Inspired dining experiences from Chefs Juliana Thorpe and Ignacio Zuzulich at Dawn Ranch, balance elevated cuisine with unstudied excellence, from fine dining at the Lodge to picnics overlooking the picturesque Russian River . Local ingredients from the fertile valley make our varied cuisine an emerging staple of Northern California fare.
Dining in Guerneville: A Culinary Haven at The Lodge at Dawn Ranch
Amidst the ancient redwoods of Guerneville, California, The Lodge at Dawn Ranch redefines what it means to dine in Northern California. With visionary Chefs Juliana Thorpe and Ignacio Zuzulich at the helm, the menu is an ever-evolving exploration of the region’s most beloved and distinctive ingredients, infused with a spirit that is both rooted and restless. Here, Brazilian, Argentinian, and European flavors harmonize with vibrant produce and cultivated treasures, creating dishes that are as bold as they are nuanced.
Every dish tells a story, weaving together cultures, seasons, and the essence of the land and sea, making this restaurant in Guerneville a must-visit for food lovers.
Wine and Cocktails: An Elevated Experience
The wine list at The Lodge is equally eclectic, with an eye for the unexpected. A thoughtfully curated collection of California, Argentina, and European vineyards provides a deep well of discovery, inviting guests to sip their way through worlds both familiar and new. At the bar, cocktails are crafted with the precision of an apothecary and the imagination of an artist featuring house made syrups and tinctures, fresh herbs, and distinctive botanicals that capture the essence of the 22-acre resort’s garden and the wild landscape.
Wine and Cocktails: An Elevated Experience
The wine list at The Lodge is equally eclectic, with an eye for the unexpected. A thoughtfully curated collection of California, Argentina, and European vineyards provides a deep well of discovery, inviting guests to sip their way through worlds both familiar and new. At the bar, cocktails are crafted with the precision of an apothecary and the imagination of an artist featuring house made syrups and tinctures, fresh herbs, and distinctive botanicals that capture the essence of the 22-acre resort’s garden and the wild landscape.
A Gathering Place Rooted in Warmth
The Lodge at Dawn Ranch is more than just a place to eat; it’s a place to settle in and savor—to be present. There’s a genuine warmth that invites guests to linger, to enjoy honest conversations over unforgettable food, and to experience a kind of hospitality that feels refreshingly sincere.
Whether you’re a local seeking your next favorite spot or a visitor exploring the heart of Sonoma County, The Lodge at Dawn Ranch offers a dining experience that is both elevated and authentically grounded in the beauty of Guerneville.
The Lodge
Chefs Juliana and Ignacio’s fine dining experience infuses locally sourced ingredients from our abundant NorCal valley with a spirit that is both rooted and restless. Here, Brazilian, Argentinian, and European flavors harmonize with vibrant produce and cultivated treasures, creating dishes that are as bold as they are nuanced.
Juliana Thorpe, Executive Chef
Juliana Thorpe, the Co-Executive Chef at The Lodge, brings a rich tapestry of international culinary experiences to Dawn Ranch. Raised in the picturesque mountains of Matutu, Brazil, Thorpe’s upbringing was deeply intertwined with nature and agriculture in the South American countryside. Her family’s vegetarian lifestyle and homegrown produce instilled in her a profound connection to food and its origins. This early influence is reflected in her approach at The Lodge, where she emphasizes simplicity and natural ingredients, honoring her roots and the true essence of food.
Before joining The Lodge during its relaunch in 2023, Chef Juliana honed her skills across several prestigious kitchens globally. Her culinary journey includes training at Roberta Sudbrack in Brazil, Lasai with Rafa Costa e Silva, and the renowned Mugaritz in Spain. Her time at the three-Michelin Star Restaurant at Meadowood in Napa Valley brought her to Northern California, shaping her culinary philosophy around cooking with the region’s natural bounty. Thorpe’s diverse background, combined with her passion for innovative and thoughtful cooking, drives her creative process, which is inspired by both her Brazilian heritage and the local ingredients of Sonoma County. At The Lodge, she values her team’s collaboration and finds joy in evolving the menu, continually seeking new inspirations and techniques.
Ignacio Zuzulich, Executive Chef
Ignacio “Nacho” Zuzulich is the Co-Executive Chef at Dawn Ranch. Raised in Alta Gracia, Córdoba, Argentina, Zuzulich’s culinary passion was ignited by his family’s long-standing involvement in the restaurant business. Following a culinary journey across Europe and South America, Chef Nacho’s career path took him through some of the world’s most esteemed kitchens, including Lasai in Rio de Janeiro, Michel Bras in France, and Mugaritz in Spain, where he rose from stagiaire to head chef, followed by a stint at the three-Michelin starred Restaurant at Meadowood, which introduced him to the Northern California culinary industry.
Having lived in Brazil, France and Spain, Zuzulich’s approach to cooking blends his Argentine roots with global influences, inspired by his extensive travels, a keen interest in evolving market trends and his own dining experiences. At The Lodge at Dawn Ranch, he embraces a philosophy that values creativity and flexibility over adherence to any specific cuisine, focusing instead on crafting beautiful, innovative dishes with local produce. He joined the Dawn Ranch team upon its relaunch in 2023, where he and his co-Executive Chef Juliana Thorpe have built a team and kitchen around the Northern California environment and Guerneville’s rich cultural history.
Exclusive Culinary Experiences
Dawn Ranch welcomes chefs seeking inspiration or a change of pace. Our property also hosts pop-ups from restaurants in Guerneville and beyond.