Christopher Kostow is a highly acclaimed executive chef and chef-owner known for his leadership at The Restaurant at Meadowood, which achieved and maintained three Michelin stars. He is also a co-founder of Team...
Insights
AmericanBurgersSteakhouseSeafoodVegan-friendlyUpscaleLunchDinnerBrunchFarm To Table
Last updated: 9/29/2026, 4:48:00 AM
Key Information
The Charter Oak is a New American restaurant located in St. Helena, California, known for its focus on seasonal ingredients and a farm-to-table approach. It offers both indoor and outdoor dining spaces, including a terrace and a private yurt experience.
Customer Perception
Customers frequently praise the restaurant for its delicious food, professional and kind service, and enjoyable ambiance. Specific dishes like the corn, squash blossoms, sourdough bread, cheeseburger, and grilled steak receive positive mentions. The freshness of ingredients and the open-flame grill are also highlighted. Some reviews mention occasional inconsistencies, but the overall sentiment is very positive, with many expressing a desire to return.
Additional Details
The restaurant is associated with Chef Christopher Kostow, who also helms the Michelin three-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood. They offer a unique 'Yurt Experience' for a more intimate dining setting.
Came here to celebrate our anniversary. We started our experience sitting at the bar where we enjoyed some delicious cocktails and appetizers. Our bartender, Kayla, was so wonderful and talented with making our drinks and even introduced us to a new kind of mezcal we haven’t tried before. When we had our dinner out on the terrace, we were served with such professionalism and kindness that made our whole evening really enjoyable. We enjoyed the corn, squash blossoms, sourdough bread, cheeseburger and the grilled steak. All were really wonderful. I would happily come back next time I’m in the area.
The freshness of the salad was just mind blowing. It’s literally…the vegetables were in the ground the morning of the day you’re having them. I love their open flame grill. They make their burgers and other meats on it…great picture spot. I would highly recommend this as a lunch place after wine tasting in Napa.
2
A little disappointed bc the reviews were really good, as well as the photos. Unfortunately this was a miss for me.
I originally had dinner reservations elsewhere and changed it to this place bc of all the reviews I’d read and so many locals said this was their favorite place.
The food was ok. Let’s just say my favorite dish was the SALAD (miso caesar). The steak tartare was disappointing. While it looked good, it lacked flavor. The bread which we ordered (was not complimentary) was hard. We took the lamb and $13 rice to go. I tasted the lamb before we left and it was pretty salty.
Although service was mostly good, our serve did not offer us an alcoholic beverage. We thought maybe he forgot, but after visiting our table at least 3-4 times in the first 20 mins, we were never asked if wanted one. We decided with all the food we ordered, we’ll just grab a drink elsewhere afterwards.
The other thing is the server suggested putting in the order all at once and that they would space it out. This is bc they cook most of their proteins over an open fire. So we did what was recommended and EVERYTHING, but the entrée came out five minutes after we ordered it. This is why we ended up taking our lamb and rice home…we were full from eating everything else that was supposed to be spaced out. Also, everything came out so fast, we were there for just 45 mins.
Anyway, I’m sure this was just a one-off situation, but I was highly disappointed bc I had convinced my hubby that this place was all the rage. I would disagree after my visit.
I might go back one day, but to be honest, there are sooo many restaurants to dine at, I don’t think I would be back soon unless a friend suggested it.
Side Note: Parking was easy as they have a designated parking lot and there are also lots of side street parking.
5
Came here for brunch on a su day before Memorial Day. Did reservations for an in door seating around 12:45 pm. Got there earlier around 12:25 pm. Was told that table would be ready about the time of reservation. So we headed to the bar to wait. Upon seating, we realized that was an awesome place for us. Bar has the same menu as tables. The crap spread was super. My eggs with avocado were super tasty and the texture was unique and kind of silky. My wife salmon dish was also of really high quality. Service was above average, very attentive and up to speed despite how busy the place was. The ambience was unique, inviting and super relax. Really liked the bar area. Also they have a great selection of whiskey and bourbon. The open flame grill is unique and adds to the ambience. Will be going back for dinner. Overall, a nice stop. Have reservations as it seems a popular spot.
5
We had a unique dining experience at The Charter Oak, where three guest chefs—Kevin Fink, Saw Naing, and James Yeun Leong Parry—were invited to prepare some of their favorite dishes in a potluck-style dinner. Every dish was prepared to perfection, and the wine pairings complemented each course beautifully. It was a creative, memorable, and truly enjoyable dining experience!
