"We were devastated when Ciccio closed in 2022 then rejoiced when they reopened and revamped the menu under a new direction. Now, Ciccio is arguably the best place in Yountville’s 1.5-mile stretch for fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and pillowy soft ricotta made daily—and date night in a delightfully homey dining room that used to be an Italian grocery store. The meatball stuffed chard should be mandatory, and you’ll want to add focaccia to sop up every last bite of thick, chili-infused red sauce. And the vanilla bean gelato drizzled with wild pine nut oil will make you question everything you know about the humble pine nut. Pair it all with a house cocktail like an Italian G&T or glass of Sangiovese." - christina julian, jasmine alexandra