Violetto — Restaurant in St. Helena

My wife and I came here the night before we got married. Our last hurrah. Never been there. Pulled in, saw no parking at first, then went to a turn around and proceeded over to a parking area. Went inside to a bar and after some discussion about the kind of odd parking lot he indicated very politely that there was valet parking. Oh we said, we didn’t see any signage or a valet so I guess our car is parked. The meal was excellent. The servers excellent. We enjoyed every moment of a blissful evening. Went out to get the car and it was parked in. Searched around and found the valet who was now at his post and asked if he could move a car as we told him there were no signs or anyone here indicating a valet service and that we had parked our own car. How was anyone to know. His response was “in the future be sure to stop here and have your car valet parked “. Now it was said in a very condescending tone. Our bliss went to defense mode We had never been there before and no signs but we felt scolded like a 5th grader who got caught cutting class. He should have said “ I am so sorry I missed you , I will move the car promptly for you and thank you so much for coming“. And the owner needs to have signage indicating what is going on in that parking lot. There will be no future for us here and it’s the last $350 I will drop here. This review is for the owners and staffs benefit. I want this restaurant to do well and like any successful marriage. Communication...

They really have their service down. The staff was extremely attentive in an unobtrusive way, on top of being personable. Truly no notes on the service. The dining room atmosphere was decent. My only complaint is the bathroom location makes it feel disjointed from the restaurant (totally nitpicking there). I heard they are trying to get a michelin star, given the price point, and that the dishes were for the most part tweaked/elevated versions of classic dishes, I don't think the food was quite consistently excellent enough to get there. I think they are reasonably close. The crab pasta course was overwhemed a bit by the red pepper sauce it was a touch too acidic which competed with the flavor of the crab. the cheese desert seemed a little simplistic, and they weren't interesting enough to make up for the simplicity. The tuna carpaccio, while very tastey and well balance flavorwise, didn't highlight the tuna which was lightly seared, muting the flavor, and making it not feel like a tuna carpaccio dish. The duck was well cooked, but all the seasoning was in the sauce making it you you had to get the ratio of duck to sauce right for the seasoning to work. Ideally it would have been more evenly distributed. I think they could also use a little work on portion size. The carpaccio, and rissoto were a bit too big. All of these details are very nitpicky, and we had a very nice evening, but if they want to get to that next level, I think these details need...

My Fiance and I decided to dine here for their new years dinner menu and wine pairing since we're staying at the Alila Hotel.

This was such an incredible experience. We had such an exceptional time and the food was absolutely delicious. The chef came out and gave us a free entree due to our engagement and anniversary which was incredibly thoughtful and even more delicious!

The environment and ambiance of this place was great. The spacing of tables was great for conversation and not feeling crowded.

Every server for our paired wine and dinner were very fun, knowledgeable and kind. Each had their own flair and personality and were just having a great time with us.

Every pairing was absolutely delicious. Each glass and meal were divine. Our best compliments to the chef for these delightful meals. The (wagyu meal and the chestnut soups were our favorites). My fiance is allergic to potatoes and so they were able to curate a suitable option for her without any hassle which turned out amazing according to her.

NYE Dinner aside, this is the restaraunt, breakfast and bar that will be used if you are staying with Alila. Every experience we had was wonderful and the bartenders were fantastic. Ask for a Margaritas at the bar, you won't regret it. Breakfast was wonderful all our nights (Reccomend the chilaquiles).

Overall, Alila and Violetto are incredible and there is so much to eat, drink and do while you're here. We will be coming...