Best Restaurants in Napa Valley, California
Top Places to Eat in the Romantic Luxury CA Vacation Destination
Aug 23, 2008
It’s hard to think of a more romantic destination for long weekend getaways than Napa Valley. Adult vacations in this part of California have all the right ingredients for a honeymoon, anniversary, and a simple excuse to rekindle romance. The restaurants are among the best in the world; along with vineyards and wineries, these restaurants have top-notch wine lists and sommeliers skilled with matching entrees to wine. Napa Valley CA is home to the Culinary Institute of America, and many culinary arts graduates stay in the area's chefs in these restaurants. An adult romantic vacation in Napa is made better by great dining experiences in some of the best restaurants around.
The best restaurants in Napa Valley CA , according to Luxury Travel, are the French Laundry, Bouchon, ad hoc, Redd, Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, and Mustard’s Grill.
- French Laundry is considered by many experts to be the best (or second best) restaurant in the world. The restaurant is also, naturally, a destination unto itself – and very hard to get into. Reservations are accepted two months ahead of time, and fill up that same day. People often make their entire Napa Valley travel and vacation plans around their reserved spot here. And let’s be clear; this is also one expensive destination restaurant. Dinner (with wine) here easily runs around a thousand dollars!
- Bouchon is just down the road from French Laundy, and while a high-end dining spot, it seems like a bargain compared to its more famous neighbor. Luxury Travel especially enjoyed the creative twists on traditional French cuisine here. The somewhat formal setting, amuse bouche, and other touches really add up to a great, romantic dinner. The Bouchon Bakery is right next door: The line of bleary-eyed tourists waiting to order their morning coffee and croissant is a testament to the quality and popularity of this breakfast spot.
- Redd is the hippest restaurant that Luxury Travel went to, and it’s relatively new (2005) as well. Redd, like Bouchon and French Laundry, is in Yountville. This town is home to most of the best restaurants in Napa Valley CA. The ever-changing menu is seasonal, and like most top restaurants these days, Redd’s chefs prepare meals with locally grown ingredients whenever possible. The setting is minimalistic, the dining crowd is eclectic, and people are comfortable in jeans as well as slacks or dresses.
- ad hoc (that’s right, it’s not capitalized) offers something a little different from the other top restaurants in Napa Valley. Its sign reads, “for temporary relief from hunger,” which may lead unsuspecting passers-by to think this is some sort of soup kitchen – rest assured, this is a luxury resort vacation town, and ad hoc is no soup kitchen. It does, however, offer only one appetizer, entrée, and dessert a day! This daily menu is available online, and it’s a good idea to ask about the day’s fare when making reservations. The Sunday Brunch is phenomenal.
- Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen is in St. Helena, not Yountville. St. Helena has the most charming stores and best shopping of all the Napa Valley towns; stopping at Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen is most highly recommended (Luxury Travel went twice!) to experience this best lunch destination restaurant in Napa. As with all of the best restaurants in this part of California, the wine list is impeccable and the staff well-versed in matching wines with entrees. Try the dessert Campfire Pie – the best ending to a terrific lunch.
- The owner and chef of Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, Cindy Pawlcyn, also owns Mustard’s Grill in St. Helena. This is as far from the more formal atmosphere of some other top restaurants as can be imagined. A great, fun, relaxed time at Mustard’s Grill (along with well-prepared American favorites and mellow, unpretentious staff) make a dinner at Mustard’s Grill perfect for young couples and anyone wanting to enjoy fine dining in a dressed-down atmosphere.
Napa Valley CA has more than its share of the top restaurants in the country. These recommendations do not include hotel-based restaurants, several of which are excellent as well. Choosing the ones that match the guests’ needs – be they romantic, formal or casual – ensure that the dining experience will be the best for each couple enjoying a long weekend vacation getaway.
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