A neighborhood hotspot loved by locals and visitors alike, Terry Letson’s Fumé Bistro prides itself on serving terrific food in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Calling itself an American bistro with French, Italian and Mediterranean influences, the Fumé menu includes seasonal offerings that take advantage of the best of many of Napa’s most notable bakers, farmers, and gardeners. Served alongside house favorites like creative pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and staples such as chops, fish, steaks, salads and more, the menu is a balanced mix or old and new. An eclectic wine list includes an abundance of California wines but doesn’t limit itself, sourcing top-notch vintages from all over the world. A full bar features hand-crafted cocktails and a varied selection of beer.

With its north Napa location, Fumé is convenient to amazing wineries, fantastic shopping, and even local hiking and biking trails, making it ideal for lunch, brunch, dinner or even just an afternoon nosh.

As a recent transplant to Napa from his native southern California, Letson worked a few restaurant gigs before taking the leap to create Fumé Bistro – a long-time dream come true. “Finding the perfect spot was really the key to making Fumé Bistro what it is today,” said Letson. “Our neighborhood location defines what we are about, and visitors will find the same welcoming and friendly atmosphere that our regulars do.”

Indeed, the restaurant was bustling on a recent Friday night visit. The attentive host saw us to our table and our waiter was over in moments with water and an offer of drinks. The menu was filled with mouth-watering options, among them an ultra-fresh Alaskan halibut served over a bed of risotto with olives and capers which was absolutely delicious. A Caesar salad was redolent with a perky splash of lemon.  At other tables, burgers were accompanied by piles of fries and drool-worthy pastas came out steaming.  At the conclusion of our meal, our young guest was even treated to a complimentary ice cream sundae – a perfect ending!
For all menu items, Letson is quick to point out his passion for produce picked at the height of the season. June brings corn to the forefront and customers can expect corn chowder, corn relish and a host of other corn-centric dishes.  Peaches and tomatoes are liberally featured throughout the summer months with Letson creating what he calls “really cool and fun salads and entrees.”
“This is my favorite time of year,” said Letson. “We look forward to using what Mother Nature provides, incorporating the freshest produce into our signature dishes and specials.”

For that reason, Letson and his competent crew have kept Fumé on the top of Napa’s restaurant lists since 2002, working hard to become and remain “The Neighborhood Restaurant” of the valley. And while the pandemic certainly hit the restaurant industry particularly hard, Fumé prevailed due in large part to its spunky staff. Boasting an “all for one and one for all” attitude, Fumé came through Covid with flying colors and accolades from loyal customers.

Today, in the fully reopened restaurant, the camaraderie is infectious with staff treating guests old and new like family. Reservations and walk-ups are both available for seating either inside or on the outdoor patio. And not only does Fumé bistro welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs on the patio, they offer an extensive menu for four-legged friends.

“Our goal is to serve our guests the best possible food and to deliver the friendliest and most knowledgeable service,” said Letson. “It’s been a true joy to work with so many local purveyors and we look forward to keeping it fresh and fun for the next 20 years.”
Check the website for hours at FumeBistro.com.