We are going to Napa Sept 16-19. Any suggestions of "can't miss" restaurants?

I loved Bistro Jeanty for nice but not soooo upscale that it felt stuffy. Try their tomato soup----I'm serious. It's awesome.

Pearl in Napa was very nice and quite inexpensive. We also enjoyed Mustard's Grill.

Our best meal was at Celadon in downtown Napa.

There are so many possible recommendations! My favorite places to dine and recommend to visitors are:

Napa - Zuzu, Celadon, Fume Bistro (on the patio is the best)
Yountville - Bistro Jeanty
Rutherford - La Toque for a splurge
Saint Helena - Market for a casual meal, Martini House for dinner
Calistoga - Stomp

Any specific cuisine/prices that interest you? I could probably narrow this down. Also, I have probably left some off the list! Have a great time in Napa!!!

French Laundry is THE must eat place, absolutely fantastic.

Also loved Buchon. Met one of the chefs from La Toque and will definatly do that next time.

Fume Bistro - very small, very local, very good
Coles Chophouse - steak

Both in Napa.

Bistro Jeanty and Domaine Chandon in Yountville, Terra and Tra Vigne in St. Helena and Wappo Bar and Bistro in Calistoga. Auberge du Soleil is also very nice. We enjoy lunch there out on the terrace. www.aubergedusoleil.com is the website. It is located in Rutehrford. Cheers and have a great time in the wine country! ***kim***

Our last dinner at Bistro Jeanty was underwhelming--a real disappointment after previous visits.

Not a restaurant but stop by Napa Valley Olive Oil Co. for some wonderful olive oil to bring home. Bring me some too please!

taylor's refresher for lunch---yummy burgers, fries and milkshakes!!!

Under rated restaurants in Yountville, IMHO, Hurley's, Napa Valley Grille and last year's GTG restaurant, Wine Garden Cafe.

Gordon's or Pacific Blues Cafe for b'fasts in Y'ville.

Anybody know if the new restaurant opened where Piatti's used to be?


lolfn,
Ahi burger w/ ginger wasabi mayo and spicy sweet tater fries at Taylor's
Refresher.....

We have always enjoyed meals at Tra Vigne in St. Helena. The place is beautiful, the food is excellent, and the service is professional.

The "must eat" place is French Laundry. I suggest that you book it for a year or two from now and come back then to experience it.

Auberge du Soleil is the best place for lunch, but not for dinner IMHO.

The Culinary Institute of America's Greystone Campus restaurant is first rate. If you wish, you can sit at a long counter and watch the chefs at work, but the regular tables are very nice too. The food is innovative and delicious.

my last visit their was terrible (cia) after years of great service and great food. it was a make up meal for the night they were closed nad failed to phone us (thanks a lot my birthday ruined AND an expensive night at a htel).

anyway we went back and the service was unprofessional and the food nothing like the other dozens of meals we'd had over the years.
everything was off: salty risotto, no-taste appetizers. it was a total diaster and sadly we decided there are too many great choice in napa to ever waste our time.
so sad when that happens.

that is of course "there" not "their." very late at night. zzzzz

Two more recommendations: Don Giovanni (not far north of Napa itself) and the venerable and excellent Mustard Grill, just a bit farther up the valley. You'll need reservations at both; they're quite popular.

kerikeri,

When were you last at the CIA restaurant? We plan to go back in October, but your post makes me nervous.

...also forgot to mention Pinot Blanc, in St. Helena.

I can never seem to remember where we ate after we leave Napa and Sonoma, Hmmm... I wonder why?
Aside from that, a "must stop" for your picnic-ing nibbles and yummies is the famous Dean and Deluca. The most vast selection of cheeses, and gourmet deli stuff you'll find around there. Bring a cooler and stock up. I think that's the most fun and tasty stuff. I bet they have a website as well, they are located very near to Flora Springs winery I believe...