The Little Gourmet

Had lunch there today with my mother and 8 year old daughter. This restaurant has good intentions and nice visual appeal; however, we all found the food and service lacking. My mom’s burger was tasteless and charred on the outside, and the garnishes were uninspired. My daughter originally ordered the monte cristo kites, but we were told they were unavailable. Her second choice had a cute name, but was not what I would call healthy or gourmet-​little sausages (they looked like little smokies) in white baked dough with cheese, and a raisin carrot salad that was so sweet that my daughter wouldn’t eat it. My ham panini was not really a panini, just toasted bread, although the sweat potato fries were hot and tasty. The ice tea was weak, the service was slow and not very friendly, and when we were finished he didn’t remove our dirty plates until we asked. The check came and he had charged us for the monte cristo, which was more expensive that the substitute meal. Mind you, we were the first customers to arrive and only one other party came while were ate. Also, the waiver didn’t bring my daughter a menu until we asked (I guess he assumed she couldn’t read yet?), and if this place is so child friendly, why not include a child friendly menu. Finally the bathroom had a diaper genie (nice touch) but no changing table. I would not return and would not recommend to my friends with children. There are plenty of restaurants in Napa that will substitute fresh fruit or veggies on a child plate.

I am writing about the Little Gourmet’s cooking classes for Children. This is my son’s second year taking classes here, and it is wonderful fun for him. There are several age groups, with different times for each, and classes are held on Mondays. Each class has a theme, say Greece or England, or another Country to celebrate through their cuisine. My son has returned home with homemade jam and scones, fantastic apple tart, mediteranean chicken salad, pickled olives, and other delectable treats. The kids get to wear chef hats and aprons and learn all about the Country from which they are preparing to cook. Also there are boys and girls in the classes. so if you have a son who likes to cook, then this is a great place.
The cooking school is only in session on Mondays, the one day of the week which this lovey little homey restaurant with delicious and heart warming food is closed.

Great Place! Someone recommended it to us, and it’s a good thing, or we wouldn’t have seen it. Getting there is half the fun though. You have to walk along a creek, over a very quaint bridge and to the restaurant. We let my daughter follow the directions, and while a little bit challenged, she found it, while we followed and kept our mouths shut.
While it’s meant for kids, we all loved it. The adult menu is delicious! I had the wraps, my wife the pasta and my Daughter had «six friends at a sleep over» or something like that. It was little sausages wrapped in dough (sleeping back) with their heads sticking out and smiley faces.
Really cool idea to make a kid centered restaurant. Can even eat outside next to (and above) the creek!
The only thing we didn’t like, is that when we went to use restroom, which is outside, the floor was all wet, which isn’t very safe for kids. They may have just cleaned the floor by washing it down (we were there right when they opened), but who knows. It just seemed kind of gross and not safe. That’s our only critic of this place, and it would have gotten five stars if not for that. But, overall, highly recommended.

Little do my daughters know when I bring them here that I’m actually bringing them for selfish reasons. This place has great food for all ages. I’m a big fan of the Pasta with Grilled Portobello Mushrooms and Tomatoes. For the kids, the Little Gourmet offers a refreshing change from the typical Kids’ Menu fare of deep fried garbage. It’s healthy food that’s fun to eat, the service is super friendly, and the décor is really fun without being tacky. The location is great – tucked away from the traffic, right by a pretty little creek, and with ample parking in the public lot off Pearl Street near the movie theater. It’s worth the walk across the bridge to find it!

What a great concept!
My 4 year old daughter had many creative and healthy choices. I had a fantastic seared salmon filet over buttermilk smashed potatoes and steamed veggies. There were several wines by the glass available at reasonable prices. The décor was geared towards the under 12 set. There were toys and plenty of things to occupy the kids. It is a nice place to take kids to learn about finer dining without going to white tablecloth places.
We will go there again!

I like this place. I want them to stay in business, and it’s a tough location. Our kids stay entertained through-​out the meal and that alone is worth it. We’ve been there twice and the the turkey wrap and burger are great options. I have to mention (and I love mayo) the potato salad and french dip are a little heavy on the mayo. On a positive note, they serve the kids veggie appetizers, which my kids loved, and the staff is very friendly. Go eat there, Napa families need a place like this!