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Barndiva Healdsburg Reviews
Expected more from a Michelin Star restaurant.
The good: warm ambiance with thoughtful decor. The chilled corn soup and entrees were delicious. Fresh and taste was on point. The bad: our server was more interested in pushing cocktails than answering questions about the menu. He wasn't attentive and struggled to answer basic menu questions. Asked about the bucatini and waiter explained it was "more tomato based with some butter" when it was a very butter forward sauce with some tomato. Still good but not as described. Wife chose the vegetarian tikka with tofu instead of chicken. Didn't receive the naan that came with it and when we inquired mid meal we were told that wasn't part of the vegetarian option because of butter? Even when we mentioned we were vegetarian, not vegan, they didn't offer to bring it. There was no price adjustment for receiving less. I don't often have sticker shock but coffee for two was $20. The carrot cake was not worth the calories so we didn't finish it. I don't know how you screw up a carrot cake but theirs paled in comparison to a grocery store bakery cake. Stingy wine pours, not much more than a tasting pour. Left $250 lighter and disappointed with just about everything. 20% service charge is automatically added to the bill... which is fine if the waitstaff is attentive and can accurately answer menu questions. This experience makes me question the legitimacy of Michelin awards. If you can't get a reservation I wouldn't sweat it... there are better experiences and food just about everywhere. Barndiva is over priced and over hyped.
Went to dinner at Barndiva over Valentine's Day weekend,
Went to dinner at Barndiva over Valentine's Day weekend, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip to Healdsburg. It was a cold night, but as soon as we walked in, the space felt warm, welcoming, and romantic--exactly what we were hoping for. The atmosphere was perfect: candlelit, relaxed, and intimate. Even though it was a busy weekend, the service was smooth and attentive, and we never felt rushed. Food was phenomenal (though admittedly I loved my boyfriend's dish way more, I think he had gotten the special for the night). We also ordered a bottle of local wine that completely elevated the whole meal. It was one of those bottles where every sip just worked perfectly with the food and the mood. Barndiva was the perfect spot to spend a chilly Valentine's night--amazing food, a great bottle of wine, and a space that just feels special.
What a treat.
It was hands down the best meal I have had in forever. We had the Salmon Tartare and the Little Gem salad, then the bucatini and the steak frites. Finished with the Peach Cobbler. So amazing that we did not leave one single spec on the plates. And the service. She was amazing and I wanted to hug her. I didn't take any photos of the food as didn't want to act like an obnoxious "influencer" which I am not. I guess I wrote a terrible review on them years ago. Glad I went back in to give them a 5 stars :)
Exceptional food freshness happy dance in my belly and
Exceptional food freshness happy dance in my belly and tongue. I believe an absolute must . So much went on it 2x ! Love
This place was delicious.
At first, nothing on the menu immediately stood out, so we let our lovely server guide us and she nailed it with the jumbo asparagus, goat cheese croquettes, and house extruded bucatini pasta. The pasta was by far my favorite, especially on a hot day. The only dish we chose on our own was the tikka masala, and I would definitely recommend passing on that one. Our server was funny, friendly, and attentive. The interior was super cute too. And we can't forget the yummy cocktails, topped with the cutest little flowers.
Book ahead before you arrive- a gem!
What a delight! We had seen the restaurant in the Michelin guide and it did not disappoint! The flavour profiles of the food were spot on and the wine we chose paired brilliantly with the food! Definitely recommend!
Cozy little spot--nothing over the top, but it delivered
Cozy little spot--nothing over the top, but it delivered exactly what we needed for a relaxed evening. The food was simple, fresh, and flavorful. Service was warm and attentive without being intrusive. A nice place to unwind and enjoy a low-key meal
Barndiva used to be our favorite spot when visiting
Barndiva used to be our favorite spot when visiting Healdsburg, but this recent visit was disappointing. The new venue lacked the charm we remembered, and the food didn't live up to past experiences. The glass of wine I ordered was noticeably short--just a half a glass. What stood out most, however, was the "Living Wage" charge listed at the bottom of the menu. I asked our waitress--who was excellent, by the way--whether she actually received a living wage and whether guests typically still leave a tip on top of this 20% surcharge. I also questioned why the restaurant doesn't simply raise prices and pay their staff a fair wage directly. To me, this is the owners' responsibility--not something that should be passed on to customers in such a confusing manner. In the end, I left a cash tip and paid the 20% charge, hoping the staff actually sees that money.
The food here is just okay.
The wine was mediocre. Nothing spectacular. We had deviled eggs (which were the best of everything we ordered), goat cheese balls, salad, salmon and flourless chocolate cake. There are so many good restaurants in Healdsburg. To me, this one lacked spices and the food was bland.
Our first visit to Sonoma and I had to hit up all the
Our first visit to Sonoma and I had to hit up all the foodie spots. After mixed reviews on Barndiva I wanted to be open minded. Based off the history this restaurant has served. My experience was fine but I can't say anything memorable about it. The food was okay, nothing to write home about. Good flavors, good quality meats but the burger was very messy to eat and the fries were not crispy. The inside is adorable and the staff is kind! I came from 4 wine tastings, so I was sad to skip a cocktail with this meal. I needed that break! I'm still happy I got to visit Barndiva. It sounds like maybe it just lost something over the years and I hope that spark comes back soon!
Somehow it took us almost a year to visit Barndiva again
Somehow it took us almost a year to visit Barndiva again and I don't know why. We had the most delicious dinner recently outside in their beautiful back space, under the wisteria. We couldn't find any reservations online for a weeknight dinner but called and got the time we wanted. Four of us ordered: Goat Cheese Croquettes tomato jam, lavender *heavenly little cheese bites - we shared 2 orders! Spring Salad butter lettuce, avocado, garlic croutons, ricotta salata, horseradish vinaigrette *local, light, fresh, flavorful House-Extruded Bucatini Pasta broccolini, sun-dried tomato, mushrooms, pine nuts *perfect portion of handmade pasta The Gallery Burger fresh thyme, gruyère, caramelized onions & bordelaise *PRO TIP: order the bordelaise on the side (so bottom bun doesn't get soggy) Roasted Mt Lassen Trout soubise, shaved fennel & pea shoot salad *light and flavorful - I'll definitely order this again! Short Rib special - my hubs loved this! Per their menu: "Promoting Ecological Literacy, Art, Nourishment, and the Covenant of Reciprocity" They're known for their cocktails and mocktails. We kept it simple with a regular margarita, non-alcoholic margarita, and a mezcal margarita - enjoyed all! Everything we ate was thoughtfully prepared and presented, and 100% delicious. Service was warm and welcoming. Setting is lovely. Can't wait to return!
Michelin Dining in Healdsburg
We have made Barndiva a dining destination for many years and were not disappointed this weekend. My husband always orders the steak frites and claims they serve the best fries anywhere. The wine list is broad and deep with some good values. We often judge a dining experience by the coffee service-the French press is flavorful and delicious. Do save room for dessert-the house-made ice creams are smooth and creamy. Reservations are recommended. Ample parking at nearby public parking, plan to walk a few blocks.
Disappointing dinner in Healdsbirg.
The rules of this establishment are totally ridiculous. Would not allow 2 parties of 4 to sit together even though the place was empty. Also. One person in our party was not served her second drink as they said she was too drunk. Totally not the case. This restaurant food and drinks average at best and customer service the worst I have ever seen. This place will not last long.
Have been trying to get a reservation when in town for a
Have been trying to get a reservation when in town for a few years. Now I know why it was so easy this time. Their concept change along with location flip with their actual barn venue was disappointing. Food was ok- but not the Michelin-worthy dining we anticipated and certainly not for that price. Should have just stuck with a craft cocktail (they looked wonderful) and fries (really really crispy and good). Atmosphere and service were both, sadly, sloppy. Service felt rushed and awkward. Our table of 4 at dinner requested a wine menu and were only told about wines by the glass - had to inquire about ordering bottles (in Healdsburg?!). Ordered a nice $150 bottle and the waiter fumbled a bit and dribbled it on the table. Anyone can make a mistake and perhaps was new, but not what we were anticipating or paying for. New location feels more like a messy kindergarten classroom. Asian-heavy menu, 80's music, and black and white films playing on the walls were just plain random. We really wanted to like it.
A must-see space with excellent food.
What an experience! This is one of the best designed restaurants I’ve ever been in, and I’d have to say my favorite dining space. I’ve dined in many awesome restaurants in the US and abroad. The creativity and love that went into Barndiva is inspiring, and for all of its diverse elements, it works. The night we had dinner there, my boyfriend and I had eaten a late lunch and already been wine tasting, so all we could manage was to split a salad, an appetizer of trout tartare and a burger. Well, it was the best burger we have ever had and I consider myself a high-end burger aficionado!
What an experience! This is one of the best designed
What an experience! This is one of the best designed restaurants I've ever been in, and I'd have to say my favorite dining space. I've dined in many awesome restaurants in the US and abroad. The creativity and love that went into Barndiva is inspiring, and for all of its diverse elements, it works. The night we had dinner there, my boyfriend and I had eaten a late lunch and already been wine tasting, so all we could manage was to split a salad, an appetizer of trout tartare and a burger. Well, it was the best burger we have ever had and I consider myself a high-end burger aficionado!
The only thing great was the service.
We went here 2 years ago after our wedding in Healdsburg and it was wonderful. THIS IS NOT THAT RESTAURANT! It was set up as a much more casual bistro style restaurant riding on the coat tails of what Barndiva once was. The steak I ordered was overcooked and when I asked for it to be taken back, I then got a very-very over salted piece of meat. Also, my partners food was okay at best and very overpriced for a tofu tikka marsala. I will not be going back until there has been a review by a trusted source stating Barndiva is back to their old standards oooor they lower their prices. Definitely was not the birthday dinner I expected...
I have to agree with other recent reviewers that this is
I have to agree with other recent reviewers that this is not the Barndiva that I favorably remembered from years past. The new setting is so casual, a far cry from the beauty of the barn setting of old. Babies crying in the middle of the space, disturbing the patrons. Lackluster service. The new menu reads like a short brasserie menu and is so limited as to leave you wondering what happened to the kitchen. I was frankly embarrassed that I made this selection having expected a very different ambience and experience. I will not be coming back.
Barndiva received a Michelin star, but I'm not sure why.
The food was ok at best. We got the steak and fried chicken. The chicken breast was dry. The steak was covered in sauce. The plating presentation was lacking. The service was medicore at best, which is unfortunate because they automatically charge a 20% tip to every customer. The point of a tip is that the customer receives great service, and in exchange, they can reward the staff for a great experience. Once the tip is included, I think the staff neglects the customer. For example, I never had my water refilled, and they only checked up on once during the entire dinner stay. The best thing I can say about the restaurant is that the ambiance is nice.
Barndiva is back!.
..serving an a la carte menu...offering dinner out of the nextdoor Studio Barndiva space. I was told that the "barn" building that originally served as the restaurant, is now used for special events only. I like the Studio space even better: it's dimly lit with an eclectic array of art throughout, and black & white movies projected onto a wall. It's one large square space and could possibly benefit from some moveable plant barriers to break up the space, but that's just my two cents. The new menu celebrates their "eat the view" motto with delicious, local, seasonal offerings. And it includes a few Indian-inspired dishes, showcasing the Sous Chef's heritage. We've been a few times since they reopened and really need to add this into our regular rotation. Here are some of the dishes we enjoyed most recently: -Goat Cheese Croquettes, tomato jam, lavender *These are perfectly bite size and heavenly. Highly recommend! -Onion Bhaji,coriander & mint chutney *YES to fried onions!!! -The Gallery Burger, fresh thyme, gruyère, caramelized onions & bordelaise *Delicious, juicy, flavorful burger! Caramelized onions for the win! The burger sits on (or is surrounded by) bordelaise sauce. I may ask for it on the side next time, but my husband loves the sauce. -Tikka Masala, chicken, lemon rice, paratha, raita *Large plate of comforting goodness! One of the handful of Indian menu items. Warm and inviting service. Beautiful setting. Delicious food. Creative cocktails. The new Barndiva is a win for us!
I was recommended to this place by a friend and I was
I was recommended to this place by a friend and I was excited to try it out as I heard good things about it. We dined there on a Sunday night and it wasn't too busy. The inside looked great and I liked the decor. This place is on the pricier side so if you are on a budget I would go somewhere else. We ordered the spring salad, crispy chicken and burger. When the food came, I was suprised to see how little food we got. The chicken was a one piece thigh meat pounded out with a small handful of salad. The burger was on the smaller side (slightly smaller than an In and Out single burger) and it came by itself...nothing else. When the bill came, a 20% tip was automatically added. The service was ok, nothing over the top so this was a bit high. I would have given an 18% instead. It is still surprising that they would add an automatic service charge for only 2 guests. In addition, when we made the reservation online, it asked if we were celebrating anything so we put birthday as this was the reason we went there. However, besides the server saying happy birthday, nothing else was offered. I am not looking for anything free but I just feel that why even ask if the restaurant is not willing to provide anything complementary....what's the point. Our final bill with tips added was almost $140 for two entrees, a salad and two drinks. I don't think I will go back.
This was the first time I've been to a Michelin star
This was the first time I've been to a Michelin star restaurant and had a really good, stripped down meal without having to eat at least five courses and a wine pairing. This year, Barndiva went back to an al la carte, back to its roots style menu. And it did not disappoint. I highly recommend the steak, masala, and the trout ceviche. The trout was the most fresh I've been had. So much better than ahi tuna! The masala was a unique menu item. It wasn't very spicy, but was delicious and contrasted the other meals we had. The cocktails here are also experimental, and reminded me of high end speakeasy's. Also really dig the ambiance and service here. The walls are tall with dim lighting, and our waiter was awesome. Price point was better than I expected for a prestigious restaurant. Will definitely come back when I do wine tasting in this area again.
We had a excellent dinner here - our fourth time in the
We had a excellent dinner here - our fourth time in the past few months. Lily, our server, had a great sense of humor - her jokes were on point and her service was great. Emily, the sommelier, always has great recommendations and rinses the wine glasses with wine in advance which is very appreciated. I've never had another somme do that. They are considering switching the burger, but I sure hope they don't. The bordelaise sauce is outstanding - it keeps us coming back. I get extra sauce and pour it over the fries (which are outstanding). My only question is - why call it a bread salad if there isn't really any bread? There were four delicious croutons, but that doesn't constitute bread. When I think of a panzanella there's a whole loaf in there.
Amazing Dinner Spot in Downtown Healdsburg!
We had an amazing dinner here! I had the trout along with a Smith Story Souvingon Blanc! The wine and food were both absolutely amazing! My husband loved the wine so much that he got a glass for himself. As an appetizer, we got hummas and bread. So much deliciousness in one meal and everything was so flavorful. The service was excellent and we will definitely be coming back here again soo!
Nice setting aside from the rather loud music, but
Nice setting aside from the rather loud music, but disappointing meal considering the price point. Very limited menu, only one or two entrees of interest. My partner and I both got the steak frites ($38). Steak was good if overcooked per my requested medium rare. Bearnaise sauce was extremely watery, lacked richness and punch, and was not at all what I would expect from a top restaurant. Fries were not crisp or fresh tasting, but rather soggy. Service was OK but relatively slow. Side salad of shaved fennel, sorrel, and citrus was the best part of the meal. The $40 corkage fee is outlandish.
The food was mediocre at best.
The service was terrible and not professional for restaurant of caliber. Menu was very limited and skewed towards Indian cuisine even though not portrayed as an Indian restaurant.
I don't even know what just happened.
This was not the Barndiva I remembered. The location we ate in tonight was a door down from the actual beautiful restaurant. It was a megshift pop up style building that had no ambiance. The service was sterile and the food was not good. Bucatini was dry and bitter. Tikka Masala was anything I could have ordered on Uber Eats. Not worth the time or money. Would have gone to a diff restaurant had I known it would be that bad.
One word describes how I feel - disappointed.
It's been many years since I last dined at Barndiva and have always considered it a special place. When it received a Michelin star in 2021 and again in 2022, I knew it was well earned. I was happy that they survived the pandemic and was really looking forward to taking my new wife there for dinner thanks to a gift from some local Healdsburg friends. Overall, I would give it 3.5 out of 5 - 3 for food and 4 for service. The plusses - the Goat Cheese Croquettes were to die for with its tomato jam filling. The shoestring french-fries were also quite good. My wife's special cocktail The Grenadian Spritz, was also boozy & great. The so-so's - my Winter Manhattan served straight-up. At the end of the day, it was Manhattan inspired but its flavor was more punch-like. Not sure how long the ice was in the drink to chill it, but it also seemed to be quite watery. The other slight miss was on the timing of staff. After the Croquettes came out as our appetizer, one-by-one everything else came out with a few long pauses. The bottle of wine seemed to be forgotten once everything had been served, so we needed to reminder our server. This is NOT what you would expect from a Michelin star. She ordered the Gallery Burger, I the Crispy Chicken Paillard and to share, the Onion Bhaji and Frites. The minuses - her burger, my chicken and the chutney served with the Onion Bhaji was a total miss and nothing like a chutney, more like a light dipping oil/sauce. Her burger looked burned on the outside and although the cheese on the inside was melted, the meat looked and tasted under-cooked and almost raw. The description of my chicken was certainly crispy, to the point of being very dry. The breading was overly salty and the dressing on top had very little flavor. I was glad it came with a half lemon that I could use for moisture and to off-set the salt. After we received our gift, we heard that the restaurant had changed its format and menu. It's a sad departure on what Barndiva used to be. For the price, there are better value dining options in Sonoma County with similar menus. I wish Barndiva the best going forward, I just feel like they have lost their way and this review really pains me to write since I truly was looking forward to sharing an amazing dining experience with my wife that ended up being underwhelming for both of us.
4 stars, spot on! Really beautiful experience and the food
4 stars, spot on! Really beautiful experience and the food is darn good. I didn't love the limited menu although that is a choice and usually leads to more focus and consistency which we felt. The bucatini was bonkers and the star of the night. Espresso martini was spot in too. Worth a visit for sure in a vibrant food city.
The service was great.
Food was good but one was quite heavy. - Turkish bread was my favorite dish of the meal. It's made fresh and served warm. The hummus was light, velvety. - Goat cheese croquettes: the batter wasn't thick, the cheese was light. - Trout rillettes: It's very rich, the deep fried bread stick came with it made it very greasy and heavy - The roasted trout with onion sauce was very good - Chicken paillard: the chicken was thin, breaded, came with great herb-y sauce on top. It's good - My husband got a cocktail and really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the dinner and would recommend it.
Whoever gave this establishment a Michelin star needs to
Whoever gave this establishment a Michelin star needs to swiftly take it back. The food was good but not great, the ambience was no better than chain restaurant, and the service also left so much to be desired. Celebrating my husband's birthday and a caucasian man in a polyester blazer brings the two of us ONE glass of champagne. We had pretty low expectations but didn't think dining at BARNdiva would mean we'd be treated like animals. You can skip this one, very disappointed.
This is a gem of a restaurant in Healdsburg.
The ingredients are incredibly fresh, and the service is outstanding. They offer an a la carte menu, so you don't need to do the $120 p/p tasting. Generally, I thought the price:quality ratio was very good. The cocktail was also exxxxxcellllent! If I were to go back, I'd not skip the salad, roasted trout, and I'd wash it all down with a seasonal cocktail or local wine. Great spot, I'll definitely be back one day.
I'm not a brunch person AT ALL, so I usually avoid it at
I'm not a brunch person AT ALL, so I usually avoid it at all costs. But we decided to go and this was the best brunch I've had. I'm not into classic brunch food, it's usually mediocre even at good restaurant. But this brunch is the exception. The salads are cold and crunchy, my favorite was Lukka's Sesame Chicken Salad. The Reuben Benedict was better than a classic Benedict in my opinion. It blew me away. Then the Crispy Chicken sandwich was perfectly crispy, refreshing, and well balanced. Overall we had a lovely time and thoroughly enjoyed our meal. (Nov 23)
Very disappointed with this dinner.
Received a call a few weeks before that the location dinner changed to the gallery, but was told since it was our anniversary we'd receive champagne when we arrived. We did not receive anything. Barndiva has taken a dive. They've taken a dive from Michelin to Middling. The food quality was subpar. Very disappointed.
Barndiva has taken a dive.
Had to order Taco Bell later. Barndiva? Two word review for this one: barn crap.
Barndiva doesn’t live up to its star.
For our last dinner in Healdsburg we headed to Barndiva. Given it had one Michelin star, we had high hopes for an outstanding dining experience. Unfortunately, this was not the case. The service was indifferent bordering on sullen. The food was disappointing. I ordered the black cod as did my daughter. The mushrooms were undercooked and rubbery. The broth My husband fared better with the duck. First courses and desserts were also just okay. Our server opened and poured our wine and then disappeared. She never checked back to ask how we were enjoying our meal. No one did. Not surprisingly, the restaurant was quite empty for a Friday night.
Underwhelmed
Certainly high expectations for a Michelin rated restaurant carrying the price tag. This did not meet the mark. Seated 2 at a 4 top where tables had a one inch lip between,which was forgivable out of the gate. View of inside versus outside was odd; a formal interior then to an uneven pea gravel/uneven tables outside. Service began with a nice flow and then gapped 20+ min between 2nd course and entree and the same for dessert. Only two options were available per course so we ordered everything. Overall food was good except for potato mille feuille entree where potato was raw to point of crunchy. Ate half trying to get past but couldn’t. Noted to server while clearing with no acknowledgement. Overall service was lackluster and slow on the uptake for drinks and flow of service.
Disappointing visit to bar
We’ve been coming to Barndiva for 7 or 8 years. There have been ups and downs though mostly downs even before Covid in terms of the menu and execution at lunch and dinner. We’ve never had an issue with the bar though. Until now. In the past 6-8 months they have instituted some ridiculously formal uniforms for all staff and cut back on traditional cocktail favorites (the price of which has increased to $15) and introduced new cocktails at $18-20 that aren’t an improvement. Also, the “famous” cheese croquettes which have been a staple were shrunk in size, the number was reduced to 8 from 9 and they are being served in a heavy metal pan that keeps them hot (good) but overcooked (bad). We won’t be returning for a long time if ever. Sad.
Yo Yo Evening
This restaurant has always been a favourite of mine in Healdsburgh. This was our first visit post Covid and there were some changes, namely the introduction of a prix fix menu of 4 courses, with approximately two choices per course. Personally I am not a fan of this system as I can’t eat fish or shellfish and so invariably my choice of dishes becomes more limited. Equally I am not a big eater so four courses is a challenge. That said the menu looked lovely and we were excited to be back. The atmosphere has not changed, achoice of beautiful courtyard dining under fairy light trees or a very pretty, high ceiling dining room. Both spaces are really lovely. We sat outside and the wine sommelier suggested a really lovely white wine and we were all set for a lovely evening. Unfortunately the food let the evening down. Firstly if a restaurant is offering only two choices per course you do expect both choices to be available. If for some reason this is not the case then one would expect an alternative to be offered or a discount as effectively you are one course down. This was not the case. Our second course was reduced to an almond type gazpacho. Not something I would normally choose to eat. It was quiet tasty but not what I particularly wanted. I should backtrack slightly and say the cucumber salad I had for my starter was delicious. My fellow diners started with a scallop dish, which they all really enjoyed. Two of our party had trout for the main course and said it was delicious. Two of us had the potato fondant which was hugely disappointing. 4 pieces of potato, inconsistent cooking, some hard, some soft. The dish was bland. Our waiter enquired about how we had enjoyed the course and made a comment that insinuated that our dissatisfaction was nothing to do with kitchen but solely down to us. Dessert was lovely. In conclusion, inconsistent cooking, reduction of dishes and some delicious dishes. So a yo yo evening which is not really acceptable at a Michelin starred restaurant.
Excellent restaurant all round
This was a fantastic experience. Excellent service without being over the top. The 4 courses were rich and diverse in flavour. Highly recommended restaurant when in Sonoma.
Eh, fine - easy to get better in Healdsburg
Good drinks, solid food, service indifferent at best. Agreed with the group afterwards that bits and pieces were wonderful - cocktails started at $18 but were solid and heavily poured, so no quibbles there. Space is lovely though a bit overheated and my water glass sat empty repeatedly. Food was rich and largely delicious - duck liver mousse, potato soup, and the short rib were all well-prepared. Companions who got the other dishes also enjoyed them, however one of our diners did not get her entree and we received only a minimal apology, and several noticed that the food was warm, not hot. One diner's request for bread to accompany a dish was denied. This maybe could be considered Michelin food (although other starred spots I've visited had dishes that inspired effusive discussion) but the only part of the service and experience as a whole that we discussed was the disappointment.
Beautiful location, tasty food, indifferent service
We were very excited to brunch here but sadly weren’t all that impressed by the end. The room is beautiful and we loved the decor. The cocktails were tasty and so was the brunch - however I will say we expected more for the price. The Benny was very tasty but for $38 I would expect the salad to be a little more elevated than an iceberg lettuce carrot mix. The fries were very tasty. Service was very indifferent - maybe got them on a bad day but we just weren’t feeling the love here.
This restaurant has definitely changed since the last time
This restaurant has definitely changed since the last time we visited... and not for the better. When we last dined at Barndiva, there was an excellent a la carte menu along with a very knowledgable somm. Now, we were greeted with a very lackluster pre-fix menu, no somm interaction and a very hefty price. The menu: Four courses for $115 is very steep with the food being good, but nothing was memorable. For example, for that price, I shouldn't see a basic English cucumber salad as one of the courses. The service: The gentleman attending to our table was attentive, but not to the expectation from a Michelin rated restaurant. The courses also weren't paced evenly.Tbh, this will probably be our last time visiting Barndiva as there are better restaurants in the area for that price. I hate to say it, but I think Barndiva loses that Michelin star unless they turn everything around.
Not worth the visit. Eat elsewhere. Least impressive Michelin star we’ve ever dined..
We have dined at Michelin star restaurants around the globe and have always trusted this rating, as our experiences were always phenomenal. Yesterday at Barndiva was a huge disappointment. - Our dishes lacked sophistication, surprise, or the elevated artistry we would expect from a Michelin chef. The dishes were either too heavily spice or oiled or lacked flavor. We could hear from some neighboring tables (as we were crowded together) that they had a similar experience of too spicy or uninspiring tastes. Even the meal presentation was just simple and basic. - Our service was subpar and uncoordinated. We had to ask numerous times to have our water refilled to cool down the overly spiced first course. They missed to clear our plates before a next course arrived. We had also notified for a birthday dinner and they only remembered at the very end of the evening. - We asked for some basic food allergy substitutions. The waitress was unaware of some of dish contents. It seemed the Chef lacked the ability to pivot on some of the dishes and the result was even more disappointing for the dishes he modified. To note, some dishes were as intended and still subpar. The overall value was not there for the meal. We left frustrated and disappointed. We had selected Barndiva for an exceptional birthday dinner. We rather overpaid. Even for half the price, it would still be not worth the money. We would highly recommend in contrast to go to Guiso Latin Fusion for elevated taste profiles, presentation and creativity for a fraction of the cost.
Beautiful casual and delicious Sunday brunch excellently
Beautiful casual and delicious Sunday brunch excellently and politely served for my birthday!
My real score is 3.
5.My biggest problem with Barndiva is that it's priced like a restaurant that it aspires to be, not the restaurant that it is. Our bill for two people was $475 (including tip) and here is my hot take. Service:Service was good. Very normal. Server was very polite and helpful. But it wasn't the same tier of service as other restaurants that have $400+ price tags. At places that have historically been worthy of that price for me, you feel like you're buying an experience, not just food. Barndiva did not feel like an experience.Drinks:My husband had a cocktail that was good. I ordered a chenin blanc that was literally horrible, I didn't even drink it. Like couldn't bring myself to consume it. My friend with me also didn't finish hers, so I wasn't alone in my opinion. My expectation at a Michelin star, hella pricey restaurant, is that I should be able to safely pick anything from the wine list and know that it will be good.Food:The food was great. A couple of the courses weren't memorable, but then a couple were. Some dumplings that were exquisite, a complimentary salmon starter that tasted amazing. Dessert was also tasty. So I think we had 4 courses and two of the four were very memorable. A duck liver mousse in the beginning was ok not great. I don't have anything bad to say about the restaurant or service (aside from the wine), but typically if I'm spending that much $$ on a dining experience, my expectations are just higher . Also we got reservations on short notice which made me wonder what it would be like, and now it makes more sense. It's not a bad place. The experience just doesn't match the price tag.
This restaurant really should not be rated high or given a Michelin rating.
There's not much of a selection on the menu for you to chose from. Mostly burgers which were messy and buns falling apart due to buns soaking onto the juicy barbecue sauce. Wished I did not ordered the burger. It was too juicy and pricey. The Pastry Board was pretty good. The waitress was excellent who kept checking on us.
Beautiful space, but the enjoyment stopped there.
Service was acceptable, not great. Ordered lobster and some appetizers. All the apps tasted the same and lobster was not of good quality and was over cooked. Wouldn't go back.
SADLY DISAPPOINTED
We’re long time visitors to Healdsburg and have always wanted to try Barndiva for dinner. With the recent one star Michelin rating, this seemed like an opportune time. From start to finish, with two exceptions, four of us were astonished by how uncomfortable the experience was. Early reservation resulted in bar seating-noisier + different play list than dining room. Prix fixe choices included cucumber salad & potato soup…not unique, nor interesting ingredients. The amuse bouche was laughable-a tiny puff pastry with a minuscule amount of Gruyère, accompanied by a sliver of charcuterie and a tiny dot of candied lemon. The coup de gras was when my chicken entree arrived cold, and I sent it back to be heated. It eventually returned; with exactly half the original amount of food! My fellow diners had the “Maine Lobster” which appeared to be langoustine, sliced into small pieces that didn’t cover the round of potato it was served on. None of the courses were described. Two exceptions: The sommelier is delightful. The desserts were excellent and well described by a woman we assumed was the pastry chef. As other reviewers have noted, there are many other excellent dining options in Healdsburg. Avoid this one. Zero idea how they achieved one star…?!?
Michelin 1 Star? Seriously?
Where do I start? Perhaps being the first to enter the restaurant at 6:00 p.m. and being seated in the bar? We ask for tap water. They offer sparkling and we assume a SodaStream is being used. Nope. $9. Prix fixe $115 four-course menu. Or perhaps when the chicken entree came out cold and was sent back, only to receive half the chicken back when it returned, with no explanation for the missing piece or a reduction in the bill? I had the Maine lobster entree, which was supposed to be a lobster tail and a claw. I doubt it was lobster, as the portion was so small it likely was langoustine. In addition, something that looked like a sausage was part of my tiny lobster entree. What the heck was that? Overcooked and tough as well. The desserts were excellent. Service was mediocre. No dishes were described, other than the desserts. All this for $350 for two, including a 20% service charge! AVOID, so it can die a quick death.
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Let's say Peter has a great morning and decides to take his three friends to Barndiva Healdsburg at 6 PM the same day.
He checks the restaurant's website and sees that no reservations are available. He then looks at the Barndiva Healdsburg page on AppointmentTrader, but finds that there are no user postings either.
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Peter can place a bid on AppointmentTrader, which serves as a reward for any community member who chooses to work on securing the reservation. AT then notifies experienced users who may be able to help.
Step-by-Step Process
1.) Setting a Reward (Bid)
* AppointmentTrader uses historical data to recommend a reasonable reward amount for securing a reservation - let's say $100.
* Peter really wants to go, so he increases the bid (or reward) to $200.
* At this stage, the reservation does not exist yet.
2.) A Community User Picks Up the Bid
* BraveCloth47, an experienced AT user, has a strong track record of successfully securing reservations and low refund requests, they receive a notification about Peter's bid.
* BraveCloth47 picks up the bid, meaning they will now work on securing the reservation.
* Peter can now talk to BraveCloth47 for any questions Peter may have as BraveCloth47 user fills the bid.
3.) Finding the Reservation
* BraveCloth47 now uses their connections at Barndiva Healdsburg to secure the table.
* If they successfully get the 6 PM table for four, Peter receives a confirmation that the reservation has been secured.
* If BraveCloth47 fails to secure the reservation, the bid is returned to the pool so another user can try.
4.) Payment & Protection
* Once the reservation is secured, BraveCloth47 receives the $200 reward which is credited to BraveCloth47's AT balance, where users manage their own funds and can withdraw via available payout options such as bank transfer, PayPal, or Zelle.
* Peter can now enjoy the dinner with his friends at Barndiva Healdsburg!
* As with all transactions on AT, disputes and no-show fees are handled through the platform's community-driven resolution system. Users with a strong track record are incentivized to fulfill bids successfully, and community members can report issues to maintain trust in the marketplace.
