Biggest disappointment of our brief visit to Napa with our daughter and chef son-in-law from Wisconsin. The place was physically cold and uninviting from the moment we walked in. 3 of the 4 meals were awful with an undercooked chicken special for 2 and a pasta dish that unexpectedly had squid ink in it (my husband totally dislikes it and would not have ordered if he'd known). The soft shell crab ordered by our son-in-law was lovely. The appetizers were below average and we think it's unthinkable to charge people for 2 orders of bread when each order has only 4 pieces. The waitress did not tell us we'd have a 50 minute wait for the chicken until after we ordered. When we complained about the chicken being undercooked the manager - NOT the chef told us they had cooked it to 120 degrees and when our chef told him chicken should never be less than 140, he argued with us saying it would reach that temperature while resting. Their only offer to make things right was to take the chicken dish off the check. It was inedible! They claim they are not expensive and have a warm welcoming atmosphere. That was not our experience.

Nice spot, lots of room between tables, so not too loud. Great cocktail, shared the grilled cheese and truffle and had paccheri. Fantastic with a bottle of Vermentino. Drank my dessert. No problem with gluten-free for our celiac member.

Had dinner on a Saturday night before the Superbowl and before Valentine's Day. The restaurant was full and downtown Napa was busy with lots of people out and about. Our experience at Torc began with our busboy asking where we were from and when we told him, he said, "What are you doing here? The food in your area is so much better." We informed him we decided to try something different and have dinner in Napa.

We had a good meal. My husband and I shared the beet salad, and our mains were the broccoli romanesco risotto and the fiorentini with Maine lobster. We were so full, we didn't have room for dessert. The food was well-prepared and the service was good.

Did we think it was as good as restaurants in upper Napa Valley? No, but we'd go back to Torc if we were to have a meal or drinks and appetizers in Napa. (There's also a full bar.)

Want to learn more about wineries and restaurants in Napa Valley and beyond? Follow me on Instagram @TravelgalCathy415.

My daughter picked the restaurant out as it was highly regarded. We were not disappointed. We had just arrived in Napa. I had the crab cake which was superb. I believe the soup as well. The bar was well stocked and they were able to make a great craft cocktail for daughter. The atmosphere was very nice and the staff outstanding. I would return in a heartbeat. I thought the pricing was reasonable considering Napa.

Well as a picky eater the menu was very intricate. Then they had family dining with steaks for 4 or a whole chicken and fries for 4. The table out voted me and we ate the chicken. WOW, soft and moist - with the chicken fat rendered on the fries. Perfect! The salad was interesting with pickles and the two deserts…….blew my mind. Limy with strawberries, I would have never ordered it but it was great- and the strawberry cheesecake desert- again mind blowing!
Just make your reservation well in advance!