Since Seared first opened its doors in Petaluma in 2013, this restaurant has been a fixture in the local paper’s annual People’s Choice awards. Seared has won awards for best chef, best cocktails, best seafood, and best steak, among other honors.

Executive Chef Joe O’Donnell is well regarded by local farmers, vendors, and produce markets, who know that he’s always on the lookout for fresh farm-to-table ingredients to feature on his menu, local wines, spirits, and beers to stock the bar, and new partnerships to form. Even though this restaurant gets high marks from the critics, it’s also very much connected to the community and works to produce an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere. At dinner, customer favorites include Wagyu hanger steak, seared day boat scallops, and the house-made ricotta gnocchi topped with a blush sauce—but regulars note that the kitchen’s daily specials are always tasty and creative, so be sure to ask your server about the specials, too.

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