Community member and sommelier, who goes by the alias “Brock Landers,” shares his commentary on the different restaurants in Yountville — And yes, there are over 20 of them…
It’s happened to all of us. You check out a new restaurant only to realize that it wasn’t what you were expecting. Whether you’ve lived here for years or are just learning your way around town, it’s helpful to have input from someone who knows the lay of the land.
Where’s the best sandwich? Who’s got the best bang for your buck? Here’s the inside scoop on tasting life here from gadabout Brock Landers.
1. Tacos Garcia
Peak: Best QPR (quality-price ratio) option in YV & at $10 whether Camarones Diablo, vegetarian nachos, or Carne con queso burrito.
Pit: This is a local favorite and is subject to more scrutiny, regulation & displacement than any of the other bourgeoisie down the street.
2. R+D Kitchen
Peak: Best salad and sandwich game in town and one of the few places I know where you can get sushi and french fries. Honor pizza is tasty as well but only offered as a to-go item.
Pit: Caveat Emptor Rules + dictators like enforcing ridiculousness, so be mindful of what you order, where you sit, and what you wear. For a good laugh, check out the dress code for this venue.
3. Kelly’s Hot Dog & Soft Serve
Peak: Delicious Hot dog on a brioche sesame seed bun w/Dings relish. The family-friendly petrol station with a healthy local wine program and craft beer selections.
Pit: Gas prices are extortion, and I hear Hillstone owns them?
4. Ciccio:
Peak: The only acceptable Pizza venue for any of my East Coast friends definitely has the best structural integrity of any pizza this side of the bridge. Noteworthy pork Milanese, Cacio E Pepe, Lamb Ribs.
Pit: Proprietor has an interesting take on hospitality, so don’t expect any reaction on compliments.
5. North Block Restaurant
Peak: Great bar pizza & Crudo, proud to add this our Newest & Coolest Michelin addition to the Yount Vegas strip.
Pit: I miss Redwood. Lil’ suspicious how quickly this venue with obvious identity crisis was able to acquire its accolades rapidly. Too much too soon for too little.
6. RH Kitchen
Peak: Beautiful ambiance & Baccarat chandeliers + Best Burger & French dip in town.
Pit: artificial intelligence and robotic service. Staff refers to the management as “our leaders” (wired) still on the fence.
7. Southside Yountville
Peak: one of the only consistent breakfast options & doing YV proud with all-day breakfast Avocado or Strawberry toast, chorizo biscuits & gravy, and great lunch options also play well with the local wineries. You can do a tasting at Stewart cellars while enjoying Southside’s offerings.
Pit: I only wish they opened for dinner & could pump out their delicious fried chicken more regularly.
8. The French Laundry
Peak: Casual elegance if you love driving a Rolls-Royce in Mink panties while drinking Perrier Jouet! This may be right up our alley as Yountvillians & obviously a 3-star bucket list for all status sluts alike.
Pit: Side effects include a salty aftertaste that truly promotes snobbery. Petite savory portions are overcompensated by bread, starch & carbs—sweet confections pastries and an overall anti-climactic experience that may leave you wanting more.
9. Bouchon Restaurant
Peak: A traditional restaurant & great service. The traditional French cuisine with a Cool Nickel Bar & Croque Madame seafood tower satisfies.
Pit: Please bring back the late-night menu and hours. Overall very good, however, pretty basic, the menu could use a facelift.
10. Bouchon Bakery
Peak: Best pastries & prepaid Sandos arrive early.
Pit: Would it kill you to make sourdough bread?
11. Coquette
Peak: Authentic + tasty Paella, good tapas, great cocktails.
Pit: Helpful but very inconsistent on all fronts & a bit overpriced.
12. La Calenda
Peak: Oaxacan cuisine done right staying true to traditional ingredients at very untraditional prices. Beautiful adobo chicken, delicious fish tacos, and tasty tequila/Mezcal-based cocktail program.
Pit: Some consumers may not be comfortable with this price range for Mexican food. I wish these chips were made fresh to order & not have such an El Torito vibe.
13. Bottega
Peak: MC’s flagship restaurant has the most incredible Ravioli al Uovo, Sophia Loren-inspired fresh pasta, Calabrian chicken under a brick.
Pit: Chiarello could use a PR specialist or image consultant.
14. Ottimo
They used to make great fried pizza dough & there were temporary talks of a bar with gelato options. Now we don’t know what’s happening. This venue is used for private events and continental breakfast for neighboring hotels.
15. Bistro Jeanty
Peak: Really nothing but love for this local venue. Incredible cassoulet, coq au vin, and tomato bisque.
Pit: Happy hour has yet to return, and this menu has not changed in well over a decade.
14. Protea
This venue has been closed for over a year, but it was my favorite local spot: the daily changing menu and the prices of fresh food and ingredients. Priest Ranch is taking over the space and has had a coming soon sign on the door for nearly 1+ years. We obviously have different definitions of the term “soon.”
16. Regis Ova Caviar and Champagne Lounge
Louis Vuitton sponsors this establishment as we sprinkle a little caviar on tempura battered chicken strips. Some people love it. Ruffles and salmon roe onion dip. Fancies itself as a pre-and-post snacks option. It really makes me appreciate Redd even more!
17. Mini Model
Home to Oprah‘s favorite things — the English muff can’t be beat. What a great alternative to the long line across the street. I really enjoy their offerings when available, as hours for this operation are few and far between, so be sure to check the schedule.
18. Ranch Market
Great grab it and go option + fresh deli sandwiches are made to order, and evolving pizza alternatives are getting better. How about we turn part of this space into a butcher and or Fresh seafood space. So many potential locals would love to see it evolve into a sunshine version of itself.
19. Ad Hoc
Comfort food and always a vegetarian option off the menu. Comfort food at a premium many changes regularly & now has to-go offerings. $50 for a fried chicken bucket? Better be better than anything I’ve ever had; unfortunately, it isn’t.
20. Addendum
Great summertime nostalgia with welcoming vibes. A great lobster roll, classic Fried chicken, and sides to go. Somebody tell us what is happening here? This space has so much more to offer.
21. Hotel Yountville
I’ve only eaten here once for breakfast and dinner, and it had a good ambiance and executed new American cuisine at a classically trained level. Wish this was an option for regulars (locals). (From The Yountvillian – it is only open to hotel guests due to parking criteria)
22. Vintners Golf Course
Best bang for your buck. This 9 hole course and driving range is home to outstanding breakfast cocktails and a greasy spoon. This is exactly what I would expect for a local favorite. I wish that they were open past 3 as an appetizer & drinks option.
The Insider is an opportunity to get your word out, your voice heard. The Yountvillian might agree, or not, with the thoughts, ideas, and comments. This is your forum.