Napa Valley is full of some of the best wineries as well as some of the best restaurants in the world. Napa is quite literally a wine and food lover’s heaven. But how do you decide where to eat in Napa? So many good spots and so little time. Here’s my favorite dinner spots in the Napa Valley.
Just an FYI, when I say Napa, I mean all of Napa Valley – which includes dinner spots in Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga. Each town is fairly close together and considered the Napa Valley wine country, and this also opens you up to so many more options for dining.
Best Dinner Spots in Napa Valley
Best Dinner Spots in Napa
ZuZu
Tapas galore! If you’re looking for some fabulous Spanish style small plates, this is the place to go. Authentic, delicious and a fun environment! Before your reso or while you wait for a table, make a stop at their sister joint, La Taberna, two doors down for a drink, or porron of wine – it really gets the night started!
Torc
Torc is on the more elevated side but is always a memorable dining experience. Catch their happy hour for fun cocktails and small bites! If you go for dinner, their short rib is always a winner. I love how they’re always incorporating fresh, locally inspired, seasonal dishes.
Coles Chop House
Craving a steak? Coles is the place. Upscale steak house vibes, gorgeous outdoor patio and excellent wine list make this a must stop if you’re yearning for a good cut of meat.
Angele
Looking to enjoy some French food? Head on over to Angele. On the pricier side, but you’ll be treated with deliciously authentic French dishes. Always get dessert here, always. And be sure to order an espresso martini – some of the best in town.
Don Giovanni
Some of the best Italian food you’ll find in the valley. Don Gio’s as the locals fondly refer to it, is always a good idea. Don’t sleep on the carpaccio, Bolognese or salmon. Trust!
Ristorante Allegria
Centrally located in downtown Napa, Allegria is a crowd pleaser. Set in an old bank building, Allegria is elevated-casual if that’s a thing. Get the warm cabbage salad and add steak – sounds weird but just go with me on this one. Allegria somehow always has room even if you’re making a last minute reservation or walking in.
Tarla
Craving some Mediterranean food while in Napa? Look no further. Tarla serves up the flavor and has extensive outdoor seating, which I love. Always start with the Greek salad and housemade dolmas.
Eikos
My favorite sushi spot in Napa is Eikos – it’s a fun environment, has awesome rolls and has options for those who aren’t into raw fish. Make sure to grab the Ricky Ricardo on Vacation roll, the Hamachi Bon Bon’s and the Healthy Fries – there’s your entire meal, you’re welcome.
Bounty Hunter
Sometimes you need some bread and meat to soak up all the wine, right? If you’re hankering for some barbecue while in Napa, check out Bounty Hunter. Their beer can chicken is exceptional, or snag the BBQ platter which is great to share with a group!
Olive & Hay
A bit off the beaten path in South Napa, but if you’re in the area, it’s a must! Located at the Meritage Hotel, this isn’t your typical hotel restaurant. It’s Italian inspired, with a California flair. The service is always incredible and everything on the menu is always a hit – grab a pizza for the table to start!
Best Dinner Spots in Yountville
Bottega
Looking for an Italian restaurant in Yountville? Check out Bottega. The two most important pieces of advice – order the Italian gin and tonic cocktail to start and then the gnocchi as your meal. They’re literally little pillowy clouds.
Bistro Jeanty
If you visit during the winter, you must order the tomato soup (if you know, you know!) or the French onion soup.
Ad Hoc
Ad Hoc is a Thomas Keller owned restaurant, right down the street from his iconic French Laundry (which if you’re able to dine here, lucky you & live it up!). Known for its famous fried chicken, Ad Hoc also offers other dishes as well as a caviar experience which is a fun way to start the meal. If you’re looking for other Thomas Keller restaurants in the area, right down the street is also La Calenda, Bouchon Bakery and Bouchon Bistro.
Ciccio
Make your reservations in advance if you’d like to dine at Ciccio’s in Yountville. This quaint little spot is always booked up and is said to have some of the best homemade pasta.
Mustards
A charming little joint on the side of the bustling highway 29 that leads to many wineries, Mustards is a favorite with wine tourists, industry folks and locals alike. I think it’s loved by all because it’s just a good vibe with a variety of good food. They’re famous for their pork chop – don’t knock it until you try it!
Brix
Neighbors to Mustards, Brix is a large venue that’s perfect when looking to dine outdoors. One of the most gorgeous outdoor patio settings, as you have a view of their garden and vineyards – you may even spot the wine train go by! Brix features California inspired dishes – everyone will find something they enjoy here!
Best Dinner Spots in St. Helena
Farmstead
One of my absolute favorite restaurants in St. Helena, for brunch (it’s included in my brunch guide!), lunch and dinner, so really any time of day it’s a good idea. Farmstead has a cool vibe, is great for groups and has a delicious array of food options. Snag the meatballs, mini ham sandwiches, deviled eggs and caramelized beets!
Charter Oak
Right across the street from Farmstead is Charter Oak which equally has my heart. Everything at Charter Oak is cooked over a large open fire in the middle of their restaurant. They focus on fresh ingredients and allow for seasonal vegetables to shine alongside locally sourced meats. Dishes are best shared at the table, except for the burger, you’re going to want that all to yourself – it’s rumored to be one of the best in the valley!
Cook
Located in the heart of downtown Saint Helena, Cook is a cute little family run spot that has an intimate environment and a variety of California type fare – everything from seafood to steak to pasta. A great little date spot!
Goose & Gander
Looking for a cool spot in downtown St. Helena to grab drinks and a bite? Goose & Gander it is! If you go for dinner or in the evening, their downstairs area has a cozy/fun/cabin vibe.
Press
If you’re looking for a fancy steak dinner in St. Helena, Press is the answer. They’ve also got one of the largest wine lists of Napa wines – 2,500 different selections to be exact.
Brasswood
Three words – hand pulled mozzarella. If you go to Brasswood in St. Helena, you have to get the hand pulled mozzarella – it would be a crime to not! Just do yourself a favor and get two orders from the start.
Auberge du Soleil
Want to feel really fancy and have an epic view of the Napa Valley while you dine? Drop by for an early dinner or happy hour at Auberge. It is pricey – very pricey, but it’s a five star property and the view is gorgeous – I suggest lunch or happy hour.
Pizza Travigne
Pizza, and good pizza at that, need I say more?! Yet another spot that has the infamous hand pulled mozzarella – be sure to order one for the table. Also, don’t miss their daily happy hour from 4-6 – there’s $1.50 oysters!
Best Dinner Spots in Calistoga
Evangeline
A charming little French spot located in downtown Calistoga. It’s the perfect stop for a date night or for a delicious meal at the end of a long wine tasting day with friends.
Sam’s Social Club
A favorite with locals, Sam’s Social Club, is located inside Indian Springs Resort in Calistoga. It’s farm to table California inspired cuisine – with a focus on fresh, seasonal dishes.
Lovina
A cute and cozy little restaurant in Calistoga that is entirely women owned, fixing up exceptional food and service. You’ll find an array of options here from vegan lasagna to sea scallop risotto. They are very food allergy friendly and offer many vegan and gluten free dishes. When it’s nice out, dine on their outdoor patio – it feels like you’re at a friend’s home.
Fleetwood
Inside of the Calistoga Motor Lodge, you’ll find this new restaurants, Fleetwood. They’re serving up casual California food – all of it cooked over an open wood fire grill. They source seasonal bounty from local farms to help inspire their dishes. Cute little spot – be sure to check out their cocktail menu.
Solbar
Solbar is located at Solage, an Auberge resort in Calistoga- so it comes with a price. But great food, views and hospitality. Lovely spot to start with some small bites while enjoying their beautiful patio. If you’re craving Mexican food – they have a newly built restaurant on property as well called Pico Bar.
I hope you found this roundup of best dinner spots in Napa Valley helpful for your next trip to Napa. The next time you’re wondering where to eat in Napa, reference this! I’ll continue to add to this list as I try places and as more restaurants pop up. Bon appétit!
Cheers,
Raquel
