Best Napa County Restaurants

What is the Napa restaurant scene’s recipe for such phenomenal success?

Like the wine that first drew the world’s attention, the people behind it are laser focused on quality over quantity, with locally and ethically grown produce, dairy and meat taking precedence.

So whether you want banana bread (Model Bakery), sweet and sour pig ears (PRESS Restaurant) or 21-day dry-aged steak (Cole’s Chop House), we’ve got you covered. Read on for our list of the best 20 restaurants in Napa County, in alphabetical order because every single one is a winner. 

Ad Hoc & Addendum in Yountville 

Chef Thomas Keller likes to switch things up by offering a four-course, family-style menu that changes daily. But he also knows what works – as in Buttermilk Fried Chicken. The decorated chef’s comfort classic is always available as a take-out item.

Add an accessible wine list and Ad Hoc’s twist on classic cocktails for an always unforgettable meal within the homey dining room. 

Bistro Don Giovanni in Napa 

When Napa locals are in the mood for rustic traditional Italian cuisine filtered through a Northern California lens, this is where they go. All of the food is prepared with seasonal, sustainable, locally farmed ingredients. Make sure to start with Mamma Concetta’s Meatballs.

You really can’t go wrong with any of the pizzas, pastas, primi and secondi offerings. A beautiful garden patio allows for festive al fresco dining.

Bouchon Bistro in Yountville 

Since opening in 1998, Bouchon Bistro has consistently earned major accolades for its seasonal menu, stellar raw bar and consistent staples like Poulet Rôti Chasseur (roast chicken), Gigot d’Agneau (leg of lamb) and Truite avec Artichauts à la Barigoule (trout). The setting is picture-perfect, with a French zinc bar, antique light fixtures, hand-painted mural and mosaic floor. The wine is destination-worthy too; the Vin en Carafe program features wines made exclusively for Bouchon by top Napa and French wineries. Looking to have a perfect day? Read: Perfect Day In the Charming Town of Yountville

The Charter Oak in St. Helena 

Almost from its start, The Charter Oak was deemed an iconic destination restaurant.

With Michelin-awarded Chef Christopher Kostow at the helm, the focus is on simple, seasonal, farm-fresh cuisine and local wine; many of the menu’s vegetables are sourced from the restaurant’s bespoke 3.5 acre farm, a stone’s throw away. The restaurant’s centerpiece and focal point is the large wood-burning hearth where much of the food is prepared. Carnivores come for The Cheeseburger, and veggie lovers gravitate toward the incredible crudité.

Everyone loves the housemade bread with cultured butter. 

Ciccio in Yountville 

Pizza lovers will adore Ciccio’s simple but authentic wood-fired pies and classic Italian entrees. A favorite spot for both locals and visitors, Ciccio and its cozy dining room offer a homespun vibe where everybody knows your name. The Truffled Ricotta Dumplings alla Primavera is a symphonic celebration of spring and summer, as is the Ramps, Morels and Taleggio Pizza. Mamma mia! 

Cole’s Chop House in Napa 

Cole’s Chop House, aka ‘Napa’s Favorite Steak House,’ is located in a historic building featuring rock walls and Douglas Fir flooring. This is where you go when you feel like living large and you’re craving some lump crabmeat, 21-day dry-aged steak with Gruyere gratin and a little libation. (Try the Volstead with bourbon, amaro, bitters, orange zest, over brick ice).

Chin chin to classic steak house fare and crafted cocktails. 

Compline Wine Bar, Restaurant & Merchant in Napa

It’s a restaurant plus wine bar plus wine shop founded by sommeliers. Thus, Compline’s wine collection features an incredible selection from both well-known and under-the-radar Napa wineries and those beyond. Pair your choice(s) with the locally-minded cheese plate, perfectly Roasted Duck Breast, addictive Duck Fat Fries and Spätzle.

Dine at the small bar where you might rub elbows with a local vintner, or choose between an indoor or al fresco table.

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch in Saint Helena

Another triple threat, Farmstead is a chic restaurant, café and winery. The menu is centered around the Long Meadow herd of beef cattle, with grass-fed beef meatballs, chili, tartare, burgers, steaks and more vying for attention with delicious, homey, vegetarian fare like Creamy Arbuckle Grits and Wood-Roasted Broccolini.

The wine, olive oil, beef, lamb, honey, eggs and much of the produce is grown and produced on the farm and ranch.  

Giugni’s Deli in Saint Helena 

Giugni’s Deli is the place to hit when you want Nonna-approved salami, mile-high sammies doused in Giugni juice, and a side of chips. Order your selection online and plan on grabbing it to go. 

Gott’s Roadside in Napa

What seems like a classic roadside burger joint is anything but. Sample some of Napa’s best wines with your craggy Chicken Parm and Ahi-Tuna Tacos. But if it’s a burger you do crave, Gott’s had the goods.

Enjoy a delicious Niman Ranch beef patty with a side of fries and a thick and creamy shake. It’s tough to find at least five things on this menu that don’t hit the spot. Dig in. 

Kenzo Napa

Napa isn’t the first place where you might seek out authentic Kaiseki delicacies, but it should be. At Michelin-starred Kenzo Napa, the freshest ingredients are flown-in daily from Japan and put to thoughtful use in meticulous preparations.

The seasonal menus fuse Japanese traditions with innovative techniques and creative presentations designed to delight the senses. Perfectly pair your meal with delicious Kenzo wines.

The vibe here is gracious, serene, and refined.

La Luna Market & Taqueria in Rutherford

La Luna doesn’t take itself too seriously, and locals come here when they’re craving a fun experience, with top-notch food served in a relaxed setting. The tacos, quesadillas and nachos are fabulous, but regulars return for the customizable, bursting-with-flavor burritos featuring a symphony of protein, onions, sour cream, guac, cheese, salsa … give or take. 

La Toque in Napa 

Chef Ken Frank has earned a Michelin star every year the honor has been awarded within wine country.

La Toque has also snagged additional accolades, including Wine Spectator’s ‘The Grand Award’ for its wine list and service. The chef’s tasting menu ($195, plus $125 for wine pairings) is a memorable sensorial journey through California’s best locally grown produce and meat.

A recent menu featured Cannelloni with Mt. Shasta Porcini, Stinging Nettles, Fontina Val d’Aosta and Black Truffle Chicken Glaze, with a 2015 Brunello di Montalcino, Martoccia. 

Model Bakery in St. Helena, Napa and Yountville

Everyone but everyone goes here for the mouthwatering English muffins (another Oprah favorite), banana bread, savory bread puddings, et al. But don’t miss the prepared food, like Breakfast Avocado Toast with heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil and fried eggs, or the Cubano Grilled Sandwich, with slow-roasted pork, Dijon mayo, Swiss cheese, and sliced Black Forest ham.

Mustards Grill in Napa 

Mustards Grill has served as one of Napa’s most popular gathering spots for nearly 40 years. Dine here and you’ll likely find yourself seated next to vintners, wine makers, sommeliers, and other notables who keep Napa humming. Chef Cindy Pawlcyn is a beloved icon, serving consistently creative and comforting food.

Think Crazy Good Chicken Wings, Hunan Grilled Chicken Salad, and the Famous Mongolian Pork Chop with sweet and sour red cabbage. 

North Block in Yountville 

Chef Nick Tamburo joined North Block from the legendary Momofuku. He pairs Japanese grill style with fresh California ingredients, and introduces surprising flavors and techniques to create delicious new dishes. Try the Smoked Pork Ribs with caramelized honey, chili and chrysanthemum.

Located within the charming North Block Hotel, the restaurant offers indoor dining as well as al fresco seating within a lush garden patio. 

PRESS Restaurant in St. Helena

PRESS celebrates Napa community, cuisine and wine, drawing inspiration from around the world, while remaining rooted locally.

Grab the Sweet & Sour Pig Ears, 60-Day Tomahawk with mushroom hollandaise, and let the team take care of the wine pairings; the legendary cellar contains one of the most comprehensive collections of Napa wines in the world. Ask for a peek; the team is happy to show off the assemblage.

The Restaurant at Auberge Du Soleil in Rutherford 

Executive chef Robert Curry offers two or three-course prix fixe lunch menus, or three, four or six-course dinner menus at this elegant Napa Valley mainstay. This is the place to go if you want Osetra Caviar and Blinis, Prime Beef Pavé and Bananas Foster.

Don’t miss the tableside Champagne Cart. Fill a flute, and toast to the beautiful view.

Solbar in Calistoga 

The dining room and lovely twinkle-lit patio at Solbar, located at casually posh Solage Resort, are popular gathering spots for both locals and visitors.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant features fun and delectable snacks like Chips & Dip (onion crème fraiche and caviar with housemade potato chips), Sourdough Parker House Rolls (spring for the truffle butter) and dishes like Yukon Gold Potato Gnocchi (Maine lobster, black truffles, potato crumbs, and Parmesan).

Patio dining overlooks Napa Valley’s largest and most stunning swimming pool.

ZuZu in Napa 

Beloved for its warm Mediterranean décor and lively atmosphere, Zuzu satiates any desire for Spanish tapas and paella. Start with the Boquerónes (Spanish white anchovies, sliced egg, remoulade on grilled bread), Plato de Charcuterie and Seasoned and Toasted Almonds, then move on to the Arròs Negra (black paella with clams, shrimp, calamari and daily fish).