Wanderlust travelers come to Napa Valley from near and far to experience a veritable food and wine paradise, where Michelin star meals are perfectly paired with world-class wines. In the town of St. Helena, which boasts well over a hundred wineries and some of the best restaurants in the valley, planning your wining and dining experiences might seem overwhelming. Not to worry – we’ve got you covered with the best spots to sip and where to find St. Helena’s most delectable dishes.
Decadent Dining
When you’re all about living the luxe life, St. Helena delivers — and the food scene is no exception. Here are our top picks for splurge-worthy restaurants you’re sure to remember long after your visit to Napa Valley:
PRESS Restaurant
In addition to a Michelin Star featuring one of the most creative culinary menus in the valley, PRESS also boasts the largest Napa Valley wine list in the world.
Don’t miss: the melty-rich ricotta gnudi wrapped in squash blossoms or the sliced pig’s ears with a spicy-sweet glaze.
The Charter Oak
Book a table on the cozy outdoor patio for amazing ambiance – it’s one of the best in the valley.
Don't miss: if you’re a veggie-lover, arguably the most beautiful crudité (grown on the nearby 3-acre farm, of course) you’ve ever laid eyes on.
Goose & Gander
The menu consists of rustic American food and mouthwatering bar bites all served in their pub-like dining room, in their basement bar, and in their lush garden courtyard.
Don't miss: the famous G+G burger is worth a trip all on its own, and their craft cocktails keep locals coming back on the regular.
The Restaurant at Auberge
With 16 consecutive Michelin star awards, the Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil is a Napa Valley classic, and the stunning sunset views from the terrace simply can’t be beat.
Don't miss: let's be honest, everything is amazing! If you visit during Champagne Week, you can order a lunch or dinner paired with Champagne for each course.
Local Favorites
People who live in Napa Valley have their own version of Michelin ratings, and word of mouth goes a long way around here. These favorite dining spots keep locals coming back, and for good reason.
Pizzeria Tra Vigne
Head to Tra Vigne for some of the best pizza in the valley. Their sourdough wood-fired crust has a cult following.
Don't miss: the hand-pulled mozzarella served table-side is positively mouthwatering.
Market
Ultra-friendly service paired with homestyle meals, Market always hits the spot.
Don't miss: the Champagne-battered fish and chips.
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch
Farm to table takes on a whole new meaning at Farmstead, where everything is hyper-local and seriously awesome.
Don't miss: the cheddar biscuits with honey butter!
Cook St. Helena
If handmade pasta is your thing, Cook is the spot.
Don't miss: the rabbit pappardelle and the homemade gnocchi are both heavenly.
On-the-Go Eats
When you’re short on time between wine tastings or just want a lighter bite, these St. Helena spots are not only convenient, they’re also super-yummy.
Gott’s Roadside
Locals still call it Taylor’s, and you’ll find them lining up along with the tourists at this favorite burger joint. Don't forget to order a shake or glass of frosé with your meal.
The Station
In St. Helena, even gas stations have amazing food. The Station serves up great grab and go items, fresh wraps, and the house made focaccia squares are worth writing home about.
Giugni’s Deli
Simple sandwiches that always hit the spot. Be sure to ask for an extra side of Giugni’s juice.
Wineries with the Best Views
Wine just tastes better alongside sweeping vineyard views, and in St. Helena, you’ll find no shortage of heavenly views. Here are a few of our favorite wineries:
Quintessa
Book a private pavilion tasting to enjoy vineyard views all to yourself.
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Pick a spot on the veranda for a late afternoon tasting to catch the sunset over the vineyards.
Maxville Winery
High up in Chiles Valley, Maxville Winery features beautiful views of Maxville Lake.
Rombauer Vineyards
Pack a picnic and reserve one of the tables to enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking vineyards along the Silverado Trail.
Amizetta Estate Vineyard & Winery
The back patio features fire pits and some of the best views in the entire valley.
Chappellet Vineyard & Winery
Sip and soak up stunning vineyard views with a Lake Hennessey backdrop.
Barnett Vineyards
Take in views of the whole valley from 3,000 feet at the top of Spring Mountain.
Favorite Food & Wine Pairings
A food and wine pairing is a great alternative to lunch when you’re planning a day of wine tasting – it saves time, and you’ll walk away with a full stomach and some expert knowledge on pairing wines with food to bust out at your next dinner party. Here are a few of our favorite food and wine pairings in St. Helena:
Round Pond Estate
Il Pranzo lunch – This experience begins with a tour of the winery garden and olive grove, followed by a curated four-course food and wine pairing featuring seasonal ingredients on the winery terrace overlooking vineyards and the Mayacamas mountains.
Brasswood Estate
Wine + Food Experience – a four-course lunch featuring Brasswood’s best dishes (including the famous hand-pulled mozzarella), paired with current release wines.
Merryvale Vineyards
Burger Butler or Vino & Pizza experience – two great choices for avoiding the line at Gott’s or sitting down for a full-service meal at Pizzeria Tra Vigne, Merryvale will pick it up for you and bring it right to their patio while you sip on a lineup of wines.
Davies Estate
Wine & Caviar Brunch – Can you think of a more perfect way to start your day than a full ounce of caviar paired with glasses of Davies wine and Schramsberg bubbles, along with a plentiful spread of breakfast delights? We can't!