Oxbow Public Market in Downtown Napa 06 May 2016
Dining in the Napa Valley

Visit Napa Valley

Napa Valley is home to 125 restaurants and has more Michelin stars per capita than any other wine region in the world. Here is where the farm-to-table culinary scene meets the creativity of some of the world's best chefs. Kitchens mix seasonal, local, and organic produce to create masterpiece dishes, which means the menus change constantly to reflect the best available ingredients. Below is a highlight on the dining experiences in Napa Valley.

NAPA

With a boost of new developments, downtown Napa is a hot dining destination in the Valley. Visitors and locals vie for seats in spots like Morimoto and Eiko's, for authentic Japanese; Oenotri and Ca'Momi Osteria, specializing in Italian fare; and Tarla Restaurant, offering Greek and Turkish-fused cuisine. A long-time favorite, the restored antique Pullman-style, Napa Valley Wine Train, departs from downtown Napa and is a beloved spot for lunch and dinner. For late night snacks and sips, Ninebark, Napkins Bar & Grill, or 1313 Main Restaurant & Wine Bar are ideal spots (all within walking distance from one another).

For a quick bite, visit Oxbow Public Market, a 40,000-square-foot market located along the Napa Riverfront. A major supporter of artisanal food and organic products, dining spots include C Casa with chili-rubbed rotisserie meat tacos; Hog Island Oyster Bar, featuring savory seafood entrees; and The Kitchen Door which offers American comfort cuisine.

Many of the area hotels also include top dining spots, including Ken Frank's La Toque, recipient of a coveted Michelin Star; Farm at The Carneros Inn, which sources all ingredients within a 150-mile radius; and Andaz' Farmer's Table, which offers communal dining with signature dishes such as Crab Benedict.

YOUNTVILLE

Surrounded by vineyards and quaint shops, Yountville is quintessential Napa Valley and also home to celebrity chef restaurants. Washington Street, the main artery that runs through Yountville, is dotted with favorites including: Lucy Restaurant, offering innovative garden-inspired cuisine, such as the freshly- dug carrot salad; Hurley's, mixing local and Mediterranean flavors; and R+D Kitchen, offering creative versions of classic American dishes like the Reubenesque Sandwich.

In Yountville visitors will also find Redd, the first venture from acclaimed Northern California Chef Richard Reddington and his casual outpost, Redd Wood, offering perfectly wood-fired pizza.

Chef Keller, dubbed the “unofficial mayor of Yountville,” is the man behind the iconic French Laundry (don't miss his expansive garden across the street), Bouchon Bistro and Bakery, as well as Ad Hoc, known for its fried chicken nights. Down the road is Mustard's Grill, the Valley's fancy rib joint, and Brix, set on 16 acres that are abundantly planted with vegetables, fruit, and citrus orchards.

RUTHERFORD

Tables on the Restaurant at Auberge's wraparound patio offer panoramic views of Napa Valley, and are some of the most sought after in the region. The Michelin-starred restaurant continues to be one of the most popular dining destinations in the area since opening in 1981.

HELENA

St. Helena, considered the heart of Napa Valley, maintains a quaint, historic and cultural atmosphere. Main Street is the hub for many of the town's restaurants, including The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, which offers the best professional culinary education in the country, with two signature restaurants: Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant and The Conservatory. Main Street is also home to Archetype, known for its signature charred dishes, complemented by an infusion of smoke from the wood-burning stove; La Condesa, which features the largest selection of tequila in the Valley; and Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, housed in a refurbished barn with an open kitchen and family-style dining.

Other St. Helena favorites include Goose & Gander, offering a wide selection of cocktails that may be paired with delectable bar bites such as smoked corn croquettes; PRESS, featuring an extensive collection of Napa Valley-only wines; Harvest Table, Chef Charlie Palmer's Wine Country kitchen; and Gott's Roadside, an all-American classic drive-up restaurant with juicy cheeseburgers and Ahi tuna burgers. Don't miss The Restaurant at Meadowood, with Michelin-star Chef Christopher Kostow at the helm.

CALISTOGA

Most commonly known for its hot springs and spas that have brought visitors to the city since the 1800s, Calistoga is brimming with top cuisine as well. Hotel restaurants such as Michelin-star Solbar serves its famous fried chicken. Indian Springs' Sam's Social Club is the latest addition to the town's culinary scene and offers rustic American cuisine such as fried Brussel sprouts. The Lakehouse at Calistoga Ranch is nestled in the trees and overlooks Lake Lommel.

Scattered along Washington Street, Lincoln Avenue and Cedar Street are a variety of restaurants: Evangeline, a casual French bistro that serves oysters and high-end cheeses; Calistoga Kitchen, famous for its farm-fresh brunch; and the Calistoga Inn, known for its house made brews.

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About Visit Napa Valley

Visit Napa Valley is the official tourism marketing organization for the Napa Valley, with a mission to promote, protect and enhance the region's position as one of the world's premier wine, food, arts and wellness destinations. The area, known for its legendary hospitality, is also internationally recognized as one of only eight "Great Wine Capitals" and has more Michelin Stars per capita than any other wine region in the world.

The Napa Valley, conveniently located just an hour from the San Francisco Bay Area, consists of the following distinctive towns, including, from north to south, Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford/Oakville, Yountville, the city of Napa, American Canyon, and the outdoor recreation area of Lake Berryessa.

The Napa Valley Welcome Center, located at 600 Main St. along the riverfront in downtown Napa, provides visitors with expert Concierge services from Napa Valley Ambassadors who offer complimentary Napa Valley Guidebooks, maps, brochures and winery tasting passes. The Welcome Center, open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., also offers complimentary Wi-Fi and a mercantile shop featuring locally sourced gift items.

For additional information on the Napa Valley, or to plan your Napa Valley experience, please explore www.VisitNapaValley.com, join "The Napa Valley" on Facebook, and follow @VisitNapaValley on Twitter.