Napa Travel Forum

Can any VT member suggest a good place to stop for lunch on our way to Napa from San Francisco International Airport?

Background Info: My husband and I will be arriving at SFO on a Tuesday at 12:14 PM. Assuming the flight is on time, we estimate that by the time we pick up the rental car it'll be about 1:00/1:15 PM. I would prefer to get out of the San Francisco area and cross the bridge before stopping for lunch. Where is a good place to stop? Is Sausalito a good place? We don't have any preferences as far as cuisine, but would like something good. We don't care for chain restaurants or fast food. We like to sample local flavors and are always willing to be adventurous when it comes to food; but also appreciate good sandwiches, salads, or a good diner-style pie. The place can be a hole in the wall or a fancy shmancy restaurant. The only rule is the food has to be good. (Also, we have to be able to walk-in w/o reservations due to uncertainty of arrival time.) Suggestions?

Horizons Restaurant in Sausalito. Take the first Sausalito exit after crossing over the G.G. Bridge and follow the winding road down to Bridgeway on the water level. Horizons is on the right not far after.

http://www.horizonssausalito.com/Horizions/map.html

Scomas in Sausalito. Same directions as above, along the water. Great seafood and ask for a table with a view of the City. Otherwise, stop IN SF. Go to Ghiradelli Square and park underground. Eat at McKormick and Kullettos. GREAT view, excellent food, validated parking.

Many thanks to Callaveta and Brotherleelove for the suggestions.

It's a good hour drive, but the best dinner you'll ever have. Ever. The French Laundry (website: http://www.frenchlaundry.com). Plan on several hundred dollars per person, but if you can afford it, it's well worth it.

Buckeye Roadhouse

http://www.buckeyeroadhouse.com/

It's about 5-10 minutes north of the bridge and an institution. Excellent, excellent food. Just had dinner there last week, and as usual, I left thinking this is the best place to eat in Marin. It's closer to fancy shmancy. Defnitely not a hole in the wall. Decor is mountain lodge style. At the time of day you'd be getting there, you won't need reservations. Their Smores dessert is the best.