Last week, we asked readers to send along their recommendations for local places to eat.  Here’s a sample of the comments we got. If you’d like to share your own local favorite, send your comments to Food Page editor Sasha Paulsen, spaulsen@napanews.com

We have found our favorite place. Where you ask?  PEARL. It rocks. The food is great every time, the service is outstanding. We have been there four-five times. Now when we come in they know we will be having osyters first. It is always nice to know they remember you; you start to feel like family. Great for kids too. Our other favorites El Portillo (old mini golf), Squeeze Inn, Uva, River City. Gillwood’s.

Shawna and Alex Bush and kids (Ravin and Jack Bush)

My new favorite restaurant is Redd in Yountville. Friendly staff, beautiful setting, fabulous food. My regular favorites are: Pearl (who can beat Pete & Nikki’s warm welcome and comfort food?);  Uva, (Gnocchi and focaccia bread are my favorites) and Villa Corona for camarron burrito or carnitas chimichanga. I always see someone I know there. For a special occasion, La Toque in Rutherford. Fancy, delicious food, entertaining staff and sommelier! For breakfast, ABC bakery in downtown Napa or Gordon’s in Yountville (Sally’s scones are to die for!)

Kelli Marchbanks

Yesterday we had a late breakfast at the Napa General Store Cafe. We thought the food was delicious; multiple selections and great food. The service was excellent, and we especially enjoyed Alan Shepp’s fabulous mural in the outside courtyard. Our stop also included a  pleasant visit with Deborah Dever at the Vintage Sweet Shoppe on the  way back to our car. We will definitely return to both places in the  near future!

Florence Rudee

 

My favorite restaurant is Cucina Italiana in the Spanish Flat Village Center. Outstanding food and friendly atmosphere have turned it into a community center at Lake Berryessa. It has worked its way into the hearts and stomachs of the locals and visitors alike. The heart part is tickled by Chef Stefano Gusberti’s enthusiasm combined with the 5 foot high flames that often leap above the kitchen stove without seeming to singe his eyebrows. Cucina partner, Sharyn Simmons, is the perfect complement to the Chef with her customer-friendly approach, her wine expertise, and her ability to translate what Stefano is saying while being ready to extinguish him if he does catch fire.

The wide range of foods and flavors, a great wine selection, outdoor patio, songbirds trilling, and the new bocce ball court make it a new experience every time I visit. But it really is the friendly atmosphere where you meet old friends and make new ones that attracts me back on a regular basis. Sharyn keeps customeers up to date about Lake Berryessa news, and it’s always a treat when Stefano comes out of the kitchen to say hello and chat.

Peter Kilkus