Last fall, Bon Appetit published a list of the best restaurants in Napa, in their opinion. It's an eclectic mix that included a burger stand and a Thomas Keller restaurant "for the people." Their recommendations track the upswing in previously stodgy downtown Napa, with no less than 3 of the 7 located there. See their list here.
In March, our friend Rick Spear of Blue Heron Tours posted about a place where "dining is anything but refined" - but nevertheless delicious - at the Fremont Diner. You can read his comments here.
To those, I'd add Farmstead in St. Helena, created by Longmeadow Ranch, drawing from the products of their own property. The biscuits are so good that we can't resist taking an extra order home and anyone we've ever taken there has become a member of the Clean Plate Club.
Do you have more suggestions? Comments are just below.