Location: Napa
Top Restaurants in Napa
Top Things to do in Napa
Where to Eat in Napa: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Gold and silver may have been behind the hordes that flocked in the 1800s, but liquid gold - Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignons and Pinot Noirs - is behind the modern migration. This dream destination for wine lovers has an abundance of fine restaurants and inns. Horse posts have been replaced by bike racks, and pedal power is a great way to explore.
Things to do in Napa
1. St Clair Brown Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
St. Clair Brown is an urban winery, nano-brewery, and culinary garden located in the city of Napa. We make hand-crafted wines, small-batch beer that are served with a small garden menu to pair.
Reviewed By KOSacramento - Sacramento
Nice welcome from our first waitress and our water was served quickly. There were only 2 other parties there and one had their food and wine already. It took a very long time before our hummus arrived. (Vegans: The crackers have milk- and they don’t offer any vegan crackers or bread. C’mon! Not even bread?!) The hummus was super good; bright and lemony with peanut butter used instead of tahini and topped with a yummy lemon olive oil. Finally, our wine flight arrived, too. The second waitress was nice but neither waitress came back and refilled water nor checked on us. At the end of our tasting we bought 2 bottles of 2015 estate syrah (coombsville, napa valley). For us, this wine is way too expensive at 56 dollars per bottle. The most expensive one on the list! But it is a really gorgeous wine; buttery, fruity, and a lovely finish. The small garden we sat near was nice plus they said we could take a few lemons or anything from their garden. (We picked two lemons and they were very good).
2. Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By haellis - chico,ca
This Brazilian Steakhouse is awesome. One of the best salad bars in the wine country. In addition, if you are a meat lover, you will think you have died and gone to meat lovers heaven. There are 17 different cuts of meat that are being brought to your table in a rotational format. The various cuts of meat are roasted on an open fire and taste very very good. The whole dining experience was different and fun at the same
time. I highly recommend trying Galpao Gaucho , you be glad you did.
3. Bistro Don Giovanni
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By mshbnyehud - Bellevue
Our reservation was honored on time on a Saturday night, and we were offered the choice of sitting inside or out (with heaters spaced throughout). The outside setting just before sunset is terrific, even with the highway next door. Our server Rosario was so professional and helpful.
We enjoyed a very nice glass of Whitehall Sauvignon Blanc, reasonably priced, and started with a special of fried risotto balls with ham pieces, perfectly cooked and topped with a very nice homemade tomato sauce -- just enough to give it flavor. Outstanding!
We split two other pasta dishes, the Strozzapreti with salmon in cream sauce, which was brilliantly served and oh so delicious. Then we split the Gnocchetti with lamb ragu, which was also very good, and so substantial, we ended up taking half of it home for a snack. If I had to compare the two, I like the Strozzapreti more, but I think it's more individual taste. Both were fabulous.
The only down side is that the espresso, which is served in a lovely cup, is only 3 tiny sips for $3.75 --- pricey.
Overall, we really enjoyed this experience and highly recommend it to others.
4. Hog Island Oyster Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 665 reviews
Open Daily<br>11:30am - 8:00pm<br><br>Happy Hours<br>Tues+Wed: 5:00pm - 7:00pm. <br><br>We will be closing early, 5 PM, on Dec. 24. Last seating at 3:30 PM.<br><br>Closed <br>Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Days.
Reviewed By johnnnita - Napa, California, United States
Recently I read that Hog Island Oyster Company had "the best clam chowder" in California. Well, I live in Napa and had never dined there before. Of course, I've been in Oxbow Market (where it's located) many, many times before and knew of its presence. I had a bad experience with raw oysters a few years ago, so I just really never looked at the menu....until reading about this in "The Daily Meal" web site.
So, indeed the clam chowder was REALLY EXCELLENT! It has real Manila baby clams in the shells right on top of the chowder (see photo). I literally was able to scoop out the clams into the chowder and fill up a separate bowl with the shells.
Along with the chowder, I had to order a glass of Boz Scaggs red blend (yes, the rock band leader). There seems to be a recent trend of rockers developing wines in the Napa Valley area; Zac Brown is another one. The Scaggs vintage was very good and will probably buy some bottles once I find a source.
As far as seating, you can sit at the bar if there is one or two of you and would recommend you do that so you can "chat" with the servers and cooks. I learned some interesting things doing this (more on that in a moment). You also have the choice to sit in the common table areas if you so prefer.
Now, fair warning, you must have a pretty solid tolerance for heavy chowder. I learned from one of the cooks was that the secret to the deliciousness of the clam chowder other than the manila clams was "lots of bacon fat". Uh oh! Several hours later I had a case of upset stomach; not because it was bad; it was because it was TOO good. Just keep that in mind if you are of that persuasion and have some alka seltzer close around.
Finally, the "Daily Meal" also said one could have a lunch for around $30.00 and that is true.
5. Cole's Chop House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Biznouk
We were upstairs
Top notch service and so professional service By Joe B. the dining Room Manager.
Thank you so much Joe.
Everything is excellent here
We started by the Grilled white Gulf prawn Cocktail .. so delicious ..!!
The main course for everybody was outstanding
Very good quality of meat
Especially the black angus Filet Mignon and the black Angus ribeye steak ..
We share the sides family style , creamed spinach and the Yukon Gold Potato and gruyère gratin
It was definitely a dinner to remember...
Do not hesitate Go ..!!
Booked in advance .. especially for the week end
6. Oxbow Wine Merchant & Wine Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
In the NW corner of Oxbow Public Market. Combination Wine Bar, Wine Shop, Cheese Shop. Cheese plates, charcuterie, sandwiches. Trip Advisor needs a food category labeld simply Wine Bar.
Reviewed By chic l - Dallas, Texas
A short walk from the Wine Train Station. Great variety of shops and food choices. Don't spoil your appetite if visit Oxbow before your Wine Train trip! Very friendly merchants. Can't wait to go back.
7. Zuzu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 846 reviews
Reviewed By napasunseeker - Napa, California
Zuzu has flourished in Napa for many years because it appeals to both tourists and “locals”. Zuzu serves tapas- small plates of Spanish food meant for sharing. Our favorites include the paella, steak with chimi churi sauce, bacolao (salt cod) and sangria. If you’re looking for a lively casual place to share some food with friends Zuzu is a great option.
8. Alexis Baking Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 290 reviews
Reviewed By NACC99 - CHICAGO
This quaint, little restaurant in downtown Napa was a pleasant surprise. I ordered the lemon-ricotta pancakes with blueberry sauce, and they were by far the best pancakes I've ever had in my life. Just amazing! They were light and fluffy yet filling. You could see the ricotta oozing out from the inside. Although a bit pricey for pancakes ($15), they were worth it! I didn't want any of it to go to waste so I took my leftovers on the plane home with me. I definitely recommend this place.
9. Mustards Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The natural world of Napa Valley is steeped in sunshine, flavor, and beauty. From chefs finding fresh inspiration, to travelers partaking in tastings, to locals exploring the countryside, one and all are privy to a world of experiences worth savoring. It was this natural beauty for which our beloved restaurant was named. The mustard flower blooms in the spring, nourishing the vineyard soil and brightening the world. Mustards Grill has likewise been an invigorating presence in Napa since 1983, serving farm-to-table fare that celebrates the flavors of our California home. Award-winning chef Cindy Pawlcyn has crafted a menu of unique favorites, all using ingredients from Mustards Grill's garden or sourced locally. Join us for a meal of fine food and easy conversation while sipping on some of the valley's finest.
Reviewed By mshbnyehud - Bellevue
It's been quite a few years since our last visit to Mustards Grill, but only because we don't live locally. If we did, it would be a regular stop of ours. The food is incredibly delicious and service outstanding.
We decided to order individual glasses of wine rather than a bottle or half bottle. The one Rose choice was quite good, as was my Markham Merlot. Prices are slightly above average but consistent for an upscale Napa restaurant.
We split 3 dishes. First was tamales stuffed with tiny mushroom pieces, topped with a green chili sauce. It was served hot/hot, and was absolutely scrumptious. A perfect start.
Next, we split a salad with bleu cheese dressing -- perfectly dressed and really, really delicious. Finally, we split the hanger steak with a watercress sauce on the side, and homemade French fries. It was perfectly cooked medium, and definitely substantial enough to feed two (particularly after the prior to courses). It was really tasty and a perfect blend with the merlot wine.
I wasn't sure in advance if it was enough food for us, but in the end, splitting these three courses was just the perfect portion for both of us. Maybe not for everyone, but we walked out quite satisfied.
Wonderful service throughout! We can't wait for our next Napa trip to return to Mustards Grill.
10. Grace's Table
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 670 reviews
Reviewed By creativecrew - Allentown, Pennsylvania
Flavors were unique. The freshly sliced tuna salad was Devine! How do they make the crust egg? It’s soft inside and has a tempera crispy crust outside.
A colleague ordered the burger and shared her homemade pickles. Wonderful! Love the relaxed atmosphere and gracious staff!
Be sure to order their famous Corn Bread and the Brussels Sprouts are super too!
