west (left), then south (left) on Barnes Rd.). It’s a very short distance once you exit #101. They also have a fabulous lounge/bar there.