The Charter Oak Restaurant

My wife and I celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary in Napa and went to Charter Oak for dinner on our actual anniversary. My wife booked the yurt outside with the prix fixe menu because it sounded different and fun. The yurt itself was a cool setup, but our gripe is that for $135 per person, the dishes felt mid-range and fell short of what you’d expect at that price point. By the time you add cocktails, tax, and tip, it’s about a $500 bill. For appetizers, we received deviled eggs, celery tossed in furikake (we couldn’t believe it), popovers, and shrimp cocktail. Then we were served a wedge salad, followed by a choice between prime rib or steelhead trout, which came with a few sides: mashed potatoes, mushrooms, and greens. The meal ended with two desserts — a sourdough bread pudding (basically a brownie) and a squash cake (similar to carrot cake). We don’t mind spending the money for a wonderful experience. I’d even say I don’t necessarily expect high-end ingredients while paying a premium if the dishes are composed thoughtfully. But this was just simple, mid-range dish after mid-range dish, and we walked away feeling completely ripped off.

Dinner for a group of 15. We had to choose from a pre set menu ahead of time. Service was excellent. Food was superb and the outdoor seating area beautiful. Highly recommend!

If I could give this restaurant zero stars, I would. Unfortunately, our experience was disappointing from start to finish.

We’re not picky diners, and I rarely leave reviews, but the service and food here truly missed the mark. Every server we interacted with seemed disengaged or inconvenienced by our presence. We ordered our drinks, appetizers, and entrées at the same time. While the appetizers and drinks arrived promptly, we waited over an hour for our main courses. We eventually had to seek out staff multiple times just to get an update.

When our meals finally arrived, they were cold and appeared to have been sitting out for some time. When we raised our concerns, management offered little acknowledgment—no apology, only a brief comment that they would “work on it.” They did comp a portion of the bill and gave us a small gift card along with a complimentary dessert for the table, but unfortunately, the dessert was burnt and inedible.

For a restaurant charging over $200 per person, we expected a far higher level of food quality and service. Sadly, this experience fell far short. I hope management takes this feedback seriously, as St. Helena has many other excellent dining options that deliver both hospitality and value.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 1

The Charter Oak disappointed me enough that I am writing this review. First of all, we made a reservation for the patio. We were unaware until we were seated that yurts being constructed and the noise forbade our eating outdoors (our reason for choosing The Charter Oak.). My husband and I chose to sit at the bar where, unfortunately, we were served by a totally indifferent bartender. When I tried to engage her in some light banter, she literally tuned me out. After our meal was served, she did not ask about our food. I was served a miso caesar salad that was overdressed and salty. The greens clumped together. My husband ordered a grain bowl that was interesting in its concept but it, too, was overdressed. We should have returned my salad for sure. When the bartender removed my uneaten salad, she made no inquiries. It was then I wondered if she had some kind of anti-senior attitude. I can put up with mediocre food if the experience is still pleasant. Our server spoiled the fun. I am treated better at Walmart!

We had an outstanding lunch outdoors on a beautiful fall day. The waiter made some excellent suggestions that we might have overlooked. The sourdough bread was the best ever and I’ve eaten lots of bread over the years. The local raw veggies were innovative and varied with a perfect sauce. Only downsides were the local noisy train and the exorbitant price of the daily catch. Even with a lot of excellent competition nearby, I would definitely go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a must every time I go to Napa. Delicious food, clean restaurant, and friendly staff. Looking forward ti my next Napa visit

Charter Oak is a fantastic spot for seasonal, American-inspired cuisine. The dishes are fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Service is friendly and attentive, though it can get a little slow during busy nights. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a great choice for a casual but elevated dining experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food, great service, great atmosphere.
Side note: My son who is 5, rates the bathrooms 5 stars...

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Solo night and sat at bar. Had amazing burger and I believe, the best fries EVER (and I’m 70yr old) along with a perfect martini

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This was an incredible restaurant. The food was delightfully unique and delicious. The ambiance on the patio is amazing. The service was fantastic, our server was passionate about the food and the drinks. He even gave us a history lesson on Madeira.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best burger in town! My suggestion, get several and share with a few peoples to try it all!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fun restaurant in Napa

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Imagine our surprise seeing a $338 bill after enjoying almost nothing about the food. This place had good service and a beautiful atmosphere (outside). The wine selections were on par with the best we tasted in Napa.

Unfortunately every food item was shockingly mediocre from flavorless wings to the unsalted and un-seared $200 tomahawk steak.

After an outstanding $38 lunch at Gotts, dinner at The Charter Oak has us rethinking a lot of our plans this trip.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 4

Incredible lunch experience! The whole table was happy and my only regret is not having a chance to finish our leftovers. Our server, Ruby, was delightful and made great suggestions. I had the cheeseburger per her rec, and it was great! We also enjoyed the chuck tartar, house bread, and pork jowl skewers. This will be at the top of my list the next time I'm in Napa!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This was easily one of our favorite dinners in Napa Valley. The atmosphere was so comfortable and unpretentious, and the food was exceptional. The service was terrific, on point. We absolutely loved this dinner!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5