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$$$$$50+
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YOUNTVILLE. A culinary institution. Period. A dazzling, whimsical, and playfully serious bastion of California country French cuisine, this restaurant offers a near-religious experience to savvy diners. Heavenly entrees might include pan-seared duck breast with endive "marmalade," apricot compote, and seared foie gras, or roasted lamb with polenta and caramelized Meyer lemon. For dessert, opt for something fun, like "coffee and doughnuts" – elegant cinnamon-sugar confections with cappuccino semifreddo. Plan ahead, because you'll have to call at least two months in advance just to get a reservation. Nine course chef tasting menu and nine course vegetable tasting menu, each $240.
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2. Redd
6480 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599 · 707-944-2222
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YOUNTVILLE. Stark, minimalist Redd encourages diners to focus on the Napa Valley's exquisite flavors, brought to exuberant life in chef Richard Reddington's tasting menus. Precisely prepared and elegantly plated courses delight patrons with unique preparations: caramelized diver scallops with cauliflower purée, and Alaskan halibut saltimbocca with prosciutto emulsion. Wines are taken seriously, and the selection balances variety while offering nods to the region's fine labels. A popular Sunday brunch brings treats like banana beignets with whipped mango cream, and a lavish breakfast pizza topped with scrambled eggs and crème fraîche.
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SONOMA. Pleasant and unpretentious, this tiny Sonoma cafe has an artsy feel, and its intimate, white linen-draped tables are surrounded by contemporary art. A split-level dining area, subtle lighting, smooth hardwood floors, and a beamed ceiling provide added charm. The signature cuisine is Californian with Mediterranean flair as exhibited in dishes like seared black pepper-lavender filet mignon with gorgonzola-potato gratin or red wine-braised pork shank with white beans. Satisfying wine list, too.
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YOUNTVILLE. Close your eyes while dining at Bistro Jeanty, and you'll almost feel as if you're in France. With its charming atmosphere and incredible food, the quaint restaurant has the allure of an authentic bistro, down to the chalkboard listing daily specials and windows adorned with lace curtains. The artfully designed menu features a variety of authentic French dishes, like tried-and-true escargot, coq au vin, and cassoulet. The wine list is extensive.
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5. John Ash & Co
4330 Barnes Rd, Vintners Inn, Santa Rosa, CA 95403-1514 · 707-527-7687
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SANTA ROSA. Vintners' signature eatery offers elegant environs in which to enjoy the best of the Wine Country, from fine vintages and farm-raised beef and poultry to local produce and herbs. Featured entrees include curried sweet potato ravioli with honeyed mushrooms, buffalo osso bucco risotto with roasted cipollini onions, and sautéed Dungeness crab cakes with wasabi-mashed potatoes. Reservations are strongly recommended.
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6. Syrah
205 5th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 · 707-568-4002
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SANTA ROSA. Reminiscent of a rustic French inn with its weathered posts, beams, vaulted ceiling, and bistro tables, Syrah enjoys a fine reputation with Wine Country gastronomes. Discerning palates yearn for pan-roasted squab with balsamic-roasted onions and fried brussel sprouts, crispy sweetbread confit and braised pork belly with black Beluga lentils, and flat-iron steak with chive mashed potatoes and buttered corn. The wine list, which has earned the Award of Excellence from "Wine Spectator," perfectly complements the impressive menu. Reservations are encouraged. Tasting menus $55-105.
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7. Bouchon
6534 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599 · 707-944-8037
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YOUNTVILLE. Something about once-sleepy Yountville breathes francophilia into folks who spend any amount of time within its boundaries – perhaps it's the existence of so many terrific French bistros and cafes in such a small area. Bouchon, with its sidewalk seating, groovy zinc bar, hand-painted tile floors, and cozy banquettes, is one of those places. Owned by Thomas Keller, head chef at the renowned French Laundry, this brasserie features everything from mussels marinieres to classic steak frites and leg of lamb.
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8. zazu
3535 Guerneville Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 · 707-523-4814
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SANTA ROSA. Driving along, you could easily pass by this red barn without giving it a second glance. That would be a mistake. Simply decorated with copper-topped tables, a cornucopia of mirrors, and a banquette lining one wall, the cozy eatery boasts its own brand of style and panache. Known for creative, Italian-influenced fare, zazu's talented kitchen produces culinary art, evidenced by fennel-crusted tombo tuna with chanterelles, Sonoma duck with grilled peaches and star anise, and strozzapreti noodles with soffrito, asparagus, and fresh parmesan.
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9. Pilar
807 Main St, Napa, CA 94559 · 707-252-4474
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$$$16 - $30
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Recommended |
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NAPA. Muted greens and blues set off the black and stainless steel-accented furnishings nicely in this cozy spot. A carefully crafted wine list offers labels in a 1:1 correspondence between products of California and their equivalents from other parts of the world. Lunch and dinner options find Spanish traditions mingled with Napa Valley flair. A polenta-stuffed poblano chile with crème fraîche and avocado makes for a perfect midday meal while dinner favorites include a Spanish ham plate with black mission figs, and venison flank steak with yam risotto.
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10. LaSalette
452 1st St E, Ste H, Sonoma, CA 95476 · 707-938-1927
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SONOMA. Portuguese delights await at chef-owner Manuel Azevedo's charming casa, located just north of downtown Sonoma. The restaurant, named in honor of Azevedo's mother, captures the spirit of his native Sao Jorge (in the Azores). Vibrant folk music plays in the background, colorful artwork adorns the walls, and a fascinating wine list includes a handful of Portuguese labels. Featured main dishes include Camarao a Mozambique (piri-piri-seasoned prawns served in tomato-peanut sauce) and Feijoada Completa (stewed beef, pork, sausage, and black beans with rice and collards).
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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