A short stop-motion video detailing the Concierge Dinner on August 26th.
NEW UBUNTU REVIEWS!!!!
Yelp diner reviews
11/20/2010 5 stars
California cuisine meets high art at Ubuntu. The only downside of eating at Ubuntu is that sometimes the dishes appear too beautiful to demolish by eating them. But the beauty of the dishes is enhanced and the intensity of the experience is enriched by the impermanence of the edible art. An unforgettable experience, which you’ll probably want to have as often as possible, with loved ones.
10/7/2010 5 stars
Color me impressed, satisfied and in nirvana. We had a table of 7 adults and one toddler, so they suggested a family style supper of whatever was freshest and best. We never even saw the menu. Out came the house cured olives in a pesto something-or other that were out of this world. Candied almonds to die for. Then dish after dish came out of the kitchen for two hours. Every dish made us all gasp or moan with pleasure. In this weird weather year, how on earth did they have such amazing tomatoes? Augh, delightful! For my son, who is allergic to dairy, eggs, pistachios and peanuts, they brought a dish of macaroni with melted tomato sauce which he loved (and I thought tasted great). He also loved his glass of fresh orange and carrot juice. Then, as every dish was brought out to the table, they let us know if it was safe for him or not (most dishes were fine for him). The next day was our son’s 4th birthday and as the meal came to a close they brought out a beautiful sherry glass filled with passion fruit tapioca and coconut sorbet with tiny, purple, edible flowers and a birthday candle. It was amazing, unexpected and delightful! I can’t begin to explain how amazing all the food we had was. The pastas? Wow. The sweet corn grits with house made ricotta and chantrelles? Oh my god.
9/19/2010 5 stars
Being an older New York transplant, I was weaned on corned beef. Meat and potatoes. None of this sissy vegetarian stuff you find in the bay area. But what a revelation a place like Ubuntu is. It proves that vegetarian can be complex, savory, sweet, astringent. In sum, wonderful. Under their new chef, Ubuntu continues to show what can be done with vegetables. My meal started with tomatoes, baby lettuce, and brioche. The whole was elegantly arranged and the seasoning helped contrast the lettuce and tomatoes. Wonderment.
Roasted potatoes and squash with raw cucumber were another treat. The spicing once again brought every vibrant component of the plate together into a whole. Worth the drive from San Francisco.
Finally beans and figs together with rapini. This plate showed just how complex vegetarian can be. Maybe too complex. Probably not. I loved it.
Service was sweet and enthusiastic.”
Opentable diner reviews
11/21/2010
(Outstanding) 5 out of 5
“The food far exceeded my expectations. So creative and fresh. It was one of the best meals I’ve had all year!”
11/12/2010
(Outstanding) 5 out of 5
“We took our server’s suggestions, and everything we ordered was incredibly delicious! Smaller portions, but that meant we could get several plates to share. The combination of flavors- so unique and unusual- made it hard to even fathom what was coming to our table- but it was all quite wonderful! Our server was attentive and very knowledgeable. She made my birthday very special. It is a bit pricey, but I would rather have smaller portions of outstanding food made from super-fresh and innovative ingredients than a large serving of less-inspired fare. You really don’t have to have meat to enjoy a satisfying meal! Ubuntu lived up to its glowing reputation!”
Ubuntu diner comment cards
“Marvelous! We went to Fleur de Lys last week for the vegetarian meal, we loved it , but this was better——bolder flavors & not as deconstructed. Absolutely the best vegetarian meal I’ve ever had!!!”
“what an exquisite dining experience! This will remain one of my most memorable evenings – the atmosphere; sights, sounds, service plus the amazing food are beyond anything I had imagined, and the great yoga class prior? WOW! Amazing ! Loved it! “
“Don’t change a thing! Please!”
Yelp:
5 star reviews
This is an amazing restaurant. Both times I’ve been there the food has been exceptional. What they create the combination of foods and flavors leave one to realize that we have only begun to tap the surface of the food experience.
It doesn’t matter that it is an all “vegetarian” affair. My last visit was with a party of five with only one vegetarian in attendance. Every one of us was equally impressed and sated.
I was very impressed at how knowledgeable and compassionate the wait staff is.
I would recommend this restaurant to any food lover. I especially encourage those who have to have “meat” with their meal to feel as though they have eaten to try this place out.
I look forward to my next meal there. It is one of the best.
Sharon G, Petaluma, 10/10/2010
Color me impressed, satisfied and in nirvana. We had a table of 7 adults and one toddler, so they suggested a family style supper of whatever was freshest and best. We never even saw the menu. Out came the house cured olives in a pesto something-or other that were out of this world. Candied almonds to die for. Then dish after dish came out of the kitchen for two hours. Every dish made us all gasp or moan with pleasure. In this weird weather year, how on earth did they have such amazing tomatoes? Augh, delightful! For my son, who is allergic to dairy, eggs, pistachios and peanuts, they brought a dish of macaroni with melted tomato sauce which he loved (and I thought tasted great). He also loved his glass of fresh orange and carrot juice. Then, as every dish was brought out to the table, they let us know if it was safe for him or not (most dishes were fine for him). The next day was our son’s 4th birthday and as the meal came to a close they brought out a beautiful sherry glass filled with passion fruit tapioca and coconut sorbet with tiny, purple, edible flowers and a birthday candle. It was amazing, unexpected and delightful!
I can’t begin to explain how amazing all the food we had was. The pastas? Wow. The sweet corn grits with house made ricotta and chanterelles? Oh my god.
Jessica M, Novato, 10/7/2010
My mouth sings…
Amuse- Compressed green apple on a lime puree, with a sweet red pepper slice, sweet and sour topping, and a gooseberry.
1st- Torn brioche, baby head lettuce, and sliced tomatoes.
2nd- Garden inspired extruded pasta: Spiced fiore, confite ‘gajo de melon’
3rd- Hudson Ranch ‘cranberry/cannellini’ bean and green fig ribollita
4th- “inside out” Arbuckle grits, oven dried ripened and fried green tomatoes.
With the exception of the grits, which were a bit heavy and under seasoned, this meal was a revelation. The amuse was both delightful and cleared my palate for the dishes to come. The other dishes were perfectly balanced, wonderfully executed, and playfully plated. Every component melded and complemented each other.
The staff…
Not pushy or prim; welcoming and happy to help. Not stuffy or disapproving; friendly, knowledgeable, and comfortable.
I am in love.
Allison E., Fairfield CA, 9/28/2010
Open table
“We got the tasting menu and it was worth every penny! Great job!!”
10/10/2010
“The food here is exceptional. Locally sought, the freshest and most perfect of vegetable ingredients are crafted and cajoled into yielding startling flavor, then composed with intelligence and exquisite care on the plate. Four of our five dishes were among the best enjoyed in our long and gustatory lucky lives and our waiter served with tact and humor. Bravo!”
10/09/2010
“My wife and I were skeptical about an all vegetarian dining experience, but we were absolutely blown away by the flavors, colors and creativity of the cuisine. We didn’t miss meat for a second!! The service staff was attentive, friendly and highly knowledgeable about the menu and the components of each dish. This is one of those experiences you remember for a lifetime. I’m so glad we tried it!!”
10/06/2010
Guest Comment Card
“Wow! Your food and service was exceptional. You really went above and beyond to make my wife’s birthday meal the best ever. We will definitely be spreading the word about your restaurant.”
10/2010
“Our culinary experience exceeded all expectations! The combinations of flavors, textures, colors, and presentation made for an unusual, amazing dinner. No one should skip desert.”
10/2010
“Hard to believe- even better than before.”
Zagat Review 09/22/2010
“I like meat but man this place made me forget about that! I tried the cauliflower mash potatoes and chickpeas something. I forgot the name of the dish but it was excellent. The cuisine falls into a category of it’s own- it’s unique, tasty and unlike anything I have ever eaten before. It takes vegetables to a whole new level. I am a fan of this place.”
9/28/21010
Yelp Review
“Being an older New York transplant, I was weaned on corned beef. Meat and potatoes. None of this sissy vegetarian stuff you find in the bay area. But what a revelation a place like Ubuntu is. It proves that vegetarian can be complex, savory, sweet, astringent. In sum, wonderful. Under their new chef, Ubuntu continues to show what can be done with vegetables.
My meal started with tomatoes, baby lettuce, and brioche. The whole was elegantly arranged and the seasoning helped contrast the lettuce and tomatoes. Wonderment.
Roasted potatoes and squash with raw cucumber were another treat. The spicing once again brought every vibrant component of the plate together into a whole. Worth the drive from San Francisco.
Finally beans and figs together with rapini. This plate showed just how complex vegetarian can be. Maybe too complex. Probably not. I loved it.
Service was sweet and enthusiastic.”
9/19/21010
Yelp Review
Let me say that I love my meat and practically need meat with every meal, but Ubuntu is where I can make the exception. I ate at Ubuntu with my sister and we tried practically everything on the menu. The flavors and textures gave my palate a little joyride. You would be surprised to know that eating carrots, grits, mushrooms, squash and tomatoes can fill you up. The staff was a pleasure and the fact that there is a Yoga studio upstairs makes me giggle, but does set the mood right. Even if you are a meat lover, you need to try Ubuntu at least once.
9/16/2010
Yelp Review
Otherworldly, bio-dynamically grown, vegetarian food prepared with acute attention to detail and served as though in an art gallery. Wonderful taste experiences—like no other restaurant. My girlfriend and I have toured their garden, complete with crystals and rites of soil preparation, and it’s a wonder of color, and variety and health and beauty. All of this is translated into excellent fare for all the senses. A unique and fine dining experience in downtown Napa. AND, you can combine a meal with yoga session.
9/16/2010
Yelp Review
“Amazing fresh ingredients (90% from their own garden) prepared in innovative dishes. They absolutely deserve the Michelin star.”
Opentable Review 10/06/2010
“I have eaten at Ubuntu (Napa) twice. Both dining experiences were spectacular. The food is delicious and beautifully presented. The service is exceptional and there is an intimacy generated by the acoustics of the space. I will return to Ubuntu for another meal - hopefully soon!”
Opentable Review 10/05/2010
“Vegetarian cuisine at its best! One of the most unique lunches I have ever had, and I am a true meat lover also. Being from the south, the grits with the local cheese were A+, and we know our grits!”
Opentable Review 9/26/2010
“the food was extraordinary- as always. This is my 8th tine here, always bringing someone new and they always love it! Thank you for your vision and excellence in every way.”
Guest Comment Card, October 2010
“I have been a vegetarian for 18 years and this was, without hesitation, the best meal I have ever had. Such exquisite textures and flavors made with great artistry and love thank you”
Guest Comment Card, October 2010
‘’The most amazing culinary journey of my life!”
Guest Comment Card, October 2010
“it is difficult to be unique- and when you are, the world basks in your light and shine! Thank you ubuntu!”
Guest Comment Card, September 2010
Ubuntu Yelp Reviews, Sept. 2010
The C.
East Los Angeles, CA
5 star rating
9/9/2010
Oh Napa. Let me count the ways… I’m pretty sure I announced my early (VERY early) retirement throughout my weekend with you…you devilish land of grand. I promise not to smooch too much all over you with my recap, but darlings….this trip was tasty.
Round one: Ubuntu. Located in downtown Napa near the river; a part of town full of gentrification promises. Where things such as Michelin Stars might get you all in a bend, let me first point out that this is also an all vegetarian dining experience. I say experience lightly, life changing might be more apropos - and this is a meat eater talking.
Never has the power of the micro green been so boisterous. Curious and tiny…plate after plate you made yourself heard. Well done mighty tasty youngins! Layers or flavor and texture, a dish complexity that was honest and no where near pretentious. Be prepared for small plate style. Next time I’m bringing more people so I can do the complete menu tasting - surely not to disappoint. Check out the damage below:
Clear Cantaloupe and Sage Gazpacho: I can’t even begin to explain how amazingly awesome this meal was: ‘rat tail’ radish, fork crushed avocado, ‘banana’ mint.
Young Potatoes with Cucumbers, roasted/raw/emulsion/ash: Mexican Gherkins…..I die.
Heirloom Tomatoes and Pacaccio Eggplant puree, Herb Froth: More Micro Greens, salty froth….lots and ooh’s and ahhh’s to follow…..
Wine: Blackbird Arriviste. “Inspired by “les gitanes,” the gypsies of St. Emilion”....no kidding. Those gypsies coxed me into 2 glasses at lunch and a compulsive online search to find any remaining bottles that might still be out there. I’m still looking for you sweet rose water…
Al. W
Oakland, CA
5 star rating
9/8/2010
Loved loved loved this restaurant. Great service, great wine…and most of all, great food. It’s always a chore finding good vegetarian food, but in this case, it was a pleasure. I loved the atmosphere, presentation, and focus on healthy, good, sustainable food choices.
Shane C.
Palo Alto, CA
5 star rating
9/7/2010
Alright I am going to keep this short because there is nothing I don’t like about this place. Everything is great and it is the perfect meal at the end of a day of wine tasting and otherwise heavy food. This probably is my favorite restaurant now just eeking past Plumed Horse but they are hard to compare as Plumed Horse excels at meat preparation.
You should also definitely come here with 4 people and then just order one of everything on the menu. Not kidding. So great to try some of everything. Same for the desserts, one of each. Just make sure to do some bike riding or something that day so you don’t feel like a fat kid when ordering. The great things is that because the meal is so light and fresh I ate more here than I have in a long time and felt great after. Another great thing about this place is the vegan milk shake. It is the perfect drink to order upon sitting down to help clear your mind and taste buds of all the wine you have had all day.
Jay A.
San Francisco, CA
5 star rating
8/31/2010
I’m not vegetarian but if I can eat like this everyday, I would so convert!
The food here is simply amazing. I was curious whether or not the food would suffer with all the recent changes based on my recent experience, it has not. My two friends and I ordered 8 dishes total. We did not ask for the waiter to bring out the dishes 2 at a time but I think this worked wonders with showcasing their food. They carefully thought about the order in which to send them out as well. If you ever make your way to Napa, make sure this is one restaurant you cannot miss.
Janice H.
Pasadena, CA
5 star rating
8/30/2010
This is an amazing vegetarian/healthy food place. There’s nothing bad I can say about this place. Just keep an open mind, because meat lovers will want some meat, but trust me, the flavors are well worth the lack of meat for carnivores.
This is a great lunch spot; try to sit at the patio if you can. Inside is also very nice too, and there are these fascinating warrior statues that can be scary yet intriguing.
Bottom line, worth the money and time.
David A.
San Francisco, CA
5 star rating
8/16/2010
Excellent vegetarian fare in a cool, modern space with a range of seating options (small table to communal), and an overarching relaxing atmosphere.
The food included a wide range of flavors and more spices (though not necessarily “spicy”) and more exotic vegetables than I have had in ages. This combination rendered the meal interesting above and beyond the fact that it was very good.
The Yoga Studio is upstairs in the rear. Other than that, pictures on the wall, a gong, and the fact that the food is vegetarian, I’m not sure what the connection is (granted as I typed this sentence, the connection seems there). So, namaste!
Apr 06, 2010
Current Yelp Reviews!!!
Julie B.
San Francisco, CA
3/29/2010
What an incredibly special little place. The atmosphere is vibrant but cozy and the staff is accommodating but not pushy. Rare combination
To drink: One glass of cabernet made on property. One glass of iced tea.
To appetize ourselves: “Carta de musica” which is this delicious array of fresh vegetables and greens all from the garden, including fresh edible flowers lined with thinly sliced pecorino underneath. All served over homemade rosemary flatbread. So fresh.
This was followed by an “onion doughnut” stuffed with fresh burrrata coated with fried shallots all served over micro greens from the garden. Oh and there was even more burrata on the sides!
To eat: Grits. Im Southern, so the sheer presence of grist on the menu made me excited. They were served creamy with trumpet mushrooms, truffle oil, and fried egg to top it off.
I have a number of allergies that make it very for people to cook for me (think: no garlic, no onions and no gluten). So, when I called before and the chef was willing to accommodate, I was pleasantly surprised. Usually though, it means I will be forced to eat some bland and thrown together last minute. But, this one of the most thoughtful, beautiful meals I’ve ever had. They prepared a special potato, mushroom dish with a homemade gouda fondue drizzled across the entire plate.
In sum: the presentation is top-notch. the ambiance is nice yet not-uptight. The food is fascinating and unique. And the basic idea of the whole place is to focus on people’s allegiances and relations with each other emphasizing community, sharing and generosity.
I left happy.
Seymour S.
San Francisco, CA
3/29/2010
Very yummy. Organic and fresh. We went here for lunch. We left full but also felt healthy. I loved the fusion drinks. Creative veggie menu and the decor is so urban cool.
Yvonne D.
Los Angeles, CA
3/27/2010
Holy s***, this is the best Vegetarian restaurant I’ve ever dined at! It was so good that I didn’t even miss not having meat. Everything was flavorful, satisfying, and well thought out. Plus the service was friendly and our adorable waitress did a thorough job of explaining every annoying question we had. If I could eat vegetarian food like this everyday I’d probably be on PETA’s payroll. The only thing you need to know about Downtown Napa Valley proper is Ubuntu - yeah it’s that good.
Velika L.
Glendale, AZ
3/21/2010
Went to Ubuntu to kick off my sister’s bachelorette party in Napa. It was a fabulous meal that ended up being 3 and 1/2 hours long! We ordered one of everything off the menu. The menu is constantly changing with whatever is fresh in Ubuntu’s garden. The portions are small, but you get a good taste of everything that way. All of the staff was very friendly. I highly recommend dining at Ubuntu. You’ll walk away with a great experience and feeling good about what you just ate because all of their dishes are healthy.
Gregory G.
Napa, CA
3/14/2010
Excellent without exception. Service was fast, friendly and helpful, and the dishes transported by the smiling staff were all interesting, exciting, and delicious. The new executive chef was friendly, as well as creative and gifted. A great experience. (I also really enjoy the yoga there)
Robert H.
Tempe, AZ
3/9/2010
Mixed greens with goat cheese on flat bread: Ultra healthy, minimal, ultra delicious, Ultra 5 star!
It is a vegetarians “must” while in wine country.
If you are into infusion dishes and new dining experiences (foodie) this is that place for you too!
The portions are a tad small but they have done an excellent
job of giving a great dining experience and I did not leave hungry.
(There is a steak place right up the street if you are looking for a porterhouse)
It is certainly not a cheap place but I left feeling that it was worth it.
they present them selves in a world class manner and I believe it is deserved.
Certainly a place to take a date and, the service was world class as well.
Brownie S.
San Ramon, CA
2/28/2010
So neat! I’ve been to many vegetarian restaurants but this was an experience.
The dishes were very interesting and we liked everything. The menu took a second or two to figure out b/c the descriptions of the food were so detailed. The server was helpful, though, and advised us on how many dishes to order. (We had 5 dishes for 2 people.) Other yelpers are right, the portions are not huge but that’s ok. It lets you to try a bunch of different dishes.
As for the restaurant itself, the decor was elegant and nice. Parking was easy and finding the restaurant wasn’t a problem.
Apr 01, 2010
Current Crop
GREENS: amaranth - calaloo, garnet red arugula - surrey borage chard - fordhook giant, rainbow choy - golden, tatsoi ficoide glaciale hon tsai tai kale - lacinato, red russian lettuce - antago, black seeded simpson, flashy trout, goose, lolla bionda, new red fire mustard - ruby streaks, golden frill nasturtium leaves spigarello spinach - egyptian, new zealand, red cardinal
TUBERS AND ROOTS: beets - forono carrots - ox-heart, purple haze, white satin, dragon, rainbow radish - d’avignon, ping pong, icicle, easter egg, french breakfast, scarlet long, amethyst, red head, rat tail turnips - hakurei, scarlet queen
MIXED VEGGIES: cucumbers - armenian, lemon, marketmore, mini white, palace pride, parisian pickling, satsuki midori, suyo long eggplant - black beauty, fairy tale, listada de gandia, rosa bianca, udamalapet fennel - orion, perfection, zefa fino gherkins - mexican sour, west indian burr kohlrabi - kossak, purple, superschmeltz leeks - king richard onions - bianca di maggio, cippolini, purplette, red tropea peppers - baby bell, eisley wax, esplette, nora, padron, paprika, pimento, poblano, small yellow, yummy poha berries summer squash - bush baby, costata romanesco, dundoo, flying saucer, multipik, one ball, peter pan, soleil, sunburst, zephyr winter squash - banana, mini jack, kakai, sweet dumpling
