Enlarge Photo

Swanson vineyard’s Alexis Traina Swanson recommends:

“Michael Chiarello’s Bottega is a favorite. After the French Laundry, it is the most hard-to-come-by reservation in town and worth the wait.” Philip Kendall, a resident of St. Helena and the vice president of Carneros Inn and Plumpjack resorts, agrees, saying Bottega is always a hip scene with great food. For lunch, there’s a nice al fresco dining terrace.

More Photos (5)

Beth Nickel of Far Niente winery calls Cindy Pawclyn, the owner of this organic-heavy American grill, a “Napa icon” herself. (Since Mustard Grill’s inception 24 years ago, Pawclyn has captured the heart of casual, refined diners in tandem with her two other Napa ventures: the California-casual Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen and her most recent, the seafood-and-sushi haven Go Fish.) Much like the Kelleher family’s Brix, also in Yountville, Pawclyn’s menu depends on the 2 acres of farmed gardens that surround it. But Pawclyn takes green thinking further. Her garden is fertilized naturally and its plantings are considerably more substantial and diverse. Think eggplant, zucchini blossoms, French melons and purple potatoes in the summer. Winter holds richer offerings: root vegetables, Swiss chard, cheddar cauliflower and fava beans. And of course, meats and seafood off the grill are well-loved among regulars: try the seared Ahi tuna on sesame crackers or the BBQ baby back ribs. It’s been said that Mustards Grill is where you go in Napa when you want to eat and you want to eat well. It’s hearty but healthy fare, made with fresh thinking and classic style.