Bricco Osteria in Calistoga, Napa, is a gem that delivers an authentic Italian dining experience with a warm, inviting atmosphere and exceptional cuisine. The ambiance immediately struck me as reminiscent of Moxy’s in downtown Sacramento—a vibrant yet cozy vibe with a modern-rustic charm, perfect for a relaxed evening or special occasion. Dim lighting, tasteful décor, and a lively hum of conversation create a welcoming environment that feels both upscale and approachable.
The host set the tone for the evening with a personal and engaging demeanor. He was not only easy to talk to but also incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, offering thoughtful recommendations that showed a genuine passion for the restaurant’s offerings. His warm hospitality made us feel right at home from the moment we walked in.
Now, onto the food—every dish was a standout. I ordered the seafood linguine, and it was a revelation. The seafood was impeccably fresh, with no hint of fishiness, showcasing high-quality ingredients. The clams, shrimp, and mussels were perfectly cooked, and the linguine was tossed in a light, flavorful sauce that let the natural flavors shine. It’s easily one of the best seafood pastas I’ve had.
My dining companion raved about “Mom’s Lasagna,” and I couldn’t resist stealing a bite. It truly lives up to its name, capturing the essence of a home-cooked Italian classic. Layered with rich, savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and perfectly cooked pasta, it was comforting and indulgent in all the right ways.
We also sampled the risotto, which had a striking saffron hue and a subtle, aromatic flavor that added a delightful twist to the creamy dish. The saffron wasn’t overpowering but provided a sophisticated edge that elevated the entire plate. Another highlight was the lamb osso buco, which was nothing short of sublime. The meat was fall-off-the-bone tender, melting in your mouth with each bite, and the accompanying sauce was rich and deeply flavorful.
Overall, Bricco Osteria is a must-visit in Calistoga. From the Moxy-like ambiance to the personable host and the outstanding dishes—seafood linguine, Mom’s lasagna, saffron risotto, and lamb osso buco—this restaurant nails every detail. It’s a place where fresh ingredients, skillful preparation, and heartfelt hospitality come together for an unforgettable dining experience. I can’t...
Read moreAmazing Italian Restaurant! We came here to celebrate our anniversary, and everything was top-notch! Wonderful atmosphere with the most friendly and attentive service. The owner gave us a great impression. He was super kind and kept checking on us throughout the entire evening. All the staff were attentive even though the restaurant was super busy. Bricco Osteria has indoor and outdoor seating ( with heaters ), a wonderful wine list, some cocktails, and a great menu. Their portions are on the large side. We ordered a glass of NV J Vineyards - Brut Rose, Calamari Fritti, Linguine alla Chitarra, Chicken Parmigiano, and for dessert, we got Mom's Tiramisu. Calamari Fritti was fried perfectly and came with the tastiest sauce. The Linguine alla Chitarra had shrimp, clams, Mediterranean mussels, and salmon in it. The pasta was seasoned perfectly, with a hit of spice, which went so well with the seafood. This is going to be my new go-to dish at any Italian restaurant from now on. My husband said that their chicken parmesan was the best he ever had. All of the ingredients were fresh, and you could tell that they served only homemade pasta. The tiramisu was AMAZING! The flavor of coffee with such light and fluffy layers of sponge cake was just spectacular. What a great evening we had! Try making a reservation, otherwise, the wait could be long. We definitely recommend Bricco Osteria & Bar, and we...
Read moreWow! What an excellent meal! Each dish we tried had wonderful flavor, texture and beautiful presentation. Very professional yet friendly service. So kind of the chef to stop at our table :) A busy Friday night and we didn't have reservations but we arrived at 8:30 and were seated in just 10 minutes. Started pleasantly noisy with family groups but was quiet by the time we were served. Beautiful, interesting and powerful cocktails! I could only drink half of an Archie's Negroni. The other drink had a tropical fruit base. Lovely and less of a kick in the pants. Will try their wine at the next meal. We had the night's special salad of five vegetables. Delicate vinaigrette brought the flavors out and together. Calamari was just right. Risotto appetizer was too. (These people know how to do sauces!!) Every night there is a risotto with fresh seafood. By the time we ordered it was halibut. Delicious! Creme brulee was flavorful yet light and delicate. Tiramisu recipe is from the owner's mother. (God bless Mom!) An almost over the top experience. But so nice! We...
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