PRESS Restaurant

  • Where Exceptional Cuisine Meets Wine Country Elegance

    Nestled along the iconic Highway 29 in the heart of Napa Valley, PRESS Restaurant is more than a restaurant—it’s a celebration of the region’s world-class wines and culinary artistry. Owned by the esteemed Rudd family, PRESS has become a haven for locals, winemakers, and global visitors seeking a dining experience that encapsulates the spirit of Wine Country.From the moment you step inside, PRESS captures your attention with its sleek, modern decor. The warm lighting creates an inviting ambiance, while thoughtful touches like a decorative ceramic clock from a New York train station give the space a cosmopolitan flair. It’s Wine Country sophistication with a touch of New York polish, making it a chic yet comfortable venue.

    A Cellar Like No Other
    The restaurant’s wine cellar is a sommelier’s dream, boasting the largest selection of Napa Valley wines in the world. Whether you’re drawn to historic vintages like the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 from the original Judgment of Paris or rare, once-forgotten gems like Roddis and Oakford Vineyards, the cellar is a treasure trove. Vincent Morrow, a Master Sommelier and PRESS’s Wine Director, curates this exceptional collection with the precision and care of a true artist.Morrow’s expertise shines through in the thoughtful wine pairings that elevate each dish. With Cabernets as the crown jewel of the collection and a range of varietals that showcase Napa’s diversity, you’re in the best hands to explore the region’s vinous history and innovation.

    A Culinary Symphony
    The culinary program, helmed by Executive Chef Philip Tessier, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Tessier, an alum of The French Laundry and the first American chef to medal at the Bocuse d’Or, has reimagined PRESS from a classic steakhouse to a destination for refined American cuisine. His commitment to sourcing the finest local ingredients is evident in every plate.

    The tasting menu evolves every few weeks, reflecting the bounty of Napa Valley’s farms and the seasonality of California’s produce. From the first bite, you know you’re in for a treat.

  • Highlights from My Visit
    The evening began with a cocktail, the Damage Control, a vibrant blend of mandarin vodka, St. Germain, yuzu, and ginger beer. It was the perfect opener, striking a balance between refreshing and indulgent.

    To accompany my cocktail, I ordered Golden Osetra Caviar served with shrimp blini, egg mousse, and fresh garden herbs. It was both elegant and indulgent. 

    The Cod Collar Croquette with young ginger and flowering wasabi leaf was another standout, showcasing finesse and creativity.

    The Seeded Pretzel Epi, braided like a halo and paired with cultured yogurt butter and sweet onion powder, was an unexpected delight—comfort food elevated to an art form.

    As a self-proclaimed gnudi enthusiast, I was thrilled to savor the Ricotta Gnudi with white truffle butter and cocoa nib whey. The light, pillowy gnudi melted in my mouth, leaving me wishing for a second serving.

    The main courses were nothing short of showstoppers. The Truffle-Glazed Chicken was impossibly tender and flavorful, paired with smoked bacon, roasted sunchokes, and a luxurious sauce vin jaune. Meanwhile, the 35-day New York Strip, accompanied by creamed leeks, charred onion, and chanterelle mushroom jus, was a masterpiece of precision cooking.

    Sweet Endings
    Dessert at PRESS is as exquisite as the rest of the meal. The Café au Lait with coffee crème, milk ice cream, and cardamom caramel was a dreamy nod to classic flavors, while the Brown Butter Maple Crémeux, paired with green apple sorbet and mulled cider, was a perfect harmony of sweet and tart.

    A Napa Valley Must-Visit
    PRESS Napa Valley offers more than just a meal—it’s an experience that celebrates the region’s culinary and viticultural heritage. From its unparalleled wine program to its inventive and meticulously crafted cuisine, PRESS sets the standard for excellence in Napa Valley dining.

    Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a foodie, or simply someone looking to savor the best of what Napa has to offer, PRESS promises a night of indulgence, discovery, and unforgettable flavors.