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BELOW IS A LIST OF RESTAURANTS WE KNOW YOU'LL LOVE. THE MAP LISTS THE SAME RESTAURANTS BY PRICE.
 Ad Hoc"This is how family-style was meant to be" declare devotees of Thomas Keller's "informal" yet "wow"-inducing Yountville American, where an "efficient" staff serves "large" portions of "locally sourced, simply prepared" dinner and Sun brunch classics including "famous" buttermilk-brined fried chicken (also on alternating Mon and Thur–Sat at seasonal neighbor Addendum); though the set menu offers "no choices", it's "usually so good you won't care" and can focus instead on the "in-depth" wine list. |  Ad Hoc AddendumFor "easy access" to gourmet "picnic" fare, fans of chef Thomas Keller head to Ad Hoc's seasonal adjacent outdoor area to "dine by the garden" on boxed takeout from a brief, lunch-only American menu offering either "to-die-for" "crunchy fried chicken" or "tender, delicious barbecue" plus "yummy" side dishes; though limited seating might leave some "eating in their cars", most find the experience "wonderful on a warm day"; P.S. open from early spring to late fall for lunch, Thursday–Saturday only |  Bistro Don Giovanni"Despite all the new upstarts", it's still "sublime" to "sit on the terrace" "surrounded by vineyards" at this "stunningly beautiful" yet "unpretentious" "Italian bistro" in Napa that's "favored by locals" for its "excellent" cucina, "good wine list" and "the warmest greeting"; it all comes at a "fair price", though the noise-sensitive note that the "Tuscan-ish" room and "fun bar" can get quite "loud", especially when the "horde of tourists descends." |
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 Boon Fly CafeA "great stop" "between Napa and Sonoma", this "unpretentious" "roadside cafe" offers "inventive", "moderately priced" Californian "comfort food" in Napa's Carneros Inn and makes a "fun place" to "kick back" before or after "wine tasting"; mornings are a "mob scene" due to "amazing brunch" specials like "made-to-order donuts" and "bacon Bloody Marys", but it's open "all day" and run by a "friendly" staff, making it a "satisfying" "alternative to the pricey" wine country |  Bottega Napa Valley"Diners flock" to this Yountville "rustic Italian" from Michael Chiarello, who "knows how to entertain" and is often around and cooking the "special and creative" fare that "pairs well" with an "extensive" wine list (and "doesn't break the bank"); it's "busy and noisy" in the otherwise "pleasant, warm" indoor-outdoor setting tended by "knowledgeable" servers, and though it's "a tough reservation", even those "normally skeptical of the star-chef scene" "can't wait to go back." |  Bouchon BakeryJoin the queue bulging from this boulangerie-patisserie adjacent to Bouchon restaurant, a pilgrimage for the bed-and-breakfastless and Thomas Keller groupies. Proudly binge on jelly donuts made from brioche dough, croissants guaranteed to flake from butter built into the strata and nutter-butters epitomizing pure peanut butter goodness. Tote epi baguettes or dense rye-wheat bread to a picnic, or consider pre-made sandwiches and quiche. A three-word tip: bacon cheddar scones. |
 Bouchon BistroThomas Keller's "culinary magic" comes relatively "reasonably priced" at this Yountville "oasis" proffering "carefully prepared", "beautifully presented" French fare that can be paired with "local or French" vin de carafe; the dining room and zinc bar area may be "tight", but offer "real bistro atmosphere" while "professional" service completes the "outstanding experience"; P.S. "stock up" on baked goods at its next-door boulangerie. |  Buckhorn Grill“Perfectly prepared tri-tip” – “super-tender” and “nicely seasoned” – and other meat-centric menu items come in sandwiches, on platters and in “huge”, “hearty” salads that are “more than a meal” at this “cheap and cheerful” American trio Downtown and in Emeryville; they’re “nothing fancy”, but service is “fast” and “friendly”, and you get a lot of bang “for your buck.” |  Culinary Institute GreystoneHome to the CIA in St. Helena, this "beautiful" stone building is "a very special place", where "students" and "seasoned chefs" work side-by-side in an "open kitchen" to turn out "imaginative", "well-prepared" Californian fare that's paired with "playful wine flights"; it's "pricey" considering "it's a training ground" for waiters and cooks, but "lunch on the patio with views of the local vineyards makes any visit to Napa Valley a treat." |
 Farm at Carneros Inn"Perfect after a long day of wine tasting", this "soaring" space in Napa delivers "delightful" New American fare matched by a "deep" selection of vino; with its "beautiful modern decor", "fabulous fire-pit lounge area" and service that "excels", many overlook the upscale tabs. |  Farmstead at Longmeadow Ranch"As the name would suggest", this Cal–New American in St. Helena serves "satisfying" "farm-to-table" "comfort food" offered in a "bright" and "airy" "barnlike" setting that works for both a "large family meal or more intimate couples dinner"; it's not cheap and a few gripe "quiet tables are hard to come by", but "charming" service, a "sane corkage policy" ($2 donated to charity) and a "huge garden for summer and fall dining" help keep it a Napa "go-to." |  Fremont Diner"Imaginative twists" elevate "down-home" "diner favorites" to "simply fabulous" proportions at this Sonoma "roadside find", where a "friendly" staff keeps watch over the "small", "funky" space and outdoor patio; it's often "crowded" (and "justifiably so") so "get there early" advise fans, and those who wished they'd "extend their operating hours" will be glad dinner is now served till 9 PM Thursday–Sunday (other days it closes at 3 PM) |
 The French Laundry"The best French restaurant isn't in Paris, it's in Yountville" declare fans of Thomas Keller and his "iconic" stone farmhouse surrounded by organic gardens, "where no urge or whim goes unattended" by an "impeccable staff" delivering "astounding" French-American tasting menus that merge "art & science" and are matched with "superb" wine pairings; it's also "over the top in formality" and price, and "almost impossible" to get a reservation, but those who do insist "every foodie must try it once." |  Goose and GanderCalled a "worthy replacement for the lamented Martini House", this Downtown St. Helena American provides "well-executed", upscale gastropub fare in a "beautiful" Arts and Crafts space with "lovely" outdoor dining; for those who find the food and service merely "good", the "inventive", "perfectly balanced" cocktails are the "real standout." |  Gott's Roadside"A 21st-century version of a 1950s burger joint", this "self-serve" trio with "epic lines" puts a "gourmet twist" on everything, adding "amazing" ahi poke tacos and "top-notch wines" to "traditional diner" standards; though it's relatively "pricey", you "gott-sa try it" insist fans, who are "childishly happy" on "sunny days" sitting at "picnic tables on the lawn" in St. Helena (the Napa and SF spin-offs have indoor seating too). |
 Hog Island OysterThe "freshness cannot be beat" at this Ferry Building "must" known for its "fantastic" oysters, "awesome" clam chowder and "first-class" grilled cheese; expect "long lines", a "busy" atmosphere (especially at happy hour) and a bill that "depends on your appetite", but go ahead and "have a dozen with some bubbles and enjoy the view"; the branch at Napa's Oxbow Market gets a lot of "love" too. |  Model BakeryAlthough these "low-key" St. Helena–Napa "coffee stops" are "primarily" "neighborhood" bakeries, they also offer reasonably priced fare for a "casual breakfast or lunch", including "great tartine sandwiches", "tasty pizzas" and "delicious" pastries; "service can be slow" and the Main Street original has more "local ambiance", but both bake up their "famous" English muffins that are "out of this world." |  Morimoto NapaLike "your typical Morimoto" kitchen, even basic dishes such as "toro tartare" and "tableside tofu" are "turned into creative" "masterpieces" at this "hip" riverfront Japanese in Downtown Napa that lures star-struck "tourists" with "beautifully presented", "haute" seafood and "one-of-a-kind drinks" in "Architectural Digest"–worthy surroundings. Some say service is not up to "Iron Chef" standards, but most contend it "lives up to the incredible hype." |
 Mustards Grill"Lots of local color" goes into the "bustling, casual" scene and "first-rate" Cal–New American fare by chef-owner Cindy Pawlcyn at this "unassuming"-looking "Napa Valley classic", an "upscale diner" outside Yountville; "friendly" service and a "spectacular" lemon-lime tart (with "mile-high meringue") complete the "real California" experience; P.S. reservations recommended. |  Oakville Grocery"A must-stop on the road to wine country", these "fun" "old-time" markets in Oakville and Healdsburg are popular for stocking an "imaginative" picnic lunch with "wow 'em fare", including "fab" sandwiches, cheese and crackers, fine chocolates and other "yummy" "locally made" nibbles, plus a "superb selection" of wines; while some proclaim it an "overpriced" "tourist destination", most enjoy the "nostalgic and good ol' Napa ambiance" P.S. picnic tables available at both locations. |  Press Restaurant"Carnivores" rave about this St. Helena American's "exceptional" "charred red meat" plus sides "on a par with any steakhouse" and "big", all-Napa reds (including "old vintages") from an impressive cellar; a full-court press of "attentive" servers work the "beautiful", modern farmhouse-style quarters, and while regulars advise "take your cholesterol pills and your wallet", thrifty sorts seek out "the bar menu for a lighter tab." |
 The Restaurant at Meadowood"Unforgettable" is how fans describe the "singular experience" of dining at this special-occasion standout in St. Helena's Meadowood resort, where Christopher Kostow's "innovative", bespoke Californian tasting menus are paired with native wines and enhanced by "amazing presentations" and service to match, plus "serene" views overlooking croquet fields and fairways; the initiated swear it's worth the "stratospheric prices" to "experience at least once"; affordable 3-course menu served in bar |  SmoakvilleExcellent BBQ in the heart of Napa! |  The ThomasIn a setting that's done an "incredible job bringing the old back into the new", this upscale, multilevel Napa locale provides multiple experiences; on the second floor, chef Brad Farmerie (NYC's Public and Saxon + Parole) delivers "visually appealing" American dishes with a "great flavor balance", while the ground-floor bar offers "well-crafted cocktails poured by knowledgeable bartenders" and the rooftop overlooking the river hosts some of the "best terrace dining" in Downtown Napa. |
 Tra Vigne"There's a reason" this St. Helena Tuscan "treasure" has "been around forever" – it's the "wine country–casual" setting (complete with "delightful" courtyard), servers who "know their stuff" and an "inventive menu" starring "delicious" Northern Italian cucina crafted from "fresh local ingredients"; it can be a "little pricey", but the fact there's "no corkage fee" on the first bottle is a "big plus", enabling even spendthrifts to declare it's "worth the trip." |  ReddFor "serious" "fine dining" in Yountville "without being pretentious", Richard Reddington's "sleek", "modern" Californian offers "innovative", "eye-catching" cuisine incorporating "Asian flavors" and complemented by a "deep" but not "preciously priced" wine list; perks like extended bar hours, "lovely outdoor" seating and Sunday brunch have fans calling it a "favorite." |
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