Redd Restaurant Review, Yountville

One of the most underrated places in the San Francisco Bay Area. Located in the heard of the Napa wine country and specifically in foodie heaven aka Yountville, California. It earned One Michelin Star in 2012. We have dined here 3 times, with the last visit in the Summer of 2012. They also run sister Italian restaurant Redd Wood.

Redd serves New American, California cuisine and has been open since November 2005. As they call it: “Updated interpretation of wine country cuisine with influences from Asia, Europe, and Mexico in a relaxed yet elegant environment.”

Decor,Vibe – Redd features minimalist understated decor with a nice open patio in the courtyard, great for cooler evening meals.  Lots of foodie tourists dine here, as expected.

Wine prices were reasonable and collection diverse, especially being in the middle of the wine country. Glasses from $9, Bottles from $29, $25 Corkage. $14 for a very good glass of Tribute Chardonnay.  Lots of specialty cocktails on the menu.

The Mojito ($11) was strong, balanced, and well-made with fresh mint and good rum. Patron Silver was used.

Samurai ($12) Charbay green tea vodka, blackberries, yuzu, ginger beer was red, strong, and recommended.

Redd Menu Pics:

Website Redd Menu

Redd Picks:

Homemade Bread here is excellent.

Donut Holes ($11) were the most expensive ones we’ve ever had, but where fresh from the fryer. Coated with powered sugar and dipped in one of the 3 included sauces, they were awesome. They were served at Brunch.

We hesitated to order the Glazed Pork Belly Appetizer ($13) with apple puree and soy caramel, but the server really recommended it. It was very tasty, although it had quite a bit of fat as expected.  The immense quantities of meat were very tender and the sauce went with it well.  It could have used more greens to balance out the flavor.

Caramelized Diver Scallops ($27, $14 appetizer) with cauliflower puree, almonds, balsamic reduction were awesome. It was a funny combination by worked very well.  They were nicely caramelized and in good quantity. Highly recommended.

Yellowfin tuna and hamachi tartare, avocado, chili oil, fried rice, cilantro ($14) is a signature dish and rightly so. Crispy rice and soft tender tuna in each bite.

Smoked Salmon ($14) with country bread, herb cream cheese, pickled onions, was a do it yourself affair with french bread and white stuff. Very fresh and also highly recommended. Served at Brunch.

Tasting of cold foie gras preparations ($18) stone fruit, pistachios, brioche was heavenly.  Terrine Foie Gras 3 ways – Crusted with pistachios, traditional terrine with cooked cherries, and on a puff pastry.  All smooth and top notch, a must for any fan. We had it the day before the Foie Ban took place. Decadent but worth it.

Sashimi of hamachi ($15) with sticky rice, edamame, lime ginger sauce had lots of fresh fish on top of a bed of sticky rice. The dressing was especially good.

Petrale sole ($24) creamy jasmine rice, clams, chorizo, saffron curry nage was recommended by our server. No breaded filet of sole here! A beautiful dish with a sea of foam and the fish and clams poking out. Perfectly cooked fish and a great sauce. A bit on the spicy side, a recent change we’d remove.

Liberty farms duck breast ($28) onion fondue, cherries, spinach, turnips, five spice was cooked to almost medium, although we asked for medium rare.  Duck flavor and quality was heavenly. Quantity was just right. Love cherry sauce with duck, it’s a perfect combo.

Wild mushroom risotto, spinach, truffle oil ($18) was simply awesome. Initially you smell the truffle oil then the rich flavors of the cheese and mushrooms hits. A vegetarians delight!

Warm duck confit salad, balsamic, cherries, fried shallots, bacon, croutons ($15) had minimal green yet lots of shredded duck. A good hearty salad for lunch.

Butterscotch pudding, vanilla anglaise, toffee, pretzel bits ($10) is their signature dessert. A richly flavored must order with a sweet – savory hint.

Strawberry tart, pistachio, cream cheese mousse, strawberry sorbet ($10) was fruity and well done. Crisp pastry crust with a lite mousse and some fresh strawberries.

Foie Gras Beignets ($12) was on the menu for the Foie ban. A bit too savory with the peanut butter and jelly combination.

Strawberry pain perdu ($10) cream cheese ice cream, strawberry verjus is french toast in French. This was a must get dessert that we devoured quickly. Warm brioche with the cream cheese ice cream melting into it. Nice fresh fruit to balance out the creaminess.

Peanut butter ($10) milk chocolate gianduja, peanut honeycomb parfait is a Resses fan’s delight. A slight of saltiness to the cookie bar made it interesting.

Petit Fours – Saltine Toffee and Orange Chocolates – Free and awesome. What a combination.

OK:

The Calamari Salad ($13) was covered with lots of rice noodles and was good, not spectacular. It could have used more calamari and less noodles.

Strawberry Tasting ($9) dessert had strawberries done 3 ways, french toast, float, s’more.  The float tapioca version was awesome, the other 2 were just fair.

Redd’s service was very good, with no need to chase down waiters or ask for refills.  The atmosphere was modern with very minimalist decor.  Outdoor patio tables are available, but fill up rapidly. Yes, there are excellent restaurants in Yountville outside of Thomas Keller’s Empire! Redd’s food rivals the best restaurants in San Francisco.

Villlago Spa

After a meal, hit the Villagio Spa across the street for a massage or spa treatment.  The outdoor Jacuzzi must not be missed. They have some yummy snacks upstairs in the sitting area. Their $25 access fee to just the Jacuzzi and Sauna is a great deal.

Nearby restaurants include some of the best restaurants around. We have reviewed: The French laundry, etoile, Redd, Auberge du Soleil, Ad Hoc, Bouchon, Bottega.

Book Redd Reservation

$25 Dining Certificate for $5

Redd Overall Rating: (Excellent 3)

Come Back?

Food Rating:	(Excellent)
Service Rating:	(Very Good)
Atmosphere Rating:	(Very Good)
Value Rating:	(Good)

Guide: 0 = poor, 1 = Below/Average, 2 = Good, 2.5 = Very Good, 3 = Excellent , 4 = Extraordinary

Alcohol:	Full Bar
Attire:	Dressy
Hours:	Mon-Sat 1130am-230pm, Nightly 530pm-10pm
Parking:	Street
Reservations:	Yes
Prices:	$10 - $50