When traveling, it’s always a bonus to know where the locals go, especially when it comes to a good meal. 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. 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 – from quick deli meals to sit-down leisurely occasions, there is a restaurant option for all styles!
 

Fast Casual Lunch Spots in Napa Valley


Buster's Southern Barbecue – Calistoga

Magaly C., Guest Experience
Besides excellent BBQ, Buster's Southern Barbecue in Calistoga 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!

Favorite Menu Item: Four-Piece Pork Rib Dinner with Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Side of Bread, and Hot BBQ Sauce.


 


Contimo Provisions - Napa

Lauren M., Marketing
I love an elevated sandwich and Contimo Provisions 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.


 


Giugni’s Deli – St. Helena

Alyssa O., Finance, Research & Strategic Insights
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 – St. Helena & Napa

Isaias S., Guest Experience
Gott's Roadside in St. Helena has my favorite garlic fries EVER – I order them every time. I 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!

Favorite Menu Item: Double Cheeseburger with Garlic Fries and a Black & White Shake.


 


Loveski Deli - Napa

Hannah R., Business Development & Sales
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 I appreciate the diversity that this Jewish deli brings to Napa Valley, the food is delicious, comforting, and nostalgic. You can find me 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.


 


Sit Down Restaurants for Lunch in Napa Valley


Angèle Restaurant & Bar – Napa

Nichole P., Partnership & Guest Experience
The staff at Angèle Restaurant & Bar in downtown Napa is amazing and delivers wonderful service. I love the beautiful atmosphere and the outdoor seating with views of the Napa River. Just blocks from downtown, it's my favorite spot for an afternoon – delicious food followed by exploring downtown.

Favorite Menu Item: Little Gems Salad to start with the Angèle Burger (only served at lunch). The Diane Lane is a delicious cocktail to sip on.


 


Azzurro Pizzeria E Enoteca – Napa

Melissa M., Guest Experience
Azzurro Pizzeria E Enoteca 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!)


 


Bistro Don Giovanni - Napa

Sarah G., Communications
Bistro Don Giovanni in Napa is a classic for a reason and one of my go-to lunch spots 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 – Yountville

Jennifer D., Marketing
In addition to the cozy ambiance, the classically-styled French menu at Bistro Jeanty, makes it one of my 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 my list with a side of “les frites”…that’s French for fries. Don’t miss them…dipped in mayonnaise, of course.

Favorite Menu Item: It’s difficult to choose just one! In addition to the items already described, the Cheese Course is always a fun option.


 


Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery – Calistoga

Teresa C., Finance
Take a scenic drive north to Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery – 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, I recommend starting with the Cheese & Charcuterie Board (Humboldt Fog goat cheese is to die for!)

Favorite Menu Item: Turkey & Brie Sandwich.


 


Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch – St. Helena

Becky B., Business Development & Sales
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, located in St. Helena, 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 is 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.


 


Hop Creek – Napa

Kameryn T., Guest Experience
Hop Creek has a large outdoor seating section, can accommodate large groups, and is great for families or a casual date. This local gastropub has awesome staples and offers some fun twists on classics, like the BLTB…that’s bacon, lettuce, and tomato with more bacon!

Favorite Menu Item: Pretzel Bites and a Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Fries.


 


Kitchen Door – Napa

Makenzie P., Partnership
Kitchen Door has been my favorite lunch spot for years. They have a clean and comfortable, yet elevated atmosphere. 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, I'm sure they have a favorite dish – that's when you know the food is good! After lunch, explore the surrounding area full of my favorite local boutiques – perfect for an afternoon of shopping.

Favorite Menu Item: Teriyaki Wings and Flatbread with Burrata.


 


La Calenda – Yountville

Karen W., Marketing
I’m a fan 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.


 


Napa General Store – Napa

Kaelyn S., Business Development
A splendid spot for lunch is the Napa General Store! This hidden gem 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.


 


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!

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