Christina Julian
If eating and drinking were a sport, Christina would be an Olympic athlete. This, in part, explains why she left LA and a career in advertising to sip, savor, and swirl for a living. She vowed early on to never use the word “mouthfeel” and “luscious” when talking about wine—a lifestyle choice that has earned her much criticism. Her work has appeared in the Wine Enthusiast, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and The Washington Post. Her debut novel, The Dating Bender, is exactly what it sounds like and is best enjoyed with a luscious glass of wine in hand. Her dream job is to redesign the food pyramid, with generously iced cupcakes at the tip.
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The Best Restaurants In Calistoga
A courtyard patio with Creole-French food, New Haven-style pizza, a bar with the occasional Elvis impersonator, and much more.
The Best Restaurants In Yountville
Our favorite places for soft serve affogato, fried chicken, Mongolian pork chop, and more.
Oakville Grocery
Oakville Grocery is where you should stop for breakfast or lunch en route to Yountville.
Bouchon Bakery
Bouchon Bakery makes incredible pastries and bread that are worth the round-the-clock lines.
Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery
Stop by the huge patio and bonfire at Calistoga Inn for a drink and some snacks.
Bouchon Bistro
Bouchon Bistro serves some of the best steak frites in the Valley, and it works great if you can't get a reservation at The French Laundry.
Evangeline
Evangeline is a casual Creole-French spot tucked away from Calistoga's main drag where you should have brunch or dinner on the courtyard patio.
Calistoga Depot
Calistoga Depot is where you'll find just about everything you need, including baked goods, sandwiches, brick-oven pizzas, and local beer.
Buster’s BBQ
You'll often see the real-life Buster firing up Louisiana-style barbecue at this Calistoga spot. You can also catch jazz and blues jam sessions on the patio every Sunday afternoon.
Mangia Mi
You'll have to call to make a reservation at Mangia Mi, but you should do it for an order of Momma's Meatballs and a $3 PBR.
Sam's General Store
Sam's General Store in Calistoga has a great garden patio with excellent coffee and baked goods.
R+D Kitchen
R+D in Yountville is a crowd-pleaser for just about everyone, with a wide-spanning menu that offers everything from sushi and salads to comfort food classics.
Palisades Eatery
Palisades Eatery in Calistoga works well for a casual meal before a day of wine tasting.
House of Better
End your meal at House of Better in Calistoga with the signature chile apple pie with cheddar crust and a red chili honey drizzle.
Puerto Vallarta Market
Puerto Vallarta Market is your Calistoga stop for excellent grab-and-go tacos and burritos.