Martini House   

1245 Spring St
St Helena, CA 94574
707-963-2233
www.martinihouse.com

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A koi pond, a waterfall and an entrance framed by red roses are the first clues that there's something different about Martini House. From the tropical feel of the patio to the rustic lodge motif inside, Martini House feels like a vacation, even if you live next door. And the food is as inviting as the ambience -- not surprising, since Martini House is a joint effort between restaurateur/designer Pat Kuleto and chef Todd Humphries, formerly of Campton Place and Greystone. Don't worry if you're a walk-in: The downstairs bar is a cozy place to wait and read the story of Walter Martini, the retired opera star who built this craftsman-style bungalow after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The menu is classic Napa, changing daily to incorporate the best seasonal ingredients from local markets. Expect unique appetizers like summer squash soup with cilantro, curry and lime or shaved celery and medjool date salad. Your entree will be equally inventive -- and it may well feature luxuriously marbled Kobe beef, a favorite ingredient. Reasonably priced prix fixe menus are available for lunch and dinner -- but if you're splurging, go for the tasting menus, which could be themed to summer tomatoes or mushrooms. The sommelier is happy to pair wines; one favorite is the "Kobe and cab" lunch -- a juicy, velvety Kobe beef burger and onion rings matched with a glass of Napa cabernet. Light desserts like melon granita with salt and pepper ice cream are winners.