Ian White does it again. His article, The 7 Best Bruches In Napa Valley, highlights several good and fun places to eat here in the Valley.
One I would like to add to his list is my favorite, Bistro Don Giovanni. Granted it has been one of the top places to eat here for a long time and every time I eat there it is packed. The food has always been very very good and it is a excellent value compared to many other eateries here. The same can be said about the Rutherford Grill in Rutherford, if you can get in, and Pacific Blues Cafe in Yountville, definitely the locals favorite.
If you’re waking up to go wine tasting, odds are pretty good that you either need a solid brunch to soak up yesterday’s fun or something hearty to prepare you for a long day of wines and vines. Here are my picks for the seven best brunch spots in Napa Valley, broken down by specialty and experience:
Best Pancakes: Graces Table has the best pancakes in the valley as well as an excellent Eggs Benedict. It’s on a city corner in downtown Napa, so it’s not a spot for amazing views. But you can expect quick, friendly service and a ton of other options if someone in your group is not in the mood for breakfast.
Best Morning View: Auberge Du Soleil, which made my list of the Top 7 Most Romantic Things to do in Napa, is famous for its food, its view, and the celebrities that have been coming here since they opened. It tends to be a bit pricey, but if you’re looking to impress, this is the place to do it.
Best Gathering Spot: Although Sol Bar at the chic Solage Resort in Calistoga gets mixed reviews on food, everyone loves the drinks and the atmosphere. The large dining room features a full bar and the outside deck has a fire pit, large lounge areas, and an especially understanding and attentive staff (they brought my friend a special hangover cure after overhearing him complain, and delivered it with a smile and no additional charge).
Best Value: Travigne serves up a gourmet brunch on the patio or in their classic dining room with creative and tasty Italian beverages. The crowds that come here for dinner haven’t yet figured out that this is a solid spot for brunch, so you’ll have plenty of space to start your day right.
Best Staple: Brix has been serving brunch “forever” and I’ve never heard a complaint. The atmosphere is classy yet approachable, and their wine list is top notch for brunch (or any meal really). If you can get a seat outside, you’ll have a view of their organic gardens, vines, and Mayacama Mountains.
Best Buffet: Bankat the Westin Versa Napa has a brand new “dim sum” style brunch, minus the stuffy hotel restaurant feel. Bank is sharp, classy and fun and has a large but intimate patio with views of the Vaca Mountains. They are offering brunch on Mother’s and Father’s day and it’s not too late to get a reservation.
Best Greasy Spoon: The Soscol Café is a greasy, unpretentious, typical, small diner—the quintessential hangover cure spot. It may not be farm to table, but if you are looking for this type of “cuisine,” nothing else will do.
And if you can’t book at one of the seven above, you can’t go wrong at Napa Valley favorites like Redd, Boon Fly Café, and Bardessono.
What’s your favorite brunch spot in Napa Valley? Let us know in the comments below.
By Ian White on April 21, 2011 12:00 PM
Thank you for reading this post. If I can ever be of help in finding you the perfect property here in the Napa Valley, please email me at Curtis@NapaValleyAddress.com.
Your Broker Extraordinaire, selling Napa Valley Real Estate from its heart, Yountville.
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