Lovina in Calistoga

I came into Lovina with no real expectations, since my wife had booked us a reservation the day-of when we stayed a weekend in Calistoga. It sounded like a cute farm to table type restaurant and they had pasta, so I was in!What it turned out to be was so much more than a little restaurant and ended up being my favorite meal of the trip, and honestly some of the best pasta Ive had in all of California.From the start with the friendly staff (that they pay a living wage! No tipping needed!) to the end of the meal, everything was fantastic. They even gave us a card for our anniversary! The extensive drink menu, even outside the Napa wine selections, was unique and put a twist on some classic drinks. Their menu, while not extremely large, had a good balance of vegan and meat-containing options to choose from. Even the bread they offered, which came with an avocado garlic butter, was different and amazing!We ordered two starters - a quinoa salad with a delicious vinaigrette dressing that was bright without being too sour, and a special that evening of halibut ceviche with tortilla chips. Both were great, and the portion sizes were even bigger than we expected for an appetizer. Our main meals we each got a pasta - the mushroom gnocchi with a very good, earthy flavor to the gnocchi itself was paired with a decent amount of vegetables to go with it. The other meal we got was the pork and beef bolognese, which can only be described as deliciously bright and not nearly as heavy as any other bolognese I remember having outside the east coast.Because of the generous portion sizes, we skipped the dessert (although the flourless brownie dessert was tempting). Overall our check before tax was $170 - which is what weve paid for a single person at prix fixe spots weve been to previously. The fact that Lovinas food was comparable-if-not-better and a fraction of the price (even with drinks!) is outstanding.I did give the atmosphere 4 stars, but its mainly because the place was full to the brim and since its in an older house theres not a ton of space between tables. Larger tables even shared benches with other tables to accommodate more space to eat - its not a bad thing to have so many people but it was a little louder and Im hoping they eventually get a larger space because they deserve it!Im going to recommend this place to everyone that tells me theyre going to Napa, no matter how far away they might be staying!

Wow! What a gem. The food was so good, the service was amazing and super cute atmosphere. Nice business model that includes tip and living wage and benefits for staff. We had the sourdough appetizer, which was sooo good. I had the halibut. It was perfect. My friend had the mushrooms forest dish, also yummy. Save room for dessert. The hot mess will not disappoint.

Enjoyed a delicious meal at this lovely gem. The menu offers a little bit of everything for all types of lifestyles (carnivores, omnivores, pescetarians, etc) with which my hubby and I were pleased. I had the GF spaghetti with Impossible meat and it was delicious. The flavor of the marinara sauce was well balanced with thr seasoning. Salt was minimally present which was perfect. My hubby had the Impossible lasagna with cashew cheese. It, too, was delicious and flavorful.All the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. They seemed genuinely happy to work there. Along those lines, the restaurant is a no-tip facility but its prices reflect a living wage + benefits for all its employees. Bravo!!The history of the restaurant is interesting. Please read it and take a picture with the bear. Lastly, its a woman-owned restaurant that has withstood many of the challenges its experienced (COVID, fires, etc). Its a real gem and a local favorite!

Simply all around 5 star experience. Made the evening for us - hospitality from staff who helped us was the best!! You guys rock (Rachael et al).We were out of town visiting to spend few days in Calistoga. We were staying @ a local place so had made the reservation in advance (would highly suggest that and look for outdoor patio when booking).We were early by 20 mins or so and were basically turned away to come back which could have been handled differently. But the hospitality after we arrived at our reservation time, made it for that unpleasant experience; so much so we totally forgot about that. While we waited for our perfect table at the deck, we were seated at the bar and served wine and because we had to wait for additional time at the bar (seated and enjoying convo with wine), we were served complimentary starter.Food and wine was the BEST!! Halibut is a must try! This is served with shredded form of mushrooms and house made gnocchi that were the best we had ever had. And must I say - its a great place for vegetarians. We also tried veggie spaghetti bolognese that was flavorful.Thank you for the wonderful experience!! This will be our go to place everytime we are here!

What a gem of a restaurant! Truly elegant food served with a homemade, authentic personality in a very cozy setting. Lovina is an oasis in a sea of restaurant choices. The staff shines, and puts a spotlight on the customer experience. We felt welcome the minute we stepped in and it carried through the whole evening, with attention to every detail.We split the Curly Kale salad, a wonderful blend of fresh tastes and textures with its citrus, hearts of palm and almond slices. For our entrees we chose the Impossible Lasagna and Almost Bolognese dishes. Each was like a party on the plate, filled with delicious ingredients that played with our palates.We especially liked reading - and supporting - Lovina’s business approach to including a tip in the price and paying all their workers a premium. You can tell that everyone working there was happy, and this came through in how customers were treated.Thanks again to Ian, Jordan and the rest of the team for a memorable evening!

Darling! We recently dined at this lovely restaurant. It was a treat! This was the most delicious food and best service while visiting the Napa area. Michaley, their manager, was so welcoming. It was like going to eat at your best friends house. Only that this friend actually knew how to make a solid drink, and sumptous, delicious food. Easy repeat clients. We loved it! Highly recommend.

This is the easiest 5 star review. Exceptional food and service. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be there. Love their ethical pay standards. I ordered the juiciest half chicken and Lasagna to go. Im obsessed with the fact that they offer so many great alternatives for us restricted eatersIm only bummed I found this place on my last night in Calistoga. Customer for life.

Lovina is a beautiful restaurant with a lot of character. The employees are kind, helpful, and fun, and my team had a blast! I ordered the risotto dish and was sad - it needed a bit more seasoning but it may just be a preference. Everyone else was very happy with the food and wine and I hope to visit again!

Yes, I had bolognese for breakfast. It was amazing. One of the top meals of my life. Get it with the truffle butter and cheese. What an amazing little place in this amazing little town!

Food was good but different for me.Service was Beautiful...they were Very nice and attentive. They gave me a blanket because I was cold.