Dining and Hotel Hopping around Northern California

I recently spent a glorious and gluttonous 10 days eating and drinking my way through Northern California, and as I’m sure is a surprise to no one, I have thoughts. Here are the highlights regarding food and hotels. Yes, it skews fine dining, and no, I’m not sorry.

San Francisco

In San Francisco, we went to Californios, which just became the first Mexican restaurant in the world to earn 3 Michelin stars. The vibe is festive- you’re greeted in their courtyard with lively Mexican music, warm smiles, and mocktail (agua fresca) shooters- and the food is soulful and spectacular. The quail in mole sauce? Simply perfection. And what they are doing with tortillas is practically unbelievable. The space is inviting- full of unique art- and the staff are incredibly hospitable. Worth a special journey indeed.

A fish taco on a sourdough tortilla at Californios that defies all odds

For a more casual experience, Angler is the perfect restaurant for a group. Wood-fired dining, one of the best wine lists in the city, and just fun, inventive food. The radicchio salad with XO sauce, charred oysters, and sea bream were winners.

For lunch, we hit a classic, Zuni Cafe. As a roast chicken enthusiast, I was pleased that the signature dish truly did live up to the hype, and a mountain of fries is completely necessary. Pro tip- order the chicken as soon as you arrive, because it takes over an hour for them to make it. The light and airy space and well-curated wine list are the cherries on top of a picture-perfect lunch spot. I have it on good authority their desserts do not miss either.

Zuni Cafe perfection

For a wine bar, Golden Sardine is practically a rite of passage for German wine lovers. A perfect list, immaculate vibes, and the nicest people. Did I get into an intense conversation about ingredient sourcing and leave with a tupperware of gifted dried lavender? Perhaps.

Napa Valley

We had very casual meals with local friends in Napa, but what I lack in restaurant reports I make up for in hotel musings. And of course, I have all the intel on where you should dine when I plan your trips, depending on your preferences. I toured and/or stayed at the following hotels that I recommend for travelers to the area:

Solage, an Auberge Resort- such a fun property with beautiful grounds, a lively pool and outdoor dining scene, and fab food. You’re a little away from the action up in Calistoga, so it’s perfect for a friend group getaway or a couple’s vacation where you want to be a little more social with other guests. 

Auberge du Soleil- the most romantic and exclusive option. If you want the highest personalization, most luxurious touches, and a relaxing, romantic vacation, this is the one. 

Meadowood- Bougie cottage vibes? Say less. If you love a “cabin in the woods” feel but make it luxe, this is the one for you. Bonus points for the only Forbes 5-star spa in the area (STUNNING), a variety of fitness options from tennis to hiking trails on property, and a robust concierge team with really strong local winery partnerships. 

I’m not saying a spa treatment at Meadowood will fix your problems, but I’m not not saying it.

Yes, there are some other properties that I visited and do not recommend.

Mendocino Coast

The iconic Harbor House Inn was pure magic. The setting is spectacular, the food is delicious- a vegetable starter, incredible baked crab, and abalone rice dish shook me- and it’s simply a special place. I do think cottages would be the move here; I stayed on the ground floor in the main building, and I could hear people arriving early in the morning to prepare breakfast. Driving along the coast to get there or leave, and walking down to the water from up high on the property, are priceless.

The cliffside setting at Harbor House is extraordinary

Sonoma County

Singlethread was, dare I say, a top 5 meal of my life. The fact that it was FUN and lively only added to the experience. Perfect wine service as well! Highlights included a ridiculous steak and plum dish, the most elegant and pristine sashimi-like course, and an aromatic shrimp rice, but the whole meal was breathtaking.

Singlethread’s beautiful amuse bouche presentation

For Sonoma hotels, the Montage Healdsburg is a super fun and versatile option for a variety of traveler types. The grounds are stunning, you’re a 10 min drive from the adorable town of Healdsburg for dining, shopping and gallery hopping (and yes, they have Uber there plus the hotel offers a shuttle), and they have configurations from family-friendly adjoining rooms to multi-bedroom homes for groups of friends. 

Even entry-level rooms at the Montage feature large, light-filled spaces, private balconies and outdoor showers.

What are your favorite hotels and restaurants in Northern California? Whether I got to your favorites or not, I can’t wait to design trips to this region curated to your styles and preferences.

Ready to plan your trip to California wine country and beyond? Get started with a Golden Ratio Travel trip inquiry here.