While I was in Napa this past Spring attending the Wine Immersion Program at the Culinary Institute of America, I had the opportunity to sample numerous Napa Valley restaurants with my wine school cohorts. I was truly impressed by the quality of dining, service and wine selections at most of the restaurants we visited.
Being in wine country, it is hard to not eat well.The restaurants generally maintain high standards of quality and service, and the wine lists are generally wonderful.Napa Valley is definitely a food and wine lover's paradise.
The list below is just the tip of the iceberg, there are some many wonderful places, but these are just some suggestions for your next trip toNapa.- Press, St. Helena.We ate at this one numerous times during our stay, even though it was a bit pricey.The quality of the food and wine list made it irresistible though.Some of their menu highlights - the bacon sampler of artisan bacon, the chocolate souffle dessert, the roasted chicken for two that can actually feed four, and the truffle mac and cheese.There's more, I could go on.
- Bouchon, Yountville.I managed to eat here twice.The duck confit appetizer is out of this world.And the truffle fries are to die for.There's more - amazing desserts, daily features, it is the quintessential French bistro.The adjoining Bouchon bakery serves up delicious cookies,macaroons, and other treats.
- Ciccio, Yountville. My friend Jen and I frequented this inexpensive Italian restaurant about once a week.It is inexpensive but delicious with a menu that changes frequently and delicious wood oven pizzas.They make a great Aperol Spritz and have an entire menu of Negroni cocktails.
- Bistro Jeanty, Yountville .Another gorgeous French bistro.We had our Easter dinner here - delicious lamb, amazing creme brulee for dessert.It is just as good as Bouchon, but easier to get into.
- Jole, Calistoga.Another one we loved.They offer a wine pairing menu of 3-5 courses that will allow you to sample an assortment of small plates, each paired with a wine by their sommelier.It's like an instant wine dinner, and everyone at the table can order something different.Really great experience.
- The Girl and the Fig, Sonoma.Amazing dining in Sonoma, but was worth the drive for us (we were all staying in either Napa or St. Helena).Girl and the Fig charmed us with their country french style and delicious chocolate covered figs for dessert.
- Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, St. Helena.Another great every-day place.They have a wonderful happy hour menu of wines and small appetizers, but dinner is really good too!Everything is grown on site, which makes for a truly farm to table experience and the food was always great here.
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