posted 05-19-2011 07:14 AM
In all my trips to Napa Valley, I have never eaten in Napa proper but I do understand that they have some new exciting restaurants opening and just opened.All of our experience is in and around Yountville and up at the top of the valley in Calistoga. One thing you have to understand, we would rather spend our money on wine to bring home than on food, but here are some thoughts.
Yountville . . . of course, the most famous restaurant in the US is the French Laundry, but be careful, the price is sky high. You have to make a reservation either two or three months (I don't remember which) exactly on the day that you want to dine and if you don't call within 15-20 minutes of them starting to take reservations, you are out of luck. But then there are others. Bistro Jeanty is one of our favorites. You also have Ad Hoc, Hurley's, Michael Chiarello's new place Bottega, etc., etc. Probably more Michelin rated restaurants in this little town than anywhere else.
Out along Hwy 29 there is Mustard's and Brix. We like Mustard's. There are many good reports on Brix, but ours would not be one of them.
In Calistoga, you have several, one of our favorites is the Calistoga Inn Restaurant with outdoor dining, plus there are several others.
Hope this helps some and maybe someone will chime in on Napa town restaurants. Have a great trip. Cheers.