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 can be 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 a splurge-worthy dining experience you’re sure to remember long after your visit to Napa Valley (and insider tips on what to order when you’re there):
Acacia House - At Chef Chris Cosentino’s restaurant at The Alila Hotel, there’s always a new treat on the seasonal menu — but the pork schnitzel and the Acacia House margarita are perennial favorites.
PRESS Restaurant - in addition to 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 ricotta gnudi - they’re like fluffy little pillows of cheesy goodness. We’ve also heard good things about the pig ears.
Goose & Gander - The famous G+G burger is worth a trip all on its own (but it's even better with a glass of Napa cab), and their craft cocktails keep locals coming back on the regular.
The Charter Oak - Book a table on the cozy outdoor patio for amazing ambiance- it’s one of the best in the valley. And if you’re a veggie-lover, be sure to order arguably the most beautiful crudité (grown on the nearby 3-acre farm, of course) you’ve ever laid eyes on.
The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil - With 13 consecutive Michelin star awards, the Restaurant at Auberge is a Napa Valley classic, and the stunning sunset views from the terrace simply can’t be beat.
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 nosh spots keep locals coming back, and for good reason.
Pizzeria Tra Vigne - Head to PTV for some of the best pizza in the valley. Their sourdough wood-fired crust has a cult following, and the hand-pulled mozzarella served tableside is positively mouthwatering.
Farmstead - Farm to table takes on a whole new meaning at Farmstead, where everything is hyper-local and seriously awesome. Be sure to order the biscuits!
Market - Ultra-friendly service paired with homestyle meals, Market always hits the spot. We love the Champagne-battered fish and chips.
Cook - If handmade pasta is your thing, Cook is the spot (try the rabbit pappardelle). Their homemade gnocchi is also 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.
Legit Provisions - Real Kansas City BBQ, an adorable greeter dog, plus frosé on tap!
The Station SH - 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.
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.
Giugni’s Deli - Simple sandwiches that always hit the spot- be sure to ask for an extra side of Giugni’s juice.
Ray Ray’s Tacos - Get your breakfast taco fix (plus fresh salsas from scratch) Fridays at the St. Helena Farmers Market.
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 favorites:
Rombauer - Pack a picnic and reserve one of the tables to enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking vineyards along the Silverado Trail.
Quintessa - Book a private pavilion tasting to enjoy vineyard views all to yourself.
Joseph Phelps - Pick a spot on the veranda for a late afternoon tasting to catch the sunset over the vineyards.
Amizetta - The back patio features fire pits and some of the best views in the entire valley.
Chappellet - Sip and soak up stunning vineyard views with a Lake Hennessey backdrop.
Maxville - High up in Chiles Valley, Maxville Winery features beautiful views of Maxville Lake.
Barnett - Take in views of the whole valley from 3,000 feet at the top of Spring Mountain.
Fave 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 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 Lunch Pairing - a four-course lunch featuring Brasswood’s best dishes (including the famous hand-pulled mozzarella), paired with current release wines.
Merryvale Pizza & Pinot or Burger Butler 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.
Wheeler Farms - The Wheeler Farms To Table experience includes a culinary adventure with seasonal savory canapés to complement a selection of four Wheeler wines.
Davies Estate Bubbles & Caviar Brunch - Can you think of a more perfect way to start your day than a full ounce of caviar paired with glasses of Schramsberg bubbles and a plentiful spread of breakfast delights? We can't.
Happy wining and dining!
