Arandas

"The tacos were amazing as was the homemade salsa. This felt like high end dining in Mexico City. I wish there was a larger selection of food but you will not be disappointed. Try the double trouble margarita."

"I traveled a LONG distance to dine here with friends from San Diego. And this is a destination-worthy restaurant. This is not your typical trendy Mexican restaurant. This is world-class cuisine envisioned by a brilliant chef, executed flawlessly in a beautiful space with a great hospitality team. 6 of us dined and were able to order basically the entire menu, plus a few specials. The overarching theme here is that the dishes look and taste deceptively simple...yet there are MANY complex layers of technique and flavor that go into them. (As a chef myself, I know exactly how complicated it is to execute cuisine like this.) This is the level of cuisine being produced in only a handful of restaurants in Wine Country, and most of those restaurants require months-in-advance reservations. (And most of those offer a sombre, stuffy dining experience, whereas the team here is familiar, friendly, and fun...exactly the way the chef says he envisioned the restaurant, like being welcomed into his family home.) We were pleased to see a seafood- and veggie-focused menu, which allowed us to splurge on MORE dishes than if the menu was weighed down by meat. (Although the steak dish was transcendent.) When we revealed that we LOVE intense spice, the kitchen sent out a variety of salsas crafted by the culinary team, including some experimental stuff, that allowed us to amp up the heat of our dishes. Each dish was a carefully crafted balance of texture, flavor, and nuance. We didn't have a single dish that we found to be average. Literally EVERYTHING was exceptional. The cocktails were also absolutely killer, and the wine list was fun, including some Mexican wines that were delicious. (Apparently the oldest winery in the Americas is in Mexico.) We had the fortune to speak with both the chef and the sous chef, and it sounds like the chef encourages experimentation by his team, and loves to give them creative expression and feature their results on the menu. Fancy that! A non-domineering, nurturing chef. Although it's only a month old, this restaurant is destined for a name and lasting legacy, once the word gets out."

"I am so thrilled to welcome Arandas to Healdsburg. This chic Mexican outpost has exquisite cocktails, a swanky bar vibe with Happy Hour Monday thru Friday from 4-6pm and delicious food. The menu is both creative, delicious and inventive. It's on the higher end price point wise but worth it for the delicious flavors, rich stories shared by Chef Adrien Nieto and the lovely setting and vibe. Be sure to try their Caesar Salad, Double Trouble Margarita, Chorizo Taco and for steak eaters the Carne."

"Opening week, and what a gem. This was such a delightful meal— not too heavy but filling and delicious. Left feeling perfectly content. The appetizers we got (Guacamole y mas) was the perfect blend of flavors and textures to begin the experience. Pickled veggies, fruit with tajin, guacamole, chicharones, salsa and hot sauce. Fun to have this on the table to graze while you sip your cocktail and wait for the meal. Atmosphere is moody and comfortable. Meal came and was delicious. We chose the steak plate (huge serving) and pollo tacos (vitamin Ts lol). The taco was my selection for the night. It was served uniquely, meat mixed with wild edible flowers (beautiful) in a bowl by itself, small bowl of sauce, little plate of toppings including habanero pickled veggies, and a separate basket with hot house made tortillas. You put your own taco together. At first I was torn about the presentation but I actually prefer it this way after experiencing it. The vibe is definitely that of eating a delicious meal with friends on a patio but being served by a private chef. So comfortable. So delish. No filler foods distracting from the main dish. Our favorite drink of the night was Double Trouble, a clarified margarita. I’ve had nothing like it and it was so refreshing. Dessert was good, as were the dessert cocktails. But, the main attraction was the meal itself. Everything was perfectly cooked and served beautifully. The table was full of food and dishes of accouterments. Every employee was welcoming and kind, it seems like they’re all happy to be there. We also sat by the kitchen and it appeared to be organized, clean and, in general, a well-oiled machine back there. Can’t wait to go back!"