This is one of the first restaurants to elevate the Napa Valley to greatness. For over a decade, Chef Robert Curry has been ensuring its legacy with cooking that is the very definition of Californian cuisine: global flavors expressed through local and seasonal ingredients. The kitchen’s work is as impressive as the setting, although it is during brunch or lunch when the creations truly come to life. Everything seems more beautiful from this extraordinary perch, overlooking the vineyards and mountains. Those terrace tables have some of the best views around.

The chef's tasting menu invites guests to control how their experience unfolds by choosing dishes. Begin with an elegant soup of sweet white corn soup poured tableside. Layered with bay shrimp and a cube of toasted brioche topped with tarragon crème fraîche, it is rich and creamy. Dishes continue to dazzle all the way through to dessert, where a stunning fig plate, complete with lemon gelée and fig leaf gelato, is an absolute delight.

Servers are stylish, polite and manage to refill your glass after each sip, without seeming intrusive. Their wine list is one of the most notable in the valley and proudly showcases local growers.