The Best Restaurants in St. Helena

  • Guides
  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on OCTOBER 3, 2023
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St. Helena may be small, but don’t let its size fool you — this charming town between Rutherford and Calistoga is a hotspot for some of the best dining in Napa Valley. From casual eateries to farm-to-table fare and elegant fine dining, the diverse culinary offerings in St. Helena will satisfy every taste and budget. Our restaurant guide singles out the best places to eat while visiting, so bring your appetite and get ready to dine your way through this foodie haven.

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Restaurants / St Helena

PRESS Restaurant

Farmhouse meets steakhouse at PRESS, an upscale, stylish Napa Valley establishment with an elegant dining room boasting high ceilings, low-hanging light fixtures, and a wood-burning fireplace. The menu focuses on prime dry-aged beef, as well as enticing vegetarian and seafood options—all with an emphasis on high quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Aside from the wonderful food and ambiance, a visit to PRESS is a must if you enjoy drinking Napa Valley wine. Their all-Napa Valley list features the largest collection of Napa Valley wines in the world, celebrating current and library vintages—many of which are offered in half bottle and large-format sizes, too.

Image courtesy of PRESS

Details Visit Website
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Restaurants / St Helena

Gatehouse Restaurant

Situated on the beautiful grounds of the historic Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone, Gatehouse Restaurant offers a taste of Wine Country prepared by the talented student chefs of CIA. The cuisine is seasonal, featuring three to four courses of farm-to-table produce — grown around Napa and within the CIA’s own gardens and farms — and the dining room has a modern farmhouse vibe that fits right in with the surroundings.

Image courtesy of CIA Greystone

Details Visit Website
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Restaurants / St Helena

Acacia House

Set inside a historic mansion at Alila Napa Valley, Acacia House charms with its classy ambiance, artful, seasonally-inspired fare, signature cocktails, and extensive wine list—so, pretty much all you need for a memorable meal in Wine Country. Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, you can’t go wrong with a meal here any time of day, but it’s particularly enjoyable when you can sip a margarita alongside the food (many claim the margarita is among the best in Napa Valley).

Image courtesy of Acacia House

Details Visit Website
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Restaurants / St Helena

Forum Meadowood

While the past fires took the legendary Restaurant at Meadowood, the allure of Meadowood’s dining program continues through its newest on-site restaurant, Forum. Whether dining for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll be promised a gastronomic journey that's both refined and welcoming. Each of the seasonally-inspired menus highlights the bounty of Napa Valley, while a thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail menu and a relaxed, yet sophisticated setting round out the experience.

Image courtesy of Meadowood

Details Visit Website
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Restaurants / St Helena

Gott's Roadside - St. Helena

It just wouldn’t be a trip to Wine Country without a stop at Gott’s Roadside. Since 1999, this Napa Valley favorite has been serving up delectable burgers — made using ⅓ pound Niman Ranch beef patties — with classic toppings, of course, and even more obscure ones (kimchi, anyone?). There’s also a menu of worthy non-beef items, like chicken sandwiches, tasty salads, and french fries. Wash it all down with a milkshake, or opt for a glass of locally-made wine, then stay a while to enjoy the charm of this beloved roadside diner.

Image courtesy of Facebook: Gott’s

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Restaurants / St Helena

The Charter Oak

Highlighting the culinary genius of Chef Christopher Kostow, The Charter Oak shines as a top pick in St. Helena for relaxed yet exceptional dining. Whether seated in its chic interior or outside in the enchanting courtyard, you’ll be able to savor dishes crafted from locally-sourced ingredients—many directly from the restaurant’s own 3.5-acre farm. Kick off your meal with the fresh raw vegetable appetizer paired with a fermented soy dip, then delve into the irresistibly juicy cheeseburger, the hot-from-the-oven bread, and whatever else you can fit in your belly.

Image courtesy of Charter Oak

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Restaurants / St Helena

Harvest Table St. Helena

Executive Chef Jeff Lubunao has a passion for working with growers and producers to source the freshest ingredients from the region, which is evident in Harvest Table’s menu. Housed in the inn’s former lobby, Harvest Table has been transformed into a bright, airy restaurant featuring seasonally-rotating cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. The region’s finest produce is showcased in dishes such as the Strawberry Bibb Salad, the Spring Trofie Pasta with marsala cream sauce, and the Seared King Salmon with saffron braised fennel.

Image courtesy of Harvest Table

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Restaurants / St Helena

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

Housed in a former nursery barn, this Wine Country eatery features modern American farmhouse fare served within the lively indoor and outdoor spaces. In true farm-to-table style, much of what’s on the menu comes straight from the winery’s ranch, including grass-fed beef, honey, estate olive oil, fruit, and vegetables. In an effort to serve only what’s fresh and in season, Farmstead regularly changes up the menus, but you can always expect a welcoming vibe and mouthwatering comfort cuisine, whether coming in for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Image courtesy of Facebook: Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

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Restaurants / St Helena

Goose & Gander

Goose & Gander is Wine Country’s answer to a public house, where rustic, elevated American bar food is served in a dimly-lit, pub-style dining room, downstairs in the basement bar, or out in the garden area. Expect a seasonally-driven menu of bar bites and large plates, as well as a nice selection of craft cocktails, spirits, and local wine worth sipping.

Image courtesy of Goose & Gander

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Restaurants / St Helena

Model Bakery

Located in the heart of downtown St. Helena, Model Bakery has become a mainstay in Napa Valley for its artisan baked goods, including its now-famous English Muffins. While Model Bakery has several locations, its flagship St. Helena location has been a working bakery since 1908, where bread is still baked in the original brick ovens from the 1920s. Stop by to load up on breads to-go, or take advantage of the bistro menu and stay a while, where quiches, soups, and sandwiches are made daily.

Image courtesy of Facebook: Model Bakery

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