Martini House (Reported Closed)

Doesn't Recommend

kidstolondon

Joined 9 years ago

Bumping game at Martini House. aybe we weren't playing by the rules as diners at Martini House. After a full day touring wineries, our wed hit our limit for alcohol and excess calories. So, we committed what appears to be a cardinal sin: we didn't order wine or dessert.

Our waiter was not amused. After the sixth time he bumped my wifes chair, we knew there was a problem. Yes, I know this is hard to believe, but there really was no other explanation his actions. Fuming, my wife left her seat after finishing her meal--then I dealt with trying to get the check from the waiter. That task took 15 minutes.

How was the food? Quite good, really, but not stellar. The atmosphere? "Upscale rustic" best describes it.

The wine list IS extensive. Dozens of wines in the $50+ category, many much more expensive, and even a short list of $25 bottles.

Recommends

randyo

Joined 10 years ago

Amazing!. I've been to Martini House twice, and both times have been phenomenal. The staff, from the hosts to the bartenders to the wait staff, are knowledgable, helpful, and very friendly. The food is simply incredible -- on my last visit I had the most amazing peanut butter cookies (of all things) I've ever tasted. The outdoor seating area is perfect for a summertime dinner. I could rave on and on about this place...it's become one of my all-time favorite restaurants.

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bryanlewis

Joined 9 years ago

Excellent. We had a wonderful time here during our Napa Valley vacation. We hit a number of top-rated places, and this spot was among the best. Food was awesome and the setting was nice, though not perfect. My Sonoma Duck Breast was to die for and both the soup and salad where excellent.

I can understand those who complained about the downstairs, it is not the place to eat. Definitely try to be upstairs, it was lovely. Our service was excellent...our waiter was attentive, helpful, and cheerful and the sommelier offered wine help soon after we sat down. The prices were not outrageous and are to be expected for this level of cuisine in Napa.

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hrkahn

Joined 11 years ago

Anniversary Disappointment. We requested a seat by the fire for our anniversary. I had at least four interactions with the people there and they said they would do their best. I understand a request is just that a request. When we arrived for a 7:30 reservation both tables were seated and did not empty until 9:00pm. Had the hostess or management made an effort to seat those tables early it may not have been an issue. Moreover when we walked in there were other tables for two available. The rest of the dining experience was O.K. I was just disappointed that a request for a special occasion was given so little attention.

Recommends

ahiatus

Joined 11 years ago

My Favorite Restaurant in "Napa". We went to the Martini House for lunch on a trip to Napa. This restaurant is off the main street in St. Helena. We had the best meal we have had in a long time. If we lived near by wed probably go once a week. The service was amazing the place is charming. On our way out we walked downstairs through the bar. It seemed like a really cool place to hang out for a drink at night. If we were there longer then one night we would of come back. I would highly recommend this restaurant!!

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sffoodee

Joined 10 years ago

disappointed.... First of all, we dined downstairs. So were not sure if we would have gotten a different experience upstairs in the main dining room.

One word...SERVICE, beyond slow, unattentive and unpersonable.

And there was a somewhat strong chemical based odor that interfered with our wine enjoyment.

The food was good, we all had a variety of items from the menu. Prepared well, but not exciting.

Would most likely not go back, mostly due to service.

Recommends

LJBandBAB

Joined 10 years ago

mediocre. A group of us had dinner here on a Mon night to celebrate a birthday. Hostess was not friendly, server was unaccomadating, food was mediocre and seating was uncomfortable.Cream of mushroom soup was the only thing that made dinner worthwhile.

Recommends

divinespark

Joined 11 years ago

The Best. We live in the valley and this is our favorite restaurant. The food is inventive and everchanging. Great winelist!

Recommends

gub

Joined 11 years ago

Special place. Two of us had lunch on a Sunday, a little late, and it was not crowded. The food was very nice, though not stellar. One desert, a lime parfait that came with the very reasonable fixed price lunch, was delicious, creative, and more than a little twisted (I mean, avocadoes?). The facilities are fabulous, surprisingly understated given Pat Kuleto, the designer. The lilly pond with two inquisitive koi was a nice touch. As others have commented the pre-meal champagne push is more than a little tacky. Overall the wine list is huge and reasonably priced, so offering expensive champagne like that is a turn-off. The bar downstairs is a classic -- and be sure to view the mural in the bar's men's room. Trust me.

Doesn't Recommend

melazydazy

Joined 11 years ago

5. The atmosphere was pleasant. Outdoor seating, cozy downstairs. If you weren't seated near the open kitchen conversation was possible. If you do get seated near the open kitchen be prepared to be distracted. Nice wine list - but pricey for the area. Very limited menu which was very heavy on the seafood. There was only one beef entree on the menu. The portions are VERY small in comparison to what you pay. It's worth a one-time visit but I won't go back. There are plenty of other places to go in the area that are a much better value.