Restaurants
Napa offers a smorgasbord of dining options, from French and Italian to California/Pacific Rim, often utilizing fresh organic seasonal ingredients. Many top restaurants offer lighter bar menus that give a savory taste of the main event. Several wineries (such as Domaine Carneros) also offer wine bars with delectable small bites. And of course, in addition to the recommendations below, many hotels (Auberge du Soleil – even if you don't stay or eat here, stop by for a sunset drink on the terrace – and Meadowood come to mind) offer exceptional eateries. Advance reservations are a must, especially for weekend dinners. With rare exception, dress is casual, and the locals themselves are down-to-earth (no matter how much they get per ton of Cabernet).
Higher-end restaurants like Thomas Keller's French Laundry (6640 Washington St., Yountville; 707/944-2380; www.frenchlaundry.com) require not only a lot of money, but reservations two months in advance. But the once-in-a-lifetime experience (and nine-course tasting menu of small but perfectly prepared gems) in an intimate French country-style cottage is worth it. Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America (2555 Main St., St. Helena; 707/967-1010; www.ciachef.edu) offers innovative food and expertly paired wine choices with useful explanations in a castle-like, 19th-century edifice surrounded by spectacular terraced gardens. La Toque (1140 Rutherford Rd, Napa; 707/963-9770; www.latoque.com) has a prix fixe menu with masterful wine pairings and exceptional presentation. Terra Restaurant (1345 Railroad Ave., St. Helena; 707/963-8931; www.terrarestaurant.com) fuses Chef Hiro Sone's Asian roots with Mediterranean-style ingredients in a sublimely romantic setting. Dress at the above eateries is generally more formal (long pants and collared shirts for men).
The Napa Valley is teeming with excellent, moderately priced restaurants as well. A table at Bistro Don Giovanni (4110 St. Helena Hwy. (29), Napa; 707/224-3300; www.bistrodongiovanni.com), whether it be next to the wood-burning fireplace or on the romantic outdoor patio, offers an wonderful epicurean experience. Bistro Jeanty (6510 Washington St., Yountville; 707/944-0103; www.bistrojeanty.com) has classic French cuisine (think steak frites and coq au vin) at reasonable prices. Bouchon (6534 Washington St., Yountville; 707/944-8037; www.bouchonbistro.com) may be the best bet for those who couldn't get a reservation at French Laundry – it too is supervised by the famed Thomas Keller. If you are looking to get back to dining basics, Cole's Chop House (1122 Main St., Napa; 707/224-6328; www.coleschophouse.com) is a classic, clubby steakhouse. Hurley's (518 Washington St., Yountville; 707/944-2345; www.hurleysrestaurant.com) serves fresh seasonal California fare with Mediterranean flair (Marrakesh to Milan) in a casual, unpretentious space – pick from the lively bar or lovely patio. For the quintessential wine country dining experience, head to Mustards (7399 Saint Helena Hwy (29), Yountville; 707/944-2424; www.mustardsgrill.com). After two decades, it still exudes cozy warmth and offers a comprehensive wine list – more than 400 labels.
The budget restaurants in the area offer an excellent value – and then of course there is always the option for a picnic, practically a rite of passage for every Napa valley visitor. To stock up before you go on yours, the Oakville Grocery (7856 St. Helena Hwy.; 707/944-8802) offers a splendid assortment of wines, cheeses, charcuterie, fresh-baked breads, pastries, and more. Bouchon Bakery (6534 Washington St., Yountville; 707/944-8037; www.bouchonbistro.com) next door to Bouchon offers high-end, scrumptious picnic fare. For a sit-down event, The Bounty Hunter (First St. off Main, Napa; 707/255-0622; www.bountyhunterwine.com) offers 40 wines by the glass and American bistro fare. Gordon's (6770 Washington St., Yountville; 707/944-8246) is an ultra-casual locals' hangout with hearty breakfasts and lunches utilizing fresh local organic produce plus reasonably priced selections by the glass. If you need a family-friendly establishment, the cozy, noisy, and always-packed Rutherford Grill (1180 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford; 707/963-1792) offers great pub food and a casual setting. Taylor's Refresher (933 Main St., St. Helena; 707/963-3486; www.taylorsrefresher.com) is a diner that has won the culinary world's highest honor – the James Beard Award. Pair a $100 bottle of Cabernet with your burger? Why not – the locals do it all the time. Or try the sublime milkshakes. For small bites, try ZuZu (829 Main St., Napa; 707/224-8555; www.zuzunapa.com), a lively tapas restaurant with a great bar.
