Where to eat

Be honest, did you come for the wine or the food?

Deciding where to eat

I’ll just say it: Everything tastes better in Northern California. Because in addition to growing some of the world’s best grapes, Napa Valley can also grow some damn good produce. And with the Pacific Ocean just a handful of miles to the west, cattle ranches dotted all around, a world-famous dairy producing town nearby, and chefs working at the highest level, you’d be hard-pressed to find a bad meal even in the simplest of places.

From the world famous, 3 Michelin starred The French Laundry to a jew(ish) deli from one of the country’s most decorated chef’s, Napa Valley is an epicurean oasis that rivals the 100 point wines.

Below is what I consider “the top of the heap,” but your restaurant selections should reflect your vibe. So if a fancy 10-course meal isn’t your thing, skip it. Not big on Italian? No big deal. There are TONS of fantastic options that you will LOVE. So read on for all of my recommendations, organized by town.

The Best of the Best

The French Laundry (Yountville)
Charlie’s (St. Helena)
The Charter Oak (St. Helena)
PRESS (St. Helena)
Auro (Calistoga)
Bouchon (Yountville)
Torc (Napa)

St. Helena

Charlie’s is one of the newer restaurants located in the former Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen space and it’s now firmly on my must-go list. Owned and helmed by the former executive sous chef of The French Laundry, it’s as much a locals spot as it is perfect for tourists looking to be wowed. The caviar and potato skins are ridiculous as is the late night menu exclusively served at the bar after 9pm. Both Charlies and my other favorite, The Charter Oak from 3 Michelin starred Chef Christopher Kostow, are open for lunch and dinner service and I highly recommend. The lone Michelin-starred restaurant in this town is PRESS (my former haunt as a somm), but if it’s been awhile since you’ve been I will note this is no longer a California Steakhouse but a much more elevated tasting menu-only experience. Don’t worry, the Wine Spectator Grand Award wine program is still very much in tact and continues to be home to the world’s largest, deepest restaurant collection of Napa Valley wines. In fact, it’s one of the only places in the world you can travel back in time to the 60’s and 70’s to revisit the classics of Napa Valley.

For something more “hole in the wall,” Cook is decidely THE locals spot with Chef Jude opting to only be open Mon-Fri. It’s cute, friendly, and the food is always fantastic - but they do book up quickly as the space is small with only about 10 counter seats at the low top bar.

Gott’s is a must for an easy lunch and for pastries/coffee/breakfast hit up their sister spot down the street The Station. It’s an actual working gas station but the food is definitely elevated. Don’t skip the breakfast burrito or the OG donut. Ray Ray’s breakfast tacos have been a long favorite of the town and we were ecstatic when her catering and farmers market business went full on brick and mortar on main street. And last but not least, getting a Model Bakery english muffin isn’t just a good idea, it’s a rite of passage - although I do very much love their breakfast wraps and sandwiches. Just note that they do make everything to order so orders can take a minute, but they do accept online orders which I highly recommend.

Pro Tips:

The Model Bakery sells the muffins in 6pks (order ahead as they do sell out) and they freeze well so buy a pack and take them home with you or grab it is a gift for your sister who watched your dog.

Gott’s can get VERY busy as everything is made to order. Order ahead online and skip the line or give them a call.

All my St. Helena Recommended Restaurants

LUNCH / DINNER

BREAKFAST / LUNCH

St Helena itinerary

RUTHERFORD

It’s home to the 5-star Auberge du Soleil hotel who’s restaurant boasts a 1-Michelin star restaurant (and a beautiful western-facing terrace that serves food and drinks a la carte), but Rutherford is not exactly known for it’s abundant dining options.

Locals-favorite Rutherford Grill (a Hillstone restaurant) and the ever-popular La Luna Market & Taqueria which is less of a “restaurant” and more of a “grab tacos from the counter in back and eat at the picnic tables out back” are your best bets should you find yourself in need.

oakville

There’s not much here in terms of food but for grab and go, sandwiches, and snacks Oakville Grocery is perfection. Stop in for breakfast or lunch, grab picnic provisions, shop for artisanal Napa goods, and head next door to the Oakville Wine Merchant for 50 of Napa’s greatest wines by the glass.

YOUNTVILLE

If there’s one restaurant that changed everything for Napa Valley, it’s Michelin 3-star The French Laundry. Since Chef Thomas Keller opened the doors to this eponymous spot in 1994, The French Laundry has lured diners from around the world, earned nearly every major food award and accolade, and is widely considered the greatest restaurant in America even after 30 years. Having dined there a few times now I can say with confidence that The French Laundry continues to operate at the highest level, giving diners a once-in-a-lifetime experience they’ll never forget. Not surprisingly, reservations are difficult to secure and are offered exclusively through Tock where you’ll have to pay upon booking.

But if TFL isn’t the cards don’t worry. Thomas Keller has several other more affordable (and easier to get into) options right in town. Bouchon Bistro, his Napa Valley answer to a French bistro, is a must at some point when visiting. The bar is always lined with local winemakers and vintners so the likelihood of rubbing elbows with Napa Valley’s finest while shooting freshly shucked oysters is high. Keller also does Mexican food incredibly well at his slightly less well-known known Mexican restaurant La Calenda. And for something altogether “American” check out Ad Hoc.

Don’t sleep on the Italian classic, Bottega, as well as the other famous French bistro, Bistro Jeanty. Also Ciccio was recently taken over by Napa’s other 3 Michelin starred chef Christopher Kostow and it has quickly re-emerged as a favorite for wood-fired pizzas, some truly incredible foccacia, and cocktails.For something more simple, grab tacos at the Tacos Garcia truck located at the north end of the street in the Pancha’s parking lot - the Suadero tacos are my personal favorite. Bring cash and grab something fun to drink across the street at Kelly’s filling station. It’s the fanciest gas station this side of the Mississippi.

In the morning head over to Bouchon Bakery for a pastry or Mini Model (a smaller satellite location of the famous Model Bakery) for an english muffin and coffee.

Pro-Tips:

Next to Ad Hoc is the semi-hidden Addendum which serves Thomas Keller’s Fried Chicken. The hours vary by season and you can enjoy at the picnic tables under the trees there or take it to go!

All my yountville Recommended Restaurants

BREAKFAST / LUNCH

Bouchon Bistro
Model Bakery
RH
Tacos Garcia

LUNCH / DINNER

The French Laundry
Bouchon
Ciccio
Bistro Jeanty
La Calenda
Bottega

Yountville Itinerary

DOWNTOWN NAPA

What was once a no-go zone for tourists is now officially a vibe. Downtown Napa has been undergoing a slow but strong revitalization for the past decade and has really turned a corner in the last few years. For travelers looking for more of a “scene,” Downtown Napa provides a little more nightlife beyond the 9pm lights out in the rest of the valley with several bars and restaurants open a little later.

Restaurant wise there are tons of options with far more global variety than anywhere else in the valley. Osha (Thai), Zuzu (Tapas and Paella), Scala Osteria (Italian), Eikos (Japanese), Angele (French) and La Taberna (Spanish Pinxtos) are all within walking distance in the relatively small downtown area. Locals and tourists alike love Oxbow Public Market. A modern food hall with some seriously delicious offerings you’ll find everything from Ritual Coffee to Loveski - a jew(ish) deli from former Meadowood 3-Michelin starred chef Christopher Kostow.

For me, the best restaurant in downtown Napa right now is Torc which has been a staple for some time and just seems to keep getting better. I’m also loving Chispa, a new tequila-centric and Mexican-inspired restaurant from the ladies of downtown Napa’s favorite watering hole, Cadet. And last but not least, the former SF Ferry Building staple beloved for inventive cocktails and Vietnamese food the Slanted Door has FINALLY opened. Nothing disappoints here and they have one of the best happy hours around.

For breakfast and lunch you’ve got tons of options as well. As previously mentioned, Oxbow is filled with tons of places (note hours and times as each “booth” is different), Winston’s has quickly become a locals favorite for plates, pastries, and sandwiches, and there’s of course Model Bakery which has a satellite location just adjacent to Oxbow.

All my downtown napa Recommended Restaurants

LUNCH / DINNER

Torc
Chispa
Scala Osteria
The Slanted Door
Osha Thai
Zuzu
Morimoto
Angele
Eiko’s
La Taberna

BREAKFAST / LUNCH

Loveski
Winston’s
Model Bakery
Ritual (coffee / pastries)
Contimo Provisions

The AVA's of Napa Valley

The term Napa Valley is one constructed to indicated the large grape-growing and wine producing region within Napa County by the American Viticultural Association. It is broken down further into AVA's (American Viticultural Area's) and while some of the town names may double as AVA names, they are not geographically the same and do NOT have their own zip code/post office. You’ll hear these a lot when traveling here so it’s helpful to know what and where they are for planning purposes.

The 16 AVA's can be found both on the valley floor and on the Mountain. North to South they are: