The Rutherford Grill is the place to be. This is a local’s hotspot, where wine industry people and other business folks gather for a lunch meeting or just to socialize. We visited on a Wednesday in February for lunch and the place was packed. Fortunately, it was a beautiful day we were able to do our 30-minute wait outside enjoying the sunshine and glass of white wine. The Rutherford Grill does not take reservations, so if you are going plan on getting there early or you will have to wait.
The best thing about this place is the total experience. It is not just the great food and service but it is the jovial atmosphere of the restaurant that makes you want to be here.
The food is excellent as well as its presentation. Janelle order the hacked Caesar salad. It came with strips of rotisserie chicken and other goodies. Joe tried the veggie burger served with the Rutherford Grill’s famous wild rice salad. Both dishes were very good. The restaurant has a good selection of wines by the glass, and they are not stingy about the pour. We each got a glass of wine that was at least 6 ounces and maybe a tad more.
Despite the fact that the place was jammed pack, our orders came in a timely manner. We did not feel rushed or hurried in anyway. We thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing hour for our lunch.
If you like to people watch, a good spot is the oval bar. From that spot you have a commanding view of all that is going on at the Rutherford Grill.
The Rutherford Grill is located on the corner of Highway 29 and Rutherford Road, right next to the Beaulieu Winery.
The Good: Very good food and service, lots of locals, jovial atmosphere
The Bad: The restaurant is popular and there can be a long wait for a table.
Hi there.
My wife and I ate here whilst on our honeymoon last September during a mad 24 hour rush through the Sonoma and Napa Valleys. We were recommended it by a San Franciscan we met in a winery and he wasn’t wrong. It was fantastic and worth the wait for a table.
My baby back ribs were the best I’d ever tasted (coming from the UK that wasn’t difficult!!).
I am desperate to get the recipe for the ribs and the sauce they covered them with. If anyone knows a Rutherford website address, I’d be grateful if you could pass it on…