CIA at Copia (The Culinary Institute of America at Copia)

"My team and I visited the Grove at Copia following our day's meetings, totaling a party of 11. The reservation process was straightforward, requiring a credit card. Our server, Colin Maher, started off a little rough when we requested for a few members to order from a separate menu instead of opting for the family-style dining. Fortunately, he and the kitchen staff agreed, allowing some of us to order individually. The wine list was decent with reasonable pricing, both by the glass and bottle. Despite this, the food was rather unremarkable. We ordered an assortment of dishes including Mixed Grain Sourdough Focaccia, Crispy-Baked Oyster Mushrooms, Warmed Gaeta and Castelvetrano Olives, Pickled Garden Vegetables, Belfiore Burrata, Insalata Mitsticanza, Rockfish and Manila Clams, Flannery Beef Zabuton, turnip and crab soup, pasta primavera, among others. Disappointingly, the salad was overdressed, resulting in a soggy texture. The soup, olives, Burrata, and Focaccia were agreed upon as the tastiest items we had - the rest were average at best. We rounded off our meal with desserts, dessert wines, and coffee. Interestingly, our server Colin ended the evening on a better note, exhibiting both graciousness and kindness. Despite the enchanting restaurant setting and ambiance, I'm not inclined to return to the CIA or recommend it to colleagues visiting Napa. Whilst we missed out on visiting the gardens due to our evening reservation, they appeared to be quite beautiful from what we could see."

"Spent some time here learning the intricacies of farm to table, wine country cuisine. The location is perfect in the heart of Napa. Had a dinner here, with wine pairing so many courses I lost count. I did not leave hungry,that is for sure. Kind of pricey, but you get what you pay for. Plenty to explore after class!"

"CIA at Coupa is an absolutely beautiful facility! First class in architectural layout, unique artwork, the museum, the student kitchen and even fresh grown herbs. Myself and my family had dinner at Coupa and this is where my disappointment lies. The food was not at all bad; however, all things considered, the food should have been much, much better. Two of three steaks were room temperature on arrival. The bruschetta was served not with basil pesto but with spinach pesto. (Admittedly, the menu may may have stated Spinach Pesto, but not what we expected.)Both were disappointing considering the ambiance and reputation I would expect from CIA. I will try again as the menu did look quite good. I hope I can provide a better rating next time."

"What a happy surprise touring this place. The setting is inviting with high ceilings and lots of light. They have a wall that is hall of fame of wine with plaques for famous people in the winemaking world, and a culinary museum which was unexpectedly interesting and fun, and nice gift shop with unusual and high quality offerings for anyone who cooks or as a gift for friends or family who like to cook. They also have a very cool wine tasting set up which is automated (you pay with a credit card choose a nice glass and then select the type of wine you’d like to try and the amount you’d like and a dispenser pours it for you). Nice seating area nearby. Didn’t have dinner there so can’t speak to that (but it’s got to be good). Anyway, fun stop before or after Oxbow next door."

"Food was so delicious. I especially enjoyed their burger. Buns were fresh and soft. Meat was perfectly cooked. Vegetables on it were refreshing as well. I was sitted inside since outdoor tables were all full. I highly recommend requesting outdoor sitting when making a reservation."