Business Details
About
American Restaurant
A locals favorite in historic craftsman home, with lovely heated/ shaded patios. Lovina is uniquely tip-free; our pricing includes a living wage, 401k with employer match, two weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, and health/ dental insurance benefits for all our hard-working employees! Recognized as "Best of the Best" on Trip Adviser for Vegan/ Gluten-Free options, Lovina also satisfies omnivores with locally famous Bolognese and wild Halibut. Our menu is seasonal and locally sourced. Woman-owned by Calistoga local Jennifer Bennett (previous owner of Zazie restaurant in SF), Lovina is unique & welcoming. We feature Jen's handmade pottery, thrown, glazed, and at her home studio here in Calistoga.
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.6
731 reviews
5 stars
544
4 stars
107
3 stars
41
2 stars
18
1 star
21
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Food Quality
Overall, customers praised the food as delicious and well-prepared, with standout dishes like the bolognese and risotto receiving high marks.
Service Experience
While many reviews highlighted attentive and friendly service, there were notable complaints about inconsistent service and a few negative interactions with staff.
Business Model
Customers appreciated the no-tipping policy and the restaurant's commitment to paying staff fair wages and providing benefits, which contributed positively to their dining experience.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's cozy and inviting atmosphere was frequently mentioned, with many enjoying the outdoor seating and overall ambiance.
Pricing Concerns
Some customers felt the prices were high, especially given the portion sizes and quality of certain dishes, leading to mixed feelings about value for money.
- CLChristian & Shannon Lewis1 day ago5.0We almost skipped this place because for me, a restaurant serving the highly processed "Impossible" whatever-it-is-made-of is a major turn off. Fortunately, we gave it a try on our last night and found the chefs have a wonderful ability to make layered tastes with real food, including really fantastic bread. The service and atmosphere were warm and welcoming, and after all the big fancy wine houses, it was lovely to support a true small business. I would definitely recommend and would love to see them make their own version of sausage etc. out of real food.
- ESEve StewartJan 3, 20265.0We had such a lovely experience here. Every aspect of the restaurant was curated with care, every bite was perfect, and the wine was delicious. We left with the content feeling of being welcomed and deeply nourished. The muscles with fennel broth and the “snickers” dessert are not to be missed!
- AZAli ZeliskoDec 22, 20255.0Lovina in Calistoga was outstanding from start to finish. Our server, Taylor, was incredibly attentive and made us feel genuinely cared for throughout the meal. The staff went above and beyond to accommodate our 1-year-old, even bringing out little toys to keep her happy, which made a huge difference for us. The food was incredible, and the service was truly top-notch. We also loved learning that the owner provides living wages and real benefits like a 401k match for staff. It made the experience even better knowing we were supporting an establishment that genuinely takes care of its people.
- MLMac LolaDec 17, 20255.0Delicious food and amazing stuff! Probably the best restaurant in this area! Almost everything gluten free
- RCRita ClaarDec 11, 20255.0We passed by this restaurant several times during our week here and it's always been busy. One of the locals suggested we try it. The prices are expensive because there's no tipping, as the owner pays her staff well, with benefits and a 401K plan, etc. The food was amazing. I only remembered to take a picture when I was halfway through, because it was that good. I ordered the Wine Forest Risotto, and the Wagyu short rib was amazingly tender. The risotto was delicious and savory, with mushrooms throughout. My husband had the Impossible Sausage Lasagna, and it was fabulous. If I hadn't known it was Impossible Sausage, I wouldn't have been able to tell. We had the Levain for the table, and I have to admit that I'm going to try to recreate the whipped kale pistachio pesto butter at home. It will be worth the effort. Don't pass up this restaurant. It's totally worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lovina
Does Lovina accept reservations?
Yes, Lovina accepts reservations. You can book a table through their OpenTable page.
What are Lovina's opening hours?
Lovina is open Monday through Friday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Does Lovina offer pickup or delivery services?
Lovina offers in-store pickup services for orders.
What types of meals does Lovina serve?
Lovina serves brunch and dinner meals.
What is the dress code at Lovina?
The dress code at Lovina is casual.
Are the staff at Lovina fully vaccinated?
Yes, Lovina's staff are fully vaccinated.
What payment methods are accepted at Lovina?
Lovina accepts American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards.
Can I view Lovina's menu online?
Yes, you can view Lovina's seasonal and locally sourced menu online at https://www.lovinacalistoga.com/menu.html.
Which nearby wineries can I visit when dining at Lovina?
Near Lovina, you can visit several wineries such as The Grade Cellars, Romeo Vineyards and Cellars, Lawer Estates, Maldonado Family Vineyard Tasting Room, August Briggs Wines, Maldonado Vineyards, and Vault Wine and Artifacts. These make great stops before or after your meal.
What other dining options are available near Lovina?
Nearby dining options include Calistoga Kitchen (American), Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery, Pacifico Restaurante Mexicano (Mexican/Tex-Mex), and Napa Valley Brewing Company (brewery and bar). You can explore these spots along with Lovina for a diverse culinary experience in downtown Calistoga.
Are there any interesting places near Lovina for arts and culture?
Yes, near Lovina you can visit Catoga (Museum and Art Gallery), Ca' Toga Art Gallery, and the Calistoga Library. These venues offer a nice cultural complement to your visit to Lovina.