Restaurant recommendation in Napa Valley
 

My husband & I will be celebrating our 2nd anniversary in San Francisco/Napa Valley in October. We will be spending one night in Napa & I would like some recommendations for dinner that night. It doesn't necessarily have to be romantic, but something nice & memorable. It seems you have to make reservations in advance & I want to make sure to secure a reservation before we leave. Thanks.

You could try the California Culinary Academy. It's a little too loud to be romantic but the food and service are excellent. Another good restaurant is Tre Vigne.

I haven't been there myself, but I hear great things about The French Laundry in Napa from every source. But you'd better make your reservations at once!

3 places come to mind. Celadon in Napa and the Dueling French places in Yountville. Celadon gets consistently rave reviews every time I pick up a different paper. In Yountville, H. Keller (French Laundry fame) and his brother have started a place called Bouchon. The other is called Bistro Jeanty which was started by Phillipe Jeanty after he left ... uh.. Domain Chandon, I think. I haven't actually heard much buzz about Bouchon, but Bistro Jeanty is getting good feedback. <BR>

Terra in St Helena is excellent.

Just returned from Nappa. The food is absolutely wonderful at the Culinary Institute and just as wonderful at the Sanoma Mission Inn Resort and Spa. You probably need to call the Resort well in advance. I honestly have to wonder if there is a bad restaurant in all of Nappa. I envy you. Everywhere we went was wonderful and for sure a place we would go back to. Also check out Zagat.com. Have a great time. <BR>

Anesti's in Yountville is wonderful... excellent food, quiet dining <BR>for an expensive, fine dining experience and beautiful atmosphere...Auberge de Soleil at Inn of the Sun.

<BR>In agreement with prior posts, Tra Vigne IS excellent as is the Culinary Institute's Greystone Restaurant. Before you hit Greystone, try nearby St. Clement and Freemark Abbey wineries for some outstanding wine tastings.

French laundry is horribly overpriced. We've been there (I don't care what the magazines say). Wappo Bar in Calistoga is wonderful (gazebo dining); Terra(s)? in St. Helena is terrific. Tra Vigne is over-rated. Mustard's on hiway 29 is terrific, although always crowded and noisy. Auberge de Soleil would be very romantic (pricey), as would be Domaine Chandon. Have fun!

IF you can get in, which is a large "if", French Laundry is out of this world. Yes, its very expensive and yes it may be over publicized, but it may be the best meal you ever eat. It has been a year since I ate there and I am still smiling about it!