Found comfortably positioned among the serene vibe of St. Helena’s Alila Napa Valley resort, Violetto is a culinary gem that pays homage to the region’s rich history while embracing a contemporary spirit. This innovative restaurant offers a dining experience as captivating as the vineyards surrounding it.
Leading the charge at Violetto is Chef Thomas Lents, a culinary virtuoso with a deep-rooted passion for the Napa Valley terroir. Having honed his craft for over two decades at esteemed Michelin-starred restaurants such as Sixteen in Chicago, The Mansion, and alongside Michael Tusk of Quince in San Francisco, Lents brings a wealth of experience and a keen eye for detail to his role. His cuisine is a harmonious blend of old-world techniques and progressive expression, resulting in familiar and exhilarating dishes with an Italian-French influence.
Chef Thomas Lents (4th from left) and the Violetto team, Photo by Alexander Rubin, courtesy of Alila Resort
Chef Lents is committed to sourcing the finest local ingredients while paying mind to sustainability, and that shines through in every dish. From the Crudo of Blue Fin Tuna with taggiasca olives and caviar in a cherry succo to the succulent Santa Barbara Spot Prawn and local Dungeness crab tucked into a delicate squash blossom, each component is a testament to the region’s agricultural prowess.
For a special treat, the eight-course Chef’s Daily Tasting Menu is light in structure, focusing primarily on seafood and vegetables representing the season’s harvest, and is available with or without wine pairings. Save room for the last course, a sweet, decadent indulgence, such as the Torta al Cioccolato, paired with a late harvest wine or port, creating a harmonious finish to the meal.
In addition, Violetto offers an a la carte menu for dinner or lunch, including snacks and starters, a selection of salads, soups, pasta, and entrees, and a four-course Prix-Fix menu, where guests can choose from a generous list of daily preparations.
Violetto’s wine list is a carefully curated selection showcasing Napa Valley’s best and beyond. The restaurant boasts a comprehensive collection of classic and emerging wineries, allowing guests to explore the region’s diverse offerings. Sommeliers are on hand to provide expert guidance, ensuring that each wine perfectly complements the dishes on the menu.
The ambiance at Violetto is both elegant and inviting. The restaurant’s design incorporates natural materials and soft lighting, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the surrounding property and neighboring Beringer vineyards, blurring the lines between indoors and out. Whether dining on the spacious terrace or in the main dining room, guests are treated to a sensory experience as memorable as the food.
Violetto is more than just a restaurant. With its exceptional food, impeccable service, and stunning setting, Violetto is poised to become a beloved Napa Valley institution.
