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Napa Valley World Class Restaurants

Napa Valley World Class Restaurants

Something you do not want to miss. What better way to enjoy the wines than to pair them with meals served up by world-renowned chefs and culinary teams? World-class chefs are inspired by the Napa terroir and create farm-driven experiences that reflect the wine country with a twist.With a variety of locally sourced cuisine, there is something for everyone’s palate. It is nearly impossible to choose a favorite restaurant in Napa Valley, but we created a list of our must-try spots.

Bistro Don Giovanni – Napa

A among locals, this will become one of your go to restaurants when you return to Napa Valley. There is a rustic warm Italian ambiance and patios that wrap around the building and open up to their culinary garden. Their patio also features a fireplace and vineyard views that make a perfect place to dine outside.
A World Class Restaurant & culinary garden. Inspires a daily changing menu of fresh Italian dishes with a creative flair. Indulge in their freshly baked breads, local olive oil, beautiful salads, tasty appetizers and homemade pastas. Add a wine list that is filled with both local and old world bottles and it is no wonder it is easy to become a regular here.

Ciccio – Yountville

“Market” displayed on the exterior, you would not think this was an Italian hotspot in Yountville. Inside these wolrd class restaurants, century-owned old Italian grocery store. You will find vintage Italian movie posters, fairy lights, and bright red tiles around the pizza oven that give a casual cool ambiance. With a limited Italian menu you will find something new to try on each visit.

The main focus at Ciccio is their wood-fired pizzas, but their comforting Italian dishes stand well on their own. With a changing menu you will usually find up to two options each for meat, veggies, pasta and salads and between 4-6 nightly specialty pizzas. One thing that makes Ciccio a must-try is their Negroni bar with 7 specialty cocktails made to be a palate cleanser and digestive aid. Usually made of Campari, sweet vermouth and gin. Ciccio also has variations made with bourbon, rye and spumante.

This busy and lively restaurant does not accept reservations so plan on a long wait or try to make it there early for dinner on weekdays. It is worth the wait, trust me!

la taberna

This is your place for a truly authentic Spanish tapas experience in Napa. World class restaurants like these are hard to find. Spanish tavern has a lively bar-style vibe with bar stool seating and a stylish backdrop. In a unique style you will find a chalkboard menu of pintxos (small bites popular in Northern Spain) and an extensive drink menu on paper.

The dishes at La Taberna are prepared just like ones you would find in a real Spanish tasca. You can feast on the likes of crispy pig ears, lamb tartare, clams with romesco sauce and chicken empanadas, and pair with local wine or sherry by the glass. they distinguish between tapas, which are easy to share, and pintxos, which are usually smaller, cheaper, and just a few bites. They also have a sizable drink menu which includes sherries and other Spanish classics as well as local wines and beers.

Solbar at Solage – Calistoga

Solbar another wold class restaurant is truly an amazing place to experience culinary delights in a beautiful and intimate setting. Connected to the expansive Solage Calistoga Resort you will find Michelin-starred seasonal California fare with exceptional service. An intimate and modern dining space with velvet couches, fireplace, and bar makes this an ideal setting for a meal with loved ones. The restaurant has one of the most impressive outdoor terraces in the valley that overlooks the bocce courts and swimming pool.

Their menu constantly changes and is split between lighter dishes and heartier with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Solbar is a great place to relax in the middle of the day with a few appetizers and a glass of wine. The lounge menu includes pizzas, oysters, and other items such as crisp petrale sole tacos and shrimp lettuce wraps. A favorite is the Lucky Pig – a dish for two that consists of slow-roasted shoulder, crepes, and lettuce cups. Solbar is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and is a popular spot for Sunday brunch.

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch – St. Helena

This ranch has both a restaurant and winery – pairing the best of both worlds! They have 2 properties in Napa Valley that produce their estate wines, grass-fed cattle, honey, and premium olive oils from the oldest olive orchard in Napa Valley. At Farmstead, all of these come together for an exceptional farm-to-table culinary experience.

This world class restaurant has high barn ceilings, brown leather booths, and an open kitchen. The patio features a fireplace and views of the ranch’s culinary gardens.

The menu focuses on beef from the Long Meadow herd that includes steaks, meatballs, meatloaf, beef tartare and more. You will not want to miss out on their mini ham sandwiches, featuring salty ham on biscuits slathered with pepper jelly – YUM! Executive Chef Stephen Barber serves up fresh, seasonal farm-to-table fare in this beautiful farmhouse making this one of Napa Valley’s top restaurants.

Ad Hoc – Yountville

One of Thomas Keller’s more casual restaurants, Ad Hoc was initially made as a pop up restaurant and quickly became a Yountville staple by popularity. It is no wonder why with the casual-cool vibe and elegant dining room. The family-style dining offers large portions to share and serve each other in a fun and social way. This is one of our favorite places to end a day of wine tasting with friends. Comfort food is combined with relaxed attire, and stemless glasses with a pre-set menu.

The relaxed vibe is not what you would expect from Thomas Keller, but you will know where you are when you taste the food. Most famous for their fried chicken, the family-style set menu consists of four courses of pure Americana comfort food. The dinners include a starter, main dish, cheese, and dessert, all served on platters to share and the menu changes daily.

goose & gander – St. Helena

This St. Helena restaurant appears to be a home on the outside and has a warm and friendly ambiance on the inside. The dining space is inviting with high beamed ceilings and an open kitchen. Downstairs includes a pub-like basement bar with big chairs and fireplace seating. A large garden patio is also on the lower floor and is perfect for dining out on Summer nights.

Whichever dining space you choose to eat at, you will be indulging in New American food like pork belly, grilled octopus and beet salad. The G&G Burger is a favorite to many and includes grass-fed beef, gruyere, bacon, remoulade, and Manhattan pickle. It also comes with a side of duck fat fries that pair perfectly with their burger. Grab a seat downstairs if you want a casual dining experience. Their bar bites and specialty cocktails are amazing!

Miminashi – Napa

A newer wolrd class restaurant in downtown Napa, Miminashi is a hidden gem and a new local favorite spot. Miminashi has expanded the Napa dining scene with traditional Japanese izakaya with a wine country interpretation. No signage here, but large hand-carved doors welcome you in the dim lit dining room. They also have a pop up window for their soft serve ice cream, perfect on any day!

The menu features sashimi, vegetable-driven plates, noodles and rice bowls, Teppanyaki, and classic dishes like sweet corn fritters. You will also find wine country
influenced options, like poached salmon salad and fried rice with asparagus and zebra tomatoes. The wine list includes mostly local wines, but they also have plenty of sake and hard-to-find Japanese whiskies. Finish your meal with dessert to go at the soft serve ice cream takeout window at the front of the restaurant. The ice cream and topping combinations are worth several trips just to try them all!

Torc – Napa

This is your Napa hotspot dining with a high-energy atmosphere without the stuffiness. The dining area is airy with floor to ceiling windows and an open kitchen. It is a fun and vibrant dining experience with fresh farm-to-table fare. Torc is also a great place to try rare bottles that you would have a hard time finding.

At Torc, World Class Restaurant executive chef Sean O’Toole showcases local farmers, ranchers and seafood in his seasonal menus. You will dine on farm-to-table dishes like lamb ravioli, artichoke velouté with ricotta, pistachio and Meyer lemon. Or enjoy a favorite, local wild boar loin and belly over forbidden rice in a pho broth. The dishes are typically created around one key ingredient like the vegan chilled pea soup with ricotta cheese, croutons, and goa black spice. The relaxed atmosphere and reasonable prices make this a place to put on your list.

Oenotri – Napa

This is the best downtown Napa Italian restaurant that will have you raving to friends and family. Here you will have a lively yet relaxed dining atmosphere with an open kitchen, warm lighting and plush booth seating. One look at the menu and you know this restaurant takes Southern Italian fare very seriously.
They have 20 varieties of house-made salumi, a rotating lineup of handmade pastas, and pizzas that are baked in an imported wood-burning oven. Their produce is sourced

from their own four-acre culinary garden and farm and inspires a seasonal changing menu. Try the crab ravioli with ricotta and Prosecco or sardine terrine with shaved black radish and arugula. Their wine list features Italian family wineries and small production Napa wines that are not easy to find.

Gran Electrica – Napa

Gran Electrica brings a certain napa valley flair and detail to the downtown Napa world class food scene with a tequila/mezcal bar. This trendy authentic Mexican restaurant shows a reflection of Mexican art with vibrant colors and day of the dead theme wallpaper. The large outdoor patio is decked in lights and features a Virgin of Guadalupe mural by Vanessa “Agana” Espinoza. With a trendy and lively atmosphere this is the perfect place to grab a margarita and the best tacos.

Their menu has a focus on local, seasonal ingredients and includes items like fresh hand-pressed tortillas crafted with heirloom corn, house-made crema and queso fresco. You will also dine on premium California ingredients like Llano Seco pork, Five Dot Ranch beef and Bassian’s Farm chicken.

The bar hosts tequila and mezcal by small-batch and artisan distillers with about five dozen tequilas. They have a list of specialty margaritas that are one of a kind like a carrot or cucumber margarita. Or you can even ask the bartender to create one just for you!

Morimoto – Napa

This Napa World Class Restaurant on the Riverfront you will be welcomed with a modern zen ambiance in an open yet intimate space. The outdoor riverfront seating allows for some nice views with a look at the eastern Napa hills. Service is top notch with knowledgeable staff and incredible dishes as you would expect from the famous chef Masaharu Morimoto.

The contemporary Japanese menu includes unique dishes with whimsical touches and playful names. A seasonal selection of raw fish preparations will feature the freshest seafood available as well as locally grown fruits and vegetables. Morimoto’s most popular starter is the Toro Tartare with condiments including creme fraiche, wasabi, avocado, nori paste, chives, crispy rice, and dashi-soy. Another favorite here is the Morimoto Sashimi, seared Toro, smoked salmon, barbecued eel, tuna and Hamachi served with five different sauces in pipettes.

To immerse yourself fully in the Morimoto experience you will want to try the omakase. If you could only go here one time, this should be your pick. The omakase is a multi-course tasting menu designed to give you the full enjoyment of Morimoto cuisine. This is an experience all on its own as the staff educates you while you indulge in pure culinary bliss. Morimoto definitely deserves a spot on your bucket list!

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