After a long day of sipping and swirling, there’s nothing better than tucking into a delicious, nourishing meal filled with local ingredients. From cozy and elegant-chic, to rustic farmhouse, Napa Valley Wine Country has something to offer for everyone. As expected, wine is somewhat prominent in this historic region — we’ve included one restaurant located on a vineyard — but know the food in these parts is as unmatched as the beverage offerings.
With an overwhelming amount of eateries to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to the cream of the crop for a curated list of best dinner in Napa Valley. Bon appétit!
Photo: Courtesy of Ad Hoc
Napa
100 W American Canyon Rd Suite K4, American Canyon
Raices Mexican Cuisine and Bar has become an American Canyon favorite for modern Mexican food in a cozy atmosphere. There will of course be traditional flavors too, and the menu includes seasonal specials, a variety of salads, tacos, burritos and more. Give their specialty cocktails a try, too.
200 American Canyon Rd, American Canyon
Guy Fieri opened a new location of his Chicken Guy chain in American Canyon. As the name would suggest, find all things chicken here, from loaded chicken sandwiches to chicken tenders and more.
Mothers Tacos serves Mexico City-style tacos on handmade tortillas. For something different than the norm, order waffle fries loaded with options ranging from Sinaloan style braised pork, to grilled steak and marinated chicken.
After more than a decade at Oxbow Public Market, Kitchen Door has settled into its new space just a few blocks away in the First Street Napa retail development. Fan favorites including the cream of mushroom soup and Korean short ribs share the menu with plenty of new dishes from around the world. We recommend grabbing a seat on the outdoor patio; the firepit keeps it cozy even on cool wine country nights.
The Lincoln gastropub has brought a new late-night dining experience to the Napa Valley, something the area had been lacking. The extensive cocktail list combined with a quality menu of bar food make this a worthwhile visit for those looking for a more casual dining experience.
670 Main St, Napa
Entrecot Restaurant gives the Napa Valley some Argentinian flair, bringing the meat-focused cuisine of the South American nation to Wine Country. Bring an appetite, as this restaurant will make sure you are stuffed by the time you are walking out — without question.
1331 1st St, Napa
1331 Cocktail Bar is the new nightlife spot in Napa that’s worth a visit. Enjoy the simultaneously moody yet cozy atmosphere with one of their unique cocktails by your side.
Yountville
The wait is finally over. The Kitchen at Priest Ranch restaurant is now open next to the Priest Ranch tasting room in Yountville. Open daily from 10am to 6pm, KPR offers both indoor and outdoor dining, including the only rooftop seating area in Yountville.
6476 Washington Street, Yountville
707.944.2487
Thomas Keller opened Ad Hoc in September of 2006. The restaurant’s four-course menu changes daily and features classic American dishes like fried chicken and barbeque, all served family-style. Drinks here include signature twists on classic cocktails and small, straight-forward wine list. Offerings may include the likes of The French Laundry (TFL) Garden Lettuce Salad with fennel torn croutons and rigatoni carbonara with Hobbs’ bacon.
6757 Washington Street, Yountville
707.299.5030
Grab a seat on the patio and you’ll be the envy of those that stroll by thanks to dishes the likes of yellowfin tuna toast, smoked pork ribs, and wood fired sourdough pizza topped with asparagus, burrata, Meyer lemon, and vella dry jack. Take a break from wine and try one of their signature cocktails.
6510 Washington Street, Yountville
707.944.0103
Get a delicious taste of France, without boarding a plane. For more than two decades, this charming bistro has wowed diners with coq au vin, escargots, and cassoulet. Even on a summer day, we find it hard not to order the Crême de Tomate en Croute (tomato soup in puff pastry) or Soupe a l’Oignon. (onion soup gratinee).
6480 Washington St, Yountville
Once a pop-up caviar lounge by the man behind the iconic French Laundry restaurant, Thomas Keller, RO Restaurant and Lounge has expanded into a full service restaurant focused on Asian-inspired cuisine in Yountville. Featuring uni toast, black truffle egg salad and a cocktail version of Keller’s renowned French Laundry dish Oysters & Pearls, this restaurant is the perfect way to expand on Keller’s Regiis Ova Caviar & Champagne Lounge. And the caviar isn’t going anywhere — RO’s menu still features six different types of Regiis Ova Caviar, paired with garnishes and blinis.
St. Helena
738 Main St., St. Helena
707.963.4555
Long Meadow Ranch is a family-owned business that produces grass-fed beef and lamb, extra virgin olive oil and estate-grown grapes and wine among other items in the Mayacamas Mountains. The restaurant, which has been reset to provide a safe eating space, showcases this bounty on its refined, yet approachable menu that includes home-smoked ribs, warm burrata and a selection of well-balanced cocktails. Tequila fans, check out the Porch Swing — Tanteo jalapeno tequila, watermelon, combier, lime, agave, basil, and a chili salt rim.
180 Rutherford Hill Road, Rutherford
800.348.5406
Located at the luxurious Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford, The Restaurant has 14 consecutive Michelin Star awards to its name. Choose from a three- or four-course prix fixe or six-course tasting menu for dinner. Reservations are a must. For last minute cravings, tables can typically be found at its casual neighbor, the Bistro and Bar.
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.
