Ad Hoc
American
Ad Hoc, Washington Street, Yountville, CA, USA
OUR SCORE
Accolades
- One Michelin star (multiple years)
- Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (multiple years)
- Featured on OpenTable's "Top 100 Best Restaurants in America" list
- Zagat Rated: Top Scores in Food, Service, and Decor categories
- James Beard Award Nominee for Outstanding Service
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
- Recognition from the San Francisco Chronicle’s Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants list
Restaurant Summary
Ad Hoc represents the pinnacle of casual yet sophisticated dining, an embodiment of the region's passion for exquisite food and wine. This charming eatery, brainchild of the renowned chef Thomas Keller, presents a unique dining concept that celebrates the American family-style dining tradition with a touch of upscale flair.
Ad Hoc's ambiance is warm and welcoming, with a rustic elegance that mirrors the laid-back luxury of Napa Valley. Upon entering, guests are greeted by the soft clinking of wine glasses, the laughter of content diners, and an aroma that promises an unforgettable culinary journey.
The restaurant's menu is a reflection of the best produce and ingredients the area has to offer, as it changes frequently, often daily, to ensure that each visit presents a new array of flavors and dishes. What remains constant is the four-course fixed menu, carefully curated to take diners through a sequence of exceptional flavors and textures.
One might begin with a vibrant salad featuring the freshest local greens, tossed with seasonal vegetables, and adorned with a light, tangy vinaigrette. This could be followed by a comforting plate of buttermilk fried chicken, its golden, crispy exterior giving way to succulent, perfectly seasoned meat that's become a signature dish and a reason for repeat visits.
The journey could continue with a side of buttery, garlic-infused mashed potatoes, so smooth and creamy they melt in your mouth, and roasted vegetables that showcase the natural sweetness and earthiness of locally-sourced produce.
The crescendo of the meal might be a cheeseboard, spotlighting artisan cheeses from the surrounding areas, paired with house-made preserves and a selection of rustic breads. Or perhaps the famed barbecue ribs, tender and rich, glazed with a Napa-style sauce that balances sweetness with acidity, paying homage to the valley's winemaking proficiency.
Ad Hoc, with offerings like the decadent chocolate lava cake or a refreshing strawberry sorbet that cleanses the palate and leaves a lingering note of sweetness, the perfect endnote to an exceptional dining experience.
Ad Hoc is not just a meal; it's a celebration of Napa Valley's bounty, a place where the love for food and wine comes together in perfect harmony, and every dish is an ode to the culinary arts. Whether you're a devoted foodie or a wine country wanderer, a meal at Ad Hoc is an essential thread in the fabric of the Napa Valley experience.
8 / 10