Napa Valley is no doubt a gastronomic haven, where world-class chefs are celebrated for their creativity, precision, and ability to push culinary boundaries. Their exceptional menus are one of the region’s greatest allures. But where do these culinary masters dine when they are off the clock? Where do they go when it’s time to unwind and experience something beyond their own kitchens? Their answers offer a glimpse into the tastes and preferences of those who know food best. Their restaurant choices, whether casual spot or hidden gem, speak to their personal connection to cuisine and their desire to explore Napa Valley’s diverse, ever-evolving culinary landscape. Let’s peek behind the curtain of the region’s culinary elite and see what flavors and experiences local chefs seek when they step away from the stove:

 

Gustavo Rios
Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection

Executive Chef Gustavo Rios of Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection likes El Taco Feliz Taco Truck at Rosales Market, Calistoga. “Edgar (the owner) has established a great following by offering simple, delicious and affordable food. It’s not only for the locals but also the workforce and visitors if they are lucky enough to know about it. His agua frescas are always on point and the shrimp tacos are a must.”

 

Philip Tessier
PRESS Restaurant

PRESS Restaurant Chef Partner Philip Tessier loves Stateline Road Smokehouse. “It’s the best barbecue in the region and a great spot for a casual dinner with the family or with friends in town. The burnt ends, beans and greens are can’t misses. I also like Zuzu; it’s always consistent and is a fun date spot. Order the ceviche, boquerones and gambas, which are my go-tos. And Charlie’s in St. Helena is my new favorite spot for a night out with my wife. They have quality, playful cuisine.”

 

Robert Curry
Auberge du Soleil

Auberge du Soleil Executive Chef Robert Curry likes Bistro Don Giovanni—“because they always make a great pizza.” Four choices include a chef’s choice Pizza of the Day, a Margherita with fresh tomato, basil and mozzarella di latte, the Hot Italian with spicy calabrese salame, broccoli rabe, tomato and mozzarella di bufala, and the Bambini with pepperoni, tomato, mozzarella, and…French fries.

 

Anthony Stagnaro
Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection

“I like Torc for its high-quality ingredients and creative menus, including a seasonal “Fade to Black” prix fixe menu inspired by black truffle,” says Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection Executive Chef Anthony Stagnaro. “La Cheve has one of the best brunches in Napa. From traditional pan dulce to weekend-only specials that attract lines out of the door, this is one of my favorite spots to visit with my family. And La Taberna embraces a tapas-style concept, so it’s the perfect spot to grab drinks and bites—or in this case, pintxos and a porrón—with friends after work.”

 

Darryl Bell
Stateline Road Smokehouse

“For a spontaneous quick lunch, we love the sandwiches, veggie crustless quiche, tropical green smoothie and baked goodies at Station in St. Helena,” says Chef Darryl Bell, proprietor of Stateline Road Smokehouse. “Small World is a popular spot for our family; there is something for everyone. For me, it’s the Lamb Gyro that reminds me of my time in France. The rest of my family loves the falafels, pita bread and fries. Mother’s Tacos is also a good place for us to get a bite. The tent and the games on the patio make for a great casual setting. Everything is good, but I’m a big fan of the tongue taco. Our kids love the aguas frescas.”

 

Christopher Kostow and Martina Kostow

“We are fortunate to be able to dine at our own restaurants outside of our day-to-day and still enjoy them,” says Chef Christopher Kostow. “Whether it’s dinner at Ciccio or at the bar at The Charter Oak, or Loveski with our daughters on the weekends.” Adds Martina Kostow, “When we have a night off we tend to go somewhere close to home, which for us is Calistoga. Solage is sort of a family sanctuary so whether it’s a night out with our daughters or a date night for the two of us, we’ll pop over to Solbar or Picobar to grab a bite. This time of year, when it’s colder out, it’s nice to cozy up in their lounge.”

 

Rogelio Garcia
Auro at Four Seasons Resort Napa

Executive Chef Rogelio Garcia of Auro at Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley loves Angele. “It’s a cozy French country-style bistro that really captures the essence of Napa,” says Garcia. “The menu highlights local ingredients, and their wine program is top-notch. Biscuits BBQ in Napa serves some of the most mouth-watering sandwiches and barbecue I’ve ever had. The flavors are always on point, and you can feel the love they put into every dish. And La Cheve is close to my heart, as it brings back memories of the food I grew up with. The Mexican dishes are incredible, and they’re made with such authenticity. It’s a true taste of home for me.”

 

Jim Leiken
Poetry Inn

“Having worked for Cindy Pawlcyn for five years, Mustards is a sentimental favorite,” says Jim Leiken, Executive Chef at Poetry Inn. “Their combination of consistency, quality, unpretentiousness, and deliciousness is hard to beat. Amami Sushi hits the sweet spot of excellent quality, welcoming hospitality, and reasonable prices. It became a local favorite overnight, and recently expanded its already-wide ranging menu with a selection of kushiyaki (charcoal-grilled meat and vegetable skewers). And, there’s a line of food trucks along Soscol Avenue; Tacos El May, an unassuming taco truck is one of our favorites, particularly for their quesabirria. My daughter really wanted to try the birria ramen on our last visit, but they were unfortunately sold out.”

 

Juan Cabrera
The Restaurant at North Block

“On my days off, I’m always sure to take advantage of Napa Valley’s vibrant, buzzing food scene,” says Chef Juan Cabrera of Yountville’s The Restaurant at North Block. “Small World Restaurant has exceptional Mediterranean-inspired food with my all-time favorite traditional Lamb Gyro. Make sure you ask for the hot sauce, which enhances the flavors beautifully; finish it off with the Greek fries, cover it in butter, and top with feta cheese. An additional favorite is La Cheve; my go-to is the chilaquiles—ask for both the red and green, a box of conchas, and a Cafe de Olla. For date night, Scala Osteria in Downtown Napa always does an outstanding job.”

 

Rick Edge
Lucy Restaurant at Bardessono Hotel & Spa

Executive Chef Rick Edge, of Lucy Restaurant at Bardessono Hotel & Spa, ventures to La Taberna in Downtown Napa when he gets the chance, the menu of which is inspired by the Pintxo bars of northern Spain. “They have great, modern Spanish Tapas,” says Chef Edge, whose Lucy menus are created with ingredients selected fresh daily from Bardessono’s California Certified Organic Farming garden. “Maria’s Taqueria Napa has a great Lengua Plate (a traditional Mexican dish of beef tongue) that I love. And for straight up Lengua Tacos, I find that Taco’s Garcia Taco Truck has the best. They are usually parked near Fuller Park.” 

 

Deborah Mullin
The Grove at CIA at Copia

“I recently discovered the themed pop-up dinners hosted by Stoop Supper Club in downtown Napa,” says Copia Head Chef Deborah Mullin. “These intimate gatherings offer a fresh, spirited take on celebratory dining. The event I attended felt like a neighborhood feast, where an inventive menu and a convivial atmosphere brought people together in a way that was both engaging and delicious. Another favorite spot is Decant Bottle Shop and Bar, a gem for those who appreciate unique wines, ciders, and spirits. Decant offers more than just a retail space; it provides specialty food retail, great advice from passionate and knowledgeable staff, exploratory beverage classes, and pairing experiences that promote the joy of food and wine.”

 

Cary Roy
Ember Steak at The Meritage Resort & Spa

“As hospitality professionals surrounded by exquisite cuisine daily, my wife and I embrace simplicity when dining out in our downtime,” says Cary Roy, Executive Chef of Ember Steak at The Meritage Resort & Spa. “After traveling to over 40 countries, we’ve come to appreciate that nothing compares to the comfort of a humble, home-cooked meal. When we do eat out, we seek the warmth and care of homemade dishes, often gravitating toward casual, affordable spots over upscale restaurants. Some of our favorites include Black Bear Diner, local Mexican food trucks, and hidden street food stalls tucked away in parking lots. We also love the lively atmosphere and diverse food options at Oxbow Market.”  

 

Alejandro ‘Ale’ Ayala
Meadwood Napa Valley

“I’ve had the pleasure of working at Meadowood for many years, where I got to know Chef Christopher Kostow well,” says Chef Alejandro ‘Ale’ Ayala of Meadwood Napa Valley. “Whenever I’m craving something special, I head to his Charter Oak. For those days when I’m in the mood for some exceptional Italian, Bottega in Yountville is always a top choice. When keeping it simple and enjoying a casual night out with my wife and grandkids, Kitchen Door in downtown Napa is our go-to for a delicious burger. For an authentic French experience, Bistro Jeanty is a must-visit. And my wife is a big fan of sushi, so we end up at Morimoto more often than I can count.”