Napa & Sonoma: Where to Eat: Overview

The focus is on cooking with local produce and drawing out fresh flavors, so even the largest portions feel light. If you’re not in the mood for a formal dining-room experience, take a seat at the bar for a delicious and relaxed meal. For the most part, the dress code is casual, and the service is very friendly (if at times a little overbearing when waiters fill your glass between every sip). You’ll discover that the wine lists are just as important as the menus, and there’s an abundance of remarkable bottles to choose from, in particular from the Napa and Sonoma areas. Count on the restaurant staff to give you a quick rundown of wines you might like and even pick a few new ones for you to try. If you want to shake things up, order some of the wonderful cocktails made from locally purveyed fruits.