"Alila Napa Valley — a resort with rooms that feel sunken into the neighboring Beringer vineyards — is home to Violetto, a new addition to St. Helena’s dining scene. The restaurant is located under the columns of the hotel’s main building, a Georgian-style farmhouse dating back to 1907, and a short walk from downtown St. Helena. Even if you’re not staying at the Alila, Violetto is an easy stop for breakfast or brunch, but their dinner menu is worth making a reservation for. They offer a four-course prix fixe menu ($105) or seven-course tasting menu ($145) with an optional wine pairing, serving comforting yet high-end dishes with local ingredients. Don’t miss the duck breast (from Liberty Farms in Santa Rosa) alongside poached salsify, cordyceps mushroom, sumac hazelnut, and duck bordelaise. And for dessert, make room for the cardamom cheesecake topped with local roasted apples." - Lee Musho