My Grandma has lived in the Napa Valley for as long as I have been alive. When I was little, my visits there consisted of hours of pretend play with my sister, a breakfast of lucky charms, and a dinner of Kraft Mac & Cheese. To me it was all wonderful. My grandma has always hated cooking, hence the Mac & Cheese, but luckily is surrounded by some of the very best restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines at all different prices. As I have gotten older my visits have changed, now we chat and catch up for hours, watch movies, and eat at our favorite restaurants.
There are two restaurants we go to just about every time I visit. But there are also new and unique restaurants popping up constantly, therefore I decided I might as well create a guide to some of my favorite food options in the Napa Valley.
Our Go-To Restaurants
Market St. Helena is one we have been going to for years. Market offers a wide selection of American food, and one thing I love about the restaurant is they recognize that there are dishes on the menu people continue to return for. So while they do add new things to the menu occasionally, your favorites will still be there when you return.
Some of their best dishes include:
- Dungeness Crab Cake, this is truly the best crab cake I have ever had.
- Pepper Crusted Fillet Medallions, they come with shoestring truffle fries that are incredible.
- Organic Fried Chicken served with Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Garlic Spinach, Cheddar-Jalapeño Cornbread and Home-Style Gravy...YUM.
- Butterscotch pudding served in a homemade waffle cone.
- S'mores, you make them yourself over a mini campfire and they are served with Homemade Graham Crackers, and Chocolate and Peanut Butter Ganache.
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch is also in St. Helena and it never disappoints. The restaurant itself is in what once was a barn, and the grounds are beautiful. In the day time you can see the garden where many of their vegetables are grown, and they even have a little farmers market. I love this restaurant not only because of the amazing food options, but also because of the space and vibe, if you aren't looking for a sit down dinner, they have a great outdoor seating space where you can order drinks and appetizers.
Some of their best dishes include:
- The Grass-Fed Cheeseburger, I get this almost every time. It's that good.
- Cheddar Biscuits served with Honey Butter, if you visit Farmstead this is the one thing you must try.
- Warm Burrata, it melts in your mouth and the bread and fixings it comes with are incredible.
Other Restaurants we love
RH Yountville is still quite new to the area. RH formerly known as Restoration Hardware, has six concept restaurants where they integrate food, wine, art, and design. I have now been to the locations in Yountville and Chicago, both are the most beautiful restaurants I have ever seen, but still unique. Visiting RH Yountville is an experience you cannot pass up, and though it is on the pricier side it is a must visit spot in the Napa Valley. I have only been for dinner but would love to go for brunch as that menu looks incredible.
Photo Courtesy of RH Yountville
Some of their best dishes include:
- Broiled Salmon, it is made with honey and brown butter and is sweet, tangy, and cooked to perfection.
- Charred Heirloom Broccoli, it is in little crispy pieces prepared in a very unusual way, and so tasty.
- Shaved Ribeye Sandwich, this is served on garlic bread along with swiss cheese and cherry peppers.
- Burrata with roasted tomato salad, aged sherry, and toasted garlic bread.
Gotts Roadside is a casual spot with a location in St. Helena, and another in Napa. I have driven past it for years when visiting the area, and had never been. I just tried it for the very first time, and it was wonderful. It is a casual spot with options for everyone, from burgers to tacos to seafood, it is definitely a safe bet no matter what mood you are in. At Gott's they take a modern approach to classic American Roadside foods, it is a quick and delicious place to stop for a snack, and as it's in the Napa Valley they also serve a variety of wines and beers!
I haven't had the opportunity to try many of their dishes yet but some great ones include:
- Ahi Poke Tacos
- Fish Tacos
- Garlic Fries, they are flavorful but not over powering
- Their burgers look incredible as well
Other food spots/experiences
Round Pond Olive Oil Tasting it has been a while since I had the opportunity to do this, so I don't have many photos but this is an experience everyone should have. At Round Pond you can take part in a tasting and tour where they teach you everything from the proper way to taste olive oil, the way it is made from start to finish, and what to look for when buying an oil. In addition to tasting a variety of olive oils themselves, you also get to try delicious and creative bites that are made using their oils and vinegars, including dessert!
Oxbow Public Market is another spot I had never been to until recently. It's a foodie's dream and also the perfect place to buy gifts for all types of people! The market is set-up in a warehouse style building, with different stalls and booths lining the sides and center offering everything from a distillery, a fresh fruit stand, a spice shop, and a wine and cheese merchant where you can get a beautiful charcuterie board for great prices.
Dean & Deluca is a great spot to stop for picnic food, and carries a variety of prepared and ready to eat foods that are truly delicious. It also has a wonderful wine selection and is set up as a beautiful open food hall. While it is on the pricier side it is a great spot to consider if you want picnic supplies or a quick lunch. They have a huge selection, so I have pictured a couple of our favorites below including: pepper cheddar spread, cauliflower and kale caesar salad, chili lime shrimp (wonderfully refreshing), a twice baked potato, baked potato salad, and a chicken curry salad!
Sunshine Market also located in St. Helena is one of our favorite spots and has been for many years. If you are in search of a quick bite, or picnic supplies, this is the place to stop. They have a wonderful cheese selection, prepared food including soups, salads, sandwiches, sushi and more, as well as some of the best desserts in town.
This is legitimately the best pesto I have ever had, truly a must try!
These are just a few of our favorite spots, I will plan to update this post with new places that we try in the future. Which would be your first choice spot to eat at?
Thanks for reading,
xx Delaney
