If you plan on making the rounds at the wineries — most people visit three to five in a day — then you definitely need fuel to keep you going and to ensure you remember the experience. Beyond the red juice, wine country is known the world over for its fine produce and ethical approach to meats, so every meal here can be superb, regardless of budget or what AVA you’re in.
Without further adieu, here are our top picks for breakfast and brunch in Napa Valley.
Napa Valley
Boon Fly Cafe
Located at Carneros Resort and Spa, this restaurant gets its peculiar name from an early settler in the area who planted orchards and vineyards in the region around the mid-1800s. An homage to Boon Fly, here you’ll find an assortment of dishes that show off all kinds of local flavors. Get the famous donuts, but don’t skimp on breakfast flatbread. Our favorite is the Ohlone smoked salmon with fromage blanc, red onion, parmesan and lemon crème fraiche — add the capers. Brunch hours are 7am to 4pm daily. boonflycafe.com
Contimo Provisions
Among the treasured hand-held meals on this planet, when done right, biscuit sandwiches are hard to top. Over at Contimo there are a handful of biscuit sandwich options on the menu or you can build your own. For a savory-sweet flavor explosion, opt for the Ham & Jam with smoked molasses-brined ham and seasonal homemade jam, or keep it simple with just jam. There’s no bad choices to be made here. contimonapa.com
Offering everything from bourbon deviled eggs to ahi tacos, and superfood salad with kale, roasted beets and more, The Lincoln, an American gastropub in Napa, boasts river views and it’s open late. The brunch menu is loaded with must-order items including donut holes, fried chicken and waffles, lobster and chips. We could go on and on. thelincolnnapa.com
Yountville
Mini Model Bakery
A Wine Country favorite, The Model Bakery also has multiple San Francisco Bay Area locations. The Mini Model in Yountville doesn’t have all the items you’ll find in the original St. Helena location, but you know what else is missing? The crowds! The English muffins are a must, and one of Oprah’s Favorite Things. themodelbakery.com
Bouchon Bakery
6528 Washington Street, Yountville
Think croissants, pain au chocolat, muffins and more. Bouchon Bakery also offers a variety of coffee drinks for those in need of a caffeine fix. There’s often a line well out the door, but it moves quickly. thomaskeller.com
Lucy Restaurant & Bar at Bardessono Hotel & Spa
You don’t have to be a guest at the LEED Platinum Certified hotel to dine at Lucy Restaurant. Led by Executive Chef Rick Edge, the varied breakfast menu includes everything from avocado toast and oatmeal to chilaquiles and apple cider pancakes. Fresh herbs and garnishes are sourced from Bardessono’s onsite certified organic garden. lucyyountville.com
St. Helena
The Model Bakery
1357 Main St., St. Helena
A beloved Wine Country mainstay, the Model Bakery also has locations in Napa and Yountville, but St. Helena restaurant boasts original brick ovens from the 1920’s that are still used to bake goods. A definite “line spot” — it moves fast — the English muffins and morning buns are flawless, but it’s the breakfast sandwich that has captured the attention of millions, thanks to landing on Oprah’s Favorite Things list. Hours are Sunday through Thursday from 6:30am to 3pm, and 6:30am to 4pm on Friday and Saturday. themodelbakery.com
NO|MA House Café & Collective
1429 Main Street, St Helena
The relative new kid on St. Helena’s Main Street, NO|MA House Café & Collective was brought to life by Ann Backen, entrepreneur and co-founder/CEO of renowned wine country architecture firm Backen & Backen. Start your day with Lemon Ricotta Waffles, a yogurt parfait, or perhaps a breakfast sandwich with egg, bacon, sharp cheddar, arugula, and green goddess dressing served on sourdough bread. The space is a stunner, and just about everything is for sale. So, if you fall in love with something, you can take it home. Consider yourself warned! nomahousecafeandcollective.com
Acacia House at Alila Napa Valley
1915 Main Street, St Helena
Located in a beautifully restored Georgian farmhouse, it’s wise to give yourself time to linger over the most important meal of the day. The seasonal house pastries are hard to pass up, but options like Croissant Bread Pudding French Toast and Liberty Farm Duck Chilaquiles are worth saving room for. acaciahouserestaurant.com
Calistoga
Calistoga Roastery
1426 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga
Opened in 1992, this spot is revered for its hand-roasted coffee, tasty and fuss-free menu, and laid back vibe. The breakfast sandwich comes on an English muffin with scrambled eggs, cheese and your choice of ham, sausage, bacon, or avocado, and makes for the perfect on-the-go bite. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, check out the selection of scones and other house-made pastries. calistogaroastery.com
Sam’s General Store at Brannan Cottage Inn
109 Wappo Avenue, Calistoga
Sam’s General Store is located just off of Calistoga’s main drag of Lincoln Avenue, in the last cottage built by the city’s founder Samuel Brannan, that still stands at its original location. Menu options range from a latte made with CBD infused honey and homemade quiche, to hot chocolate, vegan doughnuts, and Banana Nutella Bread. Gluten-free offerings are also available. samsgeneralstore.com
Cafe Sarafornia
Breakfast is served all day at Cafe Sarafornia. We recommend the Braised Pork Tostada or Homemade Corned Beef Hash along with a glass of fresh-squeezed OJ. The indoor seating is cheery, but the handful of tables on the sidewalk are tough to beat on Calistoga’s many sunny days.
More Local Favorites in Wine Country
Who’s writing these?
Meet our always-hungry team of foodies who compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
