Going to Napa first week in October. Interested in comments on the following places for dinner:

Celadon
Martini House
Bistro Don Giovanni
Tre Vigne

We were unhappy with our meal at Tre Vigna.

I’ve been happy with my meals at both the Martini House & Bistro Don Giovanni. For a change of pace, try Café La Haye in Downtown Sonoma. It’s outstanding.

Does anyone have feedback on Auberge du Soleil ?

I sayed thee last August, and thought the restaurant was very good, but not great. Think there is a new chef now, though.

You can't beat the setting. You must sit out on the deck. Wonderful.

If you don't eat dinner there, go and sit out on the bar deck about an hour before sundown and have some wine and cheese. It is spectacular.

Didn't think much at all of the Martini House, btw.

Celadon: great fried calamari that comes with a sweet chili sauce. Everything we've tried is good. We have eaten there multiple times.

Martini House: We had lunch here and was not too impressed with the menu. the food execution was decent but as a wise man once told me, to bake a good apple pie, you must start with good apples. If the menu items didn't impress then food execution is all there is left. We would not go back again.

Bistro Don Giovanni: A solid restaurant. My wife and I love to split the Bostini Trifle. The dishes are solid and there is usually something you can find to suite erevyone's taste. It's more of a locals place.

Tre Vigne: My wife and I love to eat here. It's a treat. Sometimes, the dishes can be spotty, so it's wise to know what you like and what things work well together. Personally, we enjoy pasta or meats at this place. we would advise caution when ordering fish.

Being a former chef at the French Laundry, I must nominate "Bouchon" as one of the restaurants you eat at while in Napa Valley. Outstanding food. Outstanding wine. Outstanding service.

Also, check out Phillipe Jeanty's restaurant, "Bistro Jeanty" which is just down the block from the Laundy and Bouchon in Yountville.

Finally, Hiro Sone has been putting out great food for years now at "Terra" in St. Helena.

Happy times in the wine country!

Thanks for the feedback. A question about Terra, I have heard their attitude can be a bit stuffy. Any truth to it ?

In my experiences, no. They actually are one of the most carefree higher end restaurants in the Napa Valley.

On our May trip, we at at Tre Vigne, Brix, and Bouchon. We had very enjoyable meals at all three. Tre Vigne was a hit with all 8 of us at the table and many of us had fish. Brix was the quitest and most relaxed of the three. The lamb was amongst the best I've had. Bouchon was raucous. The meticulous focus on bistro fare may or may not be your taste but the Steak Frites was fantastic.

Neil

Bouchon--yes

Bisrto Don Giovanni--a year ago probably a yes, now--I think it is too loud and I don't like paying $8.50 for a side of tuscan white beans (which I adore) and having a little saucer brought to the table with 9 beans in it , same with the side spinach! And like I said, too loud!

Celadon--Cal/Mediterranean fare, A very nice meal.

Also in Yountville, I must recommend Hurley's--
www.hurleysrestaurant.com
This is a can't miss IMO! Mid-priced, perfect location and a great place for lunch or dinner!

Thanks to all for some excellent feedback.

If you are interested, here is a menu and review for Cafe La Haye. The wine list is not extensive but it is well priced.

Anyone visit Greystone?

quote:

Originally posted by Berno:
Anyone visit Greystone?

Yep. Beautiful facility. Make sure you head on up to Calistoga after Greystone. It's just a hop, skip and a jump away from there

I really enjoyed my meals at both Bistro Jeanty (the tomato soup is surreal) and Brix. The little wine shop connected to Brix was nice, too, and I found 2001 Insignia a couple of years back for $70!

quote:

Originally posted by Berno:
Anyone visit Greystone?

I had two mediocre meals there and gave up several years ago. I realized it was just students cooking for the city slickers that come to town. (If I'm going to be a test subject, at least pay ME for the privilege). I've also had a bad to mediocre meal at the SF facility too, so at least they're consistent.

Big no on the Martini House. Bouchon a big yes.

Redd in Yountville. Their food & wine paring menu is out of this world.

Bistro don Giovanni has the best pan fried chicken with peppercorns ever!

quote:

Originally posted by CK1668:
Redd in Yountville. Their food & wine paring menu is out of this world.

Read about it in SF mag. Need to check out for myself.

I'm going there for lunch on our trip. I have read very good reviews.

Surprised that pyang hasn't chimed in regarding n.v. - highly recommended.....

Dom- What's N.V. ? Napa Valley Grille ?

I don't read most of the threads here any longer, just search for my moniker from time to time. In any case, here are my thoughts on the restaurants you mentioned.

Celadon - Food has gotten better since owner Greg Cole is spending more time at the restaurant, but still not worth the trip.

Martini House - Worth a shot, if nothing else definitely try their bar menu downstairs.

Bistro Don Giovanni - The single most overrated restaurant in the valley, sorry excuse for Italian cuisine.

Tre Vigne - See above comment, just not as extreme.

Auberge du Soleil - The one time I went about three years ago, the food was very good but the service is less than desirable. have not been back since.

Terra - I like Terra, but I've not been since they opened up the new restaurant in SF where Hiro is spending most of his time as of late. They are not stuffy, French Laundry is the only stuffy restaurant in the valley. Just don't wear shorts, the only dress code they enforce.

Napa Valley Grille - Part of a small chain restaurant, stay far far away.

n.v. - A restaurant in Downtown Napa that's coming up on it's one year anniversary, the same week you are visiting. Their website is still under construction. Reservation can be made via phone call or opentable.com. This is my go to restaurant in Napa, feel free to mention my name if you do decide to go, they will take great care of you. My review can be found here.