20 Best Restaurants in Napa Valley

  • Food
  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on JUNE 22, 2023
  • 556703
  • 3
Food

20 Best Restaurants in Napa Valley

By WineCountry Collective June 22, 2023

It’d be nearly impossible to come to Napa Valley and not eat well. Given the natural affinity of food and wine, it’s only fitting that this world-class wine region would be home to a number of talented chefs and restaurateurs, who put as much thought and intention into crafting their menus as winemakers do into making exceptional wine.

From restaurants offering a more approachable, farm-driven experience, to those that put the ‘fine’ in fine dining, when you’re ready for a culinary taste of Napa, these 20 best restaurants in Napa Valley are sure to leave an impression long after the last bite.

The Boon Fly Café
Photo Courtesy of Carneros Resort and Spa

Boon Fly Café, located at the luxurious Carneros Resort and Spa, draws resort guests and locals alike with its elevated comfort food, done Wine Country-style. Serving hearty brunch and dinner, this modern roadhouse is an inviting place to eat mouthwatering fare any time of day. Just don’t miss the Boon Fly donuts, which are available during brunch, as well as for a sweet treat after dinner.

4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 299-4870

The Grove at CIA Copia | Emma K. Morris
Outdoor Dining at CIA at Copia, Photo Courtesy of Emma K. Morris

Experience a taste of the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America at the school’s food, wine, and art locale in downtown Napa. The on-site restaurant, called The Grove at CIA Copia, serves a rotating selection of Mediterranean-inspired menu options, each highlighting bold flavors and seasonal ingredients from the CIA’s gardens. Whether dining outdoors under the olive trees, or inside in the dining room (where you’ll get an up-close glimpse of the chef’s process), this inviting restaurant is sure to leave you satisfied and, perhaps, feeling inspired to channel your inner chef. Don’t miss the Sunday Night Supper series, which features a different three-course menu each week.

500 First Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 967-2500

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The Charter Oak
Photo Courtesy of The Charter Oak

Behind the ivy-clad brick facade of St. Helena’s The Charter Oak is a casual dining venture by Chef Christopher Kostow, renowned chef of the Three-Michelin-starred Restaurant at Meadowood (now closed). This picturesque Napa restaurant, complete with a tree-lined courtyard patio and expansive, industrial indoor space, focuses on simple, farm-inspired dishes featuring just a handful of ingredients, largely sourced from the restaurant’s 3.5-acre culinary garden. The family-style menu centers around fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and hearth-cooked meats, along with an epic cheeseburger and minimal, yet artfully composed starters like raw vegetables from their farm with fermented soy dip.

1050 Charter Oak Avenue, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 302-6996

The French Laundry
Photo Courtesy of The French Laundry

Widely known around the world as one of the top restaurants for locally-sourced fine dining, the Three-Michelin-starred The French Laundry has remained an iconic Napa Valley restaurant for over 40 years, luring foodies for its expertly crafted French cuisine from Chef Thomas Keller. A commitment to sourcing locally is a driving force behind the daily changing menu, which is as seasonal as it is beautifully presented, with many ingredients grown in the restaurant’s own expansive culinary garden across the street, including herbs, vegetables, and 25 varieties of heirloom tomatoes.

6640 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599, (707) 944-2380

Lucy Restaurant
Photo Courtesy of Lucy Restaurant

Located at the beautiful and sustainable Bardessono hotel in the heart of Yountville, Lucy Restaurant is an approachable fine dining restaurant where a menu of garden-inspired “field-to-fork” fare celebrates the bounty of Napa Valley. Led by this locavore ideology, Executive Chef Jim Leiken uses only the freshest, most seasonal ingredients from local farms, as well as from Bardessono’s own organic garden, to offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

6526 Yount Street, Yountville, CA 94599, (707) 204-6030

Solbar
Photo Courtesy of Solage Calistoga

Located at Calistoga‘s Solage Resort, this inviting restaurant is a prime spot for savoring fresh California fare in a sophisticated, yet casual setting. From the airy, light-filled dining room or the expansive, sun-dappled outdoor terrace, Solbar offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring seasonal ingredients interpreted through a Wine Country meets globally-inspired lens. Guests can choose between menu options such as Dungeness Crab Cake Benedict and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes at breakfast, or venture further abroad with lunch and dinner options like the Pork Schnitzel, Chilled Soba Noodles, or Sake Marinated Black Cod.

755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 226-0860

Scala Osteria
Photo Courtesy of Scala Osteria

Scala is a new venture from longtime restaurateur Giovanni Scala (of Bistro Don Giovanni), who co-founded this osteria-style restaurant to highlight the traditional, unpretentious cuisine of Southern Italy. With an emphasis on seafood, the menu features simple yet enticing dishes like Cioppino and Grilled Branzino, as well as a selection of non-seafood Italian staples, like Margherita Pizza, Ravioli al Limone, and Pesto Genovese Pasta. Adding to the experience is the beautiful interior of the dining space, highlighting neutral colors, tall ceilings with lights dangling from above, and a lively, yet welcoming vibe.

1141 1st Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 637-4380

FARM at Carneros
Photo Courtesy of Carneros Resort and Spa

Carneros Resort and Spa’s fine dining restaurant stays true to its name, sourcing ingredients from local farms as well as from their own 1,300-square-foot organic garden for its elevated Wine Country cuisine. Basing the menu around what’s freshest and in season, Chef John Carney dishes out beautiful food inspired by the region, from freshly baked Sourdough and Oysters to Liberty Farms Duck and Chilean Seabass. While dinner is a delight, FARM’s Sunday Brunch never disappoints.

4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 299-4880

RH Yountville
Photo Courtesy of RH Yountville

Part of the unique five-building concept that integrates food, wine, art, and design, The Restaurant at RH Yountville features a selection of brunch and dinner plates that are as beautifully presented as the stunning surroundings. Amid the picturesque setting of the dining room, featuring chandeliers, a central fountain, and olive trees, guests can order shareable plates like the Crispy Artichokes and Artisanal Prosciutto, as well as comforting entrees such as Lobster Roll, Roasted Half Chicken, and the RH Burger, accompanied by one of the many wines from the regional and globally-inspired menu.

6725 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599, (707) 339-4654

Kenzo
Photo Courtesy of Kenzo

The One Michelin Star Kenzo brings an authentic Japanese dining experience to Napa Valley through its seasonal sushi and Kaiseki menus, highlighting the delicacies of Japan. Here, ingredients are flown in daily from the world’s most acclaimed fish market in Japan, and every course is paired with a selection of wines and sakes from around the world, including wines from the Kenzo Estate in Napa. Diners can sit at the chef’s counter for an up close view of the food being prepared, or in the main dining room, which is sleek and minimal to not distract from the exceptional presentation and taste of the food.

1339 Pearl Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 294-2049

Goose & Gander
Photo Courtesy of StHelena.com

This casual gastropub in downtown St. Helena is a treat for the taste buds, where unique spins on classic American fare are seasonal-driven and downright indulgent. The menu features a selection of bar bites, salads, and burgers, as well as hearty steaks and chops not-to-be-missed, while the dark and cozy interior and the charming outdoor courtyard make it easy to tuck in for an evening of good food and conversation. Whatever you order, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect beverage to accompany your meal, thanks to the restaurant’s award-winning bar program, which features 33 signature cocktails, local and imported beers, and an extensive list of local wines by the glass and by the bottle.

1245 Spring Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-8779

Angèle Restaurant
Photo Courtesy of Facebook:Angèle Restaurant & Bar

Nestled in downtown Napa, Angèle has remained a favorite restaurant in Napa Valley for both locals and tourists, who flock to this French restaurant for its friendly service and delicious food inspired by the French countryside. From the rustic-chic dining room, enjoy classic French fare for lunch and dinner, such as Escargot, Niçoise Salad, and Duck Leg Confit, as well as a full menu of craft cocktails and wine.

540 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 252-8115

La Taberna
Photo Courtesy of La Taberna

Inspired by the tapas bars of Northern Spain, La Taberna is a fun place in downtown Napa for a quick bite or a lingering meal full of Basque-inspired specialties. Along with a convivial vibe, La Taberna offers a menu of rotating specials and small plate items, from Little Gem Al Plancha to Patatas Bravas and mouthwatering bocadillo and empanada offerings, each dish influenced by local ingredients. Whether you come for the food or for the lively bar, be sure to try a Spanish sherry or two from the extensive fortified wine list.

815 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 224-5551

Ad Hoc

A casual alternative to some of Chef Thomas Keller’s fancier restaurants, Ad Hoc offers an approachable dining experience inspired by the American comfort food of his childhood. Featuring produce from Keller’s extensive gardens, the four-course menu changes daily and is served family style, furthering the laid-back, convivial vibe of the eatery. From Pot Roast to Buttermilk Fried Chicken to Black Truffle Mac n’ Cheese, every dish is meant to instill a sense of nostalgia while delighting the taste buds in a way that only Chef Keller can. Adding to the experience is an accessible beverage menu featuring great value wines and classic cocktails.

6476 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599, (707) 944-2487

Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil
Photo Courtesy of Auberge du Soleil

Founded in 1981, the Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil is widely known as the first fine dining restaurant in Napa Valley. Located at the iconic Auberge du Soleil resort, the cuisine at this One Michelin Star restaurant is influenced by French technique and flavors, but with heavy emphasis on sourcing locally and seasonally. Sit on the terrace for unforgettable views of the Napa Valley landscape while dining on a multi-course lunch or six-course tasting menu for dinner.

180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford, CA 94573, (800) 348-5406

Oenotri
Photo Courtesy of Facebook: Oenotri

Located in downtown Napa, Oenotri is an inviting eatery where Southern Italian food meets locally-made wine, produce, and olive oil. While the menu items change regularly, diners can always expect to find an assortment of delectable pizzas, housemade pastas and bread, along with mouthwatering antipasti and over 20 types of the chef’s artisan salumi – all elevated with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from the restaurant’s five-acre garden.

1425 First Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 252-1022

TORC | Andy Berry
Dinner at TORC, Courtesy of Andy Berry

If you’re looking for meticulously-crafted cuisine highlighting local ingredients, but served within a soulful, laid-back setting, TORC is the place for you. Located in downtown Napa, this lively, modern American eatery strives to “dismantle” the fine dining experience with its relaxed approach to dining, where guests are encouraged to sit back and settle in for an evening of great food and fun conversation. The thoughtfully composed menu showcases local, farm-inspired fare that is flavorful and diverse, from bar bites like deviled eggs and tempura asparagus to housemade pastas and hearty mains. Wash it all down with a craft cocktail or wine from the award-winning wine list, and you’re set.

1140 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 252-3292

La Toque
La Toque, Photo Courtesy of Megan Menicucci

La Toque is not only regarded for its quality food and service, which earned it a Michelin Star from 2009 to 2021, but it’s also known for its extensive wine list. Naturally, food and wine are on the top of their game at La Toque, with menus designed to showcase the pleasures of food and wine when enjoyed together. Guests can choose from one of two dining experiences: the Chef’s Tasting Menu, which includes six courses, or the A La Carte Menu, featuring a seasonal selection of pastas, fish, and steaks.

1314 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 257-5157

Gott's St. Helena
The burgers and shakes are a can't-miss at Gott's in St. Helena, CA! Photo Courtesy of Gott's Roadside

This classic roadside burger shack (formerly known as Taylor’s Refresher) has become a Napa Valley staple for its delicious, old-fashioned burgers. Featuring Niman Ranch beef patties and classic or non-classic toppings, these burgers are so famous that it’s hard to find a time mid-day when there isn’t a line of people waiting to order (pro tip: order ahead for pick-up). But if a burger isn’t for you, Gott’s also has an assortment of equally delicious non-burger options, from salads and sandwiches to fish tacos and soft-serve.

933 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-3486

PRESS Restaurant
Photo Courtesy of Press

St. Helena’s PRESS is an upscale steakhouse rooted in its Napa Valley terroir, where the menu focuses on locally-caught seafood, free-range poultry and lamb, seasonal vegetables from the restaurant’s on-site gardens, and prime, dry-aged beef grilled over almond wood. Besides the great food and atmosphere of this stylish dining establishment, PRESS is a must for its wine. In fact, it boasts the largest collection of Napa Valley wines in the world.

587 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-0550