A Scenic Culinary Delight
Nestled along the picturesque Napa River, ALBA Restaurant at The River Terrace Inn offers the perfect Napa Valley dining experience. Recently, my husband and I were able to enjoy a gorgeous summer evening at ALBA. From the charming patio nestled along the meandering Napa River to the delectable array of dishes on the menu, our dinner at ALBA was nothing short of perfection!
Setting the Scene: A Serene Patio by the Napa River
As we arrived at ALBA, the enchanting ambiance immediately captured our hearts. The patio exuded an intimate and cozy vibe, setting the perfect mood for a romantic night out. Seated beneath a beautiful summer sky, the soft murmur of the Napa River added a soothing touch to the atmosphere.
The Appetizers: An Explosion of Flavors
To kickstart our culinary journey, we opted for a variety of appetizers to tantalize our taste buds. Chef Josh Black’s menu is full of incredible items, so we had to get a little taste of everything. The Fried Brussels Sprouts, a delightful blend of crispiness and tenderness, featured a piquillo vinaigrette, lemon dressing, and almonds. They quickly disappeared from the table!
Next up was the Wheat-Free Mac n’ Cheese Fritter, a pleasant surprise for our palates. Made with jasper hill alpha tolmen, potato bechamel, and panko, the creamy texture, and comforting flavors of the classic mac n’ cheese were artfully transformed into a large fritter. We eventually surrendered, in order to save room, but happily took home to enjoy the rest later!
We also couldn’t resist trying the Cornbread a la Minute, a true taste of Southern comfort. The warm, buttery cornbread arrived at our table fresh from the oven, releasing a tantalizing aroma that added to our anticipation. Accompanied by smoked maple butter, seasonal fruit jam, we savored the hint of sweetness and the melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
The Main Course: A Symphony of Freshness
ALBA’s commitment to using locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients truly shone through in their entrees. The Ora King Salmon was a highlight of our meal. Cooked to perfection, the delicate salmon melted in our mouths, while the accompanying farro verde, yuzu cream, pumpkin seed provided a burst of color and flavors that celebrated the bounty of Napa.
The Bistro Salad was a refreshing and vibrant addition to our dinner. Crisp greens, with the delicious addition of pickled shallots, brought a lightness to the meal that perfectly complemented the heartier salmon dish. We snuck another starter in and are so glad we decided to. The Salt Cured Shrimp, was exceptional, my favorite item of the night!
As we watched other diners enjoy the summer evening, we saw a few amazing hamburgers buzz by, along with artfully prepared grazing boards filled with local charcuterie, cheese, fruits, pickles, olives, and breads. A guest sitting next to us declared the Papparedelle with Lamb Ragu & Peconrini the perfect pasta dish. We knew then, we would be back, to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and dishes we missed this time around!
The Perfect Pairing: Local Wines
Being in the heart of Napa, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to explore the restaurant’s wine list. The attentive and knowledgeable staff recommended an exceptional local wine that complemented our dishes beautifully, enhancing our dining experience further. I also spied a few vibrant cocktails on the patio and plan to return for the happy hour to check those out! The week following my dinner experience, I just had to check it out breakfast and it was INCREDIBLE! The breakfast potatoes have become so popular, the spice mix is available at the front desk of the River Terrace Inn.
A Memorable Evening at ALBA
As the night drew to a close, we reflected on our time at ALBA with immense satisfaction. The combination of a romantic patio by the Napa River, delicious and thoughtfully prepared food, and attentive service made this dining experience truly unforgettable. Each dish we savored was a testament to the culinary expertise of ALBA’s chefs and their dedication to showcasing the best that Napa has to offer.
We highly recommend you make a reservation at ALBA Restaurant. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion (they also offer a private dining room for your next special event) or simply seeking an exceptional dining experience, ALBA promises to deliver a magical evening filled with delectable dishes and serene views of the Napa River.
1600 Soscol Avenue, Napa
(707) 320-6911
Breakfast
Monday-Friday 7:00am-10:00am
Saturday & Sunday 7:00 am – 10:30 am
Dinner
Daily 4:30-9:00pm
Bar
Daily 4:30-10:00pm
Happy Hour
Daily 4:30-6:00pm