Frequently Asked Questions:
We are so close to the limit for a regular reservation, and we don't want to do a pre-set menu.
Is there any wiggle room?
No, the line for regular reservations must be set somewhere, and we set it at a max of 8 guests. Serving a large party without a pre-set menu is too time consuming for the staff, at the expense of other guests.
This rule is in place to ensure that all our guests enjoy their evening, and it will be strictly enforced. Please don't test us on this.
Then, can we split our party into 2 groups at the same time near each other and order off the regular menu?
Sorry, but no- we have one table in each dining area that seats 6-8 guests. If you do reserve two tables for eight people each, for instance, each group will be in different parts of the restaurant (and at different times, since we will not book two large parties in the same time slot.) There are larger restaurants that we can recommend who may allow you to order off the regular menu- Sam's Social Club, for instance- but please don't try to "trick" us into accepting a bigger group by booking multiple small groups, then asking to be seated together upon arrival. It won't work out for you, and we will both be frustrated & annoyed, which is no way to start an enjoyable meal out!
What is a Venue Fee?
Parties of more than 14 will be required to pay a Venue Fee to reserve the area for their exclusive use, since large parties can be overwhelming to smaller groups. The Venue Fee covers all tables, chairs, glassware, plateware, silverware, and candles, and reserves the space for the entire shift.
Venue Fees must be paid at the time of booking. They are 90% refundable until 30 days before your event, and non-refundable thereafter (unless Lovina is forced to cancel the event due to fire/ evacuations/ Covid closures/ etc).
Can I have a menu tasting before choosing my menu?
For full restaurant buyouts, we are happy to set up a tasting/ planning meeting once your booking is completed. We do not do tastings for smaller groups, but of course you are welcome to come in with friends and try the items on our menu.
What charges can I expect, aside from the cost of the dinner and the Venue Fee?
Drinks will simply be charged by consumption, although you may need to pick which wines to serve your guests in advance (depending on the number of guests). 7.75% sales tax will be added to your bill. Please note that Lovina is Tip Free- all of our pricing includes service & staff benefits, and we do not charge the usual 20-25% management/ service fees.
Can we bring our own wine?
Corkage for large parties is $50/ bottle, $100/ magnum. Corkage is used for the Revenue Share for our staff, since we are Tip Free.
Do you have a full bar?
Yes, we now have a full bar! We offer limited spirits, focusing on local and interesting brands whenever possible, and signature cocktails. Large parties may choose from a "consumption bar" or "unlimited hosted bar." Intoxicated guests may be cut off, and aggressive/ abusive behavior or language towards our staff will not be tolerated.
Can I decorate?
All decorations must be pre-approved by management. No confetti style decorations are allowed, and no tape/ tacks may be applied to our walls. All decor must be taken the night of your event; if decorations are left for us to clean up, there will be a $200 fine. We are not responsible for any decorations or gifts left behind by your group.
Is a deposit required? What is your cancellation policy?
We require a credit card hold on all large parties, but no deposit is required. Cancellations within 30 days of your event will result in a $25/ person charge to the credit card on file, and final guest count is due 24 hours before your event, for which you will be financially responsible. If Lovina is forced to cancel your reservation (due to PG&E shenanigans, evacuations, etc), there will be no charge.
If your event requires a Venue Fee, that fee must be paid at the time of booking. Venue Fees are 90% refundable until 30 days before your event, and non-refundable thereafter (unless Lovina is forced to cancel the event due to fire/ evacuation/ Covid closures/ etc).
What about kids? How are they counted?
Babies in car seats or high chairs do not count towards your total number of guests & will not be charged.
Children in chairs (under the age of 13) count towards your total number of guests and will be charged 50% of your pre-set meal price, but be we are happy to make them a simpler individual meal (grilled cheese, plain pasta), and they will have access to the shared appetizers, sides, and desserts. Children who order an adult entree off your pre-set menu will be charged full price.
Can we have a cocktail hour/ passed appetizers?
Yes, but only if you have paid the Venue Fee for a particular space to make it your personal area; otherwise, it's awkward for other guests.
Can I bring my pet?
You may bring your dog if the area is exclusively yours; if other guests are seated in your area, dogs are not allowed (service dogs excepted, of course).
If I booked a Patio and it rains, will you move us inside? Or can it be tented?
The East Patio is fully covered & heated with a louvered roof, but the West Patio is open air, so during months when rain is possible we will save the Upstairs for West Patio buyouts in case of rain. Napa Valley weather is quite consistent, so rain is not normal during the summer and autumn months. The decision as to whether to move your group inside will be made solely by Lovina management.
Can we bring a cake?
Yes, but there is a $6/ person cake fee for all outside desserts, including cupcakes or cookies. We can also arrange for a cake with custom wording for your event; pricing is an average of $12/ person, and cakes must be ordered at least 5 days in advance.
Can we have live music?
Yes, live music can be arranged as long as you have rented the space with a Venue Fee, but it may not be amplified (by Calistoga law). We love Monica & Chad- they've done many events for us in the past.
Can we bring flowers?
You are welcome to bring centerpieces; we strongly recommend our local florist, EV Floral Design. If you bring your own flowers, they MUST be already cut and in vases; no floral preparation can occur at the restaurant under any circumstances.
For any other questions, please email [email protected]
We are so close to the limit for a regular reservation, and we don't want to do a pre-set menu.
Is there any wiggle room?
No, the line for regular reservations must be set somewhere, and we set it at a max of 8 guests. Serving a large party without a pre-set menu is too time consuming for the staff, at the expense of other guests.
This rule is in place to ensure that all our guests enjoy their evening, and it will be strictly enforced. Please don't test us on this.
Then, can we split our party into 2 groups at the same time near each other and order off the regular menu?
Sorry, but no- we have one table in each dining area that seats 6-8 guests. If you do reserve two tables for eight people each, for instance, each group will be in different parts of the restaurant (and at different times, since we will not book two large parties in the same time slot.) There are larger restaurants that we can recommend who may allow you to order off the regular menu- Sam's Social Club, for instance- but please don't try to "trick" us into accepting a bigger group by booking multiple small groups, then asking to be seated together upon arrival. It won't work out for you, and we will both be frustrated & annoyed, which is no way to start an enjoyable meal out!
What is a Venue Fee?
Parties of more than 14 will be required to pay a Venue Fee to reserve the area for their exclusive use, since large parties can be overwhelming to smaller groups. The Venue Fee covers all tables, chairs, glassware, plateware, silverware, and candles, and reserves the space for the entire shift.
Venue Fees must be paid at the time of booking. They are 90% refundable until 30 days before your event, and non-refundable thereafter (unless Lovina is forced to cancel the event due to fire/ evacuations/ Covid closures/ etc).
Can I have a menu tasting before choosing my menu?
For full restaurant buyouts, we are happy to set up a tasting/ planning meeting once your booking is completed. We do not do tastings for smaller groups, but of course you are welcome to come in with friends and try the items on our menu.
What charges can I expect, aside from the cost of the dinner and the Venue Fee?
Drinks will simply be charged by consumption, although you may need to pick which wines to serve your guests in advance (depending on the number of guests). 7.75% sales tax will be added to your bill. Please note that Lovina is Tip Free- all of our pricing includes service & staff benefits, and we do not charge the usual 20-25% management/ service fees.
Can we bring our own wine?
Corkage for large parties is $50/ bottle, $100/ magnum. Corkage is used for the Revenue Share for our staff, since we are Tip Free.
Do you have a full bar?
Yes, we now have a full bar! We offer limited spirits, focusing on local and interesting brands whenever possible, and signature cocktails. Large parties may choose from a "consumption bar" or "unlimited hosted bar." Intoxicated guests may be cut off, and aggressive/ abusive behavior or language towards our staff will not be tolerated.
Can I decorate?
All decorations must be pre-approved by management. No confetti style decorations are allowed, and no tape/ tacks may be applied to our walls. All decor must be taken the night of your event; if decorations are left for us to clean up, there will be a $200 fine. We are not responsible for any decorations or gifts left behind by your group.
Is a deposit required? What is your cancellation policy?
We require a credit card hold on all large parties, but no deposit is required. Cancellations within 30 days of your event will result in a $25/ person charge to the credit card on file, and final guest count is due 24 hours before your event, for which you will be financially responsible. If Lovina is forced to cancel your reservation (due to PG&E shenanigans, evacuations, etc), there will be no charge.
If your event requires a Venue Fee, that fee must be paid at the time of booking. Venue Fees are 90% refundable until 30 days before your event, and non-refundable thereafter (unless Lovina is forced to cancel the event due to fire/ evacuation/ Covid closures/ etc).
What about kids? How are they counted?
Babies in car seats or high chairs do not count towards your total number of guests & will not be charged.
Children in chairs (under the age of 13) count towards your total number of guests and will be charged 50% of your pre-set meal price, but be we are happy to make them a simpler individual meal (grilled cheese, plain pasta), and they will have access to the shared appetizers, sides, and desserts. Children who order an adult entree off your pre-set menu will be charged full price.
Can we have a cocktail hour/ passed appetizers?
Yes, but only if you have paid the Venue Fee for a particular space to make it your personal area; otherwise, it's awkward for other guests.
Can I bring my pet?
You may bring your dog if the area is exclusively yours; if other guests are seated in your area, dogs are not allowed (service dogs excepted, of course).
If I booked a Patio and it rains, will you move us inside? Or can it be tented?
The East Patio is fully covered & heated with a louvered roof, but the West Patio is open air, so during months when rain is possible we will save the Upstairs for West Patio buyouts in case of rain. Napa Valley weather is quite consistent, so rain is not normal during the summer and autumn months. The decision as to whether to move your group inside will be made solely by Lovina management.
Can we bring a cake?
Yes, but there is a $6/ person cake fee for all outside desserts, including cupcakes or cookies. We can also arrange for a cake with custom wording for your event; pricing is an average of $12/ person, and cakes must be ordered at least 5 days in advance.
Can we have live music?
Yes, live music can be arranged as long as you have rented the space with a Venue Fee, but it may not be amplified (by Calistoga law). We love Monica & Chad- they've done many events for us in the past.
Can we bring flowers?
You are welcome to bring centerpieces; we strongly recommend our local florist, EV Floral Design. If you bring your own flowers, they MUST be already cut and in vases; no floral preparation can occur at the restaurant under any circumstances.
For any other questions, please email [email protected]
Credit Card Surcharging
In compliance with CA state law, we charge 2.9% for all credit card payments to help offset credit card processing fees. This amount is not more than what we pay in processing fees.
Debit cards and cash payments will not have surcharges added.
In compliance with CA state law, we charge 2.9% for all credit card payments to help offset credit card processing fees. This amount is not more than what we pay in processing fees.
Debit cards and cash payments will not have surcharges added.