Must Do Food & Drinks in Napa Valley
I’ve spent a lot of time in Napa Valley — living here, working harvests, drinking way too much good wine, and soaking up everything this place has to offer. Whether you’re rolling in for your first visit, gearing up for your first crush season, or just need a refresher on what’s worth your time (and what’s not), this list has you covered.
These are my tried-and-true spots — the ones I keep going back to, the dream pie in the sky spots that are worth the hype, reliable haunts for folks actually in the wine industry, and the recs I send all my friends to when they ask, “What should I do in Napa?”
If you’re interested in seeking out wineries to visit, check out my other post on must-visit wineries for people who are actually into wine. Or, if you’re coming in town to work a wine harvest, check out these tips.
Best Breakfast Spots in Napa Valley:
Model Bakery
📍 644 1st St, Napa
📍 1357 Main St, St. Helena
A Napa Valley staple and absolute must for breakfast — especially if you're working a harvest and need something delicious to look forward to after a long night shift. Known for their legendary English muffins (they’ve been featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things list for a reason), Model Bakery is the kind of place where one bite will have you questioning every other breakfast sandwich you’ve ever had. Grab a warm English muffin with fluffy eggs, bacon, or avocado — or just eat it plain. You really can’t go wrong.
Bouchon Bakery
📍 6528 Washington St, Yountville
A charming French-style bakery by Thomas Keller (yes, that Thomas Keller). Expect perfectly executed croissants, macarons, and seasonal pastries. The coffee’s solid, the lines are long, and the vibe is very “morning in the French countryside” — if the French countryside had a lot of well-dressed wine tourists.
Best Lunch Spots in Napa Valley:
Gott’s Roadside
📍 644 1st St, Napa
📍 933 Main St, St. Helena
A casual classic for burgers, fries, and milkshakes — with a Napa twist. Think Ahi poke tacos, Impossible burgers, garlic fries, and local wines by the glass. Great for a midday bite between winery visits, or an early dinner that doesn’t require a reservation or a dress code.
La Luna Market & Taqueria
📍 1153 Rutherford Rd, Rutherford
This unassuming market is a local gem for quick, authentic Mexican food. The burritos and tacos are massive, flavorful, and affordable — a rare combo in wine country. Great for a low-key lunch or a post-harvest refuel. Pro tip: the carne asada is a standout.
Frida’s Mexican Grill
📍 1533 Trancas St, Napa
Bright, friendly, and reliable. Frida’s serves up flavorful plates of enchiladas, fajitas, and tacos alongside great house margaritas. It’s a solid go-to for groups or when you want something tasty and casual without waiting an hour.
Tacos Garcia
📍 3020 Jefferson St, Napa
A taco truck that punches way above its weight. Regulars know to hit it for the al pastor or lengua tacos. It’s cash-only and super no-frills, but you’ll find a loyal following of locals and harvest workers grabbing dinner here after long days.
Azteca Market
📍 1512 Silverado Trail, Napa
Part grocery, part hidden taqueria in the back — Azteca serves up incredibly fresh tacos, tortas, and salsas. A great off-the-beaten-path stop when you want real food without the wine country markup.
Best Spots to Grab a Drink in Napa Valley
Cadet Wine & Beer Bar
📍 930 Franklin St, Napa
A downtown Napa favorite for wine industry folks and wine lovers alike. The rotating by-the-glass list features gems you won’t see elsewhere, plus beers, snacks, and a funky-chic vibe. It’s casual, fun, and open late — perfect for post-service or post-tasting room hangs.
Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery
📍 1250 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga
This historic inn has a lush patio that’s perfect for lingering over lunch, dinner, or drinks. They brew their own beer, offer a great wine list, and the food is reliably tasty. It’s lively but not loud, stylish but not stuffy.
Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar
📍 1230 1st St, Napa
The rooftop bar Napa didn’t know it needed. With panoramic views of downtown, solid cocktails, and cozy fire pits, this is where you go to wrap up a day of wine tasting — or to start your night if you’re sticking around downtown.
Pancho's
📍 1274 Main St, Napa
Cash-only dive bar with dim lighting, strong drinks, and zero pretense. It’s the anti-tasting room — and a beloved haunt for locals who need a break from all the swirls and scores. A+ jukebox and pool table vibes.
The Saint Wine Bar
📍 1351 Main St, St. Helena
Swanky, moody, and very wine country glam. Great for a nightcap or for sipping something sexy and red in a dark leather booth. Live music some nights, and a curated list of Napa Valley wines by the glass or bottle.
Stone Brewing Napa
📍 930 3rd St, Napa
Craft beer lovers, rejoice — this brewery outpost offers signature Stone beers, plus some limited releases, in a sleek riverside setting. Good food menu too, if you’re craving something beer-friendly like pretzels or burgers.
Back Room Wines
📍 1000 Main St Suite 120, Napa
A wine shop and tasting bar rolled into one. Specializes in small-production, hard-to-find wines from Napa and beyond. Staff is knowledgeable without being snobby, and you can taste before you buy — which is always a plus.
Best Spots for a Meal in Napa Valley
Goose & Gander
📍 1245 Spring St, St. Helena
Rustic-chic with a killer cocktail program and a cozy basement bar that feels like a speakeasy. Menu leans hearty and seasonal — think duck fat fries, bone marrow, and grilled meats. Great for a celebratory dinner or when you want to feel like a cool local.
TORC
📍 1140 Main St, Napa
Globally inspired, ingredient-driven food served in a buzzy, modern space. TORC is a local favorite for date nights, industry dinners, and any time you want a bit of culinary flair without the white-tablecloth vibe.
PRESS Restaurant
📍 587 St Helena Hwy, St. Helena
One of Napa Valley’s most iconic steakhouses, PRESS delivers on both food and wine. Known for their epic Napa-only wine list and high-quality dry-aged meats, this spot is perfect for a blowout meal. Service is top-tier.
The French Laundry
📍 6640 Washington St, Yountville
The fine dining mothership. Thomas Keller’s legendary restaurant needs no introduction — if you’re lucky enough to get a reservation, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime tasting menu experience. Come hungry, dressed up, and ready to savor.
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch
📍 738 Main St, St. Helena
Farm-to-table done right. With a menu that highlights seasonal produce and house-raised meats, Farmstead is warm, welcoming, and just upscale enough. It’s great for lunch or dinner, especially if you want a true taste of Napa ag life.
The Restaurant at Meadowood (currently closed due to fire damage — check for reopening status)
📍 900 Meadowood Ln, St. Helena
When open, this was one of Napa Valley’s most acclaimed restaurants — elegant, intimate, and deeply reflective of its local environment. Worth watching for a reopening if you're planning a future visit.
Whether you’re here for a week, a season, or forever, these spots will keep you well-fed, slightly buzzed, and feeling like a local in no time.
