Cook St. Helena — Restaurant in St. Helena

My bf and I found this place while on a mini weekend getaway. There were some reviews that said a reservation isn't required, which is technically true but I would still recommend it. We didn't have to wait long, but customers with reservations were given (arguably better) tables instead of bar seating, which tbh looked more comfortable and had more elbow room. Not a deal breaker, but just something to be mindful of.

Food. OMG, the food is so good here! There's bread (with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, tsk) available upon request. For mains, he and I shared the gnocchi carbonara (it came highly recommended by some guests sitting nearby) and the cavatelli all'arrabbiata. Both were so good and complimented each other well since one was creamy and the other was slightly spicy. We also had a side of polenta since we don't see it often on menus. Finally, dessert was panna cotta with seasonal fruit. My only regret is that the restaurant isn't closer to where I live :(

Street parking was relatively easy to come by (it was even free at that time of night). Noise level was much louder than I would have liked, so much so that it was even difficult to hear my bf sitting right next to me sometimes. Service was fine but it was difficult to get their attention most of the time (even though we were sitting at the bar), and I also noticed what felt like a different "level" of service that didn't match what other customers sitting close by were experiencing. So... five stars for the food, but four for the...

This charming spot has become a true Napa Valley gem, where warmth and culinary excellence meet in perfect harmony.

You're greeted by a staff so genuinely friendly that it feels like being welcomed into someone's home. They strike that perfect balance of attentiveness without hovering, and their passion for the menu is contagious.

The heart of Cook is undoubtedly its chef-owner Judd, whose presence transforms an already excellent dining experience into something truly special. You can feel their passion radiating throughout the restaurant, creating an atmosphere that shines.

And then there's the food – simply magnificent. Each dish showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared with both technical skill and heartfelt creativity. The menu manages to feel both comfortingly familiar and excitingly novel at the same time.

Cook isn't just serving meals; it's creating moments to treasure. If you're looking for exceptional food in a space that feels both sophisticated and genuinely welcoming, make your reservation now. This downtown Saint Helena treasure is absolutely worth every...

Oh my goodness! I can't say enough about this wonderful restaurant. We did a few wine tastings and my friend craved gnocchi. I did a search and found solid reviews on their gnocchi and hoped the rest of us would find something to eat. No one was disappointed. We made a reservation and arrived early, but our table wasn't ready, so we asked if we could sit at the bar. As soon as we sat down, Stephanie and another sweet server took our drink orders and chatted with us. The establishment is small and our table took longer than anyone anticipated, but we felt like old regulars chatting with the servers. We were encouraged to order starters and had Caesar salad and calamari. Both were delicious. We continued to wait for a table, but it was a pleasant wait. When the table was available, we were seated immediately. Stephanie made great suggestions and everyone ate every bit of their food. I had the Eggplant Parmesan, my friend had the gnocchi, and two others had the risotto. We were so full and happy, we couldn't have dessert, but it was one the best meals we've had in wine country....