Ravenous Cafe and Lounge

06/30/2008 Posted by jerry22

This is a restaurant straight out of a David Lynch Movie. Orange walls and Lightning Hopkins on the Stereo. The Service was pleasant and the bartenders were so friendly. The crab cakes were the best I have ever had! Then the Lamb was so devine. I also had the best lemon drop martini ever. I sat outside at the tiki bar, which made me feel as though I was in Cuba or somewhere else. I stayed awhile, and next thing I know a live band shows up. It turns out to be a horn player who was with Elvis Costello and Tom waits. His band was amazing. They finally kicked me out at 2am. This was a great time. I highly recommend it. Ask about live music.

Pros: food.. bartenders.. live music

Cons: food took awhile, but well worth the wait. small kitchen

10/12/2007 Posted by sherrywt

But then, restaurants go up and down. My last visit was occasioned by the fact that we couldn't go to Cyrus two nights in a row. Service was prompt and courteous, salads were vibrant, and we both enjoyed our fish. We'll be back.

08/31/2007 Posted by sgsgs

After all I read, I had higher expectations. The decor was either shabby-chic or from your grandmother's attic, depending upon your perspective. The service was medicore - and that is a perhaps being too kind. I am sure the experience may have been better if it had not been so warm - it was a 90 degree day and the place is not air-conditioned. If we could have had ice water, it would have helped but we were directed to help ourselves to the warm water on the table. The ice cubes had melted long ago. The food was of high quality but the preparation, while very good, was nothing outstanding or exceptional. Perhaps the locals recommend it because they treat them better. With all the choices available in the immediate area, I would try some place else in the future.

11/19/2006 Posted by sousie05

We went up on a Sat and after touring some wineries and whatnot, decided to check out Ravenous after it being recommended by so many locals. The interior was very warm and cozy, if a little bit run down. We arrived a few minutes early for our 900 reservation and ended up not being seated until 930. That was ok, I am in the business and understand that one cannot always control how long other diners linger. While waiting at the bar, the all too important bartender completely ignored us, not even saying hello or offering a menu. The professional and attentive maitre'd got us drinks and then comped them after we waited so long. The French server also thought highly of herself and did not spend much time at our table at all. In fact, I overheard her asking the maitre'd if he would please stop seating tables. I saw the busser at our table much more often, and he was infinitely more pleasant than the self-absorbed Euro girl, who must have thought herself cute by interjecting little French phrases at the table. Service aside- the food was bearable, probably better than most other places we would have gone to in Healdsburg, save Cyrus. The salmon on corn cakes looked thrown together and was underseasoned. The green salad was flavorful if plain. The seafood capellini was tasty, maybe left over the heat a few minutes too long. The quail dish was good- two quails nicely laquered, the stuffing had a bit too much sage though. The rest of the plate appeared to be an afterthought- a roasted quarter onion(skin on), over roasted garlic cloves, though the green beans were cooked perfectly. The creme brulee at the end was delicious- perfectly creamy and a great burned glass on top. The accompanying cookie was odd. The wine list was smart and affordable though. So ditch the two cocky womyn, and light a fire under the kitchen staff. I did not see anyone in the kitchen that appeared to be in charge, physically or creatively. The locals love it though...

Pros: ambience, some staff

Cons: the rest of the staff

09/20/2006 Posted by gatorach

My husband and I had our honeymoon in Healdsburg and had our favorite dinner at Ravenous. The food and service were wonderful. Their hand calligraphied menu along with seasonal servings provided a truly intimate experience. I highly recommend, if in season, their crabcakes, lamb and steak. Everything we had was delicious. The dessert was so good that after finishing off the first one we ordered, we ordered another just try another item on the menu. Nothing disappointed us.

08/08/2006 Posted by sadietz

Just tried this place for the first time for Sunday lunch after hearing good things. The dining room is handsome and well-lit. My initial good vibe got much diminished, however, as we waited, and waited, and waited. Two tables that arrived after us had their orders taken before we were approached. Finally, we had our order taken and after a further lengthy wait received water, bread and drinks -- it was a hot day and I was dying of thirst by this point! The restaurant wasn't very busy (2 servers covering about 10 or so tables), but you could see that a number of tables were impatient with the slooowww service. Servers seemed oblivious and were unapologetic. However, when it arrived, the food was spectatular. I'd definitely return -- would be nice though if service improved.

Pros: Creative and yummy cuisine

Cons: Poor service

04/11/2006 Posted by rickem

After dining at Dry Creek Kitchen and Bistro Ralph, the dinners and lunches I had at Ravenous were by far the best of the lot. The food has consistantly been excellent from start to finish. Staff is friendly & accomidating and the ambiance is perfect - lots of candles, warm colors on the walls, great music. No attitude, just wonderful food & wine!

Pros: Regional Ingredients

01/05/2003 Posted by celuvsf

The ambience was quite interesting: dark orange walls, numerous tea light candles, and techno and reggae music playing! I felt like I was in a South of Market bar! (The ambience did not bother me, just very interesting and not expected.) The clientele did not match the ambience (clientele that expect mid- to high-end food, such as I). The food: Excellent! Rarely have I ever been to restaurant where I wanted to try every single menu item! Service: got progressively worse as the evening wore on. We were ignored so much that the waitress didn't even know if we ordered dessert!

11/16/2002 Posted by ekwynn

I am biased as I live in Healdsburg. But I have lived and dined all over the world. I have eaten in the best restaurants in London, Rome, New York, Los Angeles, Barcelona. My palate, while not sophisticated, is educated. In my humble opinion, this restaurant serves simply wonderful food. John, the chef and owner, is constantly inventing and perfecting dishes. All the food at Ravenous is beautifully prepared, well-served and simply terrific. I have absolutely no qualms in recommending Ravenous to anyone and everyone who ventures our way.

Pros: Food, atmosphere, good parking

Cons: small, somewhat noisy, hours of business