The Grove at CIA Copia

What it's like

The Grove is the restaurant at CIA at Copia, the Culinary Institute of America's Napa campus at 500 First Street, near Oxbow Public Market. The cooking draws on Italian and Mediterranean traditions combined with California ingredients, with the menu shaped by what is coming out of the Copia gardens. You can sit inside or out on the patio under the olive trees.

It is seasonal in style: the restaurant shares plates and menus that shift with the time of year.

Who it's best for

Diners who want a relaxed, garden-side meal in downtown Napa, whether that is a special-occasion dinner or a casual family evening. The weekend brunch and the happy hour give it range, and the kitchen offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices.

What to order & how to book

Order from the seasonal menu and ask what is coming from the garden. Reservations are made through OpenTable. Dinner service has been listed Wednesday through Saturday starting at 5 p.m. (last reservation 8:30 p.m.) and Sunday starting at 5 p.m. (last reservation 7:30 p.m.). Weekend brunch is Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. with a last reservation at 2 p.m., and happy hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Schedules are seasonal, so confirm hours on their site before you go. You can also call 707-967-2555.

How it fits into a day

Copia sits beside the river and a short walk from Oxbow Public Market, so it pairs naturally with a morning at the market or an afternoon stroll along the Napa River Trail. Happy hour is a good way to start an evening before dinner. If you are drinking wine, arrange a rideshare or a designated driver.