It’s no mystery why Eiko’s Modern Japanese Cuisine is one of Napa Valley’s most popular restaurants. The food is irresistible, the drinks delectable, and the staff makes customers feel like part of the family. So when the cool, damp air of late winter chills to the bones, stop in to warm body and soul.
Locals love Eiko’s – it’s where friends meet to enjoy a drink, good conversation, and Japanese tapas. Some like relaxing at the bar and kibitzing with the familiar face behind the counter, while others enjoy sitting out on the patio where the fire pits are stoked up; plenty of cozy lounge furniture, a big game screen, and dogs are welcome. For those needing space for a generous spread of food, ample seating is available in the dining room.
Start the evening off right with some great cocktails in exotic flavors. Eiko’s Lychee Martini with Japanese Haku Vodka and Perfect Purée Lychee is delicately sweet and floral, while the Espresso Martini invigorates on a cold night. Some enjoy wrapping their hands around a warm mug of green tea, and Eiko’s has a fabulous selection of imported Japanese variations to choose from. And who could turn down sake? Eiko’s carries a variety of premium chilled sakes, as well as Ozeki warm sake, all of which can be enjoyed throughout the meal.
Consider sharing a mix of Japanese tapas as a starter. An enticing combination might include the ever-popular Crispy Chili Rock Shrimp. These deep-water rock shrimp are fried, then tossed in a sweet, spicy glaze, and finished with sesame seeds and chives. Add to that an order of the Blackened Edamame with Japanese 7-spice lime zest butter and Eiko’s incomparable, sushi-grade Fresh House Made Ceviche with snapper, octopus, and shrimp, served with yuzu salsa, wonton chips, and avocado. Eiko’s is renowned for its tapas, with over twenty options on the menu at any given time.
A second course in this friends-and-family scenario might be an assortment of “Signature Rolls.” These sophisticated combo rolls are as satisfying as they are entertaining. A can’t-miss is the Ricky Ricardo Roll with tempura shrimp inside, topped with Hamachi, Maguro, and crab, drizzled with sesame sauce, green onion, and tobiko. Another favorite is the Wagyu Beef Roll, with sautéed American wagyu, butter lettuce, grilled green onion, Kewpie mayo, and Japanese 7-spice. And a few of “The Classics” rolls are always in order, like the Poke Roll with spicy tuna and cucumber and the Negihama Roll with yellowtail, green onion, and wasabi. All items on Eiko’s menu are prepared to order with the highest quality sustainable seafood, premium Calrose rice, and top-grade produce and staples.
Surprisingly, one of Eiko’s greatest assets is the dessert menu. Indulge in the Coconut Rum Rice Pudding, whose crispy brulée crust is topped with fresh berries. Or consider a not-on-the-menu dessert revered by locals: Tempura-Fried Brownies with caramel drizzle and vanilla ice cream. For those seeking a traditional ending, Eiko’s premium matcha green tea ice cream will not disappoint. Open seven days a week.
