Trattoria Due Amici

I have been here twice and have been meaning to write a review twice now. The mushroom ravioli is out of this world!!! The owner/​chef is also very friendly. I will be back… and no need for a menu… Mushroom Ravioli please!

With such great ratings, I expected this place to be packed on a Saturday night… but there was practically no one. That should have been a red flag, and I should have walked myself over to one of the amazing Asian places a few doors down. My next clue should have been when the waitress took the other table’s food away (the night’s special) to show it to us (weird, right?), and when we asked her what it was, she said, «Ravioli.» Um… thanks.
We started with a caesar salad, and it was pretty standard but still very tasty. I had the penne, which comes with asparagus in a mushroom cream sauce. The asparagus was well cooked, but far too many pieces were woody, inedible bottoms. I also had to heavily salt and pepper the dish because it was so bland. Once I did that it was pretty good. My dad had the special ravioli, which we eventually determined was chicken with butternut squash cream sauce. The chicken was dry and the cream sauce just had humongous pieces of squash floating around in it.
I’ll probably give it another shot. So many good ratings makes me think that we just got there on a bad night, maybe?

Fantastic Food. I had a Mixed Grill with Chicken and Lamb. OMG… perfect for me. The garlic and basil dressing marinade was FANTASTIC. The Owner, Chef and Waitress were more than accomodating. I love this place. I am sad I do not live in Sonoma County. It would definitely be a regular spot for me.

Was planning a dinner at one of our regular places in Petaluma but due to the American graffiti car show and cruise it was PACKED. So we turned around in search of some Italian food and remember hearing of one in Cotati. A google search and here we are. Don’t let the location or the atmosphere fool you, let the food do the talking. Spaghetti & penne was both amazing. We are going back to try other dishes next week. Yumm!

I was pleasantly surprised by the food quality at this place. We were a bit concerned after we walked in, it seemed empty, only one waitress. The chef came to talk to us as we were waiting for everyone to show up. The waitress must have been new since she knew close to nothing about the specials, but OMG the food!!! My mushroom ravioli were PERFECT, freshly made, in a beautiful brown butter sauce. My boyfriend got the spinach ravioli in a white wine cream sauce, and those were fantastic. Definitely will be coming back here.

The Osso Bucco served over amazing risotto was fantastic. My husband ordered the rib eye steak and the sauce that covered the meat was delicious. Even the asparagus was cooked to perfection. Our waitress was wonderful. If you are expecting the ambiance to go with the food, you will be disappointed. Cafeteria like seating and feeling. I wish the prices had been lower, considering that, but we did order the special that was on the chalk board and were a bit shocked when we saw the price. A glass of the house wine was $ 10. It really added up and paying that much in that setting was not what we expected. But in all, TOO EXPENSIVE.

What an amazing meal after a beautiful day of wine tasting in Sonoma. One friend opted for a special, a leg of lamb drenched with a myriad of toppings including mint sauce, while another opted for a risotto. I chose the margherita pizza and was not disappointed. We shared Italian wine, enjoyed conversing with the staff, and ate until we were uncomfortably full — then ordered dessert. Everything was fantastic. I’d definitely go back! We came to this place on a lark when the place we’d made reservations at was going to be an hour’s drive, and we’re so glad we did! Do not judge this book by its cover — give it a chance and you will not be sorry!

Love this place. chef/​owners were awesome. they really care about the quality of the food. they are doing a good thing and have my full support.
i’ll definitely be going back .
yum!

This a small independent restuarant serving good Italian food in Cotati and now that Nicolini’s is gone the only real option for «fine dining». The corkage fee is reasonable at $ 15 and the wine list is a bit challenged so I would recommend taking a good bottle of wine with you for dinner. The menu is limited but the salads and pizzas are delicious and the specials interesting even if a bit pricy for the area. Good food, clean and friendly, we go back a couple of times a month.

Meal was AMAZING, and the chef came and talked with us several times. The staff was incredibly nice, the atmosphere was wonderful… could not rate this place highly enough. Will definitely be returning, and recommending to everyone we know.

I’ve eaten here three times. The first time, in October seemed pleasant enough, just as I had read from the positive reviews on Unilocal.Certainly for Cotati, I thought it would be a nice surprise to find a charming and delicious place to go for dinner.
The owner/​chef greeted me warmly and it was obvious that he had passion and emotion about his restaurant. The restaurant was nearly full and my friend and I enjoyed our dinner and conversation. I thought this place was fine, but not exceptional.
The second time, in November, I went with two other people hoping for a special evening. Instead, the owners audibly yelled at our sweet waitress, Winnie, for asking them, by my invitation, for permission to sample the truly great wine I brought. I have been to the very best restaurants all over the SF Bay Area (e.g. Gary Danko, French Laundry, Michael Mina, etc.) as well as hundreds of moderately priced ones like Trattoria Due Amici. It is common for sommeliers and wait staff to accept tastes of wine from diners who bring extraordinary wine. In some restaurants, the wait staff would be so grateful, they have sometimes waived corkage fee (s) for sharing my world class wine.
I thought the food was better than fair, like last time. But, my friends were so put off by the coldness of the the two owner/​chefs, my experience was also decreased. We all felt bad for our waitress. One of my friends nearly lost his temper at one of the owner/​chefs when he came to our table, after they sent our waitress home.
This situation reminded me of visits to my parents house where my mother treats my father very poorly, but tries to treat other family members better. She just never gets that when we witness one person being treated poorly, no one is ever comfortable being there. I think that these emotional owner/​chefs would benefit from learning this lesson.
Still, I wanted to support my local businesses, and I do love Italian food. So, I went a third time last week, in December. The food here is okay — fairly good. So, I brought my same friend back to Trattoria Due Amici. When the owner/​chef greeted me, I asked if our previous waitress still worked there because she was nowhere to be seen. He instantly frowned and his demeanor became cross and cold.
I was ready to walk out, but my friend was very hungry and wanted to stay, so we stayed. I noticed that it took me a good half-​hour before I could repel the negative vibes I got from the workers there and engage with my friend in conversation. Again, the food was acceptable, yet it was clear that we were not really welcome there. When our previous waitress did arrive for her shift, it seemed apparent that the owners had told her about my inquiry about her, because she avoided us completely (probably by orders of her boss).
I do not like to write negative reviews about anyone or anything. But, I also like to dine at a place where I am treated much, much better.
Sorry, Trattoria Due Amici, I will not be a patron of your restaurant again.
Review 0001

How do I start this?
I came here because of all the Unilocal reviews (ha, ha … this could be a quote as so many else have written it).
I must say, at first I was happy, not impressed. But thought, what the heck, this waitress Winnie was sweet and attentive.
I came with two other people. We brought two bottles with us which amounted to a $ 30 corkage fee. Considering there were only 4 wines on the «wine list» (which is a chalkboard so who knows what will be there … and *gasp* Beringer was featured, and not anything good from them especially …) so glad we brought our own wine.
Immediately Winnie poured our bubbly and we tasted, okay great; we know what we bought and it was good. However, no freakin’ flutes for us to drink out of. Not her fault, and she was extremely polite and apologetic bringing us extra glasses for our red bottle.
On to the other bottle we brought, yes I digress, still not to dinner yet. It was a 1997 Amarone Classico. Um, well, it’s such a rare bottle we offered a taste to our server Winnie. She said she would have to ask and when she did she was absolutely berated by the men in the kitchen so loudly we actually did take offense. Well, we told her to tell her boss (jokingly) that we would be offended if she didn’t join us. Well, in the end with how rudely they treated her we REALLY were offended.
Okay, now to the food.
We decided to share dishes as that seemed easiest. We ordered the pizza that was the special, which I would call a meat-​za. It had all the meats they offered. A special fennel sausage (I hate fennel and I found the sausage wonderful because it didn’t actually taste like fennel, sooooo if you see fennel on the menu and love it find it will be vice-​versa — you won’t taste it) with sopprasata, and coppa. I loved the pizza, people are right, the dough and crust are wonderful but only if you love NY style and buttery.
I got the raviolis everyone keeps raving about and the ravioli were mostly cheese. My first bite didn’t give much mushroom, but my boyfriend gave me a bit of his as we were all sharing, and his actually had some mushroom in it. Hmm, so they were inconsistent. And the brown butter sauce was thin and not at all what I expected by reviews. But honestly, no one told me it was creamier sauce and I don’t like cream sauces. So you like cream sauces? Go for it! You’ll love it. I don’t so didn’t love it.
The guys both decided to share the steak. The wonderful thing the restaurant did was to cut it in half, the whole entrée, to give each his own liking in cooking style. One liked more rare, etc. The only problem was that when the meals were served each was more cooked. The medium rare was medium and the medium was well done. The complaint to this was that we were told the chef ‘under cooked the steaks’. Well, one in our party politely complained and a somewhat apology was given saying we should have sent them back.
Hmmm, compounded we were the ONLY party that was in the restaurant from 6pm to 8.30pm. I prompted everyone to go feeling a bit uncomfortable despite the ‘nice’ owner coming out to see how our meal was. One in our party confirmed that the ‘other chef’ (who was more the cruel one to our waitress) was only the other owner and not a brother, despite the two owners looking a bit alike.
The other thing we got was the antipasti platter which was a great thing to start our meal. It was great to share with all of us as 3, and it was correctly described as for 2 but could fit for 3. As a good start to our meal, the rest sort of, well, didn’t live up to expectations. Especially with the loud berating of our poor server. Literally my party was so offended by the way this poor girl was treated that I’m not sure we wish to ever return. It was US who asked her to join us for a rare vintage and what the ‘nice chef/​owner’ told us was that then they would have to do that for all the waitresses/​girls. We reasoned (after her being let go early and wondering if she would even get our generous tip) that NO ONE else was in the restaurant to KNOW! We get the principle and all.
Now, for the prices … I would rather go to Rosso’s, Scopa, La Cucina Rustica, or even freakin’ Monti’s for this price range.
Yes, it’s decent for Cotati. But Cotati is full of college students not willing to fork the dime over for better food. So really I could say it’s wonderful for Cotati. But these prices? Go to the freakin’ Italian place in Railroad Square. Same prices, but bomb food.
Overall, at the end … we were a little ignored after the waitress was told to go home. The food sort of sub par, and us getting a large bill that we could have gone to Scopa and gotten really good Italian food for the same charge … I’m good. That and having someone so offended in our party when we left. Not going back. I really want to know are the people giving this place 4 and 5 stars been to any of the other Italian places I mentioned? Let’s see how their reviews change after then.

Excellent Italian food. The butter Lettuce Salad wasn’t that great and the Antipasti wasn’t what we’re used to but good… I had the pan seared airline chicken breast that was moist and sitting in Thyme Jus that was so delicate. All food was fresh and made to order. Enjoy the Chef who will come and chat and make sure that everything is to your liking. Definitely a great dining experience. When back in the area will definitely check it out.

Strip malls have gotten a bad reputation over the years. They are usually associated with small mom and pop stores, nail salons and sandwich shops. But Due Amici came with excellent reviews, so we decided it was time to give the place a chance. And are we ever happy we did.
First of all, the good was great. This was a ravioli night as we both the mushroom ravioli and the beef and spinach. The beef and spinach was very tasty, with toasted hot peppers giving it just enough of a kick. The mushroom ravioli was served, not in a traditional tomato or cream sauce, but a brown butter sauce and was fantastic. To finish the meal, we had a piece of chocolate cake that easily fed the three of us.
The server was very knowledgeable, attentive and friendly. And the owner (I’m assuming he’s the owner) greeted us with a hearty hello and a wave of the hand, offering a touch that only a true family-​owned establishment can offer.
I cannot say this was the BEST Italian food in the Rohnert Park/​Cotati area as there are many restaurants and I’ve not tried them all. What I can say is, despite its location, Due Amici is worth the trip, and a great place to bring friends and family.
In a word. Loved it. (two words…)

Great little family place. The owner cooks like he is cooking for family. I had the roast chicken. The flavor was very good. Each meal is cooked from the heart. If you are in the area, you must pop in.
I only wish they had a capachino machine

Yeah, I just have to give them 5 stars. I ate here with three friends. All of us agreed that the food was delicious. I had the margherita pizza. Simple, yet flavorful. Oh, that crust! We shared the antipasto plate. Okay, so, it’s an array of meat, cheese, foccacia, olives… simple, but when done well, it’s so dang good. Everything was tasty and fresh. (Those tomatos!)
Warm and friendly staff. They treat you like family – the ones you like, not those others!
Highly recommend it. Boy, I hope they make it.

Came here tonight for dinner.
Started with the antipasti plate. $ 15.95 The foccacia is as amazing as everyone says it is. melt in your mouth goodness. The owner is also as amazing as everyone says he is. What a warm and friendly guy. Loved the meat and cheese that came on the antipasti, as well as the slightly salted tomatoes. The olives were well done too.
Salads — the BF had the ceaser, $ 6.50 this is where dinner went south. I am not 100% sure that the dressing wasn’t homemade, but it was very reminescent of Sysco Ceaser in the large gallon jar. There were no anchovies, nor were they offered, also no fresh ground black pepper or cheese, the lettuce leaves were damp when tossed, leaving the dressing a bit watered down and soggy. The 4 croutons on the salad were definately boxed, which was a shame.
I had the butter lettuce with goat cheese and lemon vinegarette. $ 6.25 The dressing was lovely, there was a good amount of cheese on the salad, but the presentation was a little lack luster — huge leaves of lettuce presented on the plate with 4 grape tomatoes, sliced and stuck to the sides of the bowl.
Neither salad was worth the price. Which was a little disappointing.
The main course saved the day.
He had the spaghetti Alla Carbonara, $ 12.00 — HUGE serving of perfectly cooked pasta, with a delicious sauce. Hints of nutmeg add ed to the fresh pecorino showcased with egg, made every mouthful sparkle.
I had the Ravioli with wild mushrooms in brown butter sauce with fresh sage. $ 11.50 The Ravioli was also perfectly cooked. big pillows of mushrooms, with just enough sauce to flavor it, but not over power it.
Coffee was an italian blend, which was fitting. We skipped the Tiramisu tonight, but will give it a go next time.
Definately will be back. My advice is skip the salad course, and go for the pasta and foccacia.

Came here because of all the Unilocal reviews with my Italian mother in law. I knew she would know how authentic it was.
We arrived for lunch a week ago and were the only ones there. The owners and chef came out and greeted us promptly as Bocelli was playing in the background. They made a fresh pot of coffee for us. We ordered the prosecutto sandwich on fresh foccacia and raved about the foccaccia. The best part was the owners and her went on and on about Italian foods and desserts you just don’t see anymore. This really made the place authentic to listen to their beginning stories with Italian food. I ordered the wild mushroom raviolis that were homemade. They were wonderful. So soft and the sauce was light, the way it should be.
Throughout the meal they kept seeing if we were okay and to take our time because we were in their house. It felt so genuine.
We couldn’t say no to his tiramisu and I’m so glad we didn’t. It was heaven and I’m not a dessert person. So soft and mouthwatering.
We left after much conversation, laughter and hugs. This place really is a gem.

This place is fantastic! Authentic handmade food, which is absolutely delicious.
The owners/​chefs stop at your table to make sure you are enjoying yourself and their food. They answer any questions you have, which is a nice touch to this restaurant.
These guys need to move to a better location, and they will do even better than they already are.

On a whim decided to try this place out. They’ve been open three weeks and I very much hope that they last for decades!
We started with the Salami Plate. The bread was perfect seasoned, with the right amount of olive oil. All the meat slices were fantastic.
For our main course we split the Bianci Pizza and Ravioli. The pizza was great, I loved the edge the olives provided. The ravioli was the best thing about our meal. The mushroom and brown butter filling was to die for! So good!
We finished off with tiramisu that was full of flavor, in all the right ways, and was perfectly dense.
Had great food and service here. We’ll be back!