Recently I had the chance to make my way over to Wickson in Anderson Valley and I’ve gotta say, this place really surprised me in the best way possible. From the second you walk beneath the ivy covered entryway and into the restaurant, the atmosphere just wraps around you. It has this warm Tuscan energy to it, relaxed, rustic, intimate without trying to cosplay Napa wine country. It feels authentic, comfortable and inviting all at once.

We happened to have one of their discount coupons, similar to the Thursday locals night special they offer, which made trying a bunch of different things even more fun. After this visit? I WILL definitely be back for that deal again because the experience completely delivered.

The drink menu deserves some love too. Great local beer selection, solid wines by the glass and aperitifs that make you feel slightly more sophisticated than you probably are. Lots of Anderson Valley representation which I always appreciate when restaurants support the region they live in instead of pretending they’re somewhere else.

Food wise, Wickson absolutely nailed it.

We started with both the pork dumplings and the Shanghai soup dumplings. Both were excellent and honestly kind of unexpected on this menu in the best possible way. Flavorful, comforting and clearly made with care. The arancini were another standout, crispy on the outside with creamy spinach and ricotta inside, paired with a smoky sauce that had us scraping the plate like raccoons with table manners.

Then came the pinsa. This is where Wickson really separates itself. We had both the Capri and a simple cheese pizza and the crust alone deserves its own paragraph. Light, airy, crisp, flavorful and somehow still filling without turning into a brick in your stomach afterward. The Capri balanced sweet peaches, salty prosciutto and pesto beautifully, but the cheese pizza honestly proved how good the foundation is because there’s nowhere to hide behind toppings when you go simple. They crushed it.

My friend had the chicken parmesan over fettuccine firmly believing if a restaurant can’t execute the classics, all the trendy menu items in the world won’t save it. Wickson passed that test easily. Crispy chicken, rich marinara, melted mozzarella and perfectly cooked pasta. Straight comfort food done right.

Truthfully there wasn’t a weak spot anywhere during the meal. The service was warm, the atmosphere made you want to linger and the whole experience felt intentional without feeling stuffy.

Wickson feels like the kind of place you hope survives forever because it reminds you why locally rooted restaurants matter. Great food, regional character and an environment where you can actually hear the people sitting across from you talk. This place helps put Philo on the map and makes me want to take 128 more.

Came for a girls weekend brunch and it was absolutely perfect. The courtyard is the perfect place to spend a weekend morning. The service and vibes are great, everyone is so welcoming and nice. The food is great, I had the biscuit sandwich and the biscuit was so flaky and delicious.

We had great veggie soups. It was delicious. Outdoor dining makes us feel safer to dine out.