Union Hotel Restaurant

The first position on the list of the oldest restaurant in California is the Union Hotel Restaurant. Although Union Hotel Restaurant in Occidental, California claims to have been in business since 1879, it's possible that the establishment didn't open until 1891. The Jones family built the first structure on the property in 1879. The Jones family gave the site back to Dutch Bill Howard, who had originally owned the lot, after constructing a two-story structure.

The building's lower level was converted into a general store in 1880, while its upper level served as a public hall. Then, in 1891, Giovanni Gobetti and his wife Giovanna purchased the property from Howard. The Gobetti family transformed the structure into the Union Saloon and began serving food and beverages. Finally, Giovanna Gobetti sold the saloon in 1925 to the Panizzera family, another Italian family, who renamed it the Union Hotel. Since that time, the hotel and Italian restaurant have been managed by members of the Panizzera family.

The original Union Hotel Restaurant in Occidental is still open and draws tourists from all over the world. Today, there are a few additional Union Hotel sites, all of which are owned and handled by the Panizzera family.

Year established: 1879 or 1891
Location: 280 Mission Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA 95409, America
Website: unionhotel.com