Backdoor Bistro and Wine Bar Giftly

Backdoor Bistro and Wine Bar in Vacaville is a neighborhood restaurant that grew from a three-night pop-up into a steady local treasure. Chef Lindsey Gilpin, a Vacaville native trained in Napa and seasoned at a Michelin-starred kitchen, built a small, earnest menu that leans on seasonal, locally sourced produce and thoughtful technique. The restaurant favors a New American approach—familiar flavors elevated by careful sourcing and modest culinary ambition—so dishes change with the harvest and the whims of the kitchen.

The dining room is compact and casual with a warm, inviting energy; on many evenings diners linger over plates and wine, while the patio offers a quieter option for spring and summer nights. The wine list is intentionally curated to complement the menu, and staff members often make pairing recommendations, including pours from local producers. Service tends to be attentive and personable, and the kitchen accommodates dietary preferences like gluten-free and vegetarian with advance notice and seasonal substitutions.

Menu highlights commonly mentioned by guests include a variety of sharing appetizers, a thoughtfully prepared rib steak, seafood specials such as butter-basted corvina or scallop preparations, and well-executed brunch staples like Eggs Benedict and a fried chicken sandwich. The restaurant’s small size can make it lively—especially at peak hours—so reservations are advisable for weekend brunches or special evenings. Backdoor Bistro and Wine Bar positions itself as Vacaville’s closer answer to a fine-dining experience: polished without pretense, culinary-minded without being fussy, and well suited to celebrations, date nights, or a relaxed afternoon meal.