This complete list of Napa Valley eateries demonstrates the variety and breadth of eating options in wine region. It covers downtown eateries with enormous local wine lists, as well as the meatiest delis for picnic-worthy sandwiches before a long day of sipping cabernet. It goes far beyond Michelin Guide landmarks like the French Laundry. There are many of excellent eateries all over the valley, and we also have tips for some of the most reasonable pricing places to eat in wine region and a map of almost 20 wineries with outstanding cuisine. On your upcoming trip to wine country, check out these 13 Napa Valley eateries.
House of Better
House of Better, a restaurant that goes beyond the typical salads and smoothies, was opened as part of a significant renovation of Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs in Calistoga. With dishes like grilled fish tacos, a roasted green chile and maitake flatbread, and rustic green chile stew, chef Trevor Logan of the now-defunct Green Chile Kitchen in San Francisco presents a menu that blurs the lines between spa food and comfort food. It’s a quick-service restaurant that serves beer, wine, cocktails, and “herbal elixirs.” Just remember to get a piece of one of Logan’s well-known fruit pies.
1507 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515
The Model Bakery
The English muffins at Model Bakery are among the best in the world, and they are also used to make some of the best breakfast sandwiches around. Acknowledged that she had them flown to her home because they are so tasty. Buttery croissants, delicious banana bread, cookies, savoury bread puddings, and other pastries are all piled high in the pastry case. Although Model Bakery now has two additional sites in Napa (near Oxbow) and Yountville in addition to its original St. Helena store, some speciality dishes, such as avocado toast on sourdough bread with a hard-boiled egg and crispy bacon, are exclusively available there. Breakfast foods are popular and quickly sell out, but you may get extra muffins online in advance.
357 Main St, Saint Helena, CA, 94574
Giugni’s Deli
In this Italian grocery store from the 1970s, salami still hangs from the rafters. For decades, locals and visitors have waited in line for a meaty sandwich dressed with “Giugni Juice,” the deli’s unique vinaigrette, which is also available in bottles. The ideal food for a hike up Mount Saint Helena is a Giugni’s sandwich and some chips. Giugni’s is still offering online pick-up as of right now, so order before you go.
1227 Main St, Saint Helena, CA 94574
Gott's Roadside
This famous burger restaurant had been known as Taylor’s Refresher for 60 years before Joel and Duncan Gott bought it in 1999. Thankfully, only the paint recently underwent an update. While the restaurant also serves ahi, turkey, veggie, and Impossible burgers, its conventional burgers, fish tacos, salads packed with protein, milkshakes, and soft serve are still well-liked among customers. Lest you forget that you’re in Napa, there are more wines available by the glass and half bottle than most other roadside dives if you’re searching for something stronger. Gott’s frequently has lengthy lunchtime lines, but you can skip them by placing an online order in advance.
933 Main St, Saint Helena, CA 94574
The Charter Oak
The family-style dinner at this relaxed restaurant run by Meadowood chef Christopher Kostow has quickly become a staple in St. Helena. The big hearth that serves as the main dining room’s focal point is where a large portion of the meal is cooked. The cheeseburger is a solid contender for the best burger in Napa Valley, while the crudité is both healthful and delicious. If you don’t order the entire loaf of the house-made bread with cultured butter, you’ll be sorry. They even provide large-format beverages that are served in a gorgeous Art Deco punch bowl. The drinks are simple yet memorable.
1050 Charter Oak Avenue, Saint Helena, CA 94574
Press Restaurant
Press has been a staple of the exclusive dining scene in the Napa Valley for more than 15 years. It is most well-known for its finely sourced aged beef steaks, which pair nicely with hearty Napa Valley wines and hash browns topped with black truffles. Former employee of Le Bernardin, Per Se, and French Laundry Chef Philip Tessier has magically raised the bar even higher. Whatever you do, make sure to get the ricotta gnudi and the sweet and sour pig ears for appetisers. Press’ wine list is one of the best and most extensive Napa Valley-only wine lists in the region, with more than 1,800 selections.
587 Saint Helena Hwy S, Saint Helena, CA 94574
La Luna Market & Taqueria
Even though one of Napa’s main charms is its upscale restaurant scene, there is fine dining fatigue. Thankfully, the valley is also rife with taco trucks and little bodega-style restaurants with back counters that serve delectable food in a laid-back ambiance. La Luna serves tacos, quesadillas, and other foods, but its signature dish is a fully loaded burrito, especially one with the restaurant’s delectably crisp carnitas. If you can get there before 11 a.m., the massive breakfast burrito will give you a sufficient foundation for even the most strenuous day of wine tasting.
1153 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford, CA 95473
Oakville Grocery Co.
This historic deli and sandwich business is conveniently located along Highway 29 and has fed many hungry travellers. The restored historic grocery, which dates back to 1881 and claims to be the oldest in the state, serves delicious wood-fired pizza and sandwiches (the muffuletta is a local favourite). Shop for fine wine, pastries, coffee, olive oil, and other pantry essentials while you’re there.
7856 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562
Mustards Grill
For almost 40 years, this Napa Valley institution, owned by chef Cindy Pawlcyn, has been a favourite lunch location for local winemakers because of its comfort cuisine favourites that combine well with the region’s top vintages. With dishes like Mustards Mighty Meatloaf, Crazy Good Chicken Wings, Famous Mongolian Pork Chop, and Chalkboard Pasta, which varies daily but never lets you down, you can’t go wrong.
7399 St Helena Hwy, Napa, CA 94558
Ad Hoc & Addendum
Ad Hoc offers a daily-changing four-course family-style dinner menu, but getting a table on fried chicken night is the ultimate goal. Include the Maine lobster mac and cheese; the additional expense is worthwhile. The large bucket is recommended since, according to lore, the chicken is even better the next day.
6476 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
Bistro Don Giovanni
When you ask a local in Napa where to go for Italian food, there’s a high chance they’ll recommend Bistro Don Giovanni. Famous delicacies include seared Scottish salmon fillet, half-and-half ravioli (red and white sauces combined), and fried olives. Keep room in your stomach for the Top Shelf Butterscotch Pudding.
4110 Howard Ln, Napa, CA 94558
Tacos el Muchacho Alegre
Napa’s destination restaurants aren’t just of the fine dining variety, just ask Rancho Gordo founder Steve Sando, who’s intimately familiar with wine country’s best taco trucks. You’ll find El Muchacho Alegre tucked alongside the Universal Auto repair shop and the move is to order the torta ahogada, a Jaliscian specialty. The meat-filled sandwich is almost like a fiery French dip, served with a gazpacho-like salsa and drenched in a savory tomato and chile sauce.