Not only is Napa Valley, California known for fine wine, but the restaurant scene is unmatched. Have your pick of delicious meals from upscale restaurants with Michelin star ratings, to casual bistros with vineyard views. Use this list as your Napa Valley restaurant guide for some of the best food of your life!
Updated January 2022
THE FRENCH LAUNDRY
THE FRENCH LAUNDRY
This is an epic meal that you need to experience at least once in your lifetime. The French Laundry earned a three Michelin Star rating for good reason. Chef Thomas Keller is a culinary genius, curating a special chef's tasting menu each day with the best ingredients in all of Napa Valley. For a more intimate dinner, book the board room overlooking the courtyard or the private dining room with views of the culinary gardens.
YOUNTVILLE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of The French Laundry
BOUCHON BISTRO
BOUCHON BISTRO
Another culinary masterpiece of Chef Thomas Keller, Bouchon is an upscale French bistro in Yountville. The zinc bar, antiques, and French art will make you feel like as though you're dining in a Parisian cafe. Start with a plate of oysters and a croque madame, ending with the divine leg of lamb or trout amandine.
YOUNTVILLE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Bouchon Bistro
THE RESTAURANT AT AUBERGE DE SOLEIL
THE RESTAURANT AT AUBERGE DE SOLEIL
At the beautiful Auberge de Soleil Hotel, the restaurant by Chef Curry has won the Michelin Star Award for the past thirteen years. This full sensory experience deserves all the hype, with options for every meal, from a divine brunch to a six course chef's tasting dinner. Whatever time of day, cherish your meal on the terrace with breathtaking panoramic vineyard views of the valley.
RUTHERFORD | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Auberge de Soleil
SOLBAR
SOLBAR
At the Solage Hotel in the quaint town of Calistoga, is a eye catching spot called Solbar. As soon as you arrive, you'll feel as though you've entered a soothing paradise with water fountains and greenery lining the walkway. With a menu full of farm fresh Napa Valley ingredients, order the famous chips & dip with caviar, followed by one of their delicate seafood entrees. Sit out on the grand patio with tables and fire pits that overlook the posh pool area, perfect for a group gathering to enjoy the company of friends.
CALISTOGA | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Solbar
AD HOC
AD HOC
Another Thomas Keller masterpiece is Ad Hoc, the casual Yountville eatery. With a daily changing four course menu consisting of elevated comfort food that is served family style, you're meant to feel like you're eating a home cooked meal in the comfort of your own home. You could be served anything from fried chicken and barbecue ribs to a fudge brownie cake or an ice cream sundae. Whatever it is, you won't walk away hungry, that's for sure.
YOUNTVILLE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Ad Hoc
PRESS
PRESS
For the past 15 years, Press has been the Napa Valley gathering spot to enjoy the freshest ingredients of the region. Their menu has delectable small plates like ricotta gnudi and beef tartare to mouthwatering steak and seafood dishes. With over 1800 different wines, Press is proud to say that they have the largest collection of Napa Valley wines in the world. To see their marvelous wine collection, book the wine cellar for a private dinner and wine tasting for the whole group.
ST. HELENA | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Press
GOOSE & GANDER
GOOSE & GANDER
In downtown St. Helena sits an upscale American bistro serving some of the best food in town. Sit inside for a moody pub atmosphere, or dine outside in the lush garden to enjoy the nice California weather. Start with the squash blossoms and order the famous G & G burger with duck fat fries for your main. After your meal, sip on a cocktail in their speakeasy style basement bar for a night cap.
ST. HELENA | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Goose & Gander
FARMSTEAD AT LONG MEADOW RANCH
FARMSTEAD AT LONG MEADOW RANCH
On the Long Meadow Ranch is a cafe, a winery, and most importantly an American farmhouse style restaurant called Farmstead. A combination of talents from chefs, cattle ranchers and winemakers came together to make the delicious farm to table menu. Start with the mini ham sandwiches then move on to the smoked ribs with apple coleslaw. After indulging in your meal, you can't leave without trying their famous beignets.
ST. HELENA | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Long Meadow Ranch
THE CHARTER OAK
THE CHARTER OAK
You'll know you've made it to The Charter Oak when you see the striking brick entrance with the loyal lion statues. With ingredients from their culinary garden on site, it doesn't get more farm to table than that. The raw vegetables are a great starter, and for the meat lovers, the cheeseburger is to die for. If you visit Napa Valley during the winter months, dine in one of the yurts on their outdoor courtyard, with sizes suitable for large parties or for a more intimate dining experience.
ST. HELENA | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of The Charter Oak
ANGÈLE
ANGÈLE
If you want to be transported to the French countryside, Angèle is your perfect escape. This French bistro in downtown Napa is set in a old boathouse with rustic chic interior and a patio that faces the Napa River. Enjoy your classic French onion soup and boeuf bourguignon with peaceful riverside views.
DOWNTOWN NAPA | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Angèle
LAYLA
LAYLA
Inside the stunning MacArthur Place Hotel is the beautiful Layla, a sophisticated Mediterranean kitchen serving seasonal farm to table dishes. The neutral color scheme with wood accents makes for a peaceful environment, perfect for a romantic dinner. Sip on one of their craft cocktails out on their spacious patio with soothing waterfalls.
SONOMA | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Layla
EL MOLINO
EL MOLINO
El Molino is THE local spot for Mexican food in Sonoma. With their handmade tortillas made daily, homemade tamales and fish tacos, it doesn't get fresher than that. You'll know you've made it when you see the iconic colorful building, so sit out on the open patio and indulge in this truly authentic Mexican cuisine.
SONOMA | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of El Molino
NORTH BLOCK
NORTH BLOCK
If you've been to Momofuku in NYC, you know why North Block has a Michelin star rating. Chef Nick Tamburo has a way with flavors and it truly comes out in this new Yountville restaurant. With a unique menu that changes with the seasons, you find diverse dishes from tender meats to wood fired pizzas, each incorporating some Asian and smokey elements. After savoring your exquisite meal, sip on one of their craft cocktails that are truly a work of art.
YOUNTVILLE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of North Block
BRIX
BRIX
Before your meal at this outdoor oasis, stroll through the gardens and orchards on the property. With an internationally influenced menu, changing daily, Brix serves a range of items from rich pastas to fresh steak and seafood dishes. For brunch, enjoy your banana's foster french toast with a mimosa in hand out on the contemporary patio with unmatched mountain views.
YOUNTVILLE | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Brix
KENZO
KENZO
In downtown Napa, Kenzo is an elegant Michelin star rated restaurant serving Japanese fare. Intentionally built with only 27 seats in the minimal dining room, Kenzo is intended to be an intimate food journey that allows you to focus on the flavors of each dish with no distractions. The carefully curated menu includes only the finest of ingredients, flown in from Japan daily, served with Kenzo Estate wines for a personal touch.
DOWNTOWN NAPA | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of Kenzo
LA TOQUE
LA TOQUE
Inside the Westin Verasa Hotel, La Toque serves New French cuisine but black truffles are there specialty. From the grilled black truffle sandwich to the winter greens with a truffle buttermilk dressing, you'll be in foodie heaven. Order from the a la carte menu if you have your eye on a specific dish or the six course chef's tasting menu for the full La Toque experience.
DOWNTOWN NAPA | DIRECTIONS
Photo courtesy of La Toque