What you need to know about Campo Fina is right there in the name: “Campo” meaning “field”, and “Fina” for the last part of Serafina, the name of Dawnelise and Ari Rosen’s daughter. Essentially, the Rosen’s created an al fresco Italian restaurant out of a love for the ingredients, for Healdsburg, and for the game of bocce. The Italian game, not dissimilar from bowls, features prominently here, with an outdoor court for diners to use, and a hotly-contested summertime championship. It’s an idyllic set-up on warm evenings, with a Negroni or a glass of wine in one hand, playing bocce with the other. And then, of course, there’s the food.

From wood-fired pizzas to oysters on the half shell, the food here is simple and sophisticated, showing respect for the ingredients and for Cal-Ital traditions. The menu changes seasonally, but there are some dishes diners come for year-round like Nonna’s Tomato Braised Chicken (served with perfect polenta and sautéed swiss chard). They’re also big fans of sourcing locally where they can and making plenty of ingredients on-site, including the sausages and ricotta cheese.

When the weather obliges, you can dine in the al fresco space, or you can head inside to enjoy your meal in the cozy dining room where the tables are made of salvaged wood, the banquettes are rich, red leather, and the walls are exposed brick. The decor at Campo Fina adds a touch of old world glamour to this chic, contemporary Italian restaurant; it’s really no wonder they have such a devoted following – and not just for the bocce.