Ciccio

What it's like

Ciccio is a family-owned Italian restaurant in Yountville, opened in 2012 by Frank and Karen Altamura. The cooking is California-Italian: pastas, pizza, stacked salads and more, with some ingredients from the family's nearby culinary farm. The mood is lively but unfussy, a good counterpoint to the more formal restaurants on the street.

Who it's best for

Families, friends and couples who want something approachable. Pizza and pasta make it easy to feed a mixed group, and the menu is a comfortable choice for people who do not want a tasting-menu night. Dine-in and takeout are both offered.

What to order & how to book

Start with a stacked salad, then choose between pasta and pizza, depending on appetite. The dinner menu is posted on the restaurant's site with current prices.

Reservations run through Resy, and the booking form accepts parties from one person up to eight or more. Larger groups should contact the restaurant directly rather than rely on the online form. Hours as listed: Monday to Thursday 5:00 to 9:00pm, Friday to Sunday 4:30 to 9:00pm. Weekend evenings are the hardest to get, so book early. The restaurant's phone number is (707) 945-1000.

How it fits into a day

Ciccio is dinner only, so it suits the end of a day of tasting. Arrive in Yountville early enough to walk Washington Street, then settle in for an early or relaxed dinner. Because it sits in the center of town, you can park once, and if you are having wine with dinner, a rideshare or an overnight stay in town solves the driving question.