Lovina
1107 Cedar St, Calistoga
(707) 942-6500
Recent Reviews
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Nice food, service medium, our waitress was difficult to communicate with and got our order wrong….
The place was cute and the service was good but the food was so disappointing. I had the mushroom and short rib risotto. The short rib was primarily fat and the risotto was undercooked so it was crunchy. My husband had the bolognese which tasted like soap. Whatever spices they used were wildly overpowering the dish and made it inedible. Very disappointing, especially for the price.
This is a beautiful quant place and the food was amazing. Parking is limited especially on the weekends, so be prepared to walk.
This was a very pleasant restaurant in the cute wine country town of Calistoga. We liked that they were a no tip restaurant and that the cost of each item insured that the staff got a living wage and good benefits. Best of all, the food was really spectacular. The short rib risotto was perfectly done and delicious and my Italian heritage spouse said that the Bolognese was the best she had ever had. They also had a nice wine list. 
Outdoor patio was very noisy from local traffic. Seating was uncomfortable and lacked any privacy to visit with your dining partner. Food was marginal. This establishment is definately not worthy of the good reviews. Makes me think they are not true reviews. NOT a Destination while visiting wine country.
Go to spot. Usually hit up Lovina when in Calistoga (3x/year). Tips built into the structure which is great for employees and tip anxiety. The dirty bolo is a must. Just had the Waygu Short Ribs and would absolutely do again.
The food was incredible but the service was terrible. We were there for an engagement celebration and the host was very sweet. We were sat and we didn't see our server for 5 minutes and she didn't not acknowledge and ask about the occasion. There was no personal connection or interest or attentiveness from our server. We brought wine to open and we were through our apps and salads before she even brought out the glasses. The runners were great, but our server was terrible. We would wait long stretches before she came by to check in. The food was incredible though. A zesty aguachile that I would come back for, the savory and addictive polenta bites, the sweet and fresh beet salad with lovely goat cheese. The mains, the bolognese, mushroom risotto and fried eggplant were all executed exceptionally. The chefs are doing fabulous things back there. I'm just sad about the front of house which almost ruined the experience. I asked about dessert and our waiter gave us the menu and disappeared for 10 minutes. We decided to just walk down the street to great ice cream instead. I live close by but would think twice about coming back after this experience. Worth it for the food but service was bad this time.
Excellent experience. Outside seating was very comfortable. A bit of street noise, but not bad. Food was terriffic.
Lovina is totally on point in their greeting, seating, order taking, food service and food. We get in here a couple of times per year. They're friendly, helpful with suggestion, make great food and move it out of their small kitchen in an efficient manner. Inside is cozy and outside is cute. We'll keep coming back.
This was the perfect place to celebrate a birthday. I was greeted with a birthday card signed by staff and a ceramic cork made by the owner. Everyone who worked there was welcoming, friendly and helpful. I appreciated the vegan, vegetarian as well as meat and fish options: something for everyone. The halibut was sublime. Highly recommend.
Restaurantji Recommends
The menu has many unique offerings. Everything was delicious. Definitely a great place to dine when in Calistoga!
This manager couldn’t run a McDonald’s, let alone a fine dining restaurant.
I honestly don’t understand how this place has good reviews. We arrived on time for our 7pm reservation, were polite, ordered two bottles of wine, an appetizer, and entrees — and then… we waited. And waited.
The table next to us, seated after we were, received their food — including what we had ordered. When we asked about the delay, our server responded with visible frustration and zero professionalism. After even more waiting, we requested our meals to-go along with the check. Instead of an apology, the waitress became confrontational and sent the manager over without us asking — a move that only screamed guilt and poor leadership.
The manager arrived and immediately took a defensive, dismissive tone, acting as if the fault was entirely ours. No accountability. No effort to fix the situation. Just arrogance.
As for the food? Not worth the wait. The Bolognese was forgettable, the risotto bland — both underwhelming in a region known for world-class cuisine.
This place clearly needs a reset: better management, better staff training, and a serious lesson in hospitality. You’re in Napa Valley, surrounded by exceptional restaurants — don’t waste your time here.
Celebrated wedding anniversary with family in a private room. Wonderful service and great food! 5 stars!
Great experience. Ian was a delight.
Delightful. Highly recommend the bolognese and the Sunday Funday dessert.
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