Fume Bistro & Bar — Restaurant in Napa

The wife and I went to Safari West last weekend and decided we'd hit a couple of wineries and have dinner in Napa on the way back. We decided to try some place new and narrowed it down to Fume and Bistro Don Giovanni. Well, guess we should have gone to Don Giovanni.

The restaurant is pretty small but has a decent sized patio. We chose to dine inside. The menu is pretty decently varied and I was having trouble deciding between a few dishes. Unfortunately a few of the dishes that sounded good to me had mushrooms and I HATE mushrooms. The Cabernet braised short rib risotto sounded awesome but there's mushrooms in the Cabernet reduction as well as a "trio of mushrooms". Bummer. There was a special that I can't remember but it also had mushrooms so I was thinking about the Grilled Pork Chop with scalloped potatoes and grilled vegetable ratatouille. I asked the waiter a couple of questions and noticed and elderly lady at the table behind us flailing her arms around trying to get someone's attention. I wasn't sure if she was gesturing to the waiter or me. I look at her and she mouths, "Pork Chop" to me. She says she had the Pork Chop last week and it was great. Guess she's a local. So instead of trying to modify an existing dish without mushrooms I decided to go with the woman's recommendation.

I shouldn't have listened to her. The best thing about the dish was the potatoes. I don't know what kind of spice was on that pork chop but it just tasted weird. I ate it but I didn't enjoy it at all. Service was "meh". I asked the waiter for a light red to go with the pork chop and he recommended one. I asked for a taste and didn't like it at all. Come on kid, you work in Napa you should know how to make a wine pairing.

So I doubt I'll be going back to Fume nor will I be listening to recommendations from little old ladies. Maybe her taste...

Looks are deceiving! My sisters and I were originally expecting to have lunch at a ritzy, high class, resturant in Napa , but the wait was 2 hours as we didn’t have a reservation. We found Fume by searching the web and we are so glad we did!!!! The outside of the Resturant looks a little rundown but the inside is very nice! A wonderful surprise. The food, service and atmosphere is superb, friendly, and classy. Our server was Laurie, who was fabulous and knowledgeable about every item on the menu and the specials. Jessica, our hostess, was pleasant and didn’t hesitate to help us when we requested extra napkins, spoons, and to move the umbrella to block out the sun . One of my sisters has a cast on one leg and is using a wheelchair. Jessica noticed me trying to get the wheelchair into the bathroom and came right over to move some high chairs so we could get in more easily. The food was outstanding! We had the Cesar chicken salad pizza and it was tasty….. could have used a little more chicken on it though. Next time I’ll request that. We also had the squash soup, and a salad with apples and chicken in it. All was very, very, good and nicely plated. Fume is located in a residential neighborhood. There is parking in their paved parking lot and also on the street. They have indoor and outdoor patio seating . We sat on the patio but I noticed indoor seating is so pretty and very cozy. We have found a new Resturant to add to my favorites restaurants. Please visit. You’ll be...

Pros: Service was swift, personal, professional... Everyone was hustling due to staff shortage; HOWEVER, we still felt comfortable and they remained calm! AMAZING!!

Staff looked clean and well put together!! So much so, it stood out!!!

The menu is varied but not overwhelming. Regardless of your diet.

They split orders and serve them on separate plates without looking at you cross-eyed.

We had the Harvast Salad with in-season persimmons- SO GOOD AND TASTY! Also, Flash-fried Calamari.. again, amazing flavor and large serving! I had the Pork Chop, brussel sprouts and potatoes... Even better the next day for lunch!... hint: large serving

My husband had Shrimp Fettuccine... oh lord.... packed with lots of flavor and yumminess!

Desserts ... again large servings and delicious!! OH and I love their COFFEE... next won't need creamer---its that good!! they source their coffee from vendor in Petaluma... I must check back for the name.

All staff were wearing their masks CORRECTLY!!

Cons: Seemed a bit crowded to be frank. I'm immunosuppressed and vax'd x 3 and I considered wearing my mask in between bites. I didn't... I'm fine after 3 days.

The Air Intake VENTS were extraordinarily FILTHY.

The walls of the kitchen were stained with something black. Maybe smoke, grease, both??? The ceiling is white and textured with something that looks dark like smoke, grease,...