Wine Country favorites

Bottega

If you like to be in the know, book a table at this new hot spot opened in late 2008 by local celebrity chef Michael Chiarello and be among the first to see what all the fuss is about (hint: sublime Italian-inspired cuisine in a warm rustic setting).

Martini House

It's quite simple, really: if you're coming to Napa, you must book a table here - the sooner, the better. Between the Pat Kuleto designed rustic setting and chef Todd Humphries' deft work in the kitchen, you are guaranteed a sublime evening. Pay special attention to the wine list, which oenophiles have been swooning over since the place opened. Tip: Mushrooms are something of a specialty here. Definitely try the mushroom soup.

Bounty Hunter

Need a break from the highfalutin ways of the Wine Country? Snag a table at the Bounty Hunter, order their famous (no joke!) beer-can chicken or ribs, and then peruse the seriously impressive wine list while you wait. This quirky local spot is a real find - don't miss it.

Ad Hoc

Do you just want a casual night out - good food and good wine in a relaxed setting? Ad Hoc is the answer. It serves a daily-changing four-course prix fixe family-style meal five nights a week. Simply brilliant.

Redd

Fans have been swooning over Richard Reddington's cuisine at some of the Bay Area's top restaurants for a long time. Here, at Redd, he gets the chance to do things his way. And it turns out his way is a very, very good way indeed. Don't miss the chance to enjoy his inventive riffs on the classics in this crisp, airy, minimalist setting.

Uva Trattoria

This cozy local favorite in the rapidly gentrifying town of Napa draws a happy, casual crowd with fine Italian cuisine and live jazz. It's a great choice for a casual but satisfying evening.

Go Fish

When veteran chef Cindy Pawlcyn (of Mustards fame) opened Go Fish in 2006, it became an instant favorite. Locals and visitors alike flock here for a dizzying array of delectable fish preparations that satisfy every kind of craving, from sushi to oysters to fish-and-chips to black cod, all well executed by chefs who clearly know their guppies.

Bouchon

On first glance, Bouchon looks like any pleasant little bistro - a lovely casual ambience and a convivial scene of relaxed and happy people tucking into French classics like Pâtés de campagne, French onion soup, beet salad and steak-frites. But the fact is, Bouchon is anything but ordinary. Thomas Keller (of French Laundry fame) is the brain behind this deceptively casual spot, so the food is really the best in its class, and the entire experience is carefully orchestrated to ensure guests' maximum pleasure.

Farm

Don't let the name fool you - this ain't no farm. This is glamorous, sophisticated dining at its Wine Country best, complete with acres of white linens, soaring floor-to-ceiling windows and an urban menu that specializes in highlighting the area's gorgeous local bounty.