The 20 Best Restaurants in Napa Valley

The 100+ restaurants in the area have received more Michelin stars per capita than any other wine region in the world, so narrowing down the best restaurants in Napa Valley is no easy task. This is our list of favorites—presented in no particular order—to get you as excited about Napa’s restaurants as we are.

CASUAL

The Perfect Pizza

Image Source: Ciccio

Ciccio
6770 Washington St.
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 945-1000
Yelp: 4.5 stars; 139 reviews

The centerpiece of Ciccio’s Italian fare is their wood-fired pizza, assembled with fresh local ingredients. Try the Squash Blossom pizza or Megan’s Spicy Sausage for a taste of what magic wood-firing works. The menu changes often, based on ingredient availability, so stop in frequently and try something new.

Good for: Family and friends with young kids

Tapas in a Modern Spanish Tavern

Image Source: La Taberna

La Taberna
815 Main St.
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 224-5551
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 52 reviews

In addition to superb tapas-style spreads, La Taberna has an extensive wine list, featuring international wines alongside some of Napa’s favorites like the Matthiasson Chardonnay and the hand-crafted Textbook Cabernet Sauvignon. Order the pig’s head with sherry tasting flight. There’s only one per week, so get it while you can.

Good for: Trying a little bit of everything (we recommend 2-3 plates per person)

Sample Sophisticated “Honest” Fare

Image Source: Mustards Grill

Mustards Grill
7399 Saint Helena Hwy
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 944-2424
Yelp: 4 stars, 1307 reviews

Our list of the best restaurants in Napa Valley would be incomplete without Mustards Grill, a fresh farm-to-table eatery, known for its creative flair. In fact, the Mongolian Pork Chop was featured by Bobby Flay on Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate.” Every Friday night is Mustard Grill’s Pour-Off Pair-Off Dinner Series where diners are able to pair their cuisine with wines that are rarely offered by the glass. Be sure to check out the grill’s adjacent organic gardens that provide 20% of the restaurant’s produce.

Good for: Variety (the large menu is sure to feature something for even the pickiest eater)

Everyone’s Welcome at Cindy’s

Image Source: Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen

Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen
1327 Railroad Ave.
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-1200
Yelp: 4 stars; 652 reviews

This charming and comfortable New American restaurant truly represents the heart of Napa Valley. Everything on the menu is delicious but the Mighty Meatloaf is truly as mighty as it sounds. Pick up one of Cindy’s cookbooks and recreate your favorite CBK dish at home.

Good for: A relaxed afternoon

Come One, Come All

Image Source: Goose and Gander

Goose and Gander
1245 Spring St.
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 967-8779
Yelp: 4 stars; 356 reviews

This richly appointed pub-like gathering house is a celebration of rustic American dishes, perfect to cap off a day of wine tasting. The burgers are exemplary and the fried olives’ reputation precedes them. Stop in for a late night bite on Friday or Saturday when the kitchen stays open until midnight.

Good for: Meeting up with friends

HIGH END

Food as Art

Image Source: French Laundry

The French Laundry
6640 Washington St.
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-2380
Yelp: 4.5 stars; 1767 reviews

Chef Thomas Keller’s signature restaurant is truly one of Napa Valley’s top dining experiences. The service is impeccable, not surprising for a restaurant of this quality level. Two tasting menus are offered daily and every dish is a work of art unto itself. The exquisiteness of The French Laundry simply must be tasted to be believed. If you don’t eat meat, don’t shy away. The restaurant offers a creatively crafted daily vegetarian menu.

Good for: Unforgettable Occasions

Secret Garden Dining

Image Source: The Untapped Source and Broccoli and Chocolate

Celadon Restaurant
At Napa River Inn
500 Main St.
Napa,CA 94559
(707) 254-9690
Yelp: 4 stars, 649 reviews

The rustic heated outdoor patio at Celadon is an incredibly romantic place to take a date. Winner of Open Table’s 2014 Diner’s Choice award and 2015 Michelin Guide recommended, the food at Celadon is truly the star. Dig into their homemade fettuccine with pulled pork or order the calamari—it’s the perfect mix of spicy and sweet.

Good for: A romantic evening

Indulge in American Comfort Food

Image Source: Ad Hoc

Ad Hoc
6476 Washington St.
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-2487
Yelp : 4 stars, 2046 reviews

The fare at Thomas Keller’s price fixe culinary gem is served family style, so you’ll feel right at home during your multi-course meal. The menu changes daily, so you never know exactly what you’re going to get, but you’re guaranteed to taste some of the most creative food the valley has to offer. You might even hit the jackpot with Ad Hoc’s legendary fried chicken. Dinner is a fixed $52 per person—plus an additional $43 for wine. Be sure to make a reservation because Ad Hoc is always in high demand.

Good for: Trying something new (check the menu the day before your reservation to build up anticipation)

A Curated Experience

Image Source: The Restaurant at Meadowood

The Restaurant at Meadowood
900 Meadowood Lane
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 967-1205
Yelp: 4 stars; 299 reviews

Every meal at the Restaurant at Meadowood is carefully curated to create the optimal taste of the quintessential Napa Valley. Upon booking your reservation, the wheels are set in motion to craft a meal specifically for your table based on your party’s unique likes and tastes. The roughly eleven courses served for your meal are all guaranteed to be individual works of art. Sit by the fire after your meal with a digestif and get started on reveling in the memories.

Good for: Special occasions

Seasonal Surprises

Image Source: Solage Resort

Solbar
Solage Calistoga Resort
755 Silverado Trail N
Calistoga, CA 94515
(707) 226-0800
Yelp: 4 stars; 603 reviews

The chic restaurant at the Solage Resort has a woodsy and inviting feel, and the menu is driven by ingredients that change with the season. Specialties are based on creative plays on California soul food that both surprise and satisfy. Wednesday is BYOB night—enjoy your own wine with no corkage fee.

Good for: A classy evening with friends

Get Comfortable in Italian

Image Source: Bistro Don Giovanni

Bistro Don Giovanni
4110 Howard Lane
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 224-3300
Yelp: 4 stars; 665 reviews

Indulge in some Italian comfort food indoors by the wood-burning fireplace in the winter or on the patio in the summer at this local favorite in north Napa. All the dishes are prepared with locally sourced, sustainably farmed ingredients. Must have dishes include the crispy roast chicken, the handmade pizza and the butterscotch pudding. If it’s a warm evening, ask for a table on the patio next to the Gardens and bring a bottle of your own wine ($20 corkage fee per bottle).

Good for: A family feast

Southern Italy in Downtown Napa

Image Source: Oenotri

Oenotri
1425 1st Street
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 252-1022
Yelp: 4 stars; 502 reviews

Southern Italian traditions are maintained at Oenotri, a romantic Italian hotspot that features a menu that changes daily. Much of the produce is pulled from the the four acre culinary garden the restaurant maintains, ensuring handcrafted excellence from farm to table. Book up to 120 guests in the Courtyard at Oenotri for your private party and make magical memories.

Good for: Private parties

Top-notch Japanese Cuisine

Image Source: Morimoto

Morimoto
610 Main St
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 252-1600
Yelp: 4 stars; 1874 reviews

“Iron Chef” star Chef Masaharu Morimoto brings his signature blend of the freshest Japanese and Western ingredients at this lively fish-lover’s paradise. Try the perfectly medium rare, paper thin waygu beef. It’s definitely one for the ages.

Good for: An exquisite dining experience

The Prettiest Plates

Image Source: Redd

Redd
6480 Washington St
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-2222
Yelp: 4 stars; 1399 reviews

Since 2005, Redd has been the go to spot in Napa for a fusion of flavor influences from the far reaches of the world. This elegant dinner spot serves some of the prettiest food in Napa, perfect for a special occasion with your special someone. Ask for the chef-selected tasting menu and leave the rest up to them.

Good for: Dinner for two

LOCAL FAVORITES

An Authentic Mexican Feast

Image Source: Villa Corona Yelp

Villa Corona
1138 Main St.
St Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-7812

3614 Bel Aire Plaza
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 257-8685
Yelp: 4 stars, 71 reviews

This taqueria is a local favorite not just because of its consistent high quality, but because it’s fast and easy, like every good taqueria should be. The meat is always cooked impeccably and the fresh ingredients are a stark contrast to other heavy, greasy Mexican joints. Order any of the tacos from their two locations, especially the shrimp tacos with spicy cream sauce, and you’ll see exactly what we mean. If you can’t get enough Villa Corona, you’re in luck, because now they cater. Order an assortment of meats with tortillas, tostada shells, chips, salsa and guacamole, and let your guests mix and match. With reasonable prices and plentiful portions, Villa Corona is the valley’s must-stop taco shop.

Good for: Casual dining, families, and groups

Flavor Forward Fare

Image Source: Market

Market
1347 Main Street
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-3799
Yelp: no reviews

American classics take on a whole new meaning at Market, where the staff prides themselves on “flavor forward, visually stunning” fare. Kick off your experience with a series of small plates like the Chipotle Braised Pork Belly or Lobster Rolls. Stop in for lunch and try their B.L.E.A.T. (bacon, lettuce, egg, avocado, tomato) sandwich.

Good for: Assorted small plates

A Taste of Northern Italy

Image Source: Cook St. Helena

Cook St. Helena
1310 Main St.
St Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-7088
Yelp: 4 stars, 271 reviews

This intimate and casual restaurant is home to exquisitely-executed Northern Italian fare. The menu isn’t vast, but that means more time is spent lovingly preparing each dish. The risotto changes daily and we recommend the fazzoletti pasta bolognese with ricotta or gnocchi in basil cream pesto with maitake mushrooms. For dessert, dig into flourless chocolate cake with caramel and salted whipped cream. Be sure to ask the waiters for their personal substitution recommendations for unprecedented flavor combinations.

Good for: Special occasions

Dine Responsibly

Image Source: Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch
738 Main St
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-4555
Yelp: 4.5 stars; 1278 reviews

From the grass fed beef and lamb to the organic eggs sourced from their Rutherford estate, their motto is “Excellence through Responsible Farming” and Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch certainly delivers. This quality casual restaurant makes it their responsibility to ensure you love every bite. Get your groove on while you dine with their summer concert series.

Good for: Dinner & entertainment

Burgers and Beyond

Image Source: Gott’s Roadside

Gott’s Roadside
644 1st Street
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 224-6900
Yelp: 4 stars; 1134 reviews

Lots of places claim to have the best burgers, but few can actually deliver and Gott’s Roadside is one of them. Located beside Oxbow Market, this beloved burger joint is home to creatively styled sandwiches like the mouthwatering Western Bacon Blue Ring, a zesty Green Chile Cheeseburger, and an exotic Ahi Tuna Burger. Swap out your french fries for sweet potato fries, served with house made ranch dressing.

Good for: A quick stop

That French Feeling

Image Source: Thirsty Reader and The Knot

Bistro Jeanty
6510 Washington Street
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-0103
Yelp: 4 stars; 1303 reviews

This charming french restaurant with award-winning cuisine is one of Napa Valley’s most beloved little bistros. Chef Philippe Jeanty has transported the warmth and welcoming spirit of his native France right to the valley, where he prepares classic French dishes like Coq au Vin (chicken and bacon wine stew), Boeuf Bourguignon (short ribs), and escargot. If the weather’s nice, request a spot on the terrace, which feels like a tiny corner of French countryside.

Good for: An intimate lunch


Have you had the pleasure of dining at any of these Napa Valley restaurants?

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Author

WC Staff

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