Best Places to Eat Outside

WineCountry.com’s Top 5 Picks for Napa Valley

(NAPA, CA) — From early spring to late fall, dining al fresco is one of the true pleasures of eating out in Napa Valley. The spectacular vineyards that line that valley make for an amazing back drop to quiet conversation; drowsy, sun-filled meals; and fresh, from the garden (sometimes the one you are looking at) cuisine.

There are a number of nice patios to help you take advantage of lovely weather, but we picked the places that aren’t just outside, but have a bit of a secluded ambiance to them. While watching the world go by is a fine pursuit, these places are either a bit off the beaten path – or the view is.

1). Auberge du Soleil: Also known as the Inn of the Sun, Auberge’s fantastic decks are some of the most sought-after in the Valley, due to the panoramic views of the olive groves, vineyards and sunsets. The adjacent bar, is a favorite romantic setting, an intimate and inviting place to sip a cocktail by the fire, dine on lighter fare al fresco or enjoy one of the 35 wines served by the glass.
Prices: $$$ Reservations required 800-348-5406
180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford, CA

2). Bistro Don Giovanni: The Bistro's grounds are surrounded with vineyards, hedges, and the Bistro’s garden, whose bounty finds its way into many of the restaurant’s recipes. House cured olives from surrounding trees have been made into oil that is served at the restaurant (and is available for purchase). Bistro Don Giovanni's wrap-around terrace is divided into two separate areas. The Eastern half, with outdoor heaters and a fireplace is perfect year round, and seats up to 45 guests. The Northern stretch of the terrace, seats up to 25 guests and also has outdoor heaters for those breezy evenings.
Prices: $$. Reservations recommended (707) 224-3300
4110 Howard Lane, Napa, CA 94558

3). Zinsvalley: This is one of Napa’s best kept secrets. The quiet restaurant located in the Brown’s Valley residential area of the city used to be a home itself before being developed into a restaurant and neighborhood commercial center. The one-time back yard sits adjacent to a cool brook and now tables are situated among the oaks on a brick patio -- great for warm afternoon lunches, or lovely romantic dinners. Zinsvalley does NOT charge a corkage fee.
Prices: $. (707) 224.0695
3253 Browns Valley Road, Napa, CA 94558

4). Lakeside Grill (Yountville at the Vintner’s Golf Course): Also, a local’s favorite hangout, the Lakeside Grill’s patio overlooks the Vintner’s Golf Course small lake, putting greens, and golf course. It is a wonderful place for Sunday brunch or lunch and the bright ceramic table tops echo the color of the sun on the terracotta patio. During the spring and summer the Grill is open from 8:00am to 7:00pm
Prices: $ (707) 944-1982
7901 Solano Avenue, Yountville, CA 94599

5). Angele Restaurant: This lovely spot on the Napa River is a tribute to the renaissance of the river in downtown Napa. Once the river was the hub of a lively downtown that over the years became under loved, under utilized and (no pun intended) over looked. Now people are looking over the river from the patio seats of Angele. There is still a bit of the river project underway, but once that is finished these seats will be incomparable. They are pretty nice now. The coolness of late fall evenings is offset by the patio heaters, unless a breeze comes off the river. Then sadly, you have to move inside.
Prices: $$ (707) 252-8115
540 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559