Updated July 2023
There’s no denying that Napa Valley is famous for its rolling vineyards and renowned wine. However, Napa Valley dining offers an out-of-this-world culinary scene that is both diverse and dynamic. From traditional French food to seasonal California cuisine, Napa Valley is full of amazing restaurants and eateries.
Navigate Northern California Like a Local!
Unlock the best-kept secrets of Northern & Central California with my curated Google Map, showcasing 600+ accommodations, eateries, coffee shops, and unique experiences. Get the map here!
While the locals definitely appreciate the rich food scene, many of the restaurants in Napa Valley are destination restaurants, meaning people travel from near and far to experience them. Whether you’re looking to experience your first Michelin-starred meal or you simply want to see what fine dining is all about, Napa Valley is a foodie’s dream.
Though you can easily walk into some of the more casual spots, most of the best restaurants in Napa Valley require a reservation. That being said, you’ll definitely want to plan ahead.
Planning a trip to Napa Valley? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Napa Valley:
- Archer Hotel, for the best downtown hotel
- The Meritage Resort & Spa, for the best resort hotel
- Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley, for the best family-friendly hotel
- North Block Hotel, for the best budget-friendly hotel
For a more in-depth overview of where to stay in Napa Valley, read The Best Hotels in Napa Valley.
Without further ado, here are some of my favorite must-see spots in Napa Valley!
The 20 Best Restaurants in Napa Valley
1. The Restaurant at Auberge
From the sweeping valley views to the upscale dishes that have a decadent taste and stunning presentation, The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil provides the ultimate fine dining experience. The restaurant has been around since 1981 and is actually Napa Valley’s original fine-dining destination.
Address: 180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford, CA 94573
2. TRUSS at Four Seasons Napa Valley
TRUSS is a farm-to-table restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley, and it has some of the most beautiful vineyard views (Read about my recent stay) While the restaurant and bar area offers a more formal experience, The Living Room at TRUSS is more low-key and cozy.
Address: 400 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515
3. Solbar
Solbar is located in the Solage Resort by Auberge, and it is a swanky spot with a vintage appeal. The newly expanded patio allows you to dine outside near the pool, but the bar provides a more rustic scene.
Address: 755 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515
4. PRESS
Looking for something high-end and fancy? PRESS is one of St. Helena’s premier restaurants, serving up quality cuts of steak, seafood, and renowned Napa wines. The interior is very romantic with dim lighting and a stunning bar, but the patio is very chic and charming
Address: 587 Street Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574
5. Pizzeria Tra Vigne
Pizzeria Tra Vigne was voted St. Helena’s Business of the Year in 2020, and the pizza definitely lives up to the hype. This pizzeria is also super family-friendly, making it a great place to come with the kids.
Address: 1016 Main Street, St Helena, CA 94574
6. La Toque
La Toque is a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant that is known for its excellent cuisine, wine, and service. Dining here is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll never forget. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or another special occasion, La Toque goes above and beyond.
Address: 1314 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559
7. The Restaurant at North Block Hotel
The Restaurant at North Block Hotel is one of my favorite Napa hotel restaurants. They serve amazing sourdough pizzas and wood-fired entrees, and this amazing spot was just added to the Michelin Guide in 2021. If you’re looking to stay somewhere luxurious but budget-friendly, North Block is a great option.
Address: 6757 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599
8. Hog Island Oysters Co.
Seafood fanatics will go crazy over the sustainable and organic fare at Hog Island Oyster Co. Located in Oxbow Market, this modern oyster bar serves incredibly fresh shellfish, and the menu often changes daily depending on what they catch and harvest.
Address: 610 1st Street Suite 22, Napa, CA 94559
9. Gott’s Roadside
Gott’s Roadside is the best place to cure your burger craving while in Napa Valley. This self-serve joint is definitely on the casual side, though they serve wine and beer to pair with your burger. Having been around since 1999, I would definitely consider this to be a staple for Napa Valley dining.
Address: 855 El Camino Real #65, Palo Alto, CA 94301
10. Kenzo Napa
Looking for some of the best sushi in Napa? Kenzo has some incredibly prix fixe sushi and kaiseki menus for an authentic Japanese dining experience. Kenzo also has an impressive selection sake that is worth exploring.
Address: 1339 Pearl Street, Napa, CA 94559
11. Bouchon Bistro
Bouchon is a French bistro that is sophisticated, elegant, and traditional. Enjoy a stunning seafood tower from the raw bar or some savory steak Frites that boast a bold flavor. Everything here is amazing, and you’ll truly feel as though you are dining in France.
Address: 6534 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
12. Ciccio
Ciccio is a beloved Italian restaurant in the heart of Napa Valley. The wood-fired oven adds a decadent smokey finish to all of the pizzas and entrees, and the use of locally-sourced ingredients ensures that everything is as fresh as possible.
Address: 6770 Washington Street Yountville, CA 94599
13. Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch
Located within a renovated barn, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch uses farm-fresh ingredients and wine from their own vineyard to create a decadent meal in the countryside of St. Helena. Everything from the foot to the drinks to the atmosphere works together harmoniously, making this a really special place to dine in Napa Valley.
Address: 738 Main Street, St Helena, CA 94574
14. The French Laundry
The French Laundry is probably the most famous and well-known restaurant in Napa by Chef Thomas Keller. The stone farmhouse setting is beyond idyllic, and the food is truly worth the hype. If you are looking for a fine dining experience you won’t soon forget, I highly recommend making a reservation at The French Laundry.
Address: 6640 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599
15. Ad Hoc + Addendum
Another gem from Thomas Keller, Ad Hoc + Addendum is a more casual quest that serves up Southern-inspired to-go lunches. The menu is heavily influenced by the seasons, so expect changes frequently. Also, Ad Hoc + Addendum is purely a lunch destination, so keep that in mind when planning your Napa Valley dining.
Address: 6476 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599
16. Southside Cafe
Start your morning off right at Southside Cafe. This cafe and coffee shop is really big serving the community and bringing people together over great coffee and food, and they even have Fried Chicken Fridays for those craving a taste of the south.
Address: 6752 Washington Street Yountville, CA 94558 (two other locations in Napa)
17. Charter Oak
Charter Oak is an industrial and rustic restaurant that features red brick walls and an enchanting patio. Though you can come for dinner, Charter Oak is really popular for brunch, and any dish with eggs is a win (they use all of their own fresh eggs).
Address: 1050 Charter Oak Avenue, St Helena, CA 94574
18. TORC
Between the airy atmosphere and the rustic stone walls, TORC is a transportive restaurant that has mastered farm-to-table cuisine. Though this is still considered to be a nicer spot, it is very relaxed and results in a more intimate and cozy Napa Valley dining experience.
Address: 1140 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559
19. Mustards Grill
There is a vintage appeal at Mustards Grill that is enhanced by the checkered flooring and bistro-style seating. The food is New American with a California twist, and this “deluxe truckstop” has been a must-visit in Napa Valley dining for more than 30 years.
Address: 7399 St Helena Hwy, Napa, CA 94558
20. The Boon Fly Cafe at Carneros Resort
Located within the elegant Carneros Resort and Spa, the Boon Fly Café offers a lively dining experience with its modern rustic cuisine. Named after a local pioneer, the café is a tribute to the region’s agricultural heritage. With signature offerings like Boon Fly donuts and award-winning fried chicken, the café draws both resort guests and locals for its vibrant atmosphere and satisfying dishes.
Address: 813 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559
Save this post for later on Pinterest
PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Flights
Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.
2. Book Your Accommodations
Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Car
Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.
5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access
Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
