The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil: A Culinary Destination in Napa Valley
Enjoying a glass of wine at sunset in California's Napa Valley is one of the best ways to start an intimate evening, and the restaurant at Auberge du Soleil offers a chance to do just that. For this reason and others, it's a Luxist nominee in the best romantic restaurant category.
Founded in 1981 by San Francisco restaurateur Claude Rouas, the eatery helped spawn the wave of popularity currently enjoyed by the entire Napa area. In 1985, Rouas and business partner Robert Harmon opened the inn---in French, auberge---to host visitors to the California wine country. He envisioned both the restaurant and the inn as a tribute to his beloved Provence, and, true to form, both continue to be exactly that.
Guided by executive chef Robert Curry, the restaurant remains one of America's most delicious---and most romantic. The best way for lovebirds to enjoy the seasonally-changing menu is at La Pagode, the restaurant's private dining area for two. Here, the evening begins with a bottle of champagne, followed by a dozen oysters and a four course dinner, with wine pairings included. This type of romance comes with a $1,495 per couple price tag, plus an optional $550 for two hours of solo guitar accompaniment.
For those looking for something less extravagant, the restaurant offers a number of different prix fix meals: three courses for $98, four courses for $115, and a tasting menu for $140. Paired with wine, the latter costs $227, and it's still plenty romantic. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 348-5406.
Vote for the restaurant that you believe is the most romantic. The voting period runs through September 30 and winners will be announced on October 1.
