The Best of Napa Valley with Celebrated Michelin Starred Chef, Philip Tessier
Everything you need for the perfect California Wine Country getaway
The Relisher is the place where the world’s top chefs reveal their favorite restaurants in their home cities.
This week, we met with Philip Tessier, the chef-partner at PRESS, a Michelin-starred restaurant widely considered one of the best fine-dining establishments in Napa Valley; it also boasts the world's largest collection of Napa Valley wines.
Chef Philip's impressive career includes working at America's leading three Michelin starred restaurants, such as Eric Ripert's Le Bernardin and Thomas Keller's Per Se, Bouchon, and The French Laundry. He also achieved international acclaim as the first American chef to reach the podium at the Bocuse d'Or (often called the culinary Olympics), winning the silver medal. Below, Chef Philip shares his favorite spots, including wineries, in one of the world’s premier wine regions.
Firstly, I think a vacation to Napa should be treated as a relaxing getaway. I recommend visiting for about three days, and visiting two wineries per day. This way you can fit in a great breakfast, lunch and dinner between your winery visits.
Restaurants: New Hotspot, Local Gem, and Fast Food (Napa Style)
The first restaurant that comes to mind is Charlie's. It's a new, fun, and casual local spot where the food is super playful, and the atmosphere is really inviting. It feels almost like you're in a friend’s living room, with a lively, boisterous bar. We have many restaurants in Napa, but when it comes to the blend of ambiance, hospitality, and genuinely good cuisine, Charlie's hits a really great note.
I love the seafood tower — it's a rotating selection of fresh seafood (e.g., abalone, sea urchin) presented in a beautifully playful way. Their seasonal Dungeness crab dish and their lobster boils are also excellent.
Another standout for me is Charter Oak, a cozy restaurant housed in a historic Napa building. The dining room features an open fire and dark brick walls, creating a warm atmosphere. Outside, there's a lush, green dining area that adds to the charm. What sets them apart to me is that they consistently deliver a great meal in a unique setting. I like to order the raw vegetables from the farm, served with fermented soy dip, and their beef tartare.
Many people who haven't been to Napa might not know that there's Napa Valley and then there's also Napa City. Napa City is at the base of the valley and is more of a "people's town," and this is where locals' favorite Zuzu is located. It's a traditional, intimate, casual Spanish tapas restaurant. The menu has been consistently delivering quality for 15 years. My favorite dish is the Gambas al Ajillo, plancha-style shrimp with garlic sauce. You will want extra bread for it!
A faster, more casual lunch is a staple in Napa, and one of my favorites is Gott's Roadside. It's a great concept: you order at the window (similar to a fast-food restaurant) but with a Napa twist. The menu offers a selection of wines and beers, while focusing on both local, seasonal dishes such as soft shell crab sandwiches and classic options like burgers. It’s perfect for a quick meal between winery visits. My go-to is the green chili cheeseburger, with spicy roasted Anaheim peppers.
Must-Visit Restaurants for First-Time Napa Visitors
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