"Don’t let the concrete and stark atmosphere deter you, there’s plenty of life at the Slanted Door. The Napa iteration of the SF Vietnamese institution is a masterclass in combining spicy, sweet, and citrusy flavors to create comfort dishes like a tangy chicken clay pot drizzled in chili caramel sauce and ultra-tender shaking beef misted with lime. Even starters like the yellowtail get an extra kick from thai basil and fried shallot. It’s easy to get lost in appetizers, and you should—the spring rolls and dumpling are worth the stomach space, and the barbecued spare ribs with honey hoisin sauce will have you planning your next visit before you even leave. Pair it all with a glass from their impressive collection of rieslings or a Flight of the Incas cocktail with pisco, passionfruit, and whipped egg whites." - Jasmine Alexandra
