Unlike some lesser-known wine regions, Napa Valley’s vino is revered. If you’re here, chances are you’re an oenophile. But this world-class vintner heaven is also a foodie haven. While long-standing establishments such as Mustard’s Grill, Bistro Jeanty, and Bottega have helped Napa Valley establish this reputation, we’ve rounded up its 10 best restaurants to book right now below. So, leave your wine gadgets at home, and tuck in.
La Toque, Napa
Best for: seasonal truffle tastings.
Nestled in downtown Napa’s Westin Verasa hotel is chef Ken Frank’s acclaimed fine dining establishment since 2008. This spot blends French technique with seasonal local ingredients and has earned a Michelin Star 14 times. The elegant dining room features an open kitchen, leathertopped tables, fireplace, and glassedin terrace. Go all in with the ninecourse chef’s tasting menu paired with wines from a 2,300bottle list (honored with Wine Spectator’s Grand Award).
latoque.com
1314 McKinstry St, CA 94559
The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, Rutherford
Best for: terrace dining with vista views.
Located inside the Auberge du Soleil on a hillside olive grove that blends South of France charm with low-key California sophistication, The Restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Star for 17 consecutive years, and the new six-course tasting menu with pairings from the 15,000-bottle wine cellar should keep the accolades coming. Top off the experience with a glass of bubbles from the tableside Champagne cart.
aubergeresorts.com
180 Rutherford Hill Rd, CA 94573
The French Laundry, Yountville
Best for: a bucket list culinary experience.
Whether you’re a fan of ‘Kellerville’ (a nickname bestowed on Yountville due to the restaurants by award-winning chef Thomas Keller) or not, no trip to this tiny town would be complete without a fine dining experience at this three-Michelin-starred temple. Expect two nine-course set menus, featuring ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s own gardens. Every detail is meticulously planned – from the plating to the wine pairings.
thomaskeller.com
6640 Washington St, CA 94599
Bouchon Bistro, Yountville
Best for: one of the world’s best roast chickens.
Bouchon Bistro is a good back-up for when you want something more casual than The French Laundry (just down the street) – or you missed out on making a booking. The classic bistro fare features a leg of lamb, trout amandine, raw bar staples, and one of the world’s best roast chickens – all served in a lively Parisian-inspired setting with red velvet booths, marble tables, and a zinc bar.
6534 Washington St, CA 94599
Slanted Door, Napa
Best for: elevated Vietnamese food.
From a hole-in-the-wall in the city to this wine country location, the late celebrated Vietnamese chef Charles Phan’s San Fran legacy lives on in Napa. Expect a modern, sleek design with a large bar area (where you can order the full menu) and an art-filled room with tables for larger groups. Order the shaking beef, roasted dry-aged white Peking duck, or cellophane noodles.
slanteddoor.com
1650 Soscol Ave, CA 94559
Hog Island Oyster Co., Napa
Best for: a happy hour to start your night.
Oxbow Market is a large indoor European-style market with several restaurants, wine bars, and shops. The anchor of the offerings is Hog Island Oyster Co., known for sustainably farmed bivalves from Tomales Bay. Expect a few tables and counter seating where you can see a shucking show with fresh shellfish daily, like oysters, clam chowder, and steamed mussels paired with local wines, champagne, and craft beer.
610 1st St, CA 94559
The Wine Train, Napa
Best for: lovers of luxury train travel.
This is the closest thing the US has to a Belmond/Orient Express (some of the world’s most beautiful train journeys) experience. It’s a fine dining restaurant on rails – a high tea or four-course lunch with wine pairings in a historic 1920s car. Cruise up to St. Helena, stopping at legendary wineries such as Opus One and Charles Krug, then hop back on board for more dishes like grilled tenderloin or cider-glazed salmon.
winetrain.com
1275 McKinstry St, CA 94559
PRESS Restaurant, St Helena
Best for: an extensive (and old) wine list.
This Michelin-starred gem was established in 2005 by the late Leslie Rudd, who was inspired by a leisurely lunch at the Parisian mainstay Chez L’Ami Louis. Today, it holds one of the area’s largest wine collections, with over 10,000 bottles dating back to the 1950s, which you can sip by the fire and antique green clock. Led by chef Philip Tessier, the seasonal tasting menus might include a caviar pretzel or Alaskan halibut with Dungeness crab.
pressnapavalley.com
587 St Helena Hwy, CA 94574
The Charter Oak, St Helena
Best for: casual farm-fresh dining.
Formerly of three-Michelin-starred The Restaurant at Meadowood, chef Christopher Kostow can now be found at this rustic, family-style spot housed in a historic brick building centered around a massive woodfired hearth. Produce from the restaurant’s farm plays a main role here – from squash blossoms stuffed with chicken to grilled Koji eggplant with pickled peppers and almonds. Dine under soaring ceilings, near a firelit patio, or on the communal tables.
thecharteroak.com
1050 Charter Oak Ave, CA 94574
Morimoto, Napa
Best for: spotting an Iron Chef in the flesh.
This one’s for Iron Chef fans. Helmed by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, his namesake eatery serves Japanese fare on the Napa River. The entrance includes a retail environment with accessories reflecting the chef’s lifestyle, including sake and Japanese prefectures. While you can engage in theatrical sashimi served in the shape of a rose, newer menu items include the dry-aged salmon with yuzu butter and asparagus – currently a top seller.
morimotonapa.com
