Casually elegant and contemporary, Solbar is absolutely one of our favorite dining destinations. Located at the Napa Valley resort Solage Calistoga, the restaurant, open only a couple of years, received one Michelin star in 2009.

Sip a handcrafted cocktail at the welcoming bar (Chelsea, Kevin and Reagan mix a mean martini), sup in the modern, yet warm dining room, or unwind on the outdoor patio (pooches are welcome) with a view of the 130-foot swimming pool and the Mayacamas and Palisades mountains. 

Menu choices are varied, with both lighter choices (just in case you’re planning on donning a bathing suit and enjoying that pool) and more indulgent entrees. Some of our favorites are spicy shrimp lettuce wraps, fresh fish tacos, steamed black cod, Muscovy duck, and maitake mushroom and gruyere pizza. Oh, and let’s not forget the Sol fries dusted with picanté spices (but do forget the aforementioned bathing suit).

 Solbar is for special occasions, lunching and lounging, or anything in between.