Nestled in the heart of Sebastopol, California, Campanella brings the charm and flavor of East Coast Italian cuisine to the rolling hills of Sonoma County. Known for its incredible attention to detail, flavorful dishes, and rich family roots, Campanella is more than just a restaurant—it’s a story told through food, ambience, and tradition.

Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, this hidden gem offers a unique experience that feels both comforting and exciting. During our recent visit, we got the full Campanella treatment—from cheesy appetizers and handcrafted drinks to a surprising twist on pizza and a little taste of family history.

If you’ve ever been to Campanella, you’ve probably seen the image of a regal woman gracing the decor. Locals know her as the Campanella Lady, and her presence is felt throughout the restaurant. But who is she?

We asked—and the answer made our visit even more special. She’s not a random vintage figure or a stock photo; she’s Nonna, the owner’s grandmother and the true inspiration behind Campanella. Her legacy lives on in the recipes, the hospitality, and the overall soul of the restaurant. You’ll find her photo on the walls and her spirit in the flavors.

As always, we kicked things off by asking the staff, “What are your top sellers?” It’s our go-to move, and at Campanella, it led us to a plate of mozzarella sticks with spicy marinara.

These aren’t your average mozzarella sticks. They’re light, airy, and loaded with cheese, thanks to a delicate breading that lets the mozzarella shine. Bite after bite, the cheese pulls were impressive, and the flavor was comforting yet elevated.

But let’s talk about that spicy marinara—fresh, vibrant, and with just the right amount of heat. Honestly, I could eat it with a spoon. I kept thinking, “This needs to be a pasta sauce… or maybe a pizza base.” It’s that good.

Next up: an Italian soda made with lemon and fig leaf. Yes, fig leaf. I’ve never heard of it in a drink before, but now I want it in every drink. It starts off tart, then a subtle sweetness creeps in and lingers just long enough to keep things interesting.

This would make an incredible cocktail base. You could probably toss some vodka or gin in there, and you wouldn’t even taste the alcohol. Campanella has a full drink wall, and judging by this soda alone, it’s clear they take their drinks just as seriously as their food.

 If you’re a Chicken Parmesan lover, you’re in for a treat. The Chicken Parm Hero is a sandwich done right. You’ve got perfectly crisp chicken, generous amounts of cheese, and those bright pops of basil that pull everything together.

What makes this sandwich shine is the thin bread. It doesn’t overpower or dull the flavors—it lets them breathe. Even though there’s a ton of cheese and a hearty piece of chicken, the sandwich still feels light and satisfying. Every bite had that comforting, homestyle East Coast flair.

I’ll admit—I was skeptical when I heard we were trying the white clam pizza. I had never had clam on pizza before, but apparently, it’s a big deal on the East Coast.

One bite in, and I totally got it.

The crust had the perfect texture—good spotting on the bottom and just the right amount of crunch. The small, finely chopped clams added a briny, ocean-kissed flavor without being overwhelming. They were blended seamlessly into the sauce and cheese, creating a flavor that was both rich and delicate.

I expected to be weirded out. Instead, I wanted another slice.

To finish the meal, we got fried dough balls coated in fig leaf sugar. The dough balls came with a sauce that was bold and boozy—heavy on the Marsala wine, and not shy about it. You could tell by the aroma alone that this wasn’t your typical dessert sauce.

The flavor? Like a shot of espresso meets a sweet nightcap. It woke me up and slowed me down all at once.

The almond cake had a trio of Italian flag-colored desserts that tasted as good as they looked.

Absolutely.

Campanella isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a full sensory experience. From the warmth of the garden seating to the stories told through every bite, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like family, even on your first visit.

Each dish we tried had intention and love behind it. Whether it’s the comforting familiarity of a Chicken Parm Hero, the fresh zing of spicy marinara, or the surprising delight of a white clam pizza, Campanella delivers on both flavor and heart.

If you’re ever in Sebastopol—or even if you’re just passing through Sonoma County—make Campanella your next food stop. Come for the cheese, stay for Nonna.

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