Best restaurants in Napa Valley?
 

I am headed there for Memorial Day weekend. I've done some research, and I have reserved Terra and Bistro Jeanty - but that leaves one more night. I have heard mixed things about Roux, Martini House, Bouchon, Mustards Grill and a few others. Can anyone comment on any of these, and/or is there a worthy place not on my list? <BR><BR>Thank you in advance.<BR><BR>P.S. I know French Laundry is amazing, but besides the impossibility of a reservation now, we are looking to spend less than FL requires.

For a good deal and a romantic setting (on the patio), we really enjoyed Wappo Grill in Calistoga. Read revies under Rants and Raves- other people gave it as high/higher a rating as the others you've mentioned.

Michael Chiarello's Tra Vigne would be perfect. Or Domaine Chandon.

Not sure where you got a negative review of Martini House. We ate dinner there two weeks ago and thought it was excellent.

There are so many wonderful restaurants in Napa Valley it is a difficult decision. I would highly recommend the restaurant at Domaine Chandon. The food is wonderful and the setting just lovely. I af=gree with Terra having eaten there and found the nmenu to be exoitic but the food up to the beautiful descriptions you willhear and see.

Terra is wonderful, exotic menu with equally exotic flavors...delicious. Fantastic wine list...try the Stony Hill Chardonnay. I do not recommend Tre Vigne, reminded me of a Disney restaurant, only the food wasn't as good. French Laundry, which I had the pleasure of trying, was magnificent. Difficult to get into but not impossible. Call and ask for a lunch reservation. The restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America, which is the old Christian Brothers Winery was also very nice. One last recommendation would be the restaurant at Auberege de Soleil. Fabulous.....enjoy.

BTW, the chef at Bistro Jeanty, Philippe Jeanty, was originally at Domaine Chandon.

I have eaten at most of the places mentioned (except French Laundry where I've now given up even trying to get a reservation). My favorite by far is Mustard's Grill. I guess it has fallen out of fashion -- maybe it's simply not elegant or expensive enough? But everything I've ever eaten there in five or six tries has been absolutely wonderful. And I love the simple, casual, relaxed feel -- with great and caring service and a total lack of attitude. Tra Vigne and Terra were both a little better than OK, but I didn't need them constantly telling me how great everything was going to be, and how lucky I was to be there.

My boyfriend and I went to Napa a couple of years ago. I made a reservation at the French Laundry almost a year in advance. The food was good, but nothing like Mustards. I'd go to Mustards again in a heartbeat.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful trip!

Another thumbs up on Martini House.<BR><BR>Napa Grille and the Rutherford Grille are still good places to munch.<BR><BR>Bouchon's still has one of the best oyster bars we've hit. Great staff, too.<BR><BR>For a chain, Piatti's/Yountville was a pleasant suprise on our last trip.<BR>Kal