City: St. Helena, CA

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (707) 963-2233

Address: 1245 Spring Street

Description: Housed in a vintage California Craftsman bungalow originally built by an opera singer named Walter Martini, this restaurant has garnered fabulous reviews since opening in 2001. Famed restaurant designer Pat Kuleto teamed with chef Todd Humphries (formerly of the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant) to create a beautiful setting as well as a unique dining experience. Martini House excels in rare wines, with the Wine Cellar bar that includes a 600-bottle list. The menu changes with the seasons and the availability of local produce, but just about anything made with mushrooms (the cream of mushroom soup is excellent) is sure to be delicious. Among the other options may be seared Maine sea scallops, sautéed squab breast and leg confit, grilled prime beef tenderloin, or Atlantic striped bass. Save room for persimmon pudding with ice cream, maple cheesecake tart with pomegranate glaze, or a chocolate crepe soufflé.