Catelli’s Burger Tops The Menu When Dropping Into This Charming Local Restaurant in Geyserville, California
by Super G
We were hungry. That simply goes to say after wine tasting in the hot late summer sun deep in California’s wine country. We had to find something to eat.
So, we stopped in at Catelli’s Restaurant in downtown Geyserville. We weren’t disappointed.
Located in a historic building with the original black and white checkered outdoor patio when the restaurant originally opened in 1936 in the heart of Geyserville, the restaurant is a local classic. The original Catelli’s, Catelli’s the Rex, was in business for 55 years before closing in 1991.
Brother and sister team, Domenica and Nick Catelli reopened the family business with much success in 2010.
The pair is friends with Guy Fieri of the Food Network’s “Diner’s, Drive-In’s, and Dives” so it was a must-taste stop for the Super G “Guy Fieri challenge.”
(Photo: Courtesy of artandentertainme)
Executive chef, author and, media personality Domenica is a Food Network star herself.
The restaurant had just opened for lunch and the crowds hadn’t arrived yet, so we were quickly seated at a window table looking out onto the main street of the small town.
We didn’t have to wait long before we were joined by fellow diners strolling in for lunch to this popular spot.
The reason why Catelli’s is attracting such a crowd? The great food and atmosphere right on Geyserville Avenue, the town’s main street.
Natural lighting streams into the restaurant from the large panel windows natural lighting that softens the modern hardwood and brick décor that reflects off of the off-white minimalist walls in the front of the restaurant. The furnishings chairs change from the white-washed wood chairs front against the windows to the wicker seat darker wood in the center of the front room near the bar to a little fancier for fine dining and events with the weaved back and white cushioned seats in the back rooms of the restaurant giving each area a distinct feel. The wood cut u-shaped bar is nicely surrounded by reddish-brown leather barstools. It all feels wine country-casual and welcoming.
The décor also provides good lighting, especially at the window to show off the simple, but the complex food coming out of the kitchen created by Domenica.
(Photo: Courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism)
Let me tell you, it was messy, but it was delicious. I ordered The Ultimate Burger, a juicy flavor-filled burger that is a mix of Domenica’s house-ground meat grilled to perfection and topped off with a meat sauce flowing out of the open ciabatta bun. I swapped out the regular organic truffle fries.
Every bite was a juicy, saucy, flavor-filled delight that kept me wanting more as my eyes rolled into the back of my head. I couldn’t stop licking my fingers not just out of the need, but because I didn’t want to waste one ounce of every delicious part of this burger. I soaked up the remaining sauce with my truffle fries, which only added to the explosion that was happening in my mouth.
Beyond the Burger
Burgers are basic and hard to make flashy, so if the burger is this good … what else on the menu is my next question?
Babes ordered a special chicken dish served on a bed of mashed potatoes in chicken jus topped with mushrooms, garlic, and some charred kale. The chicken was juicy and infused with the earthy flavors of the mushrooms, kale, and jus making it one of the best chicken dishes she’s ever eaten.
Both dishes were excellent, but the whole menu is mouthwatering. It’s hard to decide what to order making us want to return.
Then there’s the wine and cocktail list featuring more than 100 local wines and spirits to pair with the great food. Oh, and there are local beers to select from too.
I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a hit for my taste buds with a huge thumbs up. You simply can’t go wrong stopping for lunch or dinner while visiting Geyserville.
THE DIRTY DISH
Catelli’s Restaurant, 21047 Geyserville Avenue, Geyserville, California 95441. 707-857-3471. Email. mycatellis.com.
TYPE OF RESTAURANT: Woman-Owned, Family-Owned, Organic, Gluten-Free
RATING: 4 = Black
(0 inedible – 5 simply scrumptious)
AMBIANCE: Casual, fun, warm and welcoming.
SCENE: Locals to visitors mix, mingle, and dine at this casual eatery serving up great organic food.
SERVICE: Warm and welcoming, diners are immediately warmly welcomed as soon as they walk through the door. The servers are attentive offering suggestions when sensing diners have questions or are asked but aren’t overbearing. Food is served quickly and with a smile. It’s clear the staff enjoy working at the restaurant.
NOISE LEVEL: Normal for a restaurant. Other diners’ conversations are absorbed by the brick walls turning it into ambient noise.
RECOMMENDED DISHES: It’s a difficult decision, despite the limited menu choices. It really depends on your mood and time of day. If you are going for lunch, the burger or Catelli’s Ravioli are good options. Dinner anything on the menu or offered as a special.
SIP: Briefly describe the drink you liked the most and what you liked about it?
CHECK, PLEASE: $$ = $30 – $50
(price of breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner for an individual meal not including tip)
THE EAT: The food, wine, and the ambiance is what I liked the most and will bring me back.
WORTH THE NIGHT OUT?: This was delicious!
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