fav eats for napa and sonoma

So after visiting all the wineries in last week's post, you're definitely going to need a spot or two to fill up on wine country's other not-to-be-missed attraction: the cuisine.

Now there are countless upon countless AMAZING options when it comes to dining in Napa or Sonoma, but these are just a few of my favorites.


Sonoma Valley:

• El Dorado Kitchen
• Located in downtown Sonoma, this hip and contemporary restaurant boasts a menu packed to the brim with so many tantalizing choices you'll wish you came with enough people to order it all.  Whether you're dining inside or out, the service is perfection.  An excellent choice for a romantic evening for two or a bubbly party for 10 (ask for the long table in the middle).  

• the girl & the fig
• Whether you're going for brunch or dinner, their melt-in-your-mouth quiche is always a good idea.  If you're not feeling eggs, their steak tartare, fresh radish salad, and flounder (yes! flounder!) are to-die-for.  Right across from the El Dorado on Sonoma's main downtown square - a fabulous choice for dinner, brunch or lunch!  Reservations recommended.

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• Estate
• A sister restaurant to the girl & the fig with a bit more Italian flair.  While it's a good walk from Sonoma's main downtown plaza, it's well worth it.

• Barndiva 
• Located right off the main square in downtown Healdsburg, this serious diva of a restaurant whips up extraordinary dishes like no other.  If you only have one night in Healdsburg, start it off here with freshly-made cocktails (they'll make anything you want with fresh off the vine ingredients right before your eyes) and appetizers before trekking over to the DCK (see next) for the main attraction.

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• Dry Creek Kitchen
• Unreal.  Amazing service.  Spectacular food.  Incredible wine list.  What more do you want?

pork belly

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Napa Valley:

• Rutherford Grill
• Stefan's personal favorite in all of wine country (and perhaps in all of California...).   A perfect lunch stop mid-wine-tasting.  Stefan swears by their ribs, but their rib-eye, prime rib french dip, sashimi tuna salad, and dip & chips are pretty awesome as well.   If you're game for more wine, swing by Beaulieu next door and pick up a bottle to bring with you - they don't charge corkage from their next-door neighbor who makes some pretty delicious wines that pair perfectly with Rutherford's red meat.

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• Mustard's Grill
• My first Napa Valley culinary love - this classic American-style eatery is where locals dine on their nights off.  As their sign says, everything is seriously delicious.  The perfect spot to fill up on tender rabbit nachos, Mongolian pork chops, or grilled quail with hot chili dip before heading out to the Silverado Trail's finest.

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• Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen
• As a sister restaurant to Mustard's (only located in downtown St. Helena), this place does not disappoint.  The charming little house in which you'll dine is romantic yet approachable, cozy yet sophisticated, elegant yet casual.  

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• ad hoc
• Located in downtown Yountville, this popular Thomas Keller spot is always popping with patrons.  If you're not game to wait, sneak next door to addendum for their famous buttermilk fried chicken to go.

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• Zuzu
• Downtown Napa's most fun establishment, this tapas and paella hot spot rocks amazing food and even more amazing staff.  Sit at their bar and pick the bartender's brain on the best beers and wine in the region and you may very well end up sampling the house's finest on them.

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Happy eating!

xoxo
KK