Hazel occupies a historic building in Occidental, a fresh chapter for a restaurant Jim and Michele Wimborough opened in 2015. Both spent their early careers cooking in the Bay Area, at restaurants including Boulevard, Zuni, and Kokkari, before settling into Western Sonoma County. The name comes from Jim's great grandmother, a cook and hostess whose home cooking shaped his own approach to the kitchen.
The menu leans rustic and Mediterranean-inspired, built on local, seasonal, and sustainable sourcing. Crispy fried brussels sprouts and slow-braised pot roast are menu staples, and the Hazel Sundae has become a signature order. Michele Wimborough runs the pastry side, turning out house-made pies, cakes, and shortcakes alongside the savory menu.
The menu leans rustic and Mediterranean-inspired, built on local, seasonal, and sustainable sourcing. Crispy fried brussels sprouts and slow-braised pot roast are menu staples, and the Hazel Sundae has become a signature order. Michele Wimborough runs the pastry side, turning out house-made pies, cakes, and shortcakes alongside the savory menu.