The Wine Country region is associated with many things aside from its namesake wine. Kind of like Disneyland is more than just rides, people come here for the full experience — the Michelin-star restaurants, the cheese tours, barrel tastings, and lots of photos in sundresses and floppy hats. We didn’t make the rules, that’s just how it is.
But it’s unfair to write off this dynamic area as single-faceted. Whatever your flavor and vibe is, it’s here to be explored. Here are some of the places for the best lunch in Napa Valley Wine Country.
Feature photo: Courtesy of Gott’s Roadside
Napa
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.
OK, so putting this place on a list is kind of cheating. Oxbow Public Market boasts 40,000-square-feet of local food vendors, artisan cafes and an organic produce outlet for local farms. A gathering hub of sorts in downtown Napa, there’s also an outdoor deck with seating along the Napa River, which has made it a central gathering hub in downtown Napa. Some of the many vendors include the Fatted Calf, The Model Bakery, Hog Island Oyster Co and C Casa.
This Oxbow newcomer is worthy of its own shout out. From matzo ball soup to hand-carved pastrami on rye, to mini potato latkes — you might want to think about skipping breakfast to prepare. Whatever you choose, add on a Loveski pickle.
A bit off of Napa’s beaten path, Mothers Tacos is a delicious diversion. Pair Mexico City style tacos on handmade tortillas with housemade horchata sweetened with coconut cream.
Or try something outside the box like waffle fries loaded with options ranging from Sinaloan style braised pork, to grilled steak and marinated chicken.
Stateline Road Smokehouse is bringing Kansas City-style barbecue to Napa Valley. With this new spot in the Rail Arts district, we can expect a fun, laid back atmosphere, a variety of menu options, and of course, delicious barbecue.
Even if you’re not from Louisiana yourself, the Louisiana family recipes served at Lil’ Sista’s Goody’s Soul Food will certainly evoke the feeling of comfort food. You can find traditional soul food meals, as well as some lighter options.
St. Helena
1227 Main St, St. Helena
The go-to place for to-go sandwiches in St. Helena since 1911, Giugni’s always delivers great service and great food. The amount of toppings, cheeses — there are more than 15 kinds including horseradish cheddar — and types of bread can be overwhelming, but no matter the combo you choose, get the Giugni juice. A proprietary mix of herbs, oil and vinegar, this will liven any meal. Equally impressive is the selection of snack-size chip offerings, so be sure to grab one as well.
933 Main St. (Highway 29), St. Helena
Opened in 1999, this is the first Gott’s location opened by brothers Joel and Duncan Gott. The menu offers everything from burgers and salads, to chicken schnitzel sandwiches and Ahi poke crispy tacos. If you’re further south in Napa and craving Gott’s, there’s also a location in Oxbow Public Market.
1180 Rutherford Rd., Rutherford
Rutherford Grill offers fresh, seasonal ingredients and dishes intended to complement Napa Valley wines. With a menu consisting mostly of modern American comfort food, people flock here before and after tasting for the French dip, iron skillet cornbread and veggie burger. And while this is Wine cCountry, the martinis here are not-to-be-missed.
Calistoga
1207 Foothill Blvd, Calistoga
Louisiana barbecue in Napa Valley! Buster’s Southern BBQ is located on the edge of downtown Calistoga, at the end of Lincoln Avenue, the city’s main drag. From pork and beef ribs to tri-tip steak, pulled pork, and hot links, you’ll find all of your barbecue favorites here. Be sure to try the seasonal barbecue oysters!
1458 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga
707.963.6925
Located in an historic train depot established in 1868, Calistoga Depot is a fun, one-stop-shop, great as a group lunch destination to please multiple palates. Four food menus feature artisan sandwiches and woodfired pizza from Distillery Bar and Provisions Deli, delicious Oaxacan cuisine from Casa Obsidiana, oysters, caviar and bubbly from JCB Parlor, plus cocktails at First Millionaire’s Saloon and an onsite distillery.
1250 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga
707.942.4101
With its welcoming fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs, the patio of Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery is an ideal place to kick back and relax. Order beer from Napa Valley Brewing Company, the award-winning microbrewery that’s on-site, located inside the historic water tower, and one of their pizzas — the prosciutto topped with arugula is a keeper.
1507 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga
707.942.6257
In a space that feels like a good friend’s backyard, House of Better, located at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, is a sunshine-filled, upbeat place to enjoy nourishing southwest-inspired food. Try any of the salads, tacos or fun dips and chips. Nachos highlight the New Mexican Chile roaster, as does the not-to-miss housemade green chile apple pie with walnut streusel and a buttery, cheddar-kissed crust topped with red chile honey.
1107 Cedar Street, Calistoga
707.942.6500
While certainly a lovely place to dine at dinnertime, a lazy brunch or lunch in Lovina’s garden patio is an excellent way to enjoy a day in Calistoga. The restaurant resides in a historic house, which serves as a quaint backdrop to picture-perfect Benedicts, flower-infused mimosas and cast iron skillet cinnamon rolls. Woman owned, managed and chefed, Lovina is also tip free, with menu prices including revenue share, paid family leave and staff benefits.
755 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga
The deliciousness of Ensenada, Mexico overlooking one of wine country’s swankiest pools. You’ll want to try everything, so go to Picobar with a friend who likes to share. We’re big fans of the Esquites (corn kernels with lime, cotija cheese, chile piquin aioli) and the Ahi Tuna Tostada. Try and save room for the churros.
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.
