Whether planning the day’s itinerary around a great meal at lunch or scheduling a quick bite in between wine tastings and adventurous activities, there is a dining spot in Napa Valley for every occasion. From quick deli meals to sit-down leisurely occasions, there is a restaurant option for all styles!
The team at Visit Napa Valley (the organization which provides tools, resources, and information about all things related to traveling in Napa Valley) has provided this curated list of locations to try. Find out where the locals go for a good meal.
Sit Down Restaurants for Lunch in Napa Valley
Angèle Restaurant & Bar – in Downtown Napa
Angèle is a go-to spot for us – we love the beautiful atmosphere and the outdoor seating with views of the Napa River. This French brasserie is the perfect setting for a casual lunch and afternoon cocktails. And the staff at Angèle is amazing and delivers wonderful service. It's a favorite spot for an afternoon – delicious food followed by exploring the Napa riverfront and downtown.
Favorite Menu Item: Little Gems Salad to start with the Angèle Burger (be sure to add the fried egg, cheese, bacon, and avocado!). The Diane Lane is a delicious cocktail to sip on.
Azzurro Pizzeria e Enoteca – in Downtown Napa
Azzurro is located on Main Street in the heart of Downtown Napa and is always a wonderful experience. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and they have a wide selection of menu items using locally sourced ingredients, prepared authentically. The Pepperoni Pizza and the Baked Rigatoni are so delicious – and those are only two of many options!
Favorite Menu Item: Caesar Manciata (Caesar salad placed on top of freshly baked pizza dough!)
Kitchen Door – in Downtown Napa
Kitchen Door is a favorite lunch spot with many locals. They have a clean and comfortable, yet elevated atmosphere, with a patio perfect for lunch in the sun. It is perfect for a casual lunch with friends or a dining experience with business partners. The diverse menu offers a choice for everyone. If you ask a local, we're sure they have a favorite dish – that's when you know the food is good! After lunch, explore the the local boutiques in First Street Napa – perfect for an afternoon of shopping.
Favorite Menu Item: Teriyaki Wings and Flatbread with Burrata.
Napa General Store – in Downtown Napa
The Napa General Store is a hidden gem that looks like a boutique mercantile upon entry, yet once you shop their great gift items, you’ll see that it is sweetly situated right on the Napa Riverfront with a beautiful patio overlooking the water. The menu contains solid staples such as hearty salads and sandwiches. The food is so fresh and pairs wonderfully with the open ambiance and natural elements of the outdoors.
Favorite Menu Item: Famous Chinese Chicken Salad and the Grilled California Chicken Sandwich.
Bistro Don Giovanni - in Napa
Bistro Don Giovanni is a classic for a reason and a go-to lunch spot to welcome friends from out of town, meet a work colleague out of the office, or celebrate a milestone. This restaurant is the essence of Napa Valley – gracious hospitality. While the exact menu items evolve with the seasons, a few must-order items include the Beet & Haricot Verts Salad, Insalata Mista, the Mandilli Pasta with Pesto, and the Grilled Salmon. Finish lunch off with the “Top Shelf” Butterscotch Pudding. (Yes, you have room.)
Favorite Menu Item: Impossible to pick one favorite!
Bistro Jeanty – in Yountville
In addition to the cozy ambiance, the classically-styled French menu at Bistro Jeanty, makes it one of our favorite restaurants in Yountville. The Crème de Tomate en Croute – a creamy and savory tomato soup warmed under a pouf of flaky pastry – is delicious and perfect for lunch or dinner. And, the traditionally prepared beef tartare is high on our list with a side of “les frites”…that’s French for fries. Don’t miss them…dipped in mayonnaise, of course.
Favorite Menu Item: In addition to the items already described, the Cheese Course is always a fun option.
La Calenda – in Yountville
We’re fans of the Thomas Keller dining spots in Yountville and find La Calenda, a casual Mexican restaurant, to be perfect for lunch. The vibrant atmosphere, neighborhood vibe, and lively outdoor patio (with Margaritas!) are such a draw. Plus the traditional Oaxacan cuisine prepared with artisanal ingredients is always fresh and savory. The trifecta: a Margarita, Queso Fundido, and two Tacos - any style.
Favorite Menu Item: The La Calenda Margarita and the Tacos de Pescado with tempura fish, a touch of spice with the chipotle mayo, and fixings.
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch – in St. Helena
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch is a great spot for lunch, and specializes in local, sustainable, and organic dishes. Farmstead sources most of the ingredients fresh from its very own Napa Valley farm which includes a ranch and vineyards! With cozy seating inside and casual outdoor spaces, it’s a great spot for year-round dining. Everything is good here, and the Long Meadow Ranch Rosé pairs well with everything on the menu – honestly – everything! After your meal, be sure to make time to sample the wines and olive oils at the adjacent General Store.
Favorite Menu Item: Start with the Deviled Eggs, followed by the Lacinato Kale Salad and a side of Cheddar Biscuits.
Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery – in Calistoga
Take a scenic drive north to Calistoga – it is worth it! Have a seat on the beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the Napa River and just take in the laidback Calistoga vibe. If you and your guests are hungry, we recommend starting with the Cheese & Charcuterie Board (Humboldt Fog goat cheese is to die for!)
Favorite Menu Item: Turkey & Brie Sandwich.
Fast Casual Lunch Spots in Napa Valley
Buster's Southern Barbecue – in Calistoga
Besides excellent BBQ, Buster’s has a friendly staff and atmosphere. It’s a great local spot with music and has both indoor and outdoor dining. If you love the scent of smoky barbecue food and savory flavors, you will be in your happy place at Buster’s! You’ll find us there on Sundays enjoying the weekly live jazz & blues on the patio.
Favorite Menu Item: Four-Piece Pork Rib Dinner with Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Side of Bread, and Hot BBQ Sauce.
Giugni’s Deli – in St. Helena
Hidden between the tasting rooms and boutiques on Main Street St. Helena, you can find one of the best-kept secret deli spots in Napa Valley! Giugni’s Deli over delivers on the classic deli sandwich paired with a canned soda and a bag of potato chips. With the wide variety of deli meats and all the accouterments you could ever want, you can curate the most perfect sandwich. Additionally, enjoy the nostalgic ambiance with the vintage signage, trinkets, and photos that have accumulated over the last 50 years. All sandwiches are made to order – from slicing the deli meat to the fresh rolls – and don’t forget to ask for the secret sauce, “Giugni Juice,” to get the ultimate experience!
Favorite Menu Item: Jalapeño Cheddar Roll with Peppered Turkey, Pepperjack, Lettuce, Sprouts, Horseradish, Avocado, and Mustard!
Gott's Roadside – in St. Helena
Gott's Roadside in St. Helena has our favorite garlic fries EVER. We love this location because of the great outdoor space. There are a ton of picnic tables, so it's easy to go with a group. And, while the line looks intimidating, it always moves fast. Go! You will be happy you did!
You can also check out the Gott's Roadside in Downtown Napa for another family-friendly lunch option.
Favorite Menu Item: Double Cheeseburger with Garlic Fries and a Black & White Shake.
Contimo Provisions - in Downtown Napa
We love an elevated sandwich and Contimo definitely delivers! The culinary genius behind everything the team at Contimo prepares is expertly served up in simple fare – seasonal sandwiches, salads, sides, biscuits, and a cookie you can’t say “no” to! Pork lovers will truly be delighted, as Contimo produces some of the best ham and bacon you’ll ever try. Sample it in the classic Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwich (or whichever seasonal rendition they have on the menu), the Ham & Jam Biscuit, or the Bacon & Molasses Biscuit.
Favorite Menu Item: Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and an Arnold Palmer.
Loveski Deli - in Downtown Napa
Located in the Oxbow Market in downtown Napa, Loveski Deli is the newest labor of “love” from Chef Christopher Kostow and his wife Martina. Not only do we appreciate the diversity that this Jewish deli brings to Napa Valley, the food is delicious, comforting, and nostalgic. You can find us savoring a bowl of Matzo Ball Soup on a chilly day, or diving into the sky-high Reuben Sandwich. The Farm Salad is crisp and satisfying and the Freshly Baked Bagels never disappoint!
Favorite Menu Item: Farm Salad with a Scoop of Chickpea Salad.
This short list of delicious suggestions is just a tiny cross-section of ideas from the Visit Napa Valley team, but it barely scratches the surface! There are so many excellent options, all located within a 35-mile long, 5-mile wide place we call home. Visit us here in Napa Valley and build your very own list of favorites – the exploration will be worth it!