We will be in California for a week in June. What is your favorite restaurant in each of these areas: San Fransico, Monterey area, and Napa Valley?

Just a suggestion, but a more specific topic (i.e., Good Eats-N. California) will get more replies...and help all us nosy travel fact-filers!

Darren-go to Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford (Napa Valley) for a truly romantic dinner. Try to sit out on the balcony overlooking the valley. Very beautiful. Quite pricey, but the atmosphere is wonderful. If you can't afford a dinner there, at least go to the bar which also has a balcony. Tile floors, grapevine ceiling, fresh flowers, delicious menu. I haven't been to the French Laundry, but it is also in Napa, (can't remember which town specifically) but I have read nothing but good about this place. Also ate at Mustards in Napa--fun, noisy, good eats. Happy eating!!

darren, the best restaurant in napa area is "french laundry". it's flawless! but you need to make reservations now as it takes 6+ weeks. lunchtime is best - it's leisurely and plentiful. in san francisco, which is known for italian seafood and now fusion, try buca giovanni or tomasso's (a small cafe-the best chilean sea bass, but it's never listed on the menu!) in north beach and the e&o trading company (eastern & oriental) near union square. i'm not familiar with restaurants in monterrey.
enjoy!

Try Pacific's Edge just outside of Carmel (near Monterey). Excellent food, wine and service with a spectacular ocean view. Call ahead for reservations at sunset. You won't regret it. Also, I second the motion for Mustard's in Napa Valley. Despite the name, try their Mongolian Pork chop - it's out of this world !!

6th Ave Grille (off Ocean at 6th) in Carmel; Kuletos (on Powell) in San Francisco...and I like Sonoma better than Napa for an Italian Restaurant off the square. Everyone seems to like French Laundry....can you get a reservation?

One more vote for French Laundry, it was wonderful. I believe its in Yountville? Also Mustard's is great. Its been many years, but there used to be a restaurant in Carmel or Monterey called "Fresh Cream" that was excellent. And in SF its great to eat in Chinatown, "Brandy Ho's" was my favorite.